The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley

Jesus, Thy hated servant own,
And send Thy glorious Spirit down,
In answer to our prayers:
While others curse and wish him dead,
Do Thou Thy choicest blessings shed,
And crown his hoary hairs.

Not for his death, but life, we pray,
In mercy lengthen out his day,
Our venerable guide;
Long may he live Thy flock to keep,
Protect from wolves Thy lambs and sheep,
And in his bosom hide.

Long may he live to serve Thy cause,
To spread the victory of Thy cross,
To minister Thy grace;

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And late, to' increase Thy church in heaven,
With all the children Thou hast given,
Appear before Thy face.

Thou God that answerest by fire,
With fervent faith and strong desire,
Whom we present to Thee,
Fill with pure love his ravish'd breast,
And let the Spirit of glory rest
On all Thy church—and me!

Me, me, Thy meanest messenger,
Admit his happiness to share;
And intimately one,
Through life, through death, together guide,
To sing with all the sanctified,
Around Thy azure throne.

University of Virginia Library

PRAYER FOR THE LIFE OF MR. JOHN WESLEY. [1779.]