Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/255

 THE STORY OF THE HYMNS AND THEIR WRITERS 243

occasionally uncouth ; but like a stately pile of architecture, severe and simple in design, it strikes less on the first view than after deliberate examination, when its proportions become more graceful, its dimensions expand, and the mind itself grows greater in contemplating it. Earl Selborne calls it an ode of singular power and beauty.

On July 29, 1805, Henry Martyn, while waiting for his ship at Falmouth, walked to Lamorran ; alternately repining at my dispensation, and giving it up to the Lord. Sometimes after thinking of Lydia for a long time together, so as to feel almost outrageous at being deprived of her my soul would feel its guilt, and flee again to God. I was much relieved at intervals in learning the hymn, &quot;The God of Abraham praise.&quot; As often as I could use the language of it with any truth, my heart was a little at ease. There was something peculiarly solemn and affecting to me in this hymn, and particularly at this time. The truth of the sentiments I knew well enough. But, alas ! I felt that the state of mind expressed in it was above mine at the time, and I felt loth to forsake all on earth.

The baptism of a young Jewess greatly enraged her father, who was chief of his synagogue. He vowed to kill her. She found refuge in the house of the minister who had baptized her. She was not dismayed by the loss of home and friends, but sang with holy exultation snatches of what she had already learned to call her own hymn, The God of Abraham praise.

Richard Watson found comfort in this hymn during his last illness in January, 1833. He said he longed to quit this little abode, gain the wide expanse of the skies, rise to nobler joys, and see God. Then he repeated, I shall behold His face.

The wife of Mr. George Smith, who did such a noble work among the canal population, was converted at the age of sixteen at Tunstall, whilst the congregation was singing The goodly land I see. As she lay dying her two sons sang the hymn which had been so greatly blessed in her conversion.

Hymn 375. Though nature s strength decay.

THOMAS OLIVERS (374). Ver. 5 was formerly given as the first verse of Part III.

In 1773, George Shadford and Thomas Rankin went as Methodist preachers to America. They embarked with Captain

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