of his metres, and in the general structure of his verse, he is not equal to Charles Wesley, any more than in richness of evangelical sentiment, and in deep religious experience. The Doctor teaches Christians to sing, with mixed emotions of desire, hope, and doubt, "Could we but climb where Moses stood, And view the landscape o'er, Not Jordan's streams, nor death's cold flood, Whereas Charles Wesley has attained the desired eminence, and thence triumphantly exclaims, The promised land, from Pisgah's top, I now exult to see! My hope is full (0 glorious hope!) It was no hyperbole, but a sober truth, which the pious Fletcher uttered when he said, "One of the greatest blessings that God has bestowed upon the Methodists, next to the Bible, is their Collection of Hymns." The special providence of God is strikingly seen in raising up John and Charles Wesley as the chief instruments of the revival of religion to which the name of Methodism has been given. They were one in mind and heart; both were highly gifted, and have been a means of conferring the most substantial benefits upon the grateful people who have entered into their labours: yet their endowments and services were vastly dissimilar; and their work would have been seriously defective had either of them been wanting. John was a means, under God, of giving the Methodists their theology and discipline; yet, with these mighty advantages, what could they do without the hymns of Charles? How could they give adequate expression to the feelings of their hearts in their various religious services, if this "sweet singer" had never lived, or had directed his genius for poetry to other objects? An eminent man is reported to have said, "Let who may legislate for any people; only let me compose the ballads which they sing, and I will form their character." It is doubtful whether any human agency whatever has contributed more directly to form the character of the Methodist societies than the hymns of Charles Wesley, which they are constantly in the habit of singing, and with which their memories are therefore richly charged. The sermons of the Preachers, the instructions of the Class-Leaders, the prayers of the people, both in their families and social meetings, are all tinged with the sentiments and phraseology of his hymns. In his beautiful and expressive lines many of them are accustomed to give utterance to their desires and hopes, their sorrows and fears, their confidence and joy; and in innumerable instances they have expired with his verses upon their lips. Multitudes of them have died, whispering in faint accents, but with holy joy and hope,— My Jesus to know, And feel his blood flow, 'Tis life everlasting, 'tis heaven below. What is there here to court my stay, And keep me back from home, They have found his hymns and spiritual songs to breathe the very language of heaven; and they have only exchanged them for the song of Moses and of the Lamb. It is an important fact, that this gifted man, apparently without design, has anticipated all the wants of the Wesleyan Connexion, with respect to devotional poetry. He has supplied it with hymns adapted to every religious service, even Missionary Meetings, which were unknown in his time, and (strange as it may seem !) even the ordination of Ministers. He did indeed speak to the people in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, to their edification and comfort. In every place, and at all times, he "had a hymn, had a psalm," suited to the occasion; for he was "Married to immortal verse, Such as the meeting soul may pierce." At funerals, at weddings, in the domestic circle, in the public congregation, at the table of the Lord, he was prepared to lead the devotions of those around him. When attended by immense multitudes in the open air, and under the wide canopy of heaven, he called upon them to sing with heart and voice, Ye mountains and vales, in praises abound; Atonement He made for every one; The debt He hath paid, the work He hath done : Ascribing salvation to Jesus's love. When assembled with his Christian friends in a tea-party, he attempted to stir up their pure minds, by calling upon them to join in this lively and joyous strain : How pleasant and sweet, In his name when we meet, On angelical cheer, Invited by Him, We drink of the stream Ever flowing in bliss from the throne; Who in Jesus believe, We the Spirit receive That proceeds from the Father and Son. Come, Lord, from the skies, Ready made for the mansions above; With our Head to ascend, And eternity spend In a rapture of heavenly love. Walking abroad in the country, "Smit with the love of sacred song," he thus bursts forth : Along the hill or dewy mead 492 THE LIFE OF THE REV. CHARLES WESLEY. Hallelujah we sing To our Father and King, And his rapturous praises repeat; Sing all heaven, and fall at his feet! In assurance of hope Till his banner unfurl'd in the air From our graves we both see, And fly up to acknowledge Him there! It may truly be said of him, as of the heavenly minstrels, that his "harp" was "ever tuned;" and that whenever he "Introduced His sacred song, he waken'd raptures high." In every object of nature, in every event of life, and especially in the gracious provisions of the Gospel, he saw the hand and heart of God; "Then into hymns Burst forth, and in celestial measures moved." His heart overflowed with sacred verse till it ceased to beat; and his tuneful voice was never silent till it was silenced in death. He is gone; but the imperishable fruit of his sanctified genius remains, as one of the richest legacies ever bequeathed to the church by her faithful sons. As to himself, he still lives in the region of holy music and holy love; and there sings "Before the sapphire-colour'd throne To Him that sits thereon, With saintly shout, and solemn jubilee, Singing everlastingly." |