Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/247

 THE STORY OF THE HYMNS AND THEIR WRITERS 235

The hymn had been a favourite with Mrs. Fletcher from her youth. She says, One night, after spending some time in prayer, I cast my eyes on the words

I ll look into my Saviour s breast : Away, sad doubt, and anxious fear ! Mercy is all that s written there.

Jesu s blood, through earth and skies, Mercy, free, boundless mercy ! cries.

I saw, as it were, the Father of mercy opening His arms to receive me ; and on that boundless love I had liberty to cast my whole soul.

Charles Garrett found the hymn his companion and his comfort all through life.

��Hymn 363. Arise, my soul, arise.

CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1742, Part II.; Works, ii. 323. .Behold the Man.

Wesley s Journal, October 24, 1774, gives an account of Susannah Spencer, who was melted into tears, at a love- feast in Towcestcr, by those words applied to her inmost soul, in an inexpressible manner -

My God is reconciled,

His pardoning voice I hear ! He owns me for His child ;

I can no longer fear.

A glance at Mr. Stevenson s pages will show that this hymn has become part of the spiritual life of Methodism. The Rev. Matthew Cranswick, who laboured as a Wcsleyan missionary in the West Indies, had a record of upwards of two hundred persons, young and old, who had received the most direct evidence of the forgiveness of their sins whilst singing this hymn. When he had assured himself that the seeker was truly penitent, he would begin to sing the hymn, asking the inquirer to join. I have never known one instance of a sincere penitent failing to receive a joyous sense of pardon while singing that hymn.

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