200 THE METHODIST HYMN-BOOK ILLUSTRATED
are now in the world of spirits. At these seasons, how frequently did we feel
The o erwhelming power of saving grace !
How frequently were we silenced thereby, while tears of love our eyes o erflowed ! It sweetly affects my soul while I recollect the humility, fervour of spirit, and strength of faith, with which dear Mr. Fletcher so often poured out his soul before the Great Three-One, at whose feet we have lain in holy shame and divine silence, till it seemed earth was turned to heaven !
Hymn 277. Weary souls, that wander wide. CHARLES WESLEY (i).
Hymns for those that seek and those that have Redemption in the Blood of Jesus Christ, 1747 ; Works, iv. 212. Headed The Invitation.
In ver. I who wander wide is the original, and in ver. 3, Live on earth the life of heaven.
Adam Clarke used this hymn largely in his early ministry.
Hymn 278. God, the offended God most High.
CHARLES WESLEY (i).
Hymns on the Trinity, 1767 ; Works, vii. 217. Section on The Divinity of Christ. 2 Cor. v. 20. The last four lines are omitted
Poor debtors, by our Lord s request,
A full acquittance we receive ! And criminals, with pardon blest, We, at our Judge s instance, live.
Hymn 279. Come, ye weary sinners, come.
CHARLES WESLEY (i).
Hymns for those that seek and those that have Redemption in the Blood of Jesus Christ, 1747 ; Works, iv. 220.
The omission of two half- verses greatly strengthens the hymn. After Take our load of guilt away Charles Wesley wrote
Now the promised rest bestow,
Rest from servitude severe, Rest from all our toil and woe,
Rest from all our guilt and fear.
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