Strait is the way

Hymn 161 in Book 2 of Hymns and Spiritual Songs by Isaac Watts

1. Strait is the way, the door is strait 
that leads to joys on high;
’Tis but a few that find the gate, 
while crowds mistake and die.

2. Beloved self must be denied, 
the mind and will renewed;
Passion suppressed, and patience tried, 
and vain desires subdued.

3. Flesh is a dangerous foe to grace; 
where it prevails and rules;
Flesh must be humbled, pride abased, 
lest they destroy our souls.

4. The love of gold be banished hence,
that vile idolatry,
And every member, every sense,
in sweet subjection lie.

5. The tongue, that most unruly power,
requires a strong restraint;
We must be watchful every hour,
and pray, but never faint.

6. Lord! can a feeble, helpless worm 
fulfill a task so hard?
Thy grace must all my work perform, 
and give the free reward.