tells of victory at Newcastle-on-Tyne.
Glory to God, whose sovereign grace
Hath animated senseless stones;[144]
tells of triumph at Kingswood, whilst—
Worship, and thanks, and blessing,
And strength ascribe to Jesus!
is reminiscent of mobs at Walsall and Devizes.
5. Hymns of the Methodist Society
The duty of a Methodist preacher was not simply to sow good seed broadcast, but to gather those who received the word into Societies, where they could be taught, trained, watched over. A large part of John Wesley’s itinerations were for the purpose of confirming and sifting the Societies. In many cases they might be described as Charles Wesley, who had an eye for the humorous side of people and things, describes the Newcastle converts, ‘a wild, loving, staring Society.’ But the converts who remained steadfast were soon led to an intelligent faith and a life of devotion such as is possible only to those who are taught by educated men or their pupils. The debt Methodism owes to Oxford culture is inestimable. The Wesleys were never discouraged by the ignorance of their hearers, but they were never content with it. They had profound faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as a teacher, and prayed, like St. Paul for his simple-minded converts at Philippi, that love might abound in good sense and good taste.[145]
Him Prophet, and King, And Priest we proclaim,