"And Can It Be That I Should Gain?" is a Christian hymn written by Charles Wesley in 1738 to celebrate his conversion, which he regarded as having taken place on 21 May of that year. The hymn celebrates personal salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus, and is one of the most popular Methodist hymns today.
Charles Wesley
"My chains fell off" - the Liberation of Peter (1514 fresco by Raphael, Vatican Museums)
Charles Wesley was an English Anglican cleric and a principal leader of the Methodist movement. Wesley was a prolific hymnwriter who wrote over 6,500 hymns during his lifetime. His works include "And Can It Be", "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing", "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today", "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling", the carol "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", and "Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending".
Portrait by John Russell
The 'Lily Portrait' of a young Wesley in the New Room, Bristol
Plaque in Marylebone commemorating the site of Wesley's house (now a pub)
Monument in St Marylebone Old Churchyard at the position of Wesley's original grave