Wesley Corpus

The one thing needful we pursue, And when we gain the prize in view, And when we faith receive, Still we renew the glorious strife, And trampling down the pride of life To God alone we live. Cloath'd with humility and grace, Regardless of the fallen race, In angels' eyes we shine, A robe of righteousness we wear, Than gold and pearls more precious far, And bought with blood divine. Page 63 17"Jesus his" changed to "Jesus's" in 2nd edn. (1768) and following. 18"Jesus his" changed to "Jesus's" in 2nd edn. (1768) and following. By God approv'd, by man unknown, The conquest of ourselves alone We zealously desire, The praise descending from above, And none but our Redeemer's love Our panting hearts require. We for no worldly pleasures plead, No innocent diversions need, As Satan calls his joys: His rattles let the tempter keep, Or his own children rock to sleep With such amusing toys. The Lord himself our portion is, Unfading joy and solid bliss We find with Jesus given, We find, reclining on his breast, Our present and eternal rest, Our all in earth and heaven. Hymn LXVIII. Primitive Christianity. Part I. The Christians of old, united in one, As sheep in a fold, were never alone, As birds of a feather, they flock'd to their nest, And shelter'd together in Jesus his17 breast. However employ'd, their joy was the same, They never were cloy'd with hymning the Lamb: Their sole recreation to sing of his praise, And publish salvation by Jesus his18 grace. Small learning they had, and wanted no more: Not many could read, but all could adore: No help from the college or school they receiv'd, Content with his knowledge in whom they believ'd. Page 64 19"Ore" changed to "on" in 2nd edn. (1768) and following. No riches had they, but riches of grace, No fondness for play, or passion for praise: No moments of leisure for trifling employs, Possest of the pleasure in God to rejoice. Men in their own eyes were children again, And children were wise and solid as men; The women were fearful of nothing but sin: Their hearts were all chearful, their consciences clean. Wrapt up in their Lord, his service and love, They liv'd and ador'd, like angels above, To keep in his favour, their lives they laid down, And now with their Saviour inherit the crown. Part II.