Poetical Works of J.& C.Wesley, ed. G.Osborn: Vol.II, 1869: transcriptions from a copy in St Deiniol's Library, Hawarden.
- Editorial preface
- Title-page, Collection of Psalms. & Hymns, 1741
- Editorial Appendix, re 1738 Collection
[Editorial Preface]
In this Volume three publications of the Wesleys are substantially reproduced: the two first being the work of John Wesley, the third of John and Charles conjointly. This last is reprinted entire, with the exception of such pieces as are reserved to form part of subsequent volumes: while, in regard to the first and second the principle laid down in the Advertisement prefixed to Volume I. of this edition has been carried out. These two Collections of Psalms and Hymns, viz., those of 1738 and 1741, are not, strictly speaking, reprinted; but both are virtually preserved, and ample means of ascertaining what they contained are afforded, by the additions made in this volume to the original Tables of Contents. Such a method of perpetuating the knowledge of these two very scarce volumes has commended itself to the Editor's judgment, on the ground that most of the books from which the extracted psalms and hymns are taken are easily accessible; and also that the space obtained by this method will be available, when required, for compositions which are undoubtedly original.
One of Wesley's latest poetical publications was "A Collection of Psalms and Hymns for the Lord's Day." It was not published separately, but along with his Abridged Liturgy; nor was it original, but composed altogether of extracts from the larger "Collection of Psalms and Hymns" which was then in stated use where public worship (strictly so called) was conducted on the Lord's Day. It was an object of just solicitude with him to provide hymns suitable for mixed assemblies, or as he has judiciously defined them, (Minutes of Conference, vol.i, p. 562,) hymns of praise and prayer, rather than such as describe particular states of mind; and for this purpose both the former and the later publications were well adapted. Wesley's great and early admiration for Dr. Watts has been put on record in one of his sermons. (Works, vol. vii, p.292.) The extent to which he availed himself of the poetical labours of "that great and good man" will not therefore excite surprise; and least of all when the admirable suitableness of many of his psalms and hymns for public worship is considered. In this respect it may be freely admitted, even by ardent admirers of the Wesley poetry, that Watts has the preeminence, and has rendered invaluable service to the church of God.
Watts and the Wesleys, whatever their differences in judgment or in taste, were one in spirit, and are believed to have long since united "in nobler worship" above. There may the Editor, and all who read these volumes, join them in due season!
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[Title-page, Collection of Psalms. & Hymns, 1741]
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[Editorial Appendix, re 1738 Collection]
To the "Collection of Psalms and Hymns" published by Wesley in 1741, as far as they are here reprinted, there is subjoined an exact account of the contents of a volume with the same title, which he published without the name of author, printer, or publisher, in 1738. The strong resemblance between the two publications thus is made apparent to all who may think fit to compare the two Tables of Contents; and also the reason why the book of 1738 was never republished by Wesley, and need not be included in this reprint. The lovers of the Wesley poetry, too, will, it is hoped, be gratified in having the opportunity of making themselves acquainted with a volume which has become so excessively rare. For their sakes there is added to the Table of Contents a copy of the only hymn in this volume which has not been traced in the Table of Contents; which, like one or two others inserted in the foregoing "Collection", may not have been written by Wesley; but, like them, will be read with interest, as having had his sanction at that early period. There are also added readings of the poem entitled "Home" in this Collection, which differ so much from those in Vol.I., as to make it desirable to give students the opportunity of comparing them.
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