Religion

Hymn II.159: An unconverted state; or, Converting grace

by Isaac Watts 1674–1748

From Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book II (1707)

Religion

Great King of glory and of grace,
We own, with humble shame,
How vile is our degen'rate race,
And our first father's name.

From Adam flows our tainted blood,
The poison reigns within;
Makes us averse to all that's good,
And willing slaves to sin.

Daily we break thy holy laws,
And then reject thy grace;
Engaged in the old serpent's cause,
Against our Maker's face.l

We live estranged afar from God,
And love the distance well;
With haste we run the dangerous road
That leads to death and hell.

And can such rebels be restored?
Such natures made divine?
Let sinners see thy glory, Lord,
And feel this power of thine.

We raise our Fathers name on high
Who his own Spirit sends
To bring rebellious strangers nigh,
And turn his foes to friends.

MLA

Watts, Isaac. “Hymn II.159: An unconverted state; or, Converting grace.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/watts/664/.

Chicago

Watts, Isaac. “Hymn II.159: An unconverted state; or, Converting grace.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/watts/664/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Isaac Watts