Wesley Corpus

At Lying Down Source: Hymns and Sacred Poems (1740), Part I Author: Charles Wesley (attributed) --- O that I never, never more Might from thy ways depart! Here let me give my wand’rings o’er, By giving thee my heart. Fix my new heart on things above, And then from earth release: I ask not life; but let me love, And lay me down in peace. At Lying Down.53 How do thy mercies close me round! For ever be thy name ador’d! I blush in all things to abound; The servant is above his Lord. Enur’d to poverty and pain, A suffering life my Master led, The Son of God, the Son of man, He had not where to lay his head. But lo! A place he hath prepar’d For me, whom watchful angels keep, Nay, he himself becomes my guard, He smooths my bed, and gives me sleep. 53Charles included this hymn in a later manuscript selection for family use: MS Family, 4-5. Jesus protects; my fears be gone! What can the Rock of Ages move? Safe in thy arms I lay me down, Thy everlasting arms of love! While thou art intimately nigh, Who, who shall violate my rest? Sin, earth, and hell I now defy, I lean upon my Saviour’s breast. I rest beneath th’ Almighty’s shade; My griefs expire, my troubles cease; Thou, Lord, on whom my soul is staid, Wilt keep me still in perfect peace. Me for thine own thou lov’st to take, In time, and in eternity; Thou never, never wilt forsake An helpless worm that trusts in thee. Wherefore in confidence I close My eyes, for thine are open still; My spirit lull’d in calm repose, Waits for the counsels of thy will. After thy likeness let me rise, If here thou will’st my longer stay, Or close in mortal sleep my eyes, To open them in endless day.