Wesley Corpus

So near the haven brought, Must I be shipwreck'd here? Saviour, forgive the hasty thought Of misbelieving fear; Fear of myself, not thee, It is my grief and shame, It is my own infirmity; But thou art still the same. In childhood's giddy hour Thou hast my keeper been, And skreen'd my youth from passion's power, From every pleasing sin: When by the fiend impell'd, In slippery paths I ran, Thy hand invisible with-held, "And led me up to man."8 Restrain'd by heavenly grace From what the world pursu'd, "Eager ambition's fiery race"9 With unconcern I view'd: The lust of wealth and fame Thou only didst suppress, And gav'st my mounting soul to aim At nobler happiness. 8Joseph Addison, Spectator, no. 453 (August 9, 1712). 9Cf. Edward Young, Night Thoughts, Night 4, line 91. Page 44 Oft as from thee I rov'd, In quest of my own will, Thy Spirit tenderly reprov'd, And kept me back from ill; He cross'd my fond desire Of perishable good, And pluck'd the brand out of the fire, And quench'd it in thy blood. Unnumber'd deaths and snares, Thy love hath turn'd aside: And still, O God, to hoary hairs, Thou art my faithful guide: Thy miracles of grace Thou daily dost renew, Straiten th' inextricable maze, And bring me strangely thro'. Why then am I cast down, With anxious thoughts oppress'd, With doubts if thou wilt lead me on To my eternal rest? Thy will and power are join'd The helpless to defend; And sav'd so long, I trust to find Salvation in my end. This unbelieving sin Thou wilt, O Lord, controul, And perfect righteousness bring in To my expecting soul: Finish, expel, destroy, This inbred enemy; And fill with everlasting joy, And make me all like thee. Page 45 Confiding in thy word, I ask the grace unknown, According to thy promise, Lord, Let it in me be done: My faith's defects supply, Almighty to forgive, And then I get me up, and die, And then for ever live! Hymn XL. Father of all, to thee I come! By thee supported from the womb, Thy providential charge and care; I magnify thy gracious power, Who dost to life's extremest hour My every grief and burthen bear: