Wesley Corpus

Rich to yourselves; the bright example view Of one, who once forgot his God like you, But wisely griev'd for sins and follies past, Sprang from the world, and won the race at last. How did his soul for you in secret mourn, And long, and pray, and weep for your return! How did he supplicate the throne above, That you, even you might taste the Saviour's love, Might listen to the truth, your vileness own, Pursue the way of peace ye have not known, Renounce the world, and live to God alone. O might the scales fall from your blinded eyes, O that some prodigal would now arise, Accept the pard'ning grace thro' Jesus given, And turn, and gladden all the host of heaven! Sinners, regard your friend who speaks tho' dead; In his, as he in Jesu's, footsteps tread: After the Lamb he still rejoic'd to go, He liv'd a guardian angel here below, A father of the poor, he gave them food, And fed their souls, and labour'd for their good; The little church in Jesus who believ'd Into his house, his arms, his heart receiv'd: Page 14 With these he humbly search'd the written word, Talking with these, he commun'd with their Lord, Studied the sacred leaves, by day and night, His faithful counseller, and sole delight. He made them all his own with happy art, And practice copied them into his heart: Still in the steps of Abraham's faith he trod, He and his house would only serve their God. The worth domestick let his consort tell Of one who lov'd so wisely and so well; Who help'd her all for Jesus to foregoe, And cherish'd her as Christ his church below, Explain'd the glorious mystery divine How God and man may in one spirit join, How man the joys of heaven on earth may prove; The sacred dignity of nuptial love, Clearly in him the sameness all might see Of nuptial love and spotless purity. Nor less the exemplary father shone: Freely to God he render'd back his own, Devoted all to him, his children, wife, Goods, fame, and friends, and liberty, and life. He taught his children in their earliest days To love their God, and lisp their Saviour's praise.