Wesley Corpus

And shall I slight my Father's love, Or basely fear his gifts to own? Unmindful of his favours prove? Shall I the hallow'd cross to shun Refuse his righteousness t' impart By hiding it within my heart? No tho' the antient dragon rage And call forth all his hosts22 to war, Tho' earth's self-righteous sons engage; Them, and their god alike I dare: Jesus the sinner's friend proclaim, Jesus, to sinners still the same. Outcasts of men, to you I call, Harlots and publicans, and thieves! He spreads his arms t' embrace you all; Sinners alone his grace receives: No need of him the righteous have, He came the lost to seek and save! Come all ye Magdalens in lust, Ye ruffians fell in murders old;23 Repent, and live: despair and trust! Jesus for you to death was sold; Tho' hell protest, and earth repine, He died for crimes like yours and mine. Come O my guilty brethren come, Groaning beneath your load of sin! 22"Hosts" changed to "host" in 4th edn. (1743) and 5th edn. (1756). 23This line is borrowed from Samuel Wesley Jr., "Upon Bishop Atterbury's Birthday," st. 6, Poems (1863), Page 103 His bleeding heart shall make you room, His open side shall take you in. He calls you now, invites you home Come, O my guilty brethren, come! For you the purple current flow'd In pardons from his wounded side: Languish'd for you th' eternal God, For you the Prince of Glory dy'd. Believe; and all your guilt's24 forgiven, Only believe and yours is heaven. On the Conversion of a Common Harlot.25 Luke xv. 10. "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Sing, ye heavens, and earth rejoice, Make to God a chearful noise, He the work alone hath done, He hath glorified his Son. Sons of God exulting rise Join the triumph of the skies, See the prodigal is come, Shout to bear the wanderer home! 24"Guilt's" changed to "sin's" in 4th edn. (1743) and 5th edn. (1756). 25Charles records writing this hymn in his MS Journal on February 20, 1739. Page 104 Strive in joy with angels strive, Dead she was, but now's alive, Loud repeat the glorious sound, Lost she was, but now is found!