The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley

Practice is the truth of grace,
Of faith the' authentic sign,
Built he is who Christ obeys
Upon the Rock Divine;
When the sandy buildings fail,
And earth is from its base removed,
Stands the man immovable
Who served the Lord he loved.

Lord I come by faith to Thee,
With joy Thy sayings hear;
Give me solid piety
And strength to persevere;
Lest the flood my house o'erthrow,
The knowledge of myself impart,
Lay the sure foundation low,
In a poor sinner's heart.

Founded on the rock of peace,
Who on Thyself relies,
Daily finds his faith increase,
And sees the building rise:

160

Thus my confidence I ground,
To all Thy words obedient prove,
Grow in grace, and more abound
In faith that works by love.

Trouble's flood assaults in vain,
Temptation's vehement stream,
Still unshaken I remain,
The rapid torrent stem:
Steadfast now in faith and hope,
My soul both stream and flood defies,
Till Thou take the building up,
And fix me in the skies.

University of Virginia Library

1268.

[Practice is the truth of grace]