Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/401

 THE STORY OF THE HYMNS AND THEIR WRITERS 389

He built the magnificent Gothic Chapel at Auckland Castle. He died at Westminster in 1672.

The Vent, Creator Spiritus has taken deeper hold on the Church s devotions than any other mediaeval hymn, save, of course, the Te Deuni. It has been ascribed to Charlemagne, to Ambrose, to Gregory the Great, but on no sufficient grounds. Its use at Pentecost can be traced back to the tenth century. Bells were rung, incense and lights used, and the best vestments worn when it was sung at coronations and ordinations. One of its earliest translators asserts that whoever repeats this hymn by day or night, no enemy, visible or invisible, shall assail him. It moves the soul to its depths, and seems to lead it into the presence of the Creating Spirit.

Cosin s translation was included in his Collection of Private Devotions, 1627, when he was Rector of Brancepeth. It contains devotions and a hymn for each of the Canonical Hours. This is assigned to the third hour nine o clock in commemoration of the hour when the Holy Ghost was poured out at Pentecost. It appears in the Book of Common Prayer, 1662, as an alterna tive form for the older version of sixteen verses, which was often felt to be too long. Mr. Macdonald says, Vigorous, without being harsh or uncouth, packing the utmost meaning in fewest words, brief and strong as the Latin itself, it has, I think, no superior, if, indeed, an equal, of its kind.

Ilynin 752. Lord of the harvest, hear. CHARLES WESLKY (i).

Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1742; Works, ii. 342. A Prayer fui Lalwurers.&quot;

Vcr. 6 is omitted

a all mankind forgiven Empower them still to call, And tell each creature under heaven That Thou hast died for all.

In vor. 4 the original reading is, Saviour of human race.

Hymn 753. Jesus, Thy wandering sheep behold ! CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1742 ; Works, ii. 343. A Prayer for Labourers. 1 It follows 752, and has eleven verses.

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