Wesley Corpus

My sin and nakedness I studied to disguise, Spoke to my soul a flattering peace, And put out mine own eyes; 44"Wish'd" changed to "look'd" in 2nd edn. (1745) and following. 45"Desires" changed to "desire" in 2nd edn. (1745) and following. Page 65 In fig-leaves I appear'd, Nor with my form would part, But still retain'd a conscience sear'd, An hard, deceitful heart. A goodly, formal saint I long appear'd in sight, By self and Satan taught to paint My tomb, my nature, white: The Pharisee within Still undisturb'd remain'd, The strong-man arm'd with guilt of sin Safe in his palace reign'd. But O! The jealous God In my behalf came down, Jesus himself the stronger shew'd, And claim'd me for his own: My spirit he alarm'd, And brought into distress, He shook, and bound the strong-man, arm'd In his self-righteousness. Faded my virtuous shew, My form without the power, The sin-convincing Spirit blew, And blasted every flower; My mouth was stopt, and shame Cover'd my guilty face, I fell on the atoning Lamb, And I was sav'd by grace. Part II. Yet soon my wretched heart To folly turn'd again. How could I, Lord, from thee depart, And make thy mercy vain? Page 66 'Twas pride my soul betray'd, I lost my poverty, An idol of thy gifts I made, And lov'd them more than thee. Thy perfect comeliness, In which my soul did shine, Dazzled my eyes; thy glorious dress I fondly counted mine: With sacrilegious boast I spread mine own renown, And in thy beauty put my trust, And call'd it all my own. I thought not of my God, Nor call'd to mind the day When naked, foul, and in my blood, And loath'd of all I lay: None cast a pitying eye, None could assistance give, Till Jesus graciously pass'd by, And bad the sinner live. Why did I this forget, So soon return to sin? How weak my heart that could submit, And let the mischief in! I fell, alas! Thro' pride, I needed not thy blood, As when I felt it first, and cry'd, "Thou art my Lord my God." O that I once again "My Lord, my God" could cry! Dost thou not on my sin and pain Still cast a pitying eye?