Charles Wesley (1707-1788) was the cofounder of Methodism and the author of more than 9,000 hymns and sacred poems, including such favorites as -Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, - -O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing, - and -Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.- John Tyson here traces the remarkable life of this influential man from cradle to grave, using rare -- including previously unpublished -- hymns, letters, and journal materials. As the younger brother of John Wesley, Charles was a vital partner in the Methodist revival. While often standing in the shadow of his more famous brother, Charles Wesley was arguably the founder of the Oxford Holy Club, and he actually experienced evangelical conversion three days prior to John. In Assist Me to Proclaim Tyson explores, among other things, behind-the-scenes questions about the brothers' sometimes-stormy relationship. Notwithstanding all his accomplishments as an evangelist and itinerant preacher, Charles is chiefly remembered for his startling facility at writing hymns that show God at work in almost every instance of life. His remarkable legacy endures around the world, as hundreds of Charles Wesley hymns are still sung in churches everywhere today. Assist Me to Proclaim draws a picture of a man whose fidelity to both the Church of England and the original vision of Methodism energized his remarkable abilities as a revivalist and hymn writer. Readers also get a glimpse into Wesley's heart and mind through the window of his hymn texts. This is a biography that any student of church history or hymnody will welcome. Introduction vii 1. Beginnings 1 2. An American Adventure 19 3. Pentecost Becomes Personal 40 4. "Into the Streets and Highways" 59 5. "He Offers Christ to All" 72 6. "The Snare of Stillness" 83 7. "The Poison of Calvin" 99 8. "A Man Made for Friendship" 117 9. "The Lions' Den" 135 10. "My Dearest Sally" 153 11. A Partnership Strained 171 12. Reforming the Preachers 186 13. Father of a Family 199 14. "The Old Ship" 215 15. Perfection 230 16. Poet Laureate 252 17. "To the Brink of Separation" 272 18. The London Years 288 19. "Ordination Is Separation" 306 20. Last Battles 323 A Note on the Sources 340 Index 348