THEIR AUTHORS AND ORIGIN. 225
Essays," 1767 : they are pieces written mostly before lie left Bradford. His hymn-book was not written till he was in the middle of life : it is entitled " Hymns adapted to the circum stances of Public Worship and Private Devotion." The preface bears date January 17th, 1782, Brearley Hall, near Halifax. It contains 16G pieces : some were written in early life and some during his ministry, many being intended to be sung after sermon. It was not intended to supplant Dr. Watts s Psalms and Hymns, but only to supplement it, and to provide suitable metres for new tunes. Without the highest excellence, the hymns are yet suitable for public worship, and eminently spiritual and experimental in their character.
" Praise to Thee, Thou great Creator."- No. 273. This is part of a piece of his, No. 56, on " Spring." " Infinite excellence is Thine." No. 309.
This is part of his 42nd hymn, which consists of twelve verses. It is one of his most pleasing hymns.
" How precious is the Book divine. "No. 460.
This is part of his 41st, but the third verse here is not in his hymn of six verses as given in the first edition.
" Thus far my God hath led me on." No. 633.
This is the last portion, slightly altered, of a hymn of twelve verses.
" Blest is the tie that binds." No. 832.
This favourite hymn is said to have been written in 1772, to commemorate the determination of its author to remain with his attached people at Wainsgate. The farewell sermon was preached, the waggons were loaded, when love and tears prevailed, and Dr. Fawcett sacrificed the attractions of a London pulpit to the affection of his poor but devoted flock.
" God, my helper, ever near." No. 958.
This is his 108th, with a few lines omitted.
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