Wesley Corpus

If thou didst the grace impart, Mad'st us of one mind and heart, Still our friendly souls unite Partners in the realms of light; Let us there together soar, Quickly meet to part no more, There our ravish'd spirits join, Mingled, lost in love divine. Hymns for Christian Friends. Hymn XIX.91 At Parting. Lord, we thy will obey, And in thy pleasure rest, 90Charles sent this hymn to Sarah Gwynne with a letter dated December 23, 1748. Other manuscript precursors of this hymn appear in MS Friendship I, 22; and MS Friendship II, 22-23. 91Manuscript precursors of this hymn appear in MS Friendship I, 16-17; and MS Friendship II, 23-24. Page 286 We, only we, can say Whate'er is, is best, Joyful to meet, and glad to part, Assur'd we still are one in heart. Hereby we sweetly know Our love proceeds from thee, We let each other go, From every creature free, And cry, in answer to thy call, Thou art, O Christ, our all in all! Our husband, brother, friend, Our Counseller divine, Thy chosen ones depend On no support but thine; Our everlasting Comforter, We cannot want, if thou art here. Still let us, dearest92 Lord, Sit loose to all below, And to thy love restor'd No other comfort know, Stand fast in glorious liberty, And live and die wrapt up in thee. Hymns for Christian Friends. Hymn XX.93 Thou heavenly love, from whom All holy passions come, Hear my faith's availing cry, Now the peaceful answer send, Author of the social tie, Giver of my bosom-friend. 92John Wesley substituted "gracious" for "dearest" in manuscript in his personal copy of the 2nd edn. (1756). 93Charles sent this hymn to Sarah Gwynne with a letter dated August 9, 1748. Other manuscript precursors of this hymn appear in MS Friendship I, 23-24; and MS Friendship II, 24-26. Page 287 My bosom-friend receive, Whom back to thee I give: Strengthen'd by thy Spirit's power, Him I chearfully resign, Him I thankfully restore, Leave him in the arms divine. Far from the soul remov'd, Whom next to thee I lov'd, Still I bear him on my heart, To thy tenderest care commend: With us both if now thou art, Be our everlasting friend.