The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley

Ought not the rulers to suppress
The dire effects of blindfold zeal,
Curb the bold sons of wickedness,
Beat down the instruments of ill,
Licentious violence restrain,
And truth defend, and peace maintain?

He made their wickedness his own
Not hindering what he might prevent,
He did the wrong by others done,
The judge oppress'd the innocent;
And thus his false pretence disproved
Who neither truth nor justice loved.

Servants of God, your treatment see,
Such justice from the world expect:
Their boasted love of equity
Always excepts the Christian sect;
And if your lives the rulers spare
They let your foes in pieces tear.

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Cognizance of your slighted cause
No Gallio is concerned to take:
Unshelter'd by your country's laws,
Hated of all for Jesus' sake,
Fly outlaws, fly to David's Son,
And refuge find in Christ alone.

	CHAPTER XVIII. The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley

University of Virginia Library

2800.

[Ought not the rulers to suppress]