Religion

Hymn II.143: Flesh and spirit

by Isaac Watts 1674–1748

From Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book II (1707)

Religion

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.

MLA

Watts, Isaac. “Hymn II.143: Flesh and spirit.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/watts/648/.

Chicago

Watts, Isaac. “Hymn II.143: Flesh and spirit.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/watts/648/.

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