Jesus, Lover of My Soul

Author: Charles Wesley (1707–1788)
Composer: Simeon B. Marsh (1798–1875)
Tune Name: Martyn
Meter: 11.11 Doubled
Scripture Reference: “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.” — Nahum 1:7 (KJV)

Of the more than 6,500 hymns written by Charles Wesley, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” is often regarded as his finest. The hymn appears in nearly every major hymnal and has been translated into most of the world's languages. Interestingly, when Charles Wesley first submitted the hymn to his brother John for approval, it was rejected for being “too sentimental.” It was only after Charles’s death that the hymn gained widespread acceptance. It was first published in 1740 in the collection Hymns and Sacred Poems, which contained 139 hymns.

The greatness of this hymn has been widely recognized. The late Dr. Bodine described it as “the finest heart-hymn in the English language.” Henry Ward Beecher, the prominent 19th-century American preacher, once wrote:

“I would rather have written that hymn of Wesley’s than to have the fame of all the kings that ever sat on earth. It is more glorious, it has more power in it. I would rather be the author of that hymn than to hold the wealth of the richest man in New York. He will die after a little while, pass out of men’s thoughts. But people will go on singing that hymn until the last trump brings forth the angel band; and then I think it will mount upon some lips to the very presence of God.”

While no single story about the hymn’s origin has been definitively confirmed, several have been passed down through tradition. One account suggests that Wesley wrote it after surviving a violent storm at sea in 1736, as he returned to England from his difficult mission trip to America. In his journal, he recorded on December 3 of that year, “I knelt down and blessed the Hand that had conducted me through such inextricable mazes.” Another story claims that during that storm, a frightened bird flew into his cabin and took refuge in his arms—symbolizing divine protection and comfort. Another tradition says Wesley composed the hymn while lying under a hedge after being beaten by a mob for his preaching. Still others suggest that the hymn reflects Wesley’s internal struggles as a young man, seeking peace with God before his famous Aldersgate conversion on May 21, 1738.

Yet, even without a definitive backstory, the hymn’s message speaks powerfully for itself. Its rich spiritual content and emotional depth need no embellishment. Out of the 188 words in the text, 156 are single-syllable words, giving it a simple yet profound clarity. In the hymn, Christ is portrayed as everything the human soul needs: “lover,” “healer,” “refuge,” “fountain,” “wing,” and “pilot.” The heart of every believer echoes Wesley’s deeply personal confession: “Thou, O Christ, art all I want; more than all in Thee I find.”

Many musical settings have been used for Wesley’s text, including several in classical and choral arrangements. However, the most beloved tune in the United States is Martyn, composed by Simeon B. Marsh. Born in Sherburne, New York, in 1798, Marsh was an accomplished organist, choir director, and traveling singing-school teacher. He was also a committed Presbyterian layman. In the fall of 1834, Marsh wrote the tune Martyn, although he left no explanation for the name’s significance. Originally, the tune was intended for John Newton’s lesser-known hymn, “Mary at Her Savior’s Tomb.” Because of its early association with Easter, the tune is occasionally called the “Resurrection Tune.”

It wasn’t until about 30 years later that the American hymn writer and composer Thomas Hastings recognized how perfectly Martyn fit Wesley’s text. He began publishing the combination in his hymnals, and it quickly became the standard pairing still in use today.

“Jesus, Lover of My Soul” continues to speak to the deepest spiritual needs of humanity. It expresses the longing of the soul for divine refuge, healing, and guidance. It is a hymn of personal dependence upon the infinite love and sufficiency of Christ.

Other beloved hymns by Charles Wesley include “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” “A Charge to Keep I Have,” “Depth of Mercy,” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Like “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” these hymns have stood the test of time, treasured for their theological richness, poetic beauty, and enduring spiritual resonance.