The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley

Wherewithal shall I appear
Before the righteous Lord,
How appease the Judge severe
Who whets His glittering sword?
For my soul's offence to atone
Shall I my body's offspring give?
Offering up my only son
To die, that I may live?

Mine, alas, can never pay
The debt I owe to God,
Turn the' Almighty's wrath away
Or quench with all his blood:
But in whom Thou art well pleased,
Father, Thy Son Himself hath died;
By His death Thy wrath appeased,
Thy justice satisfied.

Suffering in the sinner's place,
He purchased life for me,
Pardon, plenitude of grace,
And all I ask from Thee;
All the benefits I claim
Through Him Thou promisest to give;
Lord, I ask in Jesus' name,
My dying child may live.

128

This I ask with strong desire,
Expecting to receive:
Do not now the soul require
Thou dost so oft reprieve:
Kindly lengthen out his span,
And bid him rise redeem'd, restored,
Rise a righteous, godlike man,
An image of his Lord.

University of Virginia Library

CV.

[Wherewithal shall I appear]