Wesley Corpus

Thro' the last dreadful conflict brought, Which shook so sore his dying breast, Far happier for that bitter draught, With more transcendent raptures blest, He finds for every patient groan A jewel added to his crown. 46James Hervey (1714-58) was an early associate with Whitefield and the Wesley brothers. The increasing explicitness of his alignment with Calvinist emphases led to some estrangement from the Wesleys, particularly John. Page 62 Sav'd by the merit of his Lord, Salvation, praise to Christ he gives, Yet still his merciful reward According to his works receives, And with the seed he sow'd below, His bliss eternally shall grow. Redeem'd by righteousness divine, In God's own portraiture compleat, With brighter rays ordain'd to shine, He casts his crown at Jesus' feet, And hails him sitting on the throne, For ever sav'd by grace alone. Hymn XXXIX. On the Death of the Rev. Mr. James Hervey, December 25, 1758. Part II. Father, to us vouchsafe the grace, Which brought our friend victorious thro' Let us his shining footsteps trace, Let us his stedfast faith pursue, Follow this follower of the Lamb, And conquer all thro' Jesus' name. Thro' Jesus' name, and strength, and word, The well-fought fight our brother won; Arm'd with the Saviour's blood and sword, He cast the dire accuser down, Compell'd the aliens to submit, And trampled flesh beneath his feet. In vain the Gnostic tempter try'd With guile his upright heart t' insnare; His upright heart the fiend defy'd, No room for sin, when Christ was there, No need of fancied liberty, When Christ had made him truly free. Page 63 Free from the law of sin and death, Free from the Antinomian leaven, He led his Master's life beneath, And labouring for the rest of heaven, By active love, and watchful prayer, He shew'd his heart already there. How full of heaven his latest word, "Thou bidst me now in peace depart, For I have known my precious Lord, Have clasp'd thee, Saviour, in my heart, My eyes thy glorious joy have seen," He spake; he died; and enter'd in.