John & Charles Wesley · 77 of 258

Desiring to Praise Worthily

From the German.

Monarch of all, with lowly fear To whom heaven’s host their voices raise, Even earth and dust Thy bounties share: Let earth and dust attempt Thy praise.

Before Thy face, O Lord Most High, Sinks all created glory down: Yet be not wroth with me, that I, Vile worm, draw near Thy awful throne.

Of all Thou the beginning art, Of all things Thou alone the end: On Thee still fix my steadfast heart; To Thee let all my actions tend.

Thou, Lord, art light; Thy native ray No shade, no variation knows: On my dark soul (ye clouds, away) The brightness of Thy face disclose.

Thou, Lord, art love; from Thee pure love Flows forth in unexhausted streams: Let me its quickening influence prove, Fill my whole heart with sacred flames.

Thou, Lord, art good, and Thou alone: With eager hope, with warm desire, Thee may I still my portion own, To Thee in every thought aspire.

So shall my every power to Thee In love, thanks, praise incessant rise; Yea, my whole soul and flesh shall be One holy, living sacrifice.

Lord God of armies, ceaseless praise In heaven, Thy throne, to Thee is given: Here, as in heaven, Thy Name we raise; For where Thy presence shines is heaven.