Hymns by Charles Wesley, Intended for Children

Charles Wesley (1707–1788).
Hymns for Children, and Others of Riper Years.
Bristol: Printed by William Pine, 1768. (05049)

Charles Wesley, John Wesley’s younger brother, was the co-founder of the Methodist movement and a noted hymnist. First published in 1763, this second edition of hymns intended specifically for children was printed in 1768. The one hundred hymn texts include works for specific occasions (“At the opening of a school in Kingswood”) and particular times of day (“Before School,” “In School,” and “After School”), as well as those intended to develop good habits (“Against idleness” and “Against lying”). The final section of thirty-two hymns is devoted to “Hymns for the youngest,” with Hymn 69 (on display) beginning “Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, Look upon a little child, Pity my simplicity, Suffer me to come to Thee.”