Flesh and Spirit

What diff'rent powers of grace and sin

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 13 hymnals

Representative Text

What diff'rent powers of grace and sin
Attend our mortal state
I hate the thoughts that work within,
And do the works I hate.

Now I complain, and groan, and die,
While sin and Satan reign;
Now raise my songs of triumph high,
For grace prevails again.

So darkness struggles with the light
Till perfect day arise;
Water and fire maintain the fight,
Until the weaker dies.

Thus will the flesh and spirit strive,
And vex and break my peace;
But I shall quit this mortal life,
And sin for ever cease.



Source: Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts, The #II.143

Author: Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: What diff'rent powers of grace and sin
Title: Flesh and Spirit
Author: Isaac Watts
Meter: 8.6.8.6
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 13 of 13)
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A Selection of Psalms and Hymns #116

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A Selection of Psalms and Hymns #CXVI

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A Selection of Psalms and Hymns #116

Church Hymn Book . 3rd ed. #d577

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

Text

Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts, The #II.143

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The Baptist Hymn Book #1045

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The Columbian Repository #647

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The Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts #175

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The Psalms of David #II.CXLIII

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The Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs of the Rev. Isaac Watts, D. D. #B143

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