Notes & Queries Archive
REPLY1850

Christmas Hymn

By J. K. R. W.

Your correspondent "E.V." (No. 13. p. 201.) asks for the author of the Christmas Hymn— "Hark! the Herald Angels sing." I believe it to be the composition of the Rev. Charles Wesley, the younger brother of the celebrated John Wesley: he was born in 1708, and died in 1788. He was the author of many of the hymns in his brother's collection, which are distinguished for their elegance and simplicity. I am not able to find out, for certain, whether he had another name; if he had, it was probably the occasion of the initials (J.C.W.) your correspondent mentions.

Topics: Christmas Hymns, Religious Poetry