Hymns and Spiritual Songs, in Three Books ‎#I.CXLIII

I.CXLIII. Character of the Children of God

1 As new-born babes desire the breast
To feed, and grow, and thrive;
So saints with joy the gospel taste,
And by the gospel live.

2 [With inward gust their heart approves
All that the word relates;
They love the men the Father loves,
And hate the works he hates.]

3 [Not all the flatt'ring baits on earth
Can make them slaves to lust;
They cant forget their heav'nly birth,
Nor grovel in the dust.]

4 [Not all the chains that tyrants use
Shall bind their souls to vice;
Faith like a conq'ror, can produce
A thousand victories.]

5 [Grace, like an uncorrupted seed,
Abides and reigns within;
Immortal principles forbid
The sons of God to sin.]

6 [Not by the terrors of a slave
Do they perform his will.
But with the noblest pow'rs they have,
His sweet commands fulfil.]

7 They find access at ev'ry hour
To God within the vail:
Hence they derive a quick'ning pow'r,
And joys that never fail.

8 O happy souls! O glorious state
Of overflowing grace;
To dwell so near their Father's seat,
And see his lovely face.

9 Lord, I address'd thy heav'nly throne;
Call me a child of thine;
Send down the Spirit of thy Son
To form my heart divine.

10 There shed thy choicest loves abroad,
And make my comforts strong;
Then shall I say, “My Father God,”
With an unwav'ring tongue.

Text Information

• First Line: As new-born babes desire the breast
• Title: Character of the Children of God
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1793

Tune Information

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