Wesley Corpus

Page 213 "We were bondmen, yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us." Ezra ix. 9. Bondmen indeed! Too long we liv'd, In Egypt's iron furnace bound, And then, the thralls of Babel, griev'd, 'Till love divine a ransom found, Pitied our sore captivity, And died himself, to set us free. "Thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve." Ezra ix. 13. Yes; for we are not yet in hell, Worthy the fiercest torments there, With kindred fiends we do not dwell, Or gnaw our tongues thro' vain despair; Chastis'd, we still on earth remain, Patient beneath thy judgments grieve, And short of that eternal pain, 'Tis mercy, all we can receive! "We are before thee in our trespasses." Ezra ix. 15. Such as we are, without disguise, Or colouring we appear, O'erwhelm'd, before thy glorious eyes, With guilty shame and fear: Helpless, and in our trespasses, Most gracious God, receive, And us who thus our sins confess, For Jesu's sake forgive. "Yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing." Ezra x. 2. Why should I of his grace despair, Who this, and all my sins did bear, My Saviour, and my God? Surely there is for Israel hope, For every soul that dares look up, And catch that streaming blood! Page 214 Hymn 682. "O Lord, let thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, who desires to fear thy name." Nehemiah i. 11. Lord, in kind compassion hear One who would thy greatness fear, Grant my feeble heart's desire, With that godly awe inspire; When I truly fear thy name, Sure of farther grace I am, Then I shall thy mercy prove, Then I shall thy goodness love. "Let the king live for ever." Nehemiah ii. 3. Father, the ancient greeting hear, By faith converted to a prayer, Wash'd in thy Son's atoning blood, Ordain'd to share the throne of God, Among thy royal priests receive, And let our king for ever live. "Every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon." Nehemiah iv. 17. Workmen, and soldiers of the Lord, We hold the trowel and the sword,