Strange is the faithful Christian's life

1 Strange is the faithful christian's life,
What doth he feel within?
A constant war, continual strife,
To crush the pow'r of sin.

2 He seeks the will of God to do,
And should he watch and pray;
Yet his own will is working too!
And leads his mind astray.

3 What oppositions does he fell!
Doth not the thing he should.
Contrary to his mind and will,
He cannot as he would.

4 The flesh against the spirit lust,
The will is captive led;
Until the soul renews the trust;
In Christ the living head.

5 Thus shall he overcome at last!
In vain he shall not strive;
For Jesus has him promise pass'd,
To keep his faith alive.

6 Influenc'd by the spirit' pow'r!
His lusts shall be subdu'd--
And he shall be enslav'd no more,
Nor break his peace with God.

7 Dear Lord, with hopes on thee relied,
I know I shall succeed:
Till all my lusts are crucified,
And I be fully freed.


Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #CXXV