God gives his mercies to be spent

by William Cowper

Vanity of the world by William Cowper

God gives his mercies to be spent;

"Your hoard will do your soul no good:

Gold is a blessing only lent,

Repaid by giving others food.

The world's esteem is but a bribe,

To buy their peace you fell your own;

The slave of a vain-glorious tribe,

Who hate you while they make you known.

The Joy that vain amusements give,

O! sad conclusion that it brings!

The honey of a crowded hive,

Defended by a thousand stings.

'Tis thus the world rewards the fools

That live upon her treach'rous smiles;

She leads them, blindfold, by her rules,

And ruins all whom she beguiles.

God knows the thousands who go down

From pleasure, into endless woe;

And with a long despairing groan

Blaspheme their Maker as they go.

O fearful thought! be timely wise;

Delight but in a Savior's charms;

And God shall take you to the skies,

Embraced in everlasting arms.