3 The fearful soul that tires and faints, And walks the ways of God no more, Is but esteem'd almost a saint, And makes his own destruction sure. 4 Lord, let not all my hopes be vain; Create my heart entirely new, Which hypocrites could ne'er attain, Which false apostates never knew. Hymn 2:159. An unconverted state; or, Converting grace. 1 [Great King of Glory and of grace, We own with humble shame, How vile is our degenerate race, And our first father's name.] 2 From Adam flows our tainted blood, The poison reigns within, Makes us averse to all that's good, And willing slaves to sin. 3 [Daily we break thy holy laws, And then reject thy grace; Engag'd in the old serpent's cause Against our Maker's face.] 4 We live estrang'd afar from God, And love the distance well; With haste we run the dangerous road That leads to death and hell. 5 And can such rebels be restor'd? Such natures made divine? Let sinners see thy glory, Lord, And feel this power of thine. 6 We raise our Father's name on high, Who his own Spirit sends To bring rebellious strangers nigh, And turn his foes to friends. Hymn 2:160. Custom in sin. 1 Let the wild leopards of the wood Put off the spots that nature gives, Then may the wicked turn to God, And change their tempers and their lives. 2 As well might Ethiopian slaves Wash out the darkness of their skin; The dead as well might leave their graves, As old transgressors cease to sin. 3 Where vice has held its empire long 'Twill not endure the least control; None but a power divinely strong Can turn the current of the soul. 4 Great God, I own thy power divine, That works to change this heart of mine; I would be form'd anew, and bless The wonders of creating grace. Hymn 2:161. Christian virtues; or, The difficulty of conversion. 1 Strait is the way, the door is strait That leads to joys on high; 'Tis but a few that find the gate, While crowds mistake and die. 2 Beloved self must be deny'd, The mind and will renew'd: Passion suppress'd, and patience try'd, And vain desires subdu'd. 3 [Flesh is a dangerous foe to grace, Where it prevails and rules; Flesh must be humbled, pride abas'd, Lest they destroy our souls. 4 The love of gold be banish'd hence, (That vile idolatry); And every member, every sense In sweet subjection lie.] 5 The tongue, that most unruly power, Requires a strong restraint; We must be watchful every hour, And pray, but never faint. 6 Lord, can a feeble helpless worm Fulfil a task so hard? Thy grace must all my work perform, And give the free reward. Hymn 2:162 Meditation of heaven; or, The joy of faith. 1 My thoughts surmount these lower skies And look within the veil; There springs of endless pleasure rise, The waters never fail. 2 There I behold with sweet delight The blessed Three in One; And strong affections fix my sight On God's incarnate Son. 3 His promise stands for ever firm, His grace shall ne'er depart; He binds my name upon his arm, And seals it on his heart.