Charles Wesley was the most prolific hymn writer in our history, and though it may not be familiar to many people, “Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown” is one of the most important and, many say, the best of Wesley’s hymns.
The song started off as a poem, and was first published in 1742 under the title of "Wrestling Jacob." It is sung to one of several tunes, including "Candler" (a traditional Scottish tune), "Wrestling Jacob" (by Samuel Sebastian Wesley), "David's Harp" (by Robert King) and "Vernon" (by Lucius Chapin). To this musician, "Vernon" is the tune that is the most soulful and interesting when paired with Wesley's words. When a pastor friend requested that I record the song for online worship, I was drawn to that melody, which was used in the ancient Methodist Hymn Book on page 77, way back in the day. The modern United Methodist hymnal uses the "Candler" tune in #386.
My interpretation of the hymn came from deep within my own soul, so it became an epic "Western Appalachian" themed piece with acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, melodeon, and a Clarke "Sweetone" tin whistle, along with bass, drums, foot stomping and chain dropping. The production of this song was an adventure unlike any other I have undertaken, and even though I'd never heard the song performed prior to this week, it has taken up permanent residence in my heart.
I pray that this song will have a similar impact on you, the listener. I have selected my five favorite verses of the fourteen that Charles Wesley had written. These words were Wesley's personal interpretation of the story of Jacob wrestling with the angel of God at Peniel (Genesis 32:24-32). At the end of the struggle, Jacob receives a new name,"Israel." The question that many have asked is, was Jacob wrestling an angel, or was he wrestling with God himself?
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