2l6 THE METHODIST HYMN-BOOK ILLUSTRATED

Hymn 321. When shall Thy love constrain.

CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1740; Works, i. 267. The Resignation. Twenty-two verses.

The first verse reads

And wilt Thou yet be found ? And may I still draw near? Then listen to the plaintive sound Of a poor sinner s prayer.

Hymn 322. Jesu, let Thy pitying eye. CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1749; Works, iv. 405. For one fallen from grace. Twelve verses.

George Whitefield printed it as a leaflet, The Backslider. 1 It is a moving prayer to Christ.

Hymn 323. Let the world their virtue boast.

CHARLES WESLEY (i).

Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1742; Works, ii. 317. I Cor. ii. 2 : I am determined to know nothing save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 1 Nine verses.

In 1783, at the Bristol Conference, Wesley was seized with a sudden illness, from which no one expected him to recover. He told Joseph Bradford, I have been reflecting on my past life. I have been wandering up and down between fifty and sixty years, endeavouring, in my poor way, to do a little good to my fellow creatures ; and now it is probable that there are but a few steps between me and death ; and what have I to trust to for salvation ? I can see nothing that I have done or suffered that will bear looking at. I have no other plea than

this

I the chief of sinners am, But Jesus died for me.

On the last Sunday of Wesley s life, February 27, 1791, about half-past two in the afternoon, he said, There is no need for more ; when at Bristol, my words were

I the chief of sinners am, But Jesus died for me.

�� �