Wesley Corpus

Joy of my eyes the creature was; Desired; but O! Desir'd for thee! Why feel I then th' imbitter'd loss? Late in thy judgment's light, I see Whom now thy stroke hath far remov'd, I lov'd alas! Too dearly lov'd! Page 51 And can I see my comfort gone, (My all of comfort here below) And not allow a parting groan, And not permit my tears to flow? Can I forbear to mourn and cry? No let me rather weep and die. Dear, lovely, gracious souls, to me Pleasant your friendliness has been; So strange your love, from dross so free, The fountain in the stream was seen; From heaven the pure affection flow'd, And led, from whom it sprang, to God. To him thro' earth-born cares ye pass, To him your loosen'd souls aspire: Glory to God's victorious grace! O could I catch the sacred fire, Your shining steps from far pursue, And love, and weep, and part like you. Partners of all my griefs and joys, Help me to cast on God my care, To make his will my only choice, Away the dear right eye to tear, The wise decree with you t' adore, To trust, submit, and grieve no more. O let your prayers the Saviour move, In love my spirit to renew! O could I taste the Saviour's love, Gladly I then should part with you; My all triumphantly resign, And lodge you in the arms divine. Page 52 Part III. Why should a sinful man complain, When mildly chasten'd for his good? Start from the salutary pain, And tremble at a Father's rod? Why should I grieve his hand t' endure, Or murmur to accept my cure? Beneath th' afflictive stroke I fall, And struggle to give up my will; Weeping I own 'tis mercy all; Mercy pursues and holds me still, Kindly refuses to depart, And strongly vindicates my heart. Humbly I now the rod revere, And mercy in the judgment find; 'Tis God afflicts; I own him near; 'Tis he, 'tis he severely kind, Watches my soul with jealous care, Disdainful of a rival there. 'Tis hence my ravish'd friends I mourn, And grief weighs down my weary head, Far from my bleeding bosom torn, The dear, lov'd, dangerous joys are fled, Hence my complaining never ends, Oh! I have lost my friends, my friends!