The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley :: :: University of Virginia Library

HYMN XVIII. FOR THE PARLIAMENT.

Spirit of heavenly counsel, come,
To teach our senators Thy will,
(To stay a sinking nation's doom,
The wisdom from above reveal,)
Nor let them join the impious crowd,
Nor let them scorn to fear their God.

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The wisdom that departs from sin,
The gracious principle infuse,
To keep their hands and conscience clean,
To fit them for their Saviour's use;
Now, Saviour, now to each impart
A single eye, and upright heart.

Now let the generous patriots rise,
The burden of our land to share,
With pleasure, luxury, and vice
To wage an everlasting war,
Bold to defend religion's cause,
And glory in Thy slighted cross.

Their first concern, their foremost aim,
Thy kingdom to advance below,
While all united in Thy name
Their zeal for Thy vicegerent show,
Upon their hearts their country take,
And love, and save her for Thy sake.