Wesley Corpus

Angel of God, whate'er betide, Thy summons I obey; Jesus, I take thee for my guide, And walk in thee my way. Secure from danger, and from dread, Nor earth nor hell shall move, Since over me thy hand hath spread The banner of thy love. To leave my Captain I disdain, Behind I will not stay, Tho' shame, and loss, and bonds, and pain, And death obstruct the way. Me to thy suffering self conform, And arm me with thy power, Then burst the cloud, descend the storm, And come the fiery hour! Then shall I bear thy utmost will, When first the strength is given Come, foolish world, my body kill, And drive my soul to heaven! 51Charles records singing this hymn in his MS Journal as early as March 16, 1739. Page 114 Acts iv. 24, c. Almighty, universal Lord, Maker of heaven and earth art thou, All things sprang forth t' obey thy word, Thy powerful word upholds them now. Why then with unavailing rage Did heathens with thy people join, And impotently fierce engage To execute their vain design. Indignant kings stood up t' oppose The Lord, and his Messiah's reign, And earth's confed'rate rulers rose Against their God in council vain. Surely against thy holy Son, (Son of thy love, and sent by thee, One with th' anointing Spirit, one With thy coequal majesty). Herod and Pilate both combin'd Thy sovereign purpose to fulfill; Gentiles and Jews unconscious join'd T' accomplish thy eternal will. Page 115 And now their idle fury view, And now behold their threatnings, Lord; Behold thy faithful servants too, And strengthen us to speak thy word. Embolden by thine out-stretch'd arm, Fill us with confidence divine, With heavenly zeal our bosoms warm, That all may own, the work is thine; May see the tokens of thy hand, Its sovereign grace, its healing power, No more their happiness withstand, And fight against their God no more. Now let their opposition cease, Now let them catch the quick'ning flame, And forc'd to yield, the signs increase, The wonders wrought by Jesu's name. To Be Sung in a Tumult. Earth rejoice, the Lord is King! Sons of men, his praises sing; Sing ye in triumphant strains, Jesus our Messiah reigns! Page 116