1 Backward with humble shame we look On our original; How is our nature dash'd and broke In our first father's fall!
2 To all that's good averse and blind, But prone to all that's ill What dreadful darkness veils our mind! How obstinate our will!
3 [Conceiv'd in sin (O wretched state!) Before we draw our breath, The first young pulse begins to beat Iniquity and death.
4 How strong in our degenerate blood The old corruption reigns, And, mingling with the crooked flood, Wanders thro' all our veins!]
5 Wild and unwholesome as the root Will all the branches be; How can we hope for living fruit From such a deadly tree?
6 What mortal power from things unclean Can pure productions bring? Who can command a vital stream From an infected spring?]
7 Yet, mighty God, thy wondrous love Can make our nature clean, While Christ and grace prevail above The tempter, death, and sin.
8 The second Adam shall restore The ruins of the first, Hosanna to that sovereign power That new creates our dust.