Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/87

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THE STORY OF THE HYMNS AND THEIR WRITERS 75

character and statelier diction than those written by Charles. The Rev. S. W. Christophers says, Charles in his rhyme and rhythm is beautifully childlike, but John s hymn excels in a becoming harmony of grandeur, condensed power, and tender warmth.

Hymn 43. Eternal Son, eternal Love.

JOHN WESLEY (36).

Part of Hymn 42. Works, ii. 336. The first line is altered from 1 Son of Thy Sire s eternal love.

Hymn 44. Eternal, spotless Lamb of God.

JOHN WESLKY (36).

Part of Hymn 42. Works, ii. 337. Ver. 5 is much used in America as a doxology.

Hymn 45. God the Lord is King : before Him.

GEORGE RANVSON.

A version of Psalm xcix. from the Leeds Hymn-luck, 1853.

Mr. Rawson was born in Park Square, Leeds, in 1817, and practised in that town as a solicitor. In 1853 he assisted in the preparation of the Leeds Hymn-book, intended for the Congregational body, of which he was a member. In 1858 he took part in preparing Psalms and Hymns for the Use of the Baptist Denomination. A number of his own hymns appeared in both these collections. In 1876 these and eighty new hymns were published in his Hymns, Verses, and Chants ; in 1885 he issued Songs of Spiritual Thought. His hymns are full of thought, and are expressed in chaste and graceful language. Mr. Rawson was a retiring man, but took a deep interest in religious matters. He afterwards settled at Clifton, and died in 1889.

Hymn 46. Holy as Thou, O Lord, is none. CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Short Hymns on Select Passages of Scripture, 1762 ; Works, ix. 150. I Sam. ii. 2 : There is none holy as the Lord : for there is none beside Thee ; neither is there any rock like our God.

The Wesleys had brought the doctrine of holiness into new prominence, but they were sorely troubled by some who pushed

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