What vain desires and passions vain

Verse 1

What vain desires and passions vain Attend this mortal clay! Oft have they pierced my soul with pain, And drawn my heart astray.

Verse 2

How have I wandered from my God! And, following sin and shame, In this vile world of flesh and blood Defiled my nobler frame!

Verse 3

For ever blessed be thy grace That formed my soul anew, And made it of a heav'n-born race, Thy glory to pursue.

Verse 4

My spirit holds perpetual war, And wrestles and complains; But views the happy moment near That shall dissolve its chains.

Verse 5

Cheerful in death I close my eyes To part with every lust; And charge my flesh, whene'er it rise, To leave them in the dust.

Verse 6

My purer spirit shall not fear To put this body on; Its tempting powers no more are there, Its lusts and passions gone!