Preparation for Death

Charles Wesley penned this devotional poem in 1772, near the end of his extraordinarily productive hymnwriting career. Written during a period when Wesley was increasingly preoccupied with mortality and the state of his own soul, the work reflects both his personal spiritual struggles and his pastoral concern for believers facing their final earthly transition. The poem emerged from the broader Wesleyan emphasis on practical holiness and the cultivation of a heart prepared to meet God.

The poem systematically examines the spiritual disciplines and dispositions necessary for a faithful death. Wesley moves through themes of repentance, trust in Christ's atoning work, and the surrender of earthly attachments. He addresses the natural human fear of death while pointing readers toward the hope of resurrection and eternal fellowship with God. The work demonstrates Wesley's characteristic ability to combine theological precision with emotional accessibility, offering both doctrinal instruction and pastoral comfort. Rather than dwelling on morbid imagery, Wesley focuses on the positive spiritual preparation that transforms death from enemy to gateway.

The poem has endured as a model of Christian reflection on mortality, valued particularly within traditions that emphasize personal holiness and experiential faith. Its influence extends beyond Methodist circles to evangelical and Anglican communities that appreciate its blend of theological substance and devotional warmth. Who should read this: Christians seeking thoughtful preparation for their own death or that of loved ones, pastors ministering to the dying, and readers drawn to Wesley's distinctive voice in addressing life's ultimate questions. Those looking for systematic theology or lengthy meditation may find its poetic brevity insufficient for their needs.