Wesley Corpus

Jesus, Lord, whose only merit Can the dying sinner save, Let me render up my spirit, Quickly find my long-sought grave: Come in this thrice welcome hour, Thy sad captive to release, Snatch me from the adverse power, Change, and bid me die in peace. Is there in this low creation That for which I wish to live? 104Manuscript precursors of this hymn appear in MS Friendship I, 13-14; and MS Friendship II, 40-41. Page 298 All my bliss and consolation Would I not from thee receive? Earthly joys I long to lose 'em, Lest my Saviour I offend: Let me sink into thy bosom, Let me leave to thee my friend. Him to the all-gracious lender Lo! I chearfully restore, Thou, my God, be his defender, 'Till he follows me to shore: Let him trust in thy protection, Live from sin and sorrow free, Place on thee his whole affection, Rest his happy soul on thee. Jesus, crown thine own desire, Take the soul I thee bequeath, His accept, and mine require, Open now the gate of death, Draw me thro' the bloody fountain, Closing now my willing eyes, Now escaping to the mountain, Let me wake in paradise. Hymns for Christian Friends. Hymn XXX. Thou God, that hearst the prayer, And dost in secret see, I tell my softest care, My closest grief to thee, To thy divine compassion I earnestly commend My friend in tribulation, My poor afflicted friend. Page 299 Thou seest him sore tormented, With fears and sorrows torn, Afraid he ne'er repented, And griev'd for power to mourn; Thou hearst him deeply groaning At thy severe delay, And still himself bemoaning, He cannot, cannot pray. In hellish toils o'ertaken, As at the point to die, He seems of God forsaken, Nor knows that thou art nigh: Throughout the dreary hour Thou dost thy servant hide; But let him feel thy power, And know thee pacified. Thou never wilt relinquish Thine own in time of need, The smoaking flax extinguish, Or break the bruised reed: The bowels of my Saviour Toward all the tempted move: But manifest thy favour, But shew his heart thy love. End, Lord, the fierce temptation, And bring him thro' the fire; With joy and consolation His panting breast inspire, Thy love's abiding witness, Thy pretious self impart, And let him taste the sweetness Of Jesus in his heart.