1 So new born babes desire the breast To feed, and grow, and thrive: So saints with joy the gospel taste, And by the gospel live.
2 [With inward gust their heart approves All that the word relates; They love the men their Father loves, And hate the works he hates.]
3 [Not all the flattering baits on earth Can make them slaves to lust; They can't forget their heavenly birth, Nor grovel in the dust.
4 Not all the chains that tyrants use Shall bind their souls to vice; Faith like a conqueror can produce A thousand victories.]
5 [Grace like an uncorrupting seed Abides and reigns within; Immortal principles forbid The sons of God to sin.]
6 [Not by the terrors of a slave Do they perform his will, But with the noblest powers they have His sweet commands fulfil.]
7 They find access at every hour, To God within the veil; Hence they derive a quickening power, And joys that never fail.
8 O happy souls! O glorious state Of overflowing grace! To dwell so near their Father's seat, And see his lovely face.
9 Lord, I address thy heavenly throne; Call me a child of thine, Send down the Spirit of thy Son To form my heart divine.
10 There shed thy choicest loves abroad, And make my comforts strong: Then shall I say, "My Father God," With an unwavering tongue.