Wesley Corpus

Tallest of the earth-born race They tremble at his power, Fly before the monster's face, And own him conqueror: Who this mighty champion is, Nature answers from within, He is my own wickedness, My own besetting sin. In the strength of Jesu's name, I with the monster fight, Feeble and unarm'd I am, But Jesus is my might: Mindful of his mercies past, Still I trust the same to prove, Still my helpless soul I cast On his redeeming love. From the bear and lion's paws He hath deliver'd me; He shall still maintain my cause, And still my helper be; God in my defence shall stand, Jesus on my side I have, From the proud Goliath's hand He now my soul shall save. 59"Goliath" is spelled "Goliah" throughout this poem in the first edn.; changed in all other edns. Page 177 With my sling60 and stone I go To slay61 the Philistine; God hath said, It shall be so, And I shall conquer sin: On the promise I rely, Trust in an Almighty Lord, Sure to win the victory, For he hath spoke the word. In the strength of God I rise, I run to meet my foe; Faith the word of power applies, And lays the giant low: Faith in Jesu's conquering name Slings the sin-destroying stone, Points the word's unerring aim, And brings the monster down. See the promise-word takes place, And smites the giant's head, See, he falls upon his face, He falls, and sin is dead! Now I more than conquer it, Trample on Goliath slain: Slain he lies beneath my feet, Never to rise again. Willing now to be made free From my own sin I am, Sav'd from all iniquity, From every touch of blame: Thou hast made me willing, Lord, Thou alone hast turn'd my heart, Now I with Goliath's sword His head and body part. Sin, my strongest sin is dead, Goliath is o'erthrown; Yes; he now has lost his head; The love of sin is gone: 60Ori., "string"; corrected in errata. 61"Slay" changed to "fight" in 2nd edn. (1745) and following. Page 178 Fallen is their boasted chief, Scatter'd are the Philistines, Scatter'd by a true belief Are all my meaner sins.