The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley

Jesu, my Strength, my Hope,
On Thee I cast my care;
With humble confidence look up,
And know Thou hear'st my prayer.
Give me on Thee to wait
Till I can all things do,
On Thee, almighty to create,
Almighty to renew.

I rest upon Thy word,
The promise is for me;
My succour and salvation, Lord,
Shall surely come from Thee.
But let me still abide,
Nor from my Hope remove,
Till Thou my patient spirit guide
Into Thy perfect love.

I want a sober mind,
A self-renouncing will,
That tramples down and casts behind
The baits of pleasing ill;

209

A soul inured to pain,
To hardship, grief, and loss;
Bold to take up, firm to sustain,
The consecrated cross.

I want a godly fear,
A quick-discerning eye,
That looks to Thee when sin is near,
And sees the tempter fly;
A spirit still prepared,
And arm'd with jealous care,
For ever standing on its guard,
And watching unto prayer.

I want an heart to pray,
To pray and never cease;
Never to murmur at Thy stay,
Or wish my sufferings less.
This blessing above all,
Always to pray, I want,
Out of the deep on Thee to call,
And never, never faint.

I want a true regard,
A single steady aim
(Unmoved by threatening or reward)
To Thee and Thy great name;
A jealous, just concern
For Thine immortal praise,
A pure desire that all may learn
And glorify Thy grace.

I want with all my heart
Thy pleasure to fulfil,
To know myself, and what Thou art,
And what Thy perfect will.

210

I want I know not what,
I want my wants to see,
I want,—alas! what want I not,
When Thou art not in me!

University of Virginia Library

A POOR SINNER.