Wesley Corpus

Happy Magdalene, to whom Christ the Lord vouchsaf'd t' appear! Newly risen from the tomb Would he first be seen by her? Her, by seven devils possest, Till his word the fiends expell'd, Quench'd the hell within her breast, All her sins and sickness heal'd. () Yes, to her the Master came, First his welcome voice she hears: Jesus calls her by her name, He the weeping sinner chears; Lets her the dear task repeat, While her eyes again run o'er; Lets her hold32 his bleeding feet, Kiss them, and with joy adore. Page 24 Highly-favour'd soul! To her Farther still his grace extends, Raises the glad messenger, Sends her to his drooping friends: Tidings of their living Lord First in her report they find; She must spread the gospel-word, Teach the teachers of mankind. Who can now presume to fear? Who despair his Lord to see? Jesus, wilt thou not appear, Shew thyself alive to me? Yes, my God, I dare not doubt, Thou shalt all my sins remove, Thou hast cast a legion out, Thou wilt perfect me in love. Page 25 Surely thou hast call'd me now! Now I hear the voice divine, At thy wounded feet I bow, Wounded for whose sins but mine! I have nail'd him to the tree, I have sent him to the grave: But the Lord is ris'n for me, Hold of him by faith I have. Here for ever would I lie, Didst thou not thy servant raise: Send me forth to testify All the wonders of thy grace. Lo! I at thy bidding go, Gladly to thy followers tell They their rising God may know, They the life of Christ may feel. Page 26 33First appeared in HSP (1739), 211-13. Hear, ye brethren of the Lord, (Such he you vouchsafes to call) O believe the gospel-word, Christ hath dy'd, and rose for all. Turn ye from your sins to God: Haste to Galilee, and see Him, who bought thee with his blood, Him, who rose to live in thee. Hymn XI. On the Ascension.33 Hail the day that sees him rise, Ravish'd from our wishful eyes! Christ, a while to mortals giv'n, Reascends his native heaven. There the pompous triumph waits: "Lift your heads, eternal gates! Wide unfold the radiant scene, Take the King of Glory in." ()