HYMN 143. (C. M.) Characters of the Children of God, from several Scriptures.
I
So new-born babes desire the breast
To feed, and grow, and thrive;
So saints with joy the gospel taste,
And by the gospel live.
II
With inward gust their heart approves
All that the word relates;
They love the men their Father loves,
And hate the works he hates.
III
Not all the flattering baits on earth
Can make them slaves to lust;
They can't forget their heavenly birth,
Nor grovel in the dust.
IV
Not all the chains that tyrants use
Shall bind their souls to vice;
Faith, like a conqueror, can produce
A thousand victories.
V
Grace, like an uncorrupting seed
Abides and reigns within;
Immortal principles forbid
The sons of God to sin.
VI
Not by the terrors of a slave
Do they perform his will,
But with the noblest powers they have
His sweet commands fulfil.
VII
They find access at every hour,
To God within the vail;
Hence they derive a quickening power,
And joys that never fail.
VIII
O happy souls! O glorious state
Of overflowing grace!
To dwell so near their Father's seat,
And see his lovely face.
IX
Lord, I address thy heavenly throne;
Call me a child of thine,
Send down the Spirit of thy Son
To form my heart divine.
X
There shed thy choicest loves abroad,
And make my comforts strong:
Then shall I say, ‘My Father, God,’
With an unwavering tongue.
