declining years. He was by turns a Methodist, an Independent, a Baptist, and a Socinian. He once said to a lady whom he chanced to hear singing "Come, thou Fount of every blessing," in a stage-coach, after his relapse into the gloomy speculations of Socinianism, "Madam, I am the poor, unhappy man who composed that hymn, many years ago; and I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then.” The early Methodists produced a number of hymns, which, like the German lyrics written during the thirty years' war, illustrate the majesty of faith. Among these are John Wesley's itinerant productions, Charles Wesley's famous hymn written on the Land's End, Cornwall, and Glover's "The God of Abraham praise." The well-known hymn beginning, "Mighty God, while angels bless thee," belongs to the same class. It was written under peculiar circumstances, and such as would seem to be little likely to inspire so noble a theme. "It was composed," says Dr. Belcher, "for the use of Benjamin Williams, deacon of the Baptist church at Reading. Benjamin was a favorite of Robinson when a boy. One day the poet took the boy into his lap, and under the influence of that affectionate feeling which a child's love inspires, he wrote: "Mighty God, while angels bless thee, May an infant praise thy name? Lord of men as well as angels, Thou art every creature's theme." So far the poet's mind seems to have been influenced by the child he was holding. But a warm glow of religious feeling was awakened within him, and the second stanza was one of remarkable fervor and power: "Lord of every land and nation, Ancient of eternal days, Sounded through the whole creation After completing the whole hymn, he read it to the child, and put it playfully into his hand. "Well do we remember," says Dr. Belcher, "the deep feeling with which Deacon Williams described to us the scene, as we sat with him by his own fireside." Such was the happy hour of domestic peace and affection that produced one of the most majestic strains in the language, which has been sung in all Christian lands. It is one among many instances on record in which the affectionate confidence of childhood has awakened the sweetest inspiration in the poet's heart, and the most harmonious chords of his lyre. The hymn as altered reads― "Mighty God! while angels bless thee, May a sinner praise thy name?" "FAR FROM THE WORLD.” FEW hymns are associated with sweeter and more elevated religious enjoyment than that by Cowper, beginning, The occasion of the writing of this hymn is deeply interesting. Cowper had just recovered from a prolonged attack of melancholy, in which his sufferings had been so extreme that he had attempted to take his own life. The storm that had fallen upon him had broken his friendships and divorced his heart from the pleasures of the world. Recovery brought with it a strong desire for the hopes and consolations of a religious life. During the latter part of his despondency, he had been a patient of good Dr. Cotton, a poet-philanthropist, some of whose best literary productions are yet to be found in choice collections of English literature. Under the judicious advice of this most excellent man, Cowper became a Christian, and began to lead a very devout life. The soothing and controlling influences of religion hastened his recovery, so that he no longer needed the restraints of the Retreat, and Dr. Cotton advised him to leave St. Albans, the scene of his sorrows, and take lodgings in some quiet country town, for retirement. Cowper went to Huntingdon, a place associated with his best hymns and his most interesting religious experiences. His brother accompanied him thither, and here left him among strangers. As soon as his brother had departed, the poet felt the solitude of his situation, and his despondency began to return. He wandered forth into the fields; it was a lovely country, and his spirits began to revive under the influence of the charming rural scenes. His heart was drawn out towards God. Like the disciples on their way to Emmaus, he felt the sweetness of heavenly companionship; his heart burned within him, and he longed to find a secret place for prayer. He at last came upon a secluded place, overhung by a green bank and shrubbery, and here he knelt down and poured out his soul to God. He felt a renewed sense of his Saviour's presence, and had the sweet assurance that, however his lot might be cast, Providence would direct him aright. The next day was the Sabbath, and he went to church for the first time since his recovery. The sanctuary seemed new to him, and its services had a spiritual meaning that he had never felt before. The presence of God was on this occasion most gloriously revealed to him. Not only was his heart changed towards God, but towards the worshippers. Observing a person near him devoutly engaged in worship, he was led to regard him with the deepest affection. He says, "While he [the stranger] was singing psalms I looked at him, and observing him intent on this holy employment, I could not help saying in my heart with much emotion, 'The Lord bless you for praising him whom my soul loveth." " After church he immediately went to the solitary place under the mossy bank where he had found so much comfort in praying on the day before, and here again he 66 enjoyed very remarkable spiritual refreshment in prayer. 'How," he says, in referring to this occasion, "how shall I express what the Lord did for me, except by saying that he made all his goodness to pass before me? I seemed to speak to him face to face, as a man converseth with his friend. I could say indeed with Jacob, not how dreadful, but how lovely is this place." "GOD MOVES IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY." GOD moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform; He plants his footstep in the sea, Deep in unfathomable mines He treasures up his bright designs, Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, His purposes will ripen fast, The bud may have a bitter taste, Blind unbelief is sure to err, |