Wesley Corpus

Hymns and Sacred Poems (1740)1 Baker list, 40 Editorial Introduction: The Wesley brothers followed up their first volume in the new Hymns and Sacred Poems series with a second volume published July 14, 1740. Once again, records make clear that John Wesley served as primary editor for the volume and contributed its controversial Preface (not included below, available on page for John's poetry and hymn collections). In contrast with its predecessor, the majority of items in this second volume were appearing for the first time. Only two hymns were reprinted from CPH (1738), both adaptations from John Norris. Five of the Wesley hymns had appeared briefly in the second edition of HSP (1739) before being moved here, and three more had appeared individually prior to incorporation into this volume (all prior publications are noted in blue font in the Table of Contents). In equal contrast with its predecessor, the majority of items in this second volume are original to the Wesleys. In addition to the reprints of Norris, there is only one new poem drawn from George Herbert, one from George Sandys, and one from Samuel Wesley Sr. Seven new translations of German hymns are included, almost certainly the work of John. The bulk of the other hymns and poems are surely the product of Charles's pen, though lack of attribution leaves room for question in individual instances. Editions: John and Charles Wesley. Hymns and Sacred Poems. London: Strahan, 1740. 4th Bristol: Farley, 1743 incorporated with HSP (1739). 5th London, 1756 incorporated with HSP (1739). Instead of reprinting this volume separately, John Wesley chose to combine it with HSP (1739), as sections III and IV of the joint work, in 1743. This joint work was reprinted with minimal change in 1756. To reduce the size of the joint volume, Wesley omitted eight items (four of which had continuing publication in other settings). These omissions are signaled in notations below. John Wesley's personal copy of the 5th edition is present in the remnants of his personal library at Wesley's House, London (shelfmark, J. 23). Notations that he made in this copy are mentioned in the notes. The combined HSP (1739/40) was not reprinted after 1756 because Methodist worship relied increasingly on two alternative collections that John Wesley had introduced: Hymns and Spiritual Songs (1753) and Select Hymns, with Tunes Annext (1761).