Strait is the way, the door is strait

Strait is the way, the door is strait,

That leads to joys on high;

'Tis but a few that find the gate,

While crouds mistake, and die.

Beloved self must be deny'd,

The mind and will renew'd

Passion suppress'd, and patience try'd,

And vain desires subdu'd.

The love of gold be banished hence,

(That vile idolatry)

And every member, every sense

In sweet subjection lie.

The tongue, that most unruly power,

Requires a strong restraint;

We must be watchful every hour,

And pray, but never faint.

Lord! can a feeble helpless worm

Fulfil a task so hard?

Thy grace must all my work perform,

And give the free reward.