Wesley Corpus

In my redeeming work employ'd, And sent my pleasure to fulfill, Vain it shall not return, and void, But prosper, and perform my will. With me is plenteous mercy found, Redemption free for all to know; And where your sin doth most abound, My more abundant grace shall flow. From guilt and pain ye shall be freed, From the black dungeon of despair, Into my heavenly kingdom led, And reap eternal pleasures there. All ye that in my word believe, Shall see my love in Jesu's face; The peace and joy of faith receive, And triumph in my saving grace. The trees shall clap their hands and sing, Mountains and hills their voices raise; All the new heavens and earth shall ring With Jesus their Creator's praise. Where thorns deform'd the barren ground, Where noisome weeds the soul o'erspread, There shall the fruits of grace abound, And second nature lift her head. Page 6 The trees of God shall deck the soil, The plants of righteousness arise; The Lord shall on his garden smile, His late-returning paradise. The earth, in token of his grace, Shall spread the odour of his fame, And everlasting trophies raise, To glorify the Saviour's name. The Life of Faith,2 Exemplified in the Eleventh Chapter of St. Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews. Verse I. Author of faith, eternal word, Whose Spirit breathes the active flame, Faith, like its Finisher and Lord, To day, as yesterday the same; To thee our humble hearts aspire, And ask the gift unspeakable: Increase in us the kindled fire, In us the work of faith fulfil. By faith we know thee strong to save, (Save us, a present Saviour thou!) Whate'er we hope, by faith we have, Future and past subsisting now. 2This was first published by Charles Wesley as a pamphlet on May 24, 1740 see Life of Faith (1740). Page 7 To him that in thy name believes, Eternal life with thee is given, Into himself he all receives, Pardon, and happiness, and heaven. The things unknown to feeble sense, Unseen by reason's glimm'ring ray, With strong, commanding evidence Their heavenly origine display. Faith lends its realizing light, The clouds disperse, the shadows fly, Th' invisible appears in sight, And God is seen by mortal eye. Verses II, III.