Monday, June 3, 2019

Wesley's hymn on the letter to Sardis

Last night we finished our Life Group study of The Seven Churches in Revelation 2 & 3. Some time during the study I discovered hymns (probably) written by Charles Wesley on each of the letters. I found them in Hymns and Sacred Poems by John Wesley, Charles Wesley (1742). (archive.org; a great site!)
I find this interesting, but wasn't sure anyone else would, so I never shared them with the group. As you can see, I had to basically translate this because even though this was written in English, it is rather difficult to read for someone unfamiliar with 1742 English. I love it! Like the hymn, too!




To the Angel of the Church in Sardius. Chapter 3. ver. 1, 2, &c.

1. O Thou, whose Eyes run to and fro,
Thro' Earth, and Every Creature see.
What is it which Thou dost not know ?
All Things are manifest to Thee.

2. Thou hast the Spirits, Seven and One,
Thou hast the Stars in Thy Right-Hand,
And all our Works to Thee are known ;
How shall we in Thy Judgment stand ?

3. Thou knowest we take in vain Thy Name,
While dead in Trespasses we live.
Thee for our Lord we falsely claim.
While to the World our Hearts we give.

4. A powerless Form, a lifeless Sound,
Our Works as Vanity are light,
Wanting, alas! they all are found,
And worse than Nothing in Thy Sight.

5. O that we now might turn again.
And cherish the Last Spark of Grace,
Strengthen the Things that yet remain,
And call to Mind the Ancient Days.

6. Surely we did Thy Faith receive.
We heard with Joy the Gospel Word.
O let us now, repent and live.
And watch to apprehend our Lord ;

7. Stir ourselves up, renounce our Ease.
Before Thy sudden Judgments come.
And watch, and pray, and never cease.
Till Thou repeal our threat’ning Doom.

8. A Few Thou still hast left, who stand
And deprecate th’ impending Blow,
Protectors of a Guilty Land,
And Guardian Angels here below.

9. They, by Thy Mercy reconcil’d;
For our unhappy Sardis plead,
Harmless, and pure, and undefil’d,
They ever in Thy Footsteps tread. ,

10. Before they see the Realms of Light,
Deserving here thro’ Thy Desert,
Worthy they walk with Thee in White,
In spotless Purity of Heart.

11. Partakers of the Life Divine.
Who in the Fight of Faith o'ercome.
They All shall in Thy Image shine,
Made ready for their Heavenly Home.

12. They here shall be redeem’d from Sin.
Shall there put on their Glorious Dress,
Fine Linen, pure, and white, and clean.
The Saints Inherent Righteousness.

13. Love, perfect Love expels all Doubt,
Love makes them to the End endure,
Their Names Thou never wilt blot out,
Their Life is hid, their heart is pure.

14. Their Names Thou wilt vouchsafe to own
Before Thy Father’s Majesty,
Pronounce them Good, and say, "Well done.
Enter, and ever reign with me ! "

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