The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley

Whate'er the hypocrites pretend,
Whate'er the self-deceivers boast,
God never can on man depend,
Or disappoint His people's trust;
His word to all the seed is sure,
And shall from age to age endure.

His promise stands, I will forgive,
And those who in His truth confide
Their pardon seal'd through faith receive,
They all are freely justified,
While God attests their sins forgiven,
Himself the earnest of their heaven.

He saith, Ye shall be perfect here!
And should ten thousand souls presume
To' usurp the sinless character,
Before the perfect gift is come,

Yet on Thy faithful mercies cast,
We shall obtain the prize at last.

Whoe'er through ignorance, or pride,
Are found false-witnesses for God,
Thou hast on earth a spotless bride;
And trusting Thine all-cleansing blood,
We too Thine utmost truth shall prove,
Complete in holiness and love.

Matthew v. 48.

University of Virginia Library

3039.

[Whate'er the hypocrites pretend]