33 2 THE METHODIST HYMN-BOOK ILLUSTRATED
Hymn 359. How can a sinner know. CHARLES WESLEY (i).
Hymns and Sacred Poems , 1749; Works, v. 363. The Marks of Faith. Eight verses.
John Wesley altered it into double short metre in 1780.
Mr. T. R. Allan, in a marginal note of his hymn-book, calls attention to ver. 7. "Our pardoning Lord." Note this sweet expression.
Hymn 360. And can it be, that I should gain. CHARLES WESLEY (i).
Hymns and Sacred Poems t 1739; Works, i. 105. Free Grace. Ver. 5 is omitted
Still the small inward voice I hear,
That whispers all my sins forgiven ; Still the atoning blood is near,
That quench d the wrath of hostile Heaven : I feel the life His wounds impart ; I feel my Saviour in my heart.
1 Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, ver. 4, is Pope s
Thy eyes diffused a reconciling ray,
And gleams of glory brightened all the day.
(Eloisa to Abelard, 1. 145.)
These verses no doubt describe Charles Wesley s own con version, but 358 is generally accepted as the hymn written at the time and sung when John Wesley was brought in triumph.
This hymn has its link to Wesley s death-bed. On the last Sunday afternoon of his life, after he had said, There is no need for more ; when at Bristol, my words were
I the chief of sinners am, But Jesus died for me,
Miss Ritchie writes, Seeing him very weak, and not able to speak much, I said, " Is this the present language of your heart, and do you now feel as you then did?" He replied, " Yes." I then repeated
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
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