Charles Wesley
(1707-1788)
John Wesley
(1703-1791)
Oft we have passed the guilty night
In revelings and frantic mirth;
The creature was our sole delight,
Our happiness the things of earth.
But O! suffice the season passed,
We choose the better part at last.
We will not close our wakeful eyes,
We will not let our eyelids sleep,
But humbly lift them to the skies,
And all a solemn vigil keep.
So many years on sin bestowed,
Can we not watch one night with God?
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.
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 midnight cry,
And shout to find the Bridegroom nigh!
Shout in the midst of us, O King
Of saints, and make our joys abound;
Let us exult, give thanks, and sing,
And triumph in redemption found.
We ask for every waiting soul,
O let our glorious joy be full.
O my we all triumphant rise,
With joy upon our heads return,
And far above these nether skies,
By Thee on eagles’ wings upborn,
Through all yon radiant circles move
And gain the highest heaven of love.
