In Temptation

Charles Wesley · 1739–1740

Catalog grade guidance: 3–12 — Hymn text; suitable for singing or spoken recitation.

42 content lines · 244 words · Est. recitation about 2 min 22 sec (approx.)

Public-domain text for reading and recitation practice. Source: The Poetical Works of John and Charles Wesley, ed. G. Osborn, vol. 1 (London: Wesleyan-Methodist Conference Office, 1868), reprinting Hymns and Sacred Poems (1739) and (1740), via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library.Estimated time uses ~120 words/minute plus short pauses—not a contest rule.

IN TEMPTATION
[Hymns and Sacred Poems (1740)]

Jesu, Lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high:
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide
O, receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none,
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee:
Leave, ah leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stay’d;
All my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenceless head
With the shadow of Thy wing.

Wilt Thou not regard my call?
Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—
Lo! on Thee I cast my care:
Reach me out Thy gracious hand!
While I of Thy strength receive,
Hoping against hope I stand,
Dying, and, behold, I live!

Thou, O Christ, art all I want,
More than all in Thee I find:
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
Heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy name,
I am all unrighteousness;
False and full of sin I am,
Thou art full of truth and grace.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found,
Grace to cover all my sin:
Let the healing streams abound,
Make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the Fountain art:
Freely let me take of Thee,
Spring Thou up within my heart,
Rise to all eternity!