Wesley Corpus

Never will he thence depart, Inmate of an humble heart; Carrying on his work within, Striving till he cast out sin. There he helps our feeble moans, Deepens our imperfect groans; Intercedes in silence there, Sighs th' unutterable prayer. Come, divine and peaceful guest, Enter our devoted breast; Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire, Kindle there the gospel-fire. Crown the agonizing strife, Principle, and Lord of life; Life divine in us renew, Thou the gift and giver too! Now descend and shake the earth, Wake us into second birth; Now thy quick'ning influence give, Blow and these dry bones shall live! 976 Brood thou o'er our nature's night, Darkness kindles into light; Spread thy over-shadowing wings, Order from confusion springs. 76Ori., "8"; a misprint. Page 215 Pain and sin, and sorrow cease, Thee we taste, and all is peace; Joy divine in thee we prove, Light of truth, and fire of love. Grace Before Meat.77 Parent of good, whose plenteous grace O'er all thy creatures flows, Humbly we ask thy pow'r to bless The food thy love bestows. Thy love provides the sober feast: A second gift impart, Give us with joy our food to taste And with a single heart. Let it for thee new life afford, For thee our strength repair, Blest by thine all-sustaining word, And sanctify'd by prayer. Thee let us taste; nor toil below For perishable meat: The manna of thy love bestow, Give us thy flesh to eat. 77Charles included this hymn in a later manuscript selection for family use: MS Family, 13-14. Page 216 Life of the world, our souls to feed Thyself descend from high! Grant us of thee the living bread To eat, and never die! At Meals.78 Father, our eyes we lift to thee, And taste our daily bread: 'Tis now thy open hand we see, And on thy bounty feed. 'Tis now the meaner creatures join Richly thy grace to prove; Fulfil thy primitive design, Enjoy'd by thankful love. Still, while our mouths are fill'd with good, Our souls to thee we raise; Our souls partake of nobler food, And banquet on thy praise. Yet higher still our farthest aim; To mingle with the blest, T' attend the marriage of the Lamb, And heaven's eternal feast. 78Charles included this hymn in a later manuscript selection for family use: MS Family, 14. Page 217 Grace After Meat.