Wesley hymns are not as popular as they used to be, but we tend to sing the favourites that have been absorbed into general use, and it is quite usual to have one at a funeral. As I grew up in a Methodist family and church I was used to some of the lesser known ones, and feel more at home with some of the distinctive language than many of my fellow Christians. It was absorbed as I grew up without me realising it, but would be difficult to explain to younger members of my family.
The other day I greeted a friend from my church who I had not seen for a few weeks. I went away for a few days expecting to miss church for 1 week and ended up being absent for 3 weeks, as I unfortunately caught covid whilst away and had to isolate for 12 days. When I saw my friend again, I found myself saying, ” And are we yet alive, And see each other’s face?” She looked at me a little blankly and I reached for my copy of “Hymns and Psalms”, where I found the hymn, to prove to her I hadn’t made it up!
Reading through the words later I concluded that it would not be a hymn that would be chosen to sing now, but some of the words would have been highly relevant during the struggles we went through in lockdown . I have quoted the words below in case they might be helpful for others. I draw your attention to 2 very typical Wesley phrases which you may find rather odd if you aren’t used to Wesley language as follows. –
In verse 4 he writes about God ” hiding our life above”. This speaks to me of God having an eternal life prepared for us, while he helps us to live out our earthly life, but I’m open to other interpretations!
In verse 5 he talks of God’s redeeming power saving us to the uttermost and this is the absolute core of the Wesleys message. There is no limit to the lengths to which God will go to bring us salvation and to complete that work in us. So enjoy the hymn and, if you don’t see a friend for a time and then meet up again, think of quoting lines 1 and 2 of verse 1. Like me you may have to explain yourself though!
And are we yet alive,
And see each other’s face?
Glory and praise to Jesus give
For his redeeming grace!
Preserved by power divine
To full salvation here,
Again in Jesu’s praise we join,
And in his.sight appear.
What troubles have we seen,
What conflicts have we passed,
Fightings without, and fears within,
Since we assembled last!
But out of all the Lord,
Hath brought us by his love,
And.still he both his help afford,
And hides our life above.
Then let us make our boast,
Of his redeeming power,
Which saves us to the uttermost,
Till we can sin no.more.
Let us take up the cross,
Till we the crown.obtain.
And gladly reckon all things loss.,
So we may Jesus gain.
Praise ye the Lord, Allelluia!
Praise ye the Lord Alleluia!
Alleluia,.Alleluia, Alleluia,
Praise ye the Lord!