The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley

Happy Magdalene, to whom
Christ the Lord vouchsafed to' appear!
Newly risen from the tomb,
Would He first be seen by her?
Her by seven devils possess'd,
Till His word the fiends expell'd;
Quench'd the hell within her breast,
All her sins and sickness heal'd.

Yes, to her the Master came,
First His welcome voice she hears:
Jesus calls her by her name,
He the weeping sinner cheers,
Lets her the dear task repeat,
While her eyes again run o'er,
Lets her wash His bleeding feet,
Kiss them, and with joy adore.

Highly favour'd soul! to her
Farther still His grace extends,
Raises the glad messenger,
Sends her to His drooping friends:
Tidings of their living Lord
First in her report they find:
She must spread the gospel-word,
Teach the teachers of mankind.

133

Who can now presume to fear?
Who despair his Lord to see?
Jesus, wilt Thou not appear,
Show Thyself alive to me?
Yes, my God, I dare not doubt,
Thou shalt all my sins remove;
Thou hast cast a legion out,
Thou wilt perfect me in love.

Surely Thou hast call'd me now,
Now I hear the voice Divine,
At Thy wounded feet I bow,
Wounded for whose sins but mine!
I have nail'd Him to the tree,
I have sent Him to the grave:
But the Lord is risen for me,
Hold of Him by faith I have.

Here for ever would I lie,
Didst Thou not Thy servant raise,
Send me forth to testify
All the wonders of Thy grace.
Lo! I at Thy bidding go,
Gladly to Thy followers tell
They their rising God may know,
They the life of Christ may feel.

Hear, ye brethren of the Lord,
(Such He you vouchsafes to call,)
O believe the gospel word,
Christ hath died, and rose for all:
Turn ye from your sins to God,
Haste to Galilee, and see
Him, who bought thee with His blood,
Him, who rose to live in thee.

University of Virginia Library

HYMN III.

[Happy Magdalene, to whom]