1 Oft have we pass'd the guilty night
In revellings and frantic mirth,
The creature was our soul delight,
Our happiness the things of earth;
But O suffice the season past,
We choose the better part at last.
2 We will not close our wakeful eyes,
We will not let our eye-lids sleep,
But humbly lift them to the skies,
And all a solemn vigil keep;
So many nights on sin bestow'd,
Can we not watch one hour for God?
3 We can, dear Jesus, for thy sake,
Devote our every hour to thee;
Speak but the word, our souls shall 'wake,
and sing with cheerful melody;
Thy praise shall our glad tongues employ,
And every heart shall dance for joy.
4 Dear object of our faith and love,
We listen for thy welcome voice,
Our persons and our works approve,
And bid us in thy strength rejoice,
Now let us hear the mighty cry,
And shout to find the Bridegroom nigh.
5 Shout in the midst of us, O King
Of saints, and let our joys abound,
Let us rejoice, give thanks, and sing,
And triumph in redemption sound:
We ask in faith for every soul;
O let our glorious joy be full.
6 O may we all triumphant rise,
With joy upon our heads return,
And far above these nether skies,
By thee on eagles' wings upborne,
Through all yon radiant circle move,
and gain the highest heaven of love.
Source: A Pocket hymn-book, designed as a constant companion for the pious: collected from various authors (11th ed.) #CCLXXVI
Charles Wesley, M.A. was the great hymn-writer of the Wesley family, perhaps, taking quantity and quality into consideration, the great hymn-writer of all ages. Charles Wesley was the youngest son and 18th child of Samuel and Susanna Wesley, and was born at Epworth Rectory, Dec. 18, 1707. In 1716 he went to Westminster School, being provided with a home and board by his elder brother Samuel, then usher at the school, until 1721, when he was elected King's Scholar, and as such received his board and education free. In 1726 Charles Wesley was elected to a Westminster studentship at Christ Church, Oxford, where he took his degree in 1729, and became a college tutor. In the early part of the same year his religious impressions were much deepene… Go to person page >
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