Wesley Corpus

Though in my flesh I feel the thorn, No more will I complain, Let me but in thy bosom mourn, And tell thee all my pain. Come joy, or grief, come life, or death, For this I take no care, But when I render up my breath, Let my last breath be prayer. Page 54 Going into a Place of Danger. Oh! But must I, Lord, return Into the dreadful fight, Bear what is not to be born Again drag'd out to light! I a weak, and helpless worm Only shall thy cause betray, Perish in temptation's storm, A final castaway. Didst thou only bid me leap Into a burning fire, Cast me down the threatning steep, Or now my soul require, Gladly would I now comply, Plunge into the depths beneath, Rush into the flames, and die To 'scape the second death. O Almighty God of love, Thy holy arm display, Send me succour from above In this my evil day; Arm my weakness with thy power; Woman's seed appear within: Be my safeguard, and my tower Against the face of sin. Could I of thy strength take hold, And always feel thee near, Stedfastly, divinely bold My soul would scorn to fear. Nothing should my firmness shock: Though the gates of hell assail, Were I built upon the Rock, They never could prevail. Page 55 Rock of my salvation, haste, Extend thy ample shade, Let it over me be cast, And skreen my naked head: Save me from the trying hour, Thou my sure protection be, Shelter me from Satan's power, Till I am fixt on thee. Set upon thyself my feet, And make me surely stand, From temptation's rage and heat Cover me with thy hand: Let me in the cleft35 be placed, Never from my fence remove, In thy36 arms of love embrac'd, Of everlasting love. For One Convinced of Inordinate Affection. Woe is me! That wretched man More than my God I prize! Well I know them void and vain, Yet pant for earthly joys: Downward still my wishes move, Though fairer than earth's sons thou art: Touch me, Jesus, with thy love, And vindicate my heart.