Christian Classics

Isaac Watts · 371 of 724

Hymn 22 Part 2

What vain desires and passions vain Attend this mortal clay! Oft have they pierced my soul with pain, And drawn my heart astray.

How have I wandered from my God! And, following sin and shame, In this vile world of flesh and blood Defiled my nobler frame!

For ever blessed be thy That formed my soul anew, And made it of a heav'n-born race, Thy glory to pursue.

My spirit holds perpetual war, And wrestles and complains; But views the happy moment near That shall dissolve its chains.

Cheerful in death I close my eyes To part with every lust; And charge my flesh, whene'er it rise, To leave them in the dust.

My purer spirit shall not fear To put this body on; Its tempting powers no more are there, Its lusts and passions gone!