Scripture Verse

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:2

Introduction

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Isaac Watts
1674–1748

Words: Is­aac Watts, Hymns and Spi­ri­tu­al Songs, Book 1, 1707, num­ber 143, alt. Char­ac­ters of the child­ren of God.

Music: Con­tem­pla­tion (Gore-Ou­se­ley) Fred­er­ick A. Gore-Ou­se­ley (1825–1889) (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

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Frederick A. Gore-Ouseley
1825–1889

Lyrics

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.

With inward gust their heart approves
All that the Word relates;
They love the man their Father loves,
And hate the works He hates.

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.

Not all the chains that tyrants use
Shall bind their souls to vice;
Faith, like a conqueror, can produce
A thousand victories.

Grace, like an uncorrupted seed,
Abides and reigns within;
Immortal principles forbid
The sons of God to sin.

Not by the terrors of a slave
Do they perform His will;
But with the noblest powers they have
His sweet commands fulfill.

They access find at every hour
To God within the veil;
Hence they derive a quickening power,
And joys that never fail.

O happy souls! O glorious state
Of overflowing grace;
To dwell so near their Father’s seat,
And see His lovely face!

Lord, I address Thy heavenly throne;
Call me a child of Thine;
Send down the Spirit of Thy Son
To form my heart divine.

There shed Thy choicest loves abroad,
And make my comforts strong:
Then shall I say, My Father God!
With an unwavering tongue.