Characters of the children of God. From several scriptures. 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 men their Father loves, And hate the works he hates.] [Not all the flatt'ring baits on earth Can make them slaves to lust; They can't forget their heav'nly 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 uncorrupting 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 fulfil.] They find access at every hour To God within the veil; Hence they derive a quick'ning 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 heav'nly 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 unwav'ring tongue.