Mrs. Mary Hoover, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, whose grandmother was the heroine of the story, has related to her pastor this family tradition: Charles Wesley was preaching in the fields of the parish of Killyleagh, County Down, Ireland, when he was attacked by men who did not approve of his doctrines. He sought refuge in a house located on what was known as the Island Barn Farm. The farmer’s wife, Jane Lowrie Moore, told him to hide in the milkhouse, down in the garden. Soon the mob came and demanded the fugitive. She tried to quiet them by offering them refreshments. Going down to the milkhouse, she directed Mr. Wesley to get through the rear window and hide under the hedge, by which ran a little brook. In that hiding-place, with the cries of his pursuers all about him, he wrote this immortal hymn. Descendants of Mrs. Moore still live in the house, which is much the same as it was in Wesley’s time.
This is a mournful but beautiful hymn. The tune name is ABERYSTWYTH.
Lyrics: Charles Wesley
Music: Joseph Parry
Jesus Lover of my soul
Let me to thy bosom fly
While the nearer waters roll
While the tempest still is high
Hide me, O my Saviour hide
Till the storm of life is past
Safe into the haven guide
O receive my soul at last
Other refuge have I none
Hangs my helpless soul on thee
Leave, ah! leave me not alone
Still support and comfort me!
All my trust on thee is stayed
All my help from thee I bring
Cover my defenceless head
With the shadow of thy wing
Thou, O Christ, art all I want
More than all in thee I find
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint
Heal the sick, and lead the blind
Just and holy is thy Name
I am all unrighteousness
False and full of sin I am
Thou art full of truth and grace
Plenteous grace with thee is found
Grace to cover all my sin
Let the healing stream abound
Make and keep me pure within
Thou of life the Fountain art
Freely let me take of thee
Spring thou up within my heart
Rise to all eternity
Amen.
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