As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby.
1 Peter 2:2
Words: Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book 1, 1707, number 143, alt. Characters of the children of God.
Music: Contemplation (Gore-Ouseley) Frederick A. Gore-Ouseley (1825–1889) (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
So new-born babes desire the breast,
To feed, and grow, and thrive;
So saints with joy the Gospel taste,
And by the Gospel live.
With inward gust their heart approves
All that the Word relates;
They love the man their Father loves,
And hate the works He hates.
Not all the flattering baits on earth
Can make them slaves to lust;
They can’t forget their heavenly birth,
Nor grovel in the dust.
Not all the chains that tyrants use
Shall bind their souls to vice;
Faith, like a conqueror, can produce
A thousand victories.
Grace, like an uncorrupted seed,
Abides and reigns within;
Immortal principles forbid
The sons of God to sin.
Not by the terrors of a slave
Do they perform His will;
But with the noblest powers they have
His sweet commands fulfill.
They access find at every hour
To God within the veil;
Hence they derive a quickening power,
And joys that never fail.
O happy souls! O glorious state
Of overflowing grace;
To dwell so near their Father’s seat,
And see His lovely face!
Lord, I address Thy heavenly throne;
Call me a child of Thine;
Send down the Spirit of Thy Son
To form my heart divine.
There shed Thy choicest loves abroad,
And make my comforts strong:
Then shall I say, My Father God!
With an unwavering tongue.