172 OUR HYMNS :
Many of Willianis s hymns have appeared in English, in the use of which he was not so much at home as in his native tongue. One of his works is entitled, " Hosannah to the Son of David ; or, Hymns of Praise to God for our glorious Redemption by Christ. Some few translated from the Welsh Hymn Book, but mostly composed on new subjects." The reprint of this work, published by Mr. Daniel Sedgwiok, bears date 1759. It contains 51 hymns. His other principal English hymn-book was entitled, " Gloria in Excelsis; or, Hymns of Praise to God and the Lamb," 1772. This book consists of 71 pieces, the last on " The Passion " extending to 7 parts and 39 verses. The Rev. E. Morgan, A.M., Mr. "Williams s biographer, says that Lady Huntingdon having seen the " Hosanuah to the Son of David," persuaded Williams to prepare the " Gloria in Excelsis," to be sent to Whitefield s Orphan House in America. In the latter work there is a marked advance in style and taste upon the former, and it is from it that his most prized pieces are taken. His fervour of sentiment and vigour of imagination always please, his versification is sometimes very pleasing, and where he oflends it is by sacrificing refinement to force.
" While Thee I seek, Almighty Power." No. 286. This is not by W. Williams, but by Helen Maria Williams, 1786, vide under her name.
" Guide me, Thou Great Jehovah." Xo. 6GO.
This hymn was taken from the Welsh of W. Williams. It ap peared in Mr. Whitefield s collection, 1774, two years after the publication of " Gloria in Excelsis." It is uncertain whether it was translated by the author or by W. Evans. It is given in the " Xew Congregational Hymn Book," with slight verbal altera tions. But in the original there is the following additional verse : " ilvising on my habitation,
Musing on my heav nly home, Fills my soul with holy longing,
Come, my Jesus, quickly come. Vanity is all I see, Lord, I long to be with Thee !"
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