History & Politics

Hymns in Time of Persecution, 5

by Charles Wesley 1707–1788

From Hymns in Time of Persecution (1744) · Osborn ed., vol. 4 (1869)

History & Politics

Lamb of God, we follow Thee,
Willing as Thou art to be,
Joyful in Thy steps to go,
Suffering for Thy sake below.

Taking up our daily cross,
CalFd to shame, and pain; and loss,
Well contented to sustain
All the rage of cruel men.

Who Thy lovely pattern knows
Cannot force with force oppose,
They that to Thy fold belong
Dare not render wrong for wrong.

Bruised by the oppressor's hand,
Evil they will ne'er withstand,
All that follow Thee are meek,
Taught to turn the other cheek.

Jesu, in Thy gracious power
Lo! we meet the fiery hour,
Calm, dispassionate, resign'd,
Arm'd with all Thy patient mind.

After Thee with joy we come,
Sheep before our shearers dumb,
Answering not one angry word,
True disciples of our Lord.

Suffering here, we threaten not,
Innocent in word and thought,
Harmless as a wounded dove,
Hatred we repay with love.

Turn, almighty as Thou art,
Turn our persecutors' heart,
Let them to our faith be given,
Let us meet our foes in heaven.

✦ ✦ ✦

Attributed to Charles Wesley; Osborn's edition does not distinguish the brothers

MLA

Wesley, Charles. “Hymns in Time of Persecution, 5.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/wesley_c/638/.

Chicago

Wesley, Charles. “Hymns in Time of Persecution, 5.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/wesley_c/638/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Charles Wesley