The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley

I never can from sinning cease,
Till I begin to love.
My vows and promises are vain,
And full of good desire,
When sin returns, I melt again,
As wax before the fire.

Sinking at last in just despair,
Beneath the tyrant's power;
No longer to resolve I dare,
I fight with sin no more;
No more presume for help to call,
Or fruitless prayers repeat,
But a mere guilty sinner fall
At the Redeemer's feet.

Here will I ever, ever lie,
And weep, and breathe my last,
Unless the God that stoop'd to die
A look of pity cast,
See me expiring in my blood,
And point me to His own,
Which quench'd the righteous wrath of God,
And speaks before the throne.

University of Virginia Library

3387.

[Stranger to holy joy and peace]