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Charles Wesley

Charles Wesley

(1708-1788)

TUNE: Lloyd
C.M.

What shall I do, my God, my God.

Charles Wesley was possibly the most prolific hymn writer that ever lived. It is estimated that he wrote more than 6500 hymns. He was born In Epworth, Lincolnshire (UK) . Along side his brother, John, Charles was used mightily by God during the 18th century ‘Great Evangelical Awaking’.

1.

What shall I do, my God, my God,
I ask in Jesus name.
Unsanctified, and unrenewed
I still remain the same.

2.

Sin, only sin in me I find;
I cannot subject be
To Thy command; my carnal mind
Is enmity to Thee.

3.

But Thou canst wash the leper clean,
The stone to flesh convert,
Canst make the Ethiop change his skin,
And purify my heart.

4.

Then only, when by grace renewd
My will with Thine shall suit:
O make the tree of nature good,
And good shall be its fruit.

5.

I strive in all I do to please
With endless grief and pain,
But cannot, Lord, from sinning cease,
Till I am born again.

6.

With Thee my virtue is but vice,
My good is specious ill,
Tis self, tis nature in disguise,
And I am carnal still.

7.

No work of mine, or word, or thought
Thy judgment can abide,
Thy glory, Lord, I never sought,
For all my soul is pride.

8.

What have I then wherein to trust?
How must I come to Thee?
Foul as I am, condemnd and lost,
Thy Son hath died for me.

9.

Jesus hath died that I might live,
Might live to God alone,
In him eternal life receive,
And be in spirit one.

10.

Saviour, I thank Thee for the grace,
The gift unspeakable,
And wait, with arms of faith t embrace,
And all Thy love to feel.

11.

My soul breaks out in strong desire
The perfect bliss to prove,
My longing soul is all on fire
To be dissolvd in love.

12.

Give me Thyself, from every boast,
From every wish set free:
Let all I am in Thee be lost,
But give Thyself to me.

13.

Thy gifts, alas! Cannot suffice,
Unless Thyself be given,
Thy presence makes my paradise,
And where Thou art is heaven.

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