cases, the remarks appended to one hymn, would be equally applicable to many others. Such a volume would be unsuitable to the great body of those, who use the Wesleyan collection; and its price would place it beyond their reach. The present work, it is hoped, will supply, in some degree, the deficiency that has hitherto existed. It may teach the Wesleyan congregations to appreciate more justly that treasure, which has been transmitted to them by their predecessors; and to use it in a way more conducive to their individual benefit, and more calculated to promote the spread of pure and primitive Christianity throughout our own country and throughout the whole world. The Wesleyan hymns stand very high in the writer's estimation, not only on account of their superior character, as poetical compositions, but because he considers them as illustrating, recommending and guarding the religion of the New Testament; that experimental and practical piety, which only can make us truly happy, either in this life or in that which is to come. Sacred poetry, in which we have noble ideas, clothed in elegant and dignified language, and in which the all-important truths of our holy religion are correctly and impressively exhibited, can scarcely be valued too highly or perused too frequently. With the most cordial affection towards all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and with hopes of meeting them all in the regions of heavenly bliss, and of uniting with them to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb around the throne of God, for ever and ever, the author bids adieu to his readers, and subscribes himself their servant for Christ's sake. WILLIAM P. BURGESS. Cheltenham, January 31, 1845. CONTENTS. DIVINE PROVIDENCE DISPLAYED IN THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF METHODISM-JOHN WESLEY-JOHN FLETCHER-CHARLES WESLEY-PECULIAR CALLING OF THE LATTER, AS THE BARD OF METHODISM- TESTIMONIES TO THE EXCELLENCE OF HIS SACRED POETRY FROM JAMES MONTGOMERY, REV. THOMAS ORIGINAL HYMN BOOK, AS PUBLISHED BY MR. WESLEY ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS IN THE PRESENT DIVINE PROVIDENCE DISPLAYED IN THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF METHODISM-JOHN WESLEY-JOHN FLETCHER-CHARLES WESLEY-PECULIAR CALLING OF THE LATTER, AS THE BARD OF METHODISMTESTIMONIES TO THE EXCELLENCE OF HIS SACRED POETRY, FROM JAMES MONTGOMERY, REV. THOMAS ROBERTS, REV. RICHARD WATSON, REV. THOMAS JACKSON. To the genuine Christian it is always a pleasant and a profitable task, to trace the hand of Divine Providence, directing and controlling the various revolutions of human affairs; especially in those things which are connected with the salvation of souls, and the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. The establishment and spread of Christianity in the early ages— B |