Wesley Corpus

Page 134 "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." Matt. v. 17. Saviour, inspire with unknown awe The souls who fondly dream Thou cam'st t' abolish thy own law, Fulfilling it for them: Put them in fear; and then display The counsel of thy will, The law thou didst for man obey, In man again fulfil. "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matt. v. 18. Can a law from God proceed, Useless soon, and null, and void? No; when earth and heaven are fled, This continues undestroy'd: On the hearts of all mankind Graven by its author's hand, Copy of th' eternal mind Firm it must forever stand! "One tittle shall in no wise pass." Matt. v. 18. Yes, the law is like its giver, Holy heaven1-descended word, Word of him that lives forever, Stands co-eval with its Lord: Firmer than the earth's foundation This survives the starry host, In the wreck of all creation Not one tittle shall be lost. 1Ori., "heavenly"; an error that throws off the metre, corrected by John Wesley in manuscript in his copy. Page 135 "Whosoever shall do, and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matt. v. 19. Whoe'er th' authority impeach Of thy commanding word, Still let my life and practice teach Obedience to my Lord: Master, to me the blessing give Thy least commands to love, 'Till from thy mercy I receive My great reward above. "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matt. v. 20. No partial, outward righteousness Can make me meet to see thy face, But such as in thyself did shine, Internal, perfect, and divine: The faith which works by holiest love Shall join me to thy saints above, The righteousness from heaven sent down Shall form mine everlasting crown. "But I say unto you." Matt. v. 22. Which of the old prophets dar'd So high a stile assume? Who by them his way prepar'd, The Lord himself is come! "I, the great Jehovah say!" Open, Lord, this heart of mine, All thy words to hear, obey, And prove them all divine.