Wesley Corpus

Page 76 "They presumed to go up unto the hill-top." Num. xiv. 44. Who the strength of God distrust Will in their own confide, On their own destruction thrust By selfishness and pride: Marching up without the Lord, Smitten before their foes they fly, Fall on the destroyer's sword, And unbelievers die. "And seek ye the priesthood also?" Num. xvi. 10. Rais'd from the people's lowest lees13 Guard, Lord, thy preaching witnesses, Nor let their pride the honour claim Of sealing covenants in thy name: Rather than suffer them to dare Usurp the priestly character, Save from the arrogant offence, And snatch them uncorrupted hence. "Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment." Num. xvi. 21. When once the devils are enter'd in, And make the frantic herd rebel, Following a multitude to sin, We surely follow them to hell. "Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men." Num. xvi. 26. Jesus obtain'd us the reprieve; Yet must we use the means and fly, The world, the tents of sinners, leave, Or blended with the wicked die. "On the morrow all the congregation murmured against Moses and Aaron, saying ye have killed the people of the Lord." Num. xvi. 41. While yet they hear the rebels' cries, Sent quick to hell before their eyes, 13John Wesley underlined "lowest lees" in his personal copy, adding "Q" (for Question) in the margin.