Custom in Sin

Let the wild leopards of the wood

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 27 hymnals

Representative Text

Let the wild leopards of the wood
Put off the spots that nature gives,
Then may the wicked turn to God,
And change their tempers and their lives.

As well might Ethiopian slaves
Wash out the darkness of their skin,
The deed as well might leave their graves,
As old transgressors cease to sin.

Where vice has held its empire long,
'Twill not endure the least control;
None but a power divinely strong
Can turn the current of the soul.

Great God! I own thy power divine
That works to change this heart of mine;
I would be formed anew, and bless
The wonders of creating grace.



Source: The Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts #88

Author: Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Let the wild leopards of the wood
Title: Custom in Sin
Author: Isaac Watts
Meter: 8.8.8.8
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 27 of 27)
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Hymns and Spiritual Songs, in Three Books #II.CLX

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Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts, The #II.160

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A Choice Selection of Evangelical Hymns, from various authors #161

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A Collection of Hymns, for the use of the United Brethren in Christ #83

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A New Selection of Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs #754

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Hymns for Christian Melody #152

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Hymns for the Sanctuary and Social Worship #404

Hymns Selected #d112

Hymns Selected from Dr. Watts, Dr. Doddridge and Various Other Writers #d112

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Pocket Hymns #36

Psalms and Hymns for Public worship, Containing All the Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts ... #d471

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The Baptist Hymn Book #91

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The Columbian Repository #664

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The Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts #88

The Psalms of David ... New ed. #d116

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The Psalms of David #II.CLX

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The Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs of the Rev. Isaac Watts, D. D. #B160

The Southern Psalmist #d441

The Southern Psalmist. New ed. #d463

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