Wesley Corpus

With signs their high commission seal, In every ordinance reveal Thyself, and shed thy love abroad, Their apostolic labours crown, Come Father, Son, and Spirit down, And fill our universe with God. "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." Matt. xxviii. 20. No preachers of thy gospel they, Who teach believe, but not obey; The faithful servants of their Lord Inforce thy every sacred word, By precept and example press True, universal righteousness. Page 198 "Lo, I am with you alway." Matt. xxviii. 20. This is the word in every age Which doth support and keep From sin, the world, and Satan's rage, The shepherds and the sheep: Thy ministers and people too On this alone depend, Thou sayst "I always am with you, Till time and death shall end." Hymn 278. "He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." Mark i. 8. What avails th' external sign, Without th' internal grace? Lord, I want thy Spirit divine The spark of love to raise, Straiten'd thro' intense desire To feel the pure baptismal flame: Let the Holy Ghost inspire, And plunge me in thy name. Unbaptiz'd in sin I live, Till I thy Spirit feel; To thy ransom'd creature give That gift unspeakable, Witness, pledge of joys unseen Thy Spirit breathe into my breast: Partner of thy nature then, And one with thee I rest. Page 199 "He was forty days tempted." Mark i. 13. To Christ the tempted I Tempted for help apply, Meekly suffer to the end, Forty days, or forty years, Till the flaming guards descend, Till the Angel-God appears. "Whether is it easier to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee: or, arise, and take up thy bed and walk?" Mark ii. 9. Saviour, thou canst with equal ease, As when thou on our earth didst dwell, The body's and the soul's disease By virtue from the Godhead heal: With perfect life inspire my soul: And if I yet may serve my Lord, Pronounce this languid body whole, And bid me rise, to preach thy word. "He looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts." Mark iii. 5. Such may all my anger be, Sin when I in others see, Not the pagan passion blind, Rage of a vindictive mind, But the fervency of zeal Pain'd for those who cannot feel.