The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley

'Tis here my nature's state I see!
Fast bound in sin and misery,
In chains of hellish night
Ready to render up my breath
I slept, condemn'd to endless death,
Nor miss'd that heavenly light.

The' infernal jailer stood before,
With guards that watch'd the prison door,
Yet unawaken'd I
And link'd to Satan's soldier's lay,
(The next was execution-day,)
Nor dream'd of death so nigh.

'Twas then the heavenly messenger
Did in my dungeon's gloom appear;
The light of grace unknown
(Of grace which free salvation brought)
Came unexpected and unsought,
And in my nature shone.

267

Alarm'd by mercy's sudden stroke,
My careless sleeping conscience woke;
And lifting up mine eyes
I saw the glory from above,
I heard the voice of pardoning love,
Which bade my spirit rise.

My sins fell off, my will was free,
I rose, restored to liberty;
A messenger of peace
I put the gospel-sandals on,
And clothed with Christ, prepared to run
And spread His righteousness.

I follow'd my immortal Guide,
Who saved me by His blood applied,
Who did my sins redeem,
And turn'd my soul's captivity:
Yet still I ask'd how can it be?
And thought it all a dream.

Darkness was light, and rugged plain,
Before that heaven-descended Man
Whose footsteps I pursued:
I pass'd the first and second ward,
And opening of its own accord
The iron gate I view'd.

Jesus hath made me free indeed,
Into the sacred city led;
And now He tells my heart
He will not leave me here alone;
Who freely loves and saves His own
He never will depart.

268

Saviour, Thou dost my soul restore:
My body too Thy gracious power
Shall ransom from the grave,
Out of this worldly prison bring,
And show me that my Lord and King
Can to the utmost save.

Under the conduct of Thy grace
I follow, in the holiest place
Jerusalem above
The church of the first-born to meet,
And praise, around Thy dazzling seat
My God's eternal love.

University of Virginia Library

2626.

['Tis here my nature's state I see!]