Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye defused a quickening ray -
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light,
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
(From: And can it be, 216 verse 4 in Hymns and Psalms)
About one fifth of the hymns in Hymns and Psalms are by Charles Wesley. John and Charles understood people would learn their theology through singing; Methodism was born in song. I've been singing these hymns for over 30 years, and I am probably unaware of how they have formed my beliefs. Although John Wesley is thought of as a theologian, it is Charles' theology which is better known because Methodists still sing his hymns most weeks. As a preacher, I usually find I've included at least one of his hymns in my services, usually without making a particular effort. This hymn, best sung to Sagina or Abingdon, is probably the best known. I've chosen this verse because it speaks (or sings) of the experience of liberation the Christian experiences. We do not go forth to be enslaved to some ideology, particularly any ideology with the label 'Christian'.
Methodism was a movement of the people. The clergy were not always happy with this idea but the nature of the movement was always a radical opportunity for the most marginalised to build their own faith as a community. We need to remember liberation is not only from something but to something new. What does it mean to be one follower amongst others?
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