Wesley Corpus

Page 149 A narrow, but an open road, Quite-open since the death of God. "Beware of false prophets." Matt. vii. 15. Teach me the prophets smooth to shun Who wrap their words in softest love, But lead their fond disciples down A spacious way to joys above: O may I still my station keep, Hold fast thy word, and cross, and name, Beware the cloathing of the sheep, Beware the language of The Lamb! "Ye shall know them by their fruits." Matt. vii. 16. Whoe'er for sin and Satan plead Fruits of the flesh they surely bear, To hell, not heaven, their doctrines lead; And these the specious prophets are! These by the beastly mark we know (The mark thou hast thyself assign'd) And on we to perfection go, And leave the brethren false behind. "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit." Matt. vii. 18. Evil I then must be Who bring forth evil fruit: Corrupt the fruit, corrupt the tree, And most corrupt the root: Whatever gift or grace Thou hast on me bestow'd, Lord, I with all my soul confess That yet I am not good. "By their fruits ye shall know them." Matt. vii. 20. Must we not then with patience wait, False to distinguish from sincere? Or can we on another's state Pronounce, before the fruits appear? Page 150 Can we the witnesses receive5 Who of their own perfection boast, The fairest words as fruit receive? The fairest words are leaves at most.