Wesley Corpus

The servant faithful and discreet Gentle to him, and good, and mild, Him I would tenderly intreat, And scarce distinguish from a child: Page 143 Yet let me not my place forsake, Th' occasion of his stumbling prove, The servant to my bosom take, And mar him by familiar love. Order if some invert, confound, Their Lord's authority betray, I hearken to the gospel-sound And trace the providential way, As far from abjectness as pride, With condescending dignity: Jesus, I make thy word my guide, And keep the post assign'd by thee. O could I emulate the zeal Thou dost to thy poor servants bear! The troubles, griefs, and burthens feel Of souls intrusted to my care, In daily prayer to God commend The souls whom God expir'd to save, And think how soon my sway shall end, And all be equal in the grave! How shall I walk my God to please, And spread content and happiness Or'e all beneath my care, A pattern to my houshold give, And as a guardian-angel live, As Jesus' minister? The opposite extreams I see Remissness and severity, And know not how to shun The precipice on either hand; While in a narrow path I stand, And dread to venture on. Page 144 Shall I through indolence supine Neglect, betray my charge divine, My delegated power? The souls I from my Lord receive, Of each I an account must give At that tremendous hour. A lion in my house, shall I My tame inferiors terrify By fierce tyrannic sway, Despotic as an eastern prince By regal arguments convince, Compel them to obey? Of angry man th' impatience proud Works not the righteousness of God, Nor true respect begets: Proud wrath can only wrath create, And cringing fear and smother'd hate In slaves and hypocrites. Lord over all, and God most high, Jesu, to thee for help I cry, For constancy of grace, That taught by thy good Spirit and led, I may with confidence proceed, And all thy footsteps trace. O teach me my first lesson now, And when to thy sweet yoke I bow, Thy easy service prove, Lowly and meek in heart, I see The art of governing like thee Is governing by love. I and my house will serve the Lord, But first, obedient to his word I must myself appear,