Wesley Corpus

Page 219 Throughout his life the new creation shines, Throughout his words, and actions, and designs: Quicken'd with Christ he sought the things above, And evidenc'd the faith which works by love, Which quenches Satan's every fiery dart, O'recomes the world, and purifies the heart. Not as uncertainly the race he ran, He fought the fight, nor spent his strength in vain: Foes to the cross, themselves let others spare, At random run, and idly beat the air, As bondage each divine command disclaim; A truer follower of the bleeding Lamb He bore the burthen of his Lord, and died A daily death with Jesus crucified. He chearfully took up his Master's yoke, Nor e'er the sacred ordinance forsook, Nor dar'd to cast the hallow'd cross away, Or plead his liberty to disobey: Under the law to Christ, he labour'd still To do, and suffer all his Father's will: Herein his glorious liberty was shewn, Free to deny himself, and live to God alone! In fastings oft the hardy soldier was, Patient and meek, he grew beneath the cross, He kept his body down, by grace subdued, The servant to his soul, and both to God: No delicate disciple he, to shun The cross, and say, "My Saviour all hath done!" No carnal Esau to despise his right, And damn his soul to please his appetite: Suffice the season past, that dead to God He glided down the easy spacious road;