A worm unseen attacks the root,
And all our hopes are vain.
6 I pity those who seek no more
Than such a world can give ;
Wretched they are and blind and poor,
And dying while they live.
7 Since sin has fill d the earth with woe,
And creatures fade and die,
Lord, wean our hearts from things below,
And fix our hopes on high.
55.
Vanity of the World. C.
1 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.
2 The world s esteem is but a bribe ;
To buy their peace you sell your own,
The slave of a vain-glorious tribe.
Who hate you while they make you known,
3 The joy that vain amusements give,
Oh, sad conclusion that it brings !
The honey of a crowded hive,
Defended by a thousand stings.
4 Tis thus the world rewards the fools
That live upon her treach rous smiles :
vShe leads them blindfold by her rules,
And ruins all whom she beguiles,
5 God knows the thousands who go down
From pleasure into endless woe,
And with a long despairing groan
Blaspheme their Maker as they go.
6 O fearful thought ! be timely wise ;
Delight but in a Saviour s charms.
And God shall take you to the skies.
Embraced in everlasting arms.
