THE STORY OF THE HYMNS AND THEIR WRITERS 135
Shepherd. He sang it on May 16, 1874, at the Free Assembly Hall, Edinburgh, before it was written down. When he began to sing it he scarcely hoped to remember the air. After he had finished the first verse, he wondered if he could sing the second in the same way. He succeeded, and the meeting was broken down ; but Mr. Sankey described it as the most intense moment of his life. It produced an immense impression, and instantly became popular.
It is said that an impenitent and careless man once heard in the distance the words I go to the desert to find my sheep being sung. And on the hillside faith came by hearing, and he was saved.
Beneath the Cross of Jesus is another hymn of Miss Clephane s which has won wide popularity.
Hymn 150. Tell me the old, old story. Miss KATHERIXE HANKEY.
A Life of Jesus in fifty-five verses. This is Part I., The Story Wanted, written January 29, 1866; The Story Told, Part II., was written in November of the same year. It has probably been translated into more languages than almost any other child s hymn. It is an English hymn. Mr. W. II. Doane, of Preston, Connecticut, set it to music at Mr. Sankey s request, and turned it into an eight-line verse with a chorus. It has become immensely popular, but Miss Ilankey greatly deprecated this setting, as each verse is complete in itself. The restoration of the hymn to its true form does justice to the author and the hymn. Her Heart to Heart, 1870, was republished, with music by the author, in 1878.
I love to tell the story Of unseen things above,
is another of her hymns.
Hymn 151. With glorious clouds encompassed round.
CHARLES WESLEY (i).
Hymns for the use of Families, ami on various occasions, 1767 ; Works, vii. 194.
Charles Wesley s first .verse is indebted to his brother Samuel s Hymn to God the Father
In light unsearchable enthroned Whom angels dimly see,
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