290 THE METHODIST HYMN-BOOK ILLUSTRATED
about Jonah and other Bible stories. Mrs. Jones, wife of one of the missionaries, was much comforted by the verse, Jesus protects ; my fears, be gone ! and sang When passing through the watery deep. The mail-boat broke up, and all the party were drowned five missionaries, two missionaries wives, four children, and two nurses save Mrs. Jones, who was rescued on Friday morning, after being in the water from Tuesday morning. In 1832 she married Mr. Hincksman, of Preston. On her death-bed in April, 1859, when she could scarcely speak, she asked that the hymn which had comforted her in that time of shipwreck might be sung, and found that it was still full of strong consolation.
James Hoby, who served Methodism nobly for many years at Great Queen Street, London, told his friends that he wished them to join in singing this hymn when death should seize on him. He was suffering from heart disease, and was warned by his doctor that his illness would terminate suddenly.
A Methodist preacher in Louisiana once lost his way in a swamp, and after thirty-six hours starvation, reached a settle ment, where he asked for food and lodging. The widow and her daughters were afraid of such a visitor, and refused his request, but gave him permission to warm himself by the fire. As he stood on the hearth he sang this hymn through. The whole household was soon in tears, and for a week he remained the welcome guest of the people who had at first refused him shelter.
Hymn 468. To the haven of Thy breast. CHARLES WESLEY (i).
Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1742; Works, ii. 206. Isa. xxxii. 2. Two verses are omitted.
Hymn 469. Thee, Jesus, full of truth and grace.
CHARLES WESLEY (i). Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1749; Works, v. 164.
John Elam, who entered the Wesleyan ministry in 1848, and died in 1851, repeated this hymn just before the close of his short life, applying ver. 3 to himself with peculiar emphasis, 1 / see, my Guide.
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