Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/17

Rh Another volume appeared in 1740, in which we find—


 * Christ, whose glory fills the skies.
 * Jesu, if still the same Thou art.
 * Jesu, Lover of my soul.
 * Depth of mercy! can there be.
 * O for a thousand tongues to sing.
 * How do Thy mercies close me round!

Six of John Wesley's translations 'From the German' are included—


 * Extended on a cursed tree.
 * I thirst, Thou wounded Lamb of God.
 * Now I have found the ground wherein.
 * Holy Lamb, who Thee receive.
 * High praise to Thee, all-gracious God!
 * Jesu, Thy blood and righteousness.

This volume shows signs that the Evangelical Revival has begun, for it contains the 'Hymn for Kingswood Colliers'— 'Glory to God, whose sovereign grace'; and one headed, 'To be sung in a Tumult'—'Earth, rejoice; the Lord is King'. The 'Lovefeast' hymns are also here. The whole collection bears out the words of the preface, 'Some faint description of this gracious gift of God is attempted in a few of the following verses'. This volume was never separately reprinted, but was incorporated with the fourth and fifth editions of the 1739 book. Thomas Jackson says (Charles Wesley, i. 243), 'The original hymns, among which are some of the finest in the English language, display a deep pathos, with all the energy and daring of Charles s genius'.

In 1741 Wesley published A Collection of Psalms and Hymns, and two pamphlets of Hymns on God's Everlasting Love, one issued in Bristol, the other in London. In 1742 the first Methodist tune-book was published, with forty-two tunes 'as they are commonly sung at the Foundery'. The volume of Hymns and Sacred Poems for 1742 bears the names of John and Charles Wesley. The first part has one hymn from the German—'High on His everlasting throne'. In the second part appears 'Wrestling Jacob', and these favourite hymns—


 * O what shall I do, my Saviour to praise?
 * O heavenly King, look down from above.
 * My Father, my God, I long for Thy love.
 * Blessing, honour, thanks, and praise.