Houghton Professor's Book Profiles the Life of Charles Wesley

HOUGHTON, N.Y. —John Tyson, professor of theology at Houghton College, has compiled over 30 years of research on Charles Wesley into his new book, “Assist Me to Proclaim: The Life and Hymns of Charles Wesley.”  

Including previously unpublished hymns, letters and journal materials, “Assist Me to Proclaim” outlines the life of Charles Wesley from birth to death. 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. In his book Tyson explores, among other things, behind-the-scenes questions about the brothers' sometimes-stormy relationship.  

One of Tyson’s interests with Charles Wesley was his ability to write powerfully moving spiritual hymns. Wesley wrote more than 9,000 hymns and sacred poems. His works include familiar favorites such as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and “Christ the Lord Is Risen 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.  

Tyson has written several books including “Invitation to Christian Spirituality, Charles Wesley: A Reader and In the Midst of Early Methodism,” a Saddlebag Selection award winner. He is a member of several academic organizations including the Oxford Institute on Methodist Theology, the American Society of Church Historians and the Charles Wesley Society, of which he is a board member.   

Drawn to Wesley for the spiritual power and vitality of his hymns, Tyson completed his doctoral dissertation on a focused study of Charles Wesley’s life and works.