The Divided Heart Lamented

1 Strange that so much of heaven and hell
Should in one bosom meet;
Lord, can thy Spirit ever dwell
Where Satan has a seat?

2 Now I am all transformed to love,
And could expire in praise;
Then soon not all the joys above
One cheerful note can raise.

3 When I with pensive thoughts review
The mazes I have trod,
Astonished at the grace that drew
My wandering soul to God;

4 Oh with what ardent zeal I vow
A rectitude within!
What indignation fires me now,
At the mere thoughts of sin!

5 But vain amusements, hurrying cares,
Trifles of loss or gain,
Or carnal joys, or worldly fears,
Seduce my heart again.

6 By faithful hopes, and golden dreams,
I'm nurtured or betrayed,
Still tossed between the two extremes,
Too vain, or too dismayed.

7 Decide the dubious awful case,
By some alluring sign;
And oh may thy all conquering grace
Declare that I am thine!

The Christian's duty, exhibited in a series of hymns, 1791