Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/81

 THE STORY OF THE HYMNS AND THEIR WRITERS 69

Hymn 31. Father, live, by all things feared.

CHARLES WESLEY (i).

From Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1740, included in Gloria Patri, -v., or Hymns to the. Trinity, 1746 ; Works, iii. 345.

Hymn 32. Young nieii and maidens, raise. CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns for Children, 1763; Works, vi. 433. Ps. cxlviii. 12, 13.

Thomas Jackson says, It would perhaps be difficult to mention any uninspired book that, in the same compass, con tains so much evangelical sentiment. The hymns are full of instruction, and yet thoroughly devotional in their character. There is nothing puerile in them, either with respect to thought or expression. The language is simple, yet terse, pure, and strong. The topics which they embrace are the truths and facts of Christianity, especially in their bearing upon spiritual religion. In the hands of a Christian mother, it would form a valuable help in the task of education. Life of C. Wesley, ii. 230.

Sometimes the poet strikes a sombre note, a5 in Hymn 66, headed Before, or in, their work :

Let heathenish boys

In their pastimes rejoice, And be foolishly happy at play ;

Overstocked if they are,

\Ve have nothing to spare, Not a moment to trifle away.

Hymn 33. Father, in whom we live.

CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns for those that seek and those that have Redemption in the Blood of Jesus Christ, 1747 ; Works, iv. 254. To the Trinity. 1

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