The Cyber Hymnal ‎#13179

13179. Who Of The Great, Or Wise

1 Who of the great, or wise,
Hath our report believed!
Alas! they close their eyes,
Nor will be undeceived:
The world cry out, in needless fright,
"Your rash attempt forbear
To lift us to presumption’s height,
Or plunge us in despair."

2 "Whoever seek to know
Their sins on earth forgiven,
Or sink in hopeless woe,
Or rise to madness driven."
They safely choose the middle way,
Aware of each extreme,
The only prudent men are they,
And wisdom dies with them.

3 The sayings of our Lord
Their folly dares despise,
Above the written Word,
To their own ruin, wise;
The written Word, by which we steer
From all mistake secure,
It bids us make our calling here
And our election sure.

4 It bids the weary come,
And find in Christ their rest,
Invites the wanderer home
To his Redeemer’s breast;
It stirs us up to knock, and pray,
And seek the pardoning God,
Till Jesus take our sins away,
And wash us in His blood.

5 It proffers happiness
To all who dare believe,
And promises a peace,
Which man can never give;
With full assurance of belief
Commands us to draw near,
And taste the joy that casts out grief,
The love that casts out fear.

6 Water of life divine,
It bids us freely take,
And mystic milk and wine
For Jesus’ only sake:
The Holy Ghost, the Comforter
To all who ask is given,
That seal of our salvation here,
That antepast of Heaven.

7 But still the world refuse
A Heaven begun below,
And vainly fear to’ abuse
The grace they never know:
The grace their pride will not receive
They impiously deny,
And in their sins securely live,
And desperately die.

Text Information

• First Line: Who of the great, or wise
• Title: Who Of The Great, Or Wise
• Author: Charles Wesley
• Meter: 66.66.86.86
• Language: English
• Source: Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1749
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: KENOSIS
• Composer: Philip Paul Bliss (1873)
• Meter: 66.66.86.86
• Key: C Major
• Source: Sunshine for Sunday Schools (Cincinnati/Chicago: JohnChurch/George F. Root & Sons, 1873)
• Copyright: Public Domain