Sons of God, triumphant rise. C. Wesley. [Spiritual Exultation; or," Holy Communion.] Published in Hymns & Sacred Poems, 1739, Pt. ii., in 8 stanzas of 4 lines., and headed, "Hymn after the Sacrament." (Poetical Works, 1868-72, volumes i. p. 170.) This hymn is known in three forms in addition to the original:—
1. The first was given to it by A. M. Toplady, in his Psalms & Hymns, 1776, No. 295, where it is composed of stanzas i.-iv. of the original, and stanzas ii., iii., of C. Wesley's "Lord and God of heavenly powers" (q.v.). In this form it is a hymn of Praise.
2. The second is in Mercer, 1855-1864 (Oxford ed., No. 187). This is from Toplady's cento; stanzas i. being from "Sons of God, triumphant rise"; and stanzas ii., iii. from "Lord and God of heavenly powers." The refrain "Hallelujah" is added to each line, and it is appointed for Easter.
3. In the Altar Hymnal, 1884, No. 171, stanzas i.-iii., vii., viii., are given for Holy Communion.
-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
Charles Wesley, M.A. was the great hymn-writer of the Wesley family, perhaps, taking quantity and quality into consideration, the great hymn-writer of all ages. Charles Wesley was the youngest son and 18th child of Samuel and Susanna Wesley, and was born at Epworth Rectory, Dec. 18, 1707. In 1716 he went to Westminster School, being provided with a home and board by his elder brother Samuel, then usher at the school, until 1721, when he was elected King's Scholar, and as such received his board and education free. In 1726 Charles Wesley was elected to a Westminster studentship at Christ Church, Oxford, where he took his degree in 1729, and became a college tutor. In the early part of the same year his religious impressions were much deepene… Go to person page >
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