HYMN 161. (C. M.) Christian Virtues; or, the Difficulty of Conversion.
I
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.
II
Beloved self must be deny'd,
The mind and will renew'd,
Passion suppress'd, and patience try'd,
And vain desires subdu'd.
III
Flesh is a dangerous foe to grace,
Where it prevails and rules;
Flesh must be humbled, pride abas'd,
Lest they destroy our souls.
IV
The love of gold be banished hence,
(That vile idolatry)
And every member, every sense
In sweet subjection lie.
V
The tongue, that most unruly power,
Requires a strong restraint;
We must be watchful every hour,
And pray, but never faint.
VI
Lord, can a feeble helpless worm
Fulfil a task so hard?
Thy grace must all my work perform,
And give the free reward.
