The hymn "The Jesus, Full of Truth and Grace" (sometimes titled "The Jesus, Full of Truth and Love" or variations) has a rich history deeply rooted in the work of one of the most prolific and influential hymn writers of all time: **Charles Wesley**. Here's a breakdown of its history: 1. **Author:** **Charles Wesley** (1707-1788) * Charles Wesley, along with his brother John Wesley, was a co-founder of Methodism. He wrote an astonishing number of hymns – estimated to be over 6,500 – many of which are still cherished today. His hymns are known for their theological depth, biblical grounding, and poetic beauty. 2. **Biblical Inspiration:** * The hymn is a profound meditation on **John 1:14**: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, **full of grace and truth**." This verse perfectly encapsulates the nature of Christ as both divine and human, embodying the very essence of God's love and faithfulness. 3. **Date and Original Context:** * Charles Wesley penned this hymn in **1740**. * It was originally published in the collection **"Hymns and Sacred Poems" (1740)**. * Crucially, it was not initially a standalone hymn as we often sing it today. It was part of a much longer, multi-stanza poem or hymn specifically designed to explore and expound upon the entire first chapter of John's Gospel. Over time, various stanzas were extracted and compiled to form the more familiar hymn we know. 4. **Theological Themes:** * **Incarnation:** The hymn celebrates the central Christian doctrine of God becoming human in Jesus Christ. * **Christ's Character:** It highlights Jesus' perfect blend of "grace" (God's unmerited favor and love) and "truth" (God's faithfulness, reality, and integrity). * **Redemption:** It implicitly points to the redemptive purpose of Christ's coming, bringing light and life to humanity. * **Personal Faith:** Like many of Wesley's hymns, it invites the worshipper to a personal encounter and embrace of Jesus' divine nature and saving work. 5. **Common Tune:** * While Wesley hymns are often sung to various tunes, one of the most widely associated melodies for "The Jesus, Full of Truth and Grace" is **"St. Agnes."** This tune was composed by **John Bacchus Dykes** in **1866** for the hymn "Jesus, the very thought of Thee." It's a fitting pairing due to its solemn, reverent, and beautiful quality, which perfectly complements Wesley's profound words. 6. **Legacy:** * "The Jesus, Full of Truth and Grace" remains a beloved hymn across various denominations, particularly within Methodism and other Protestant traditions. Its enduring appeal lies in its clear articulation of Christ's divine nature and his dual qualities of grace and truth, presented with Wesley's unparalleled poetic skill. It continues to inspire believers to contemplate the wonder of the Incarnation and the beauty of Christ's character.