Classic Poem

Another Combate between the Flesh and Spirit.

Flesh

1

Soul thou hast cause to fear
Thy Faith will not hold out:
And that it is but counterfeit
Thou do'st so often doubt.
See what a mighty power
Of Unbelief prevails
From time to time! and how thine heart
And Faith thee often fails.

Spirit.

2

Oh sly and sinful flesh!
Thou art a treacherous Thief,
That robs me of my Faith, and then
Condemns for Unbelief
They're thy suggestions vile
(That do'st with Hell comply)
That make me doubt, who otherwise
On Christ alone rely.

3

Whole Christ with all my heart
I earnestly Embrace;
And for my whole Salvation I
Relie upon his grace:
Renouncing all my own
Both Righteousness, and Sin;
Endeav'ring Holiness, as well
As Happiness to win.

4

And blessed by the Lord,
Who will compleat my Faith,
Weak though it be, as he the same
At first begotten hath:
Mean while he it supports;
And as himself doth tell,
It never shall be vanquished
By all the force of Hell.