140 THE METHODIST HYMN-BOOK ILLUSTRATED
the Life of our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was dedicated to Queen Mary, and this led to his appointment as Rector of Epvvorth. He also published a three-volume History of the Old and New Testament in verse. His death-bed sayings show how the discipline of life had softened and chastened his spirit. He had reached the full assurance of faith and hope and love.
His hymn is a relic of the great fire at Epworth on February 9, 1709, in which John Wesley nearly lost his life. The paper on which the hymn was written was blown into the garden from the burning house, and was there found singed by the flames.
Wesley published the hymn in his Charlestown Psalms and Hymns, 1737, headed On the Crucifixion, and in his Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1739 ; Works, i. 117. When the Evangelical Revival began this hymn was ready for use, and bore a glorious harvest. It was sung by Charles Wesley on July 18, 1738, when he and Mr. Bray were locked in with a party of con demned criminals in a cell at Newgate. He says, It was one of the most triumphant hours I have ever known. Next morning it strengthened those penitents to face death and eternity.
The first and third verses of this hymn helped Thomas Walsh, the Irish Romanist, to find rest in Christ. He had gone to the Methodist service at New Market, near Limerick, at the beginning of 1750. The preacher quoted Isa. Ixiii. I in his prayer. The former words in the prayer, and these in the hymn, came with such power to my heart, that I was constrained to cry out, " Bless the Lord, O my soul ; and all that is within me, bless His holy name : for He hath forgiven all mine iniquity, and healed my diseases." And now was I divinely assured that God. for Christ s sake, had forgiven me all my sins. I broke out into tears of joy and love. Early Methodist Preachers.
The mother of Dr. Jobson had returned from a sacramental service, and in repeating this hymn was able to rest on Christ as her Saviour. As she reached the lines
But soon He ll break death s envious chain, And in full glory shine,
the joy of faith burst into her life.
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