Wesley Corpus

Dear as the apple of his eye In all their griefs he kindly griev'd; The angel of his presence nigh From all the fav'rite nation saved. He rescued when to evil sold, He snatch'd them from impending harms, Carried them all the days of old, Safe in his everlasting arms. He magnified his saving power, Call'd them his utmost grace to prove, With infinite compassion bore The objects of his tend'rest love, But Oh! They soon forsook their God, The faithless and rebellious race In devious paths of evil trod, And griev'd the Spirit of his grace. They vex'd; and forc'd his wrath to rise, His vengeance fell so long delay'd: Constrain'd the rebels to chastise, He pour'd his judgments on their head. His mercy then he call'd to mind, He call'd to mind the antient days When only merciful, and kind He smiled on the peculiar race. Where is he now their God, their guide! (He taught their hearts the powerful plea) Where is he now, their hearts replied, Who brought his people from the sea? Page 12 Who plac'd a shepherd o'er the rest, And gave him wisdom from above, And breath'd into his peaceful breast The meek, mild spirit of his love. Them by the hand of Moses led, His power, and goodness to proclaim, Beyond the bounds of time to spread Jehovah's everlasting name. The Lord of hosts in all appear'd, He smote the sea with Moses' rod, His glorious arm aloft he rear'd. The parting sea confess'd its God. He brought them thro' the wondrous way, The deep was dry at his command, Secure they march'd in firm array, Nor stumbled, till they reach'd the land. Smooth as the gen'rous nurtur'd beast, Into the verdant vale goes down, To bring them to that promis'd rest, His Spirit gently led them on. Thus didst thou guide thy chosen race, That every tongue might speak thy fame, And earth, and heaven conspire to praise The God of Israel's glorious name. Part III. God of eternal majesty, High as thou art, from heaven look down, Holy, and just, we cry to thee, Behold us from thy glorious throne! Where is thy strength to conquer sin? Thy zeal to save a fallen race? Page 13 Thy bowels sounding from within? Thy mercies, and thy pard'ning grace?