Wesley Corpus

Thou know'st their unrelenting hate, Who daily for my halting wait, And wish my fall to see; Strike their insidious malice blind, Or let them no occasion find, Except my zeal for thee. My zeal be warm, and wise, and meek: Instruct me, Saviour, when to speak, And when in silence stay, That ready to take up my cross, I never may disgrace thy cause, I never may betray. The gospel-pearl, the truth divine I would not, Lord, expose to swine, The mysteries of grace Page 152 To men of life and lips impure, Or tell them of my pardon sure, And perfect holiness. No: rather let my actions tell That a poor soul redeem'd from hell, Doth his Redeemer own, Fears a forgiving God t' offend, Studies to please so dear a friend, And lives for him alone. My life, a copy fair from thine, Must in the eyes of sinners shine, If thou thine arrows dart, Thine old rebellious foes subdue, Convert them into creatures new, And reign in every heart. Jesus, I will not let thee go, Till thou to these thy mercy show, And made the sons of God Their dear Redeemer they proclaim, Obtain salvation in thy name, And pardon in thy blood. With a believing master blest, His equal in the Saviour's eyes, His brother in the Lord confest, Shall I neglect him, or despise? Forget the difference of estate, And scorn at his commands to bow, As high and low, as small and great Were all upon a level now! Rather I would with warmer zeal My just fidelity approve, Gladly perform his utmost will, And love whom God is pleas'd to love, Page 153 Worthy of double honour deem The heir of joys that never end, And serve and cordially esteem Whom Jesus deigns to call his friend. Giver of all good gifts, on me, On all who bear the yoke bestow The wisdom, and humility, Our station and ourselves to know, Our masters to obey and prize; Lest failing in allegiance here, We force the world with taunting cries To ask, Is this your godly fear! If stubborn, insolent, and proud; We tempt ev'n heathens to exclaim, And urge the sacrilegious croud To vilify the Christian name: The faith which such as you profess Must error, or imposture be, A meer pretence for idleness, Or cover for hypocrisy.