Wesley Corpus

Jesus, my vehement spirit pants To join the fellowship of saints, 32John Wesley underlined "sinless state" in his personal copy, adding "See the next" in the margin. He was pointing out the apparent contradiction of this line with stanza 1, line 6 of the next hymn (which he also underlined). Page 97 The simple Israelites indeed, Who nor in act, nor word transgress, Preserv'd in purity and peace, From guile and sin forever freed.33 With these may I my lot receive, And by the silent waters live, And on the hidden manna feast, With these in pastures green lie down, Assur'd that none shall take my crown, Or break mine everlasting rest. "Sing, O daughter of Zion ... the Lord hath cast out thine enemy, c." Zeph. iii. 14, 15. Zion, be glad, rejoice, and sing, And shout th' anticipated joy, The Lord shall bruise thy foe, thy King Shall cast him out and say "Destroy"; Shall all thy plagues and sins remove; And when he reigns alone in thee, High on his throne of perfect love, Evil thou never more shalt see. Thy hands shall never more hang down, Jehovah bids thy fears depart; Jehovah is thy shield and sun, Fixt in the center of thy heart: Diffusing thence his heat and light He bids thee all his nature prove, And comprehend the depth and height, And length and breadth of Jesu's love. "He will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy: he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." Zeph. iii. 17. Thy gracious Lord shall soon for thee His whole omnipotence employ, Delight in thy prosperity, And condescend to sing for joy: 33John Wesley underlined "guile and sin" in his personal copy (see comment on prior hymn).