Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/240

 228 THE METHODIST HYMN-BOOK ILLUSTRATED

he contributed ninety hymns, to the Emperor Maximilian II in 1566. His hymns are marked by simplicity and beauty of style. In the Brethren s German Hymn-book for 1639, 104 of them are given. He died at Eibenschutz in 1571.

Hymn 348. Author of faith, to Thee I cry. CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1749; Works, iv. 324. For one con vinced of unbelief.

Ver. 2, Shut up in unbelief I groan, is omitted.

Hymn 349. The God of love, to earth He came.

CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1749 ; Works, v. 121. Before preaching to the Colliers in Leicestershire ; 281 is part of the same hymn. Ver. 2 reads, Believe, that Jesus died for thee.

Hymn 350. Father, I stretch my hands to Thee.

CHARLES WESLEY (i).

A Collection df Psalms and Hymns, 1741 ; Works, ii. 13. A Prayer for Faith.

Ver. 3 : O Jesus, could I this believe,

I now should feel Thy power ; Now my poor soul Thou wouldst retrieve, Nor let me wait one hour.

Ver. 6 : The worst of sinners would rejoice,

Could they but see Thy face : O, let me hear Thy quickening voice, And taste Thy pardoning grace.

This was the hymn John Downes gave out on Friday, November 4, 1774, when death seized him in West Street Chapel, London. Wesley took great pride in this preacher s mechanical genius, and in the portrait which Downes made of him. In the afternoon before his appointment, Downes said, I feel such a love to the people of West Street, that I could be content to die with them. I do not find myself very well ; but I must be with them this evening. His text was Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and great power attended the

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