Hymns

What vain desires and passions vain

by Isaac Watts·1707·Meter 8.6.8.6 (CM)

Based on Rom 8:1

1

What vain desires and passions vain
Attend this mortal clay!
Oft have they pierced my soul with pain,
And drawn my heart astray.

2

How have I wandered from my God!
And, following sin and shame,
In this vile world of flesh and blood
Defiled my nobler frame!

3

For ever blessed be thy grace
That formed my soul anew,
And made it of a heav'n-born race,
Thy glory to pursue.

4

My spirit holds perpetual war,
And wrestles and complains;
But views the happy moment near
That shall dissolve its chains.

5

Cheerful in death I close my eyes
To part with every lust;
And charge my flesh, whene'er it rise,
To leave them in the dust.

6

My purer spirit shall not fear
To put this body on;
Its tempting powers no more are there,
Its lusts and passions gone!