352 THE METHODIST HYMN-BOOK ILLUSTRATED
Hymn 635. The Lord of Sabbath let us praise.
SAMUEL WESLEY, M.A., JUN. (1691-1739).
In his Poems on Several Occasions, 1736, and in John Wesley s Collection of Psalms and Hymns, 1741. It was included in Church of England hymn-books at an early date.
Samuel Wesley, the eldest son of the Rector of Epworth, was trained at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford ; became usher at Westminster, and in 1732 head master of Tiverton Free School. He was the intimate friend of Bishop Atterbury. He did not sympathize with his brothers in their evangelistic work, but was a man of the highest character, the mainstay of the Epworth family, and one of the first promoters of the first infirmary set up at Westminster for the sick in 1719.
His epitaph in Tiverton Churchyard describes him as A man, for his uncommon wit and learning, for the benevolence of his temper, and simplicity of manners, deservedly loved and esteemed by all : An excellent preacher ; but whose best sermon was the constant example of an edifying life : So continually and zealously employed in acts of benevolence and charity, that he truly followed his blessed Master s example in going about doing good ; Of such scrupulous integrity, that he declined occasions of advancement in the world, through fear of being involved in dangerous compliances, and avoided the usual ways to preferment as studiously as many others seek them.
Hymn 636. Sweet is the work, my God, my King. ISAAC WATTS, D.D. (3).
Psalms of David , 1719. A Psalm for the Lord s Day. Psalm xcii. Ver. 4, Fools never raise their thoughts so high, is omitted ; and er. 6
Sin (my worst enemy before) Shall vex my eyes and ears no more : My inward foes shall all be slain, Nor Satan break my peace again.
The last verse of the hymn finds an echo in many hearts. Dean Burgon says that it was Dean Mansel s delight to dwell on the intellectual progress which is in reserve for the
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