Wesley Corpus

Solitude (From the Latin) Source: Hymns and Sacred Poems (1739), Part I Author: Charles Wesley (attributed) --- From the Latin. Solitude! Where shall I find Thee, pleasing to the thoughtful mind! Sweet delights to thee belong, Untasted by the vulgar throng. Weary of vice and noise I flee, Sweetest comforter, to thee. Here the mild and holy dove Peace inspires and joy and love. Thy unmolested, silent shade No tumultuous sounds invade: No stain of guilt is seen in thee, To soil thy spotless purity. Here the smiling fields around Softest harmony resound. Here with angel quires combin’d, The lord of his own peaceful mind Glides thro’ life, from business far, And noisy strife, and eating care. Here, retir’d from pomp and state (The envy’d torment of the great) Innocent he leads his days, Far from giddy thirst of praise. Here his accounts with studious care Preparing for the last great bar, He weeps the stains of guilt away, And ripens for eternal day. Hoarded wealth desire who please, Tow’rs and gilded palaces. Fraudless silence may I find, Solitude and peace of mind; [3] [Page] 7 To all the busy world unknown, Seen and lov’d by God alone. Ye rich, ye learn’d, ye great, confess This in life is happiness, To live (unknown to all abroad) To myself only and my God.