Not all the outward forms on earth
by Isaac Watts·1707·Meter 8.6.8.6 (CM)
Based on John 1:13; 3:3; John 1:13; James 1:18; 1 Pet 1:23
1
Not all the outward forms on earth,
Nor rites that God has giv'n,
Nor will of man, nor blood, nor birth,
Can raise a soul to heav'n.
2
The sovereign will of God alone
Creates us heirs of grace
Born in the image of his Son,
A new, peculiar race.
3
The Spirit, like some heav'nly wind,
Blows on the sons of flesh,
New-models all the carnal mind,
And forms the man afresh.
4
Our quickened souls awake, and rise
From the long sleep of death;
On heav'nly things we fix our eyes,
And praise employs our breath.