Wesley Corpus

Follow'd by their works they go Where their head had gone before, Reconcil'd by grace below; Grace had open'd mercy's door: Justified thro' faith alone, Here they knew their sins forgiven, Here they laid their burden down Hallow'd, and made fit for heaven. Who can now lament the lot Of a saint in Christ deceas'd: Let the world who know us not Call us hopeless and unbless'd: When from flesh the spirit freed Hastens homeward to return, Mortals cry "A man is dead!" Angels sing "A child is born!" Born into the world above They our happy brother greet, Bear him to the throne of love, Place him at the Saviour's feet: Jesus smiles, and says "Well done, Good and faithful servant thou, Enter, and receive thy crown, Reign with me triumphant now." Page 131 Angels catch th' approving sound, Bow, and bless the just award, Hail the heir with glory crown'd Now rejoicing with his Lord: Fuller joys ordain'd to know, Waiting for the general doom, When th' archangel's trump shall blow "Rise ye dead, to judgment come." After the Funeral.18 Come, let us who in Christ believe, With saints and angels join, Glory, and praise, and blessing give, And thanks to love divine. Our friend in sure and certain hope Hath laid his body down; He knew that Christ shall raise him up And give the starry crown. To all who his appearing love He opens paradise, And we shall join the hosts above, And we shall grasp the prize. Then let us wait to see the day, To hear the joyful word, To answer, Lo! We come away, We die to meet our Lord. A Midnight Hymn.19 Hearken to the solemn voice, The awful midnight cry, Waiting souls, rejoice, rejoice, And see the Bridegroom nigh: 18Charles records singing this hymn, at the funeral of Hannah Richardson, in his MS Journal on April 22, 1741. A manuscript version appears on the same date in his Journal Letter (April 15-26, 1741). 19This and the following hymn were written in response to Charles's first participation in a "watch-night" service among the coal miners at Kingswood; cf. his MS Journal, April 24, 1741. Page 132 Lo! He comes to keep his word; Light and joy his looks impart, Go ye forth to meet your Lord, And meet him in your heart.