Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/221

 THE STORY OF THE HYMNS AND THEIR WRITERS 209

Hymn 305. Come, O Thou all-victorious Lord. CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1749 ; Works, v. 124. Written before preaching at Portland.

Charles Wesley visited Portland in 1746. He says on June 6, I preached to an houseful of staring, loving people, from Jer. i. 20. Some wept, but some looked quite unawakened. At noon and night I preached on the hill in the midst of the island. Most of the inhabitants came to hear, but few as yet feel the burden of sin, or the want of a Saviour.

Sun., June 8. After evening service we had all the islanders that were able to come. I asked, &quot;Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by ? &quot; About half a dozen answered, &quot; It is nothing to us,&quot; by turning their backs ; but the rest hearkened with greater signs of emotion than I had before observed. I found faith at this time that our labours would not be in vain. The next day the power and blessing came. My mouth and their hearts were opened. The rocks were broken in pieces, and melted into tears on every side. I continued exhorting them from seven till ten, to save themselves from this untoward generation. We could hardly part.

The quarryman s hammer has supplied the poet with his impressive opening illustration.

��Hymn 300. Lord, I despise myself to heal. CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1739 ; Works, i. 82. Hob. xii. 2. The first two verses are omitted

Weary of struggling with my pain, Hopeless to burst my nature s chain, Hardly I give the contest o er, I seek to free myself no more.

From my own works at last I cease, God that creates must seal my peace ; Fruitless my toil and vain my care, And all my fitness is despair.

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