Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/342

 330 THE METHODIST HYMN-BOOK ILLUSTRATED

from Spitta and other favourite German hymn writers, and to increase the fitness of the volume for the edification of the family circle.

Ver. 6 is omitted

Heal our divisions, banish hate

From lips which should speak peace, Let jealousy and strife abate,

And only love increase.

Hymn 579. Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost. CHRISTOPHER WORDSWORTH, D.D. (187).

In The Holy Year, 1862. A metrical paraphrase of the Epistle for Quinquagcsima Sunday, I Cor. xiii.

Hymn 580. A charge to keep I have.

CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Short Hymns on Select Passages of Scripture, 1762 ; Works, ix. 60. Therefore shall ye abide at the door of the tabernacle of the congre gation day and night seven days, and keep the charge of the Lord, that ye die not : for so I am commanded. Lev. viii. 35.

The genius of Methodism is almost embodied in these lines. The Rev. Thomas Richardson, Vicar of St. Benet s, Mile End Road, and founder of the Bible and Prayer Union, told Mr. Stead in 1885 that this hymn had been the creed of his Christian life and active work for the past thirty-four years.

Hymn 581. Watched by the world s malignant eye. CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Short Hymns on Select Passages of Scripture, 1762 ; Works, ix. 224. Ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God ? Neh. v. 9.

It impressively suggests that new motive for consistent living may be gained from the harsh criticism of the world.

Hymn 582. Be it my only wisdom here. CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Short Hymns on Select Passages of Scriptiire, 1762 ; Works, ix. 260. Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. Job xxviii. 28.

This and the two hymns that precede it are Methodist treasures, always precious and always stimulating.

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