Hodgson Casson was a highly eccentric Wesleyan Methodist minister stationed in Gateshead’s Methodist circuit in the first half of the 19th Century. Many colourful tales are told about Casson’s ministry. Here’s one example:

A village in his area had resisted all attempts to gain a foothold for the gospel and Casson determined to meet the challenge head-on.

Walking through the village one day, he came across a woman washing her doorstep. To her astonishment, he walked straight past her into her house, exclaiming, ‘This is the house!’

She ran behind him crying, ‘What is the house for?’

‘This is the house, for me to preach in!’

‘I’ll have no preaching here. I’ll let you know about preaching in my house!’

Whereupon Casson fished some strong cord out of his pocket, threw one end over a ceiling beam and fastened it. He then grabbed a chair, stood on it and proceeded to tie the other end of the rope around his neck.

The woman rushed out into the street shouting that a crazy fellow was about to hang himself in her house. People soon rushed into her cottage and the room was full.

Casson calmly got off the chair, put it against the door to stop anyone escaping, and began to preach!

Several were converted that day; and the gospel did indeed gain a foothold. We must note that the nineteenth century narrator declares that he cannot commend Casson’s methods on this occasion!

(Taken from Roger Fay, Joseph Spoor – Aflame for God)

The first line of that song was “My Saviour suffered on the tree” Compiled and published by Rev. William Booth, General - its title was SALVATION - SONGS! (1880?)

Above this song at the top of the page you will find the following:

SECTION 1 – CALLS TO SURRENDER
Showing that all are sinners in danger of hell, 
and will all go there unless they repent and believe on Christ.

1.
My Saviour suffered on the tree,
Glory to the bleeding Lamb!
O come and praise the Lord with me!
Glory to the bleeding Lamb!

Chorus
The Lamb, the Lamb, the bleeding Lamb,
I love the sound of Jesus' name,
It sets my spirit all in aflame,
Glory to the bleeding Lamb!

He bore my sins and curse and shame,
Glory to the bleeding Lamb!
And I am saved through Jesus' name,
Glory to the bleeding Lamb!

I know my sins are all forgiven,
Glory to the bleeding Lamb!
And I am on my way to heaven,
Glory to the bleeding Lamb!

And when the fighting here is o’er
Glory to the bleeding Lamb!
I’ll sing upon a happier shore
Glory to the Bleeding Lamb

And this my ceaseless song shall be,
Glory to the bleeding Lamb!
That Jesus tasted death for me,
Glory to the bleeding Lamb!

There’s more to follow – stay “tuned!”