Happy the souls that first believed, <br />To Jesus and each other cleaved, <br />Joined by the unction from above <br />In mystic fellowship of love. <br /> <br />Meek, simple followers of the Lamb, <br />They lived, and spake, and thought the same; <br />They joyfully conspired to raise <br />Their ceaseless sacrifice of praise. <br /> <br />With grace abundantly endued, <br />A pure, believing multitude, <br />They all were of one heart and soul, <br />And only love inspired the whole. <br /> <br />O what an age of golden days! <br />O what a choice, peculiar race! <br />Washed in the Lamb's all-cleansing blood, <br />Anointed kings and priests to God! <br /> <br />Ye different sects, who all declare, <br />"Lo, here is Christ! " or, "Christ is here!" <br />Your stronger proofs divinely give, <br />And show me where the Christians live. <br /> <br />The gates of hell cannot prevail; <br />The church on earth can never fail; <br />Ah, join me to thy secret ones! <br />Ah, gather all thy living stones! <br /> <br />Scattered o'er all the earth they lie, <br />Till thou collect them with thine eye, <br />Draw by the music of thy name, <br />And charm into a beauteous frame. <br /> <br />For this the pleading Spirit groans, <br />And cries in all thy banished ones; <br />Greatest of gifts, thy love impart, <br />And make us of one mind and heart. <br /> <br />Join every soul that looks to thee <br />In bonds of perfect charity; <br />Now, Lord, the glorious fullness give, <br />And all in all for ever live!<br /><br />John Wesley<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hymn-xvi-happy-the-souls-that-first-believed/
