[75] Methodist Magazine, 1833, p. 758.
[76] In a list of “Books published by John and Charles Wesley,” in 1749, one, numbered 85, is “Moravian Hymns,” price a penny; and, in a letter dated 1749, Zinzendorf remarks: “J. Wesley’s extract from our hymn-book has done us no injury.” (“Memoirs of James Hutton,” p. 218.)
[77] What a change in eleven years! The following interesting and important letter has not before been published. It was lent to the author by Charles Reed, Esq., M.P.; but too late to be inserted in the proper place. Let the reader compare it with Wesley’s Journal of the same date.
“Westphalia, Germany, July 7, 1738.
“Dear Brother,—I am now with the Count, at his uncle’s, the Count of Solmes, five or six hours from Marienborn; and have stolen an hour to let you know that God has been very merciful to us in all things. The spirit of the Brethren is above our highest expectation. Young and old, they breathe nothing but faith and love, at all times, and in all places. I do not therefore concern myself with the smaller points that touch not the essence of Christianity, but endeavour (God being my helper) to grow up in these after the glorious example set before me. Having already seen with my own eyes more than a hundred witnesses of the everlasting truth,—‘Every one that believeth hath peace with God, and is freed from sin, and is in Christ a new creature,’—see, my dear brother, that none of you receive the grace of God in vain; but be ye also living witnesses of the exceeding great and precious promises, which are made to every one of us through the blood of Jesus. Adieu.—John Wesley.”
[78] The Moravian Hymn-Book, published in two volumes, in 1754, is before us; and similar quotations to the above might be given, almost ad infinitum, but no good end would be answered by doing so. Zinzendorf’s heart was better than his head. His brain was fertile, but brought forth weeds as well as flowers. His passions were strong, and easily excited; and he was not unwont to assume a superiority, to which he foolishly fancied that his German birth and rank entitled him. He was an enormous worker; and his energy, disinterestedness, and devotion are deserving of praise; but he was far from faultless. His policy was often suspicious, and sometimes had the appearance of dissimulation. He was too anxious to assert his authority, even when it was not called in question; and, though his eccentricities were not surprising, considering his temperament and activity, they were not to be commended.
[79] Nichols’ “Illustrations of Literature,” vol. ii., p. 162.
[80] This will be noticed in the year 1761.
[81] Wesley’s Works, vol. x., p. 367.
[82] Ibid. vol. x., p. 403.