Wesley Corpus

We leave all we have with thee, especially our friends, and those who are dear unto us; desiring that when we are dead and gone, they may lift up their souls in this manner unto thee; and teach those that come after, to praise, love, and obey thee. And if we awake again in the morning, may we praise thee again with joyful lips, and still offer ourselves a more accept able sacrifice to thee, through Jesus Christ; in whose words we beseech thee to hear us, according to the full sense and meaning thereof: “Our Father,” &c. O Most great and mighty Lord, the possessor of heaven and earth, all the angels rejoice in blessing and praising thee, the Father of spirits; for “thou hast created all things, and in wisdom hast thou made them all,” and spread thy tender mercies over all thy works. We desire thankfully to acknow ledge thy bounty to us, among the rest of thy creatures, and thy particular grace and favour to us in Jesus Christ, our merciful Redeemer. O give us a deep sense of that love which gave Him to die for us, that he might be “the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him.” And hast thou not said, that thou wilt “give thy Holy Spirit to them that ask it?” O Father of mercies, let it be unto us according to thy word. Cherish whatever thou hast already given us, which is acceptable in thy sight. And since at the best we are unprofitable servants, and can do no more than it is our duty to do, enable us to do everything which thou hast commanded us heartily, with good-will, and true love to thy service. O that we might ever approach thee with delight, and feel it the joy of our hearts to think of thee, to praise thee, to give thee thanks, and to offer ourselves with absolute resignation to thee. O that mercy may always please us, as it pleaseth thee; that we may be strictly just and righteous; may cheer fully pass by injuries, freely deny ourselves whatever is not for thy glory; willingly submit to thy fatherly corrections, and perform the duties of our several relations with singleness of heart.