Hymns, Selected and Original ‎#90

90. Backward with humble shame we look

1 Backward with humble shame we look,
On our original;
How is our nature dash'd and broke
In our first father's fall!

2 To all that's good averse and blind,
But prone to all that's ill;
What dreadful darkness veils our mind!
How obstinate our will!

3 How strong in our degenerate blood,
The old corruption reigns,
And, mingling with the crooked flood,
Wanders through all our veins!

4 Wild and unwholesome as the root
Will all the branches be;
How can we hope for living fruit
From such a deadly tree?

5 What mortal power from things unclean
Can pure productions bring?
Who can command a vital stream
From an infected spring?

6 Yet, mighty God, thy wondrous love
Can make our nature clean,
While Christ and grace prevail above
The tempter, death, and sin.

7 The second Adam shall restore
The ruins of the first,
Hosanna to that sovereign power
That new-creates our dust.

Text Information

• First Line: Backward with humble shame we look
• Meter: C. M.
• Publication Date: 1828
• Scripture:
  Job 14:4
  ;
  Psalm 51:5
  ;
  Romans 5:12
• Topic: Fall and Depravity of Man; Original Sin; or, the first and second Adam

Tune Information

(No tune information)