The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley

How shall I walk my God to please,
And spread content and happiness
O'er all beneath my care,
A pattern to my household give,
And as a guardian-angel live,
As Jesus' minister?

The opposite extremes I see
Remissness and severity,
And know not how to shun
The precipice on either hand;
While in a narrow path I stand,
And dread to venture on.

Shall I through indolence supine
Neglect, betray my charge Divine,
My delegated power?
The souls I from my Lord receive,
Of each I an account must give
At that tremendous hour.

A lion in my house, shall I
My tame inferiors terrify
By fierce tyrannic sway,
Despotic as an eastern prince
By regal arguments convince,
Compel them to obey?

163

Of angry man the' impatience proud
Works not the righteousness of God,
Nor true respect begets:
Proud wrath can only wrath create,
And cringing fear and smother'd hate
In slaves and hypocrites.

Lord over all, and God most high,
Jesu, to Thee for help I cry,
For constancy of grace,
That taught by Thy good Spirit and led,
I may with confidence proceed,
And all Thy footsteps trace.

O teach me my first lesson now,
And when to Thy sweet yoke I bow,
Thy easy service prove,
Lowly and meek in heart, I see
The art of governing like Thee
Is governing by love.

University of Virginia Library

CXXXVI.

[How shall I walk my God to please]