And Can It Be That I Should Gain

Last week in church, we sang a hymn that had caught my attention a few weeks earlier, but I didn't get a chance to look it up before forgetting what it was! (That sort of thing doesn't only happen to me, right?) This time, I made sure I kept the bulletin.

Now, when I looked up the lyrics on the Internet, I found them on a site that provides the music in MIDI format. You can choose piano, organ, or bells, and the MIDIs are free to download. I considered putting the MIDI in this post so that it would play while you're reading, but I chose not to—instead, I want you to read the lyrics and really think about the words. That's more difficult to do when the music is playing because the the phrases get split up to fit the meter of the music.

Please take a few moments to read the words of this beautiful hymn. Following the hymn is a link to the site that has the MIDI file. If these words touch you as you read them, please leave a comment. And if any of the phrasing makes you wonder what Mr. Wesley was thinking, let's discuss it!

And Can It Be That I Should Gain

And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.

He left his Father's throne above
(so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused 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.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
Music: Thomas Campbell

Download the MIDI file for And Can It Be That I Should Gain.