THEIR AUTHORS AND ORIGIN, 271
Mr. Dobell s occupation was that of port-ganger, a situation under the Board of Excise. The nature of his duties left him a good deal of leisure, which he improved in the preparation of collections of hymns and in writing religious hooks. He was the author of " Baptism," 1807, and a work on " Humanity," 1812. Healsopublished a fourth volume of Dr. Watts s "Psalms," and in 1828, he published another collection of hymns, con taining many of his own. This work, in two volumes, was pre pared at the suggestion of a pious lady, whom he visited in her sickness, in Cornwall. She said, " I wish I could see before I die a hymn book fall of Christ and His Gospel, and without any mixture of free will or merit." The first volume of this work contains one hundred and twenty-four hymns, and is entitled " The Christian s Golden Treasure ; or, Gospel Comfort for Doubting Minds." The second volume is entitled " The Christian s Companion in his Journey to Heaven, &c." This work was reprinted, and much used in America.
JOSEPH SWAIN. 17611796.
THE brief life of this hymn-writer found suitable expression in earnest and successful Christian labours, and in sweet and spiritual Christian songs. He was born at Birmingham, and had the misfortune to lose his parents while he was young. After being apprenticed to an engraver he removed to London, where he was exposed to great moral dangers from his association with gay youthful companions.
But after experiencing deep religious convictions, and being agitated by distressing fears, he at length found peace in Jesus. To give utterance to his new life, he began to write hymns, which he took delight in singing. A friend having overheard him singing these Christian hymns, took him to hear Gospel preaching a privilege he had not enjoyed before. This gave him great delight, and served to develope his spiritual life. He
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