414 THE METHODIST HYMN-BOOK ILLUSTRATED
The servants in the kitchen, hearing the strain, stole to the stair-foot to listen ; even old Helstone, as he walked in the garden, pondering over the unaccountable and feeble nature of women, stood still among his borders to catch the mournful melody more distinctly. The hymn followed him faintly as he crossed the fields ; he hastened his customary sharp pace, that he might get beyond its reach.
John Bright greatly loved this hymn, about which he used to speak to Sir Henry Fowler. It was sung with great effect at Mr. Gladstone s funeral service.
Hymn 813. Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling- place.
T. H. GILL (52).
National Hymn. Begun among the Waldenses, 1864, for their third centenary. It was published in Golden Chain of Praise, 1869, headed The Hymn of the Waldenses.
A note says, This hymn as a whole belongs to the Waldenses only, among whom it was begun ; but all the people of God have an interest in the first two and the last verses. Those are the verses here given.
Hymn 814. Thee we adore, eternal Name! ISAAC WATTS, D.D. (3).
Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1707. Frail life, and succeeding eternity.
In Wesley s Psalms and Hymns, 1738.
George Bellamy, who died of fever in Demerara in 1821, repeated the first verse of this hymn in his last illness as his negro servant bathed his head with vinegar. The man saw that the missionary s faith was strong. Massa no fraid ; dis sickness for de glory of God. Another missionary, Mr. Ames, was ill and died. The fact was carefully kept from his friend, but he seemed to know, for he said, Ames is gone I I ll go too, and soon after passed away.
Hymn 815. O God, the Rock of Ages.
BISHOP BlCKERSTETH (404). Written in 1860.
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