Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/223

 THE STORY OF THE HYMNS AND THEIR WRITERS 21 1

Hymn 309. Saviour, Prince of Israel s race.

CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1749; Works, iv. 357. Penitential hymn. Eleven verses.

Charles Wesley wrote in ver. 5

Then remember me for good,

��WJiile my strength and spirit fail.

��Mrs. Thomas Gabriel, who was present at Wesley s last Covenant Service in City Road, and at his funeral service, used to repeat to herself the last verse in times of strong temptation. She found strength and comfort here.

When Grotius was returning from Sweden in 1645, to spend his last days in Holland, his ship was wrecked on the coast of Pomerania. He made his way with difficulty to Rostock, where his strength gave way. On his death-bed Quistorp visited him, and spoke of the publican on whom God had mercy as he prayed. Grotius replied, Ego ille sum publicanus ( I am that publican ). A short time after the great scholar passed to his rest.

Romaine desired to die with the language of the publican on his lips, God, be merciful to me a sinner.

Hymn 310. Jesus, if still the same Thou art.

CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1740; Works, i. 258. Matt. v. 3, 4, 6. Ver. 6, Lord, I believe the promise sure, is omitted. In ver. 2 the original reads, the mourner.

Hymn 311. I know in Thee all fulness dwells. CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1740; IVorks, i. 264. These things were written for our instruction. Hymn 142 is the earlier part of the same hymn.

Hymn 312. Father of lights, from whom proceeds.

CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1739; IVorks, i. 76. A prayer under convictions. Eight verses.

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