Wesley Corpus

By faith, when now to manhood grown, A just contempt of earth he shew'd, Refus'd a prince's name to own, And sought but to be great in God. Page 9 In vain its pomps ambition spreads, Glory in vain displays her charms, A brighter crown its lustre sheds, A purer flame his bosom warms. Wisely he chose the better part, Suff'rings with God's elect to share, To pleasures vain he steel'd his heart, No room for them when God is there. Fleeting he deem'd them all, and vain, His heart on heavenly joys bestow'd, Partaker of his people's pain, Th' afflicted people of his God. Egypt unfolds her golden blaze, Yet all for Christ he counts but loss; A richer treasure he surveys, His Lord's anticipated cross. He triumph'd in his glorious shame, On pleasure, fame, and wealth look'd down, 'Twas heaven at which his wishes aim'd, Aspiring to a starry crown. By faith he left th' oppressive land, And scorn'd the petty rage of kings, Supported by Jehovah's hand, And shadow'd by Jehovah's wings. His steady way he still pursu'd, Nor hopes nor fears retard his pace, Th' Invisible before him stood, And faith unveil'd the Saviour's face. By faith he slew the typick lamb, And kept the Passover of God: He knew from whom its virtue came, The saving power of sprinkled blood. Page 10 With all the servants of his Lord, He (while the first-born victims died) Dar'd the destroying angel's sword, And, arm'd with blood, its point defied! Verse XXIX. While thro' the sea by faith they past, The sea retir'd at God's command, The waves shrink back with trembling haste, The waves a chrystal barrier stand. Th' Egyptians daring to pursue, With horror found a wat'ry grave, Too late their want of faith they knew, And sunk beneath th' o'erwhelming wave. Verses XXX, XXXI, XXXII, XXXIII, XXXIV, XXXV. By faith, while Israel's host surrounds Proud Jericho's devoted walls, The ark stands still, the trumpet sounds, The people shouts, the city falls. Rahab by faith deliv'rance found, Nor perish'd with th' accursed race, The harlot for her faith renown'd, Amongst the worthies takes her place. Worthies, who all recorded stand, And shine in everlasting lays; And justly now they each demand The tribute of distincter praise.