Hymns and Spiritual Songs, in Three Books ‎#I.LVII

I.LVII. Original sin; or, the first and second Adam

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 pow'r from things unclean
Can pure productions bring?
Who can command a vital stream
From an infected spring.]

7 Yet, mighty God! thy wond'rous 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 sov'reign pow'r
That new-creates our dust!

Text Information

• First Line: Backward with humble shame we look
• Title: Original sin; or, the first and second Adam
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1793
• Scripture:
  Romans 5:12-14
  ;
  Psalm 51:5
  ;
  Job 14:4
• Notes: Public Domain.

Tune Information

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