126 OUR HYMNS I
Most of the hymns in the first " Wesleyan Collection " were by Charles, who had a greater gift for hymn-writing, and to whom John left this part of the work. John also published some later collections, and his name was associated with his brother s in the production of some other collections.
In his college days, John gave promise of being a poet, but hig subsequent absorbing pursuits called off his attention from poesy. He, however, wrote a few useful hymns. One of these is in the " New Congregational Hymn Book."
" Ho ! every one that thirsts dra\v nigh/ Itfo. 517.
It bears date 1740, only the first part of his hymn is given.
That we are indebted to John Wesley, and not to Charles, for the translations from the German is now generally admitted. There is no proof that Charles knew German ; and in his sermon, " On knowing Christ after the flesh," John, speaking of the Moravians, twenty-six in number, whom he met with in his voyage to America, says, " We not only contracted much esteem, but a strong affection for them on all occasions. I translated many of their hymns for the use of our own congregations." It is justly argued, that if Charles had taken any part in the work of translation, John, who always acted with fairness and generosity to his brother, would have given him his share of the credit.
��THE COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON.
17071791.
THE great religious movement of the eighteenth century owed scarcely less to the labours and liberality of the Countess of Huntingdon than to the preaching and itinerancy of the great evangelical leaders themselves. Every faithful minister found in her an influential friend ; her purse was open when money was required to erect chapels or to found colleges, and to train stu dents for the ministry. Her wise counsels were as valuable as
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