Wesley Corpus

Are there not in the labourer's day Twelve hours, wherein he safely may His calling's works pursue? Though sin, and Satan still are near, Nor sin, nor Satan can I fear With Jesus in my view. 12John Wesley substituted "spotless" for "sinless" in manuscript in his personal copy of the 2nd edn. (1755). 13Manuscript precursors of this hymn appear in MS Cheshunt, 92-93; and MS Clarke, 106-7. Page 213 Not all the powers of hell can fright A soul, that walks with Christ in light; He walks, and cannot fall: Clearly he sees, and wins his way, Shining unto the perfect day, And more than conquers all. Light of the world, thy beams I bless; On thee, bright Sun of righteousness, My faith hath fixt its eye; Guided by thee, thro' all I go, Nor fear the ruin spread below, For thou art always nigh. Ten thousand snares my path beset, Yet will I, Lord, the work compleat, Which thou to me hast given; Superior to the pains I feel, Close by the gates of death, and hell, I urge my way to heaven. Still will I strive, and labour still, With humble zeal to do thy will, And trust in thy defence; My soul into thy hands I give, And, if he can obtain thy leave, Let Satan pluck me thence. Hymns for Believers. Hymn XII. Before any Work of Charity.14 Jesu, by highest heavens ador'd, The church's glorious head; With humble joy I call thee, Lord, And in thy foot-steps tread. 14Manuscript precursors of this hymn appear in MS Cheshunt, 55-56; MS Clarke, 62-63; and MS Shent, 141a. Page 214 Emptied of all thy greatness here While in the body seen, Thou wouldst the least of all appear, And minister to men. A servant to thy servants thou In thy debas'd estate, How meekly did thy goodness bow To wash thy followers' feet! And shall a worm refuse to stoop, His fellow-worms disdain? I give my vain distinctions up, Since God did wait on man. At charity's almighty call I lay my greatness by, The least of saints, I wait on all, The chief of sinners I. Happy, if I their grief may chear, And mitigate their pain, And wait upon the servants here, 'Till with the Lord I reign. Hymns for Believers. Hymn XIII. In the Work.15