Poetical Works of J.& C.Wesley, ed. G.Osborn: Vol.V, 1869: transcriptions from a copy in St Deiniol's Library, Hawarden.
Editorial Preface
- Hymns & Sacred Poems, 1749: Volume I Title-page
[Editorial Preface]
The "Hymns and Sacred Poems," of which this Volume completes the reprint, differ from other Wesleyan publications having the same title in being originally published in two volumes, and in bearing the name of Charles Wesley alone. His brother John not only contributed nothing to them, but did not see them before they were published, as we learn from an express statement made many years afterwards in the eighteenth section of his "Plain Account of Christian Perfection." (Works, vol. xi., p.391.) As a consequence, he distinctly declined to be responsible for all they contained, and particularly for those passages which favour the notion that to those who are perfected in love apostasy is impossible. Traces of this disagreement will be found in various parts of the present Volume. In the main, however, he approved and admired the publication, and drew largely upon it for that "Collection of Hymns" to which the Methodist Societies are so deeply indebted.
Some of the pieces contained in these volumes had appeared previously, being appended to various publications designed to explain or defend Methodism; and in this form supply a beautiful illustration of the oneness of heart subsisting between the two brothers. Others had been circulated in MSS. among admiring friends, and were well deserving of preservation in a more permanent form. It is a curious fact that the poet was unable to publish his compositions until a subscription list was opened. In the "Proposals" it is stated that half the price of the two volumes would be expected on subscribing, and the other half on the completion of the work; and on learning that the total price was to be but six shillings, we gain a good idea of the circumstances of the author and many of his patrons. We may well honour the poverty of both: the one because it was endured for the Gospel's sake; the other because it sought consolation and relief in these exalted strains.
A second but less correct edition of these Poems issued from the same printing-office seven years after the first. Since that time they have not been reprinted until now. If the magnitude of the undertaking to reprint the Wesley poetry entire, renders it necessary to ask that subscribers who have not done so, would at once prepay their subscriptions for the remaining volumes, the author's precedent may still be justly pleaded: and it is satisfactory to note that, notwithstanding the depreciation of money in a hundred and twenty years, the price per volume to subscribers remains much the same as at first.
IN
TWO VOLUMES.
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BY
CHARLES WESLEY, M.A.
STUDENT of Christ-Church, OXFORD.
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VOL. I.
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BRISTOL:
Printed and Sold by FELIX FARLEY.
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MDCCXLIX.
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