Poems (Dodd)/O, trust not in the things of Earth
O, TRUST NOT IN THE THINGS OF EARTH.
O, trust not in the things of earth, Though bright their smile appears;The glance of joy, the tones of mirth, Are followed soon by tears.Here is no rock on which to stay, No lasting pleasure given,Then throw the "broken reed" away, And put thy trust in Heaven.
Though hope around thy path may stay, Her sunny dreams to weave.She only makes the future gay, And flatters to deceive.Her changing form, and cheating light, To cheer our way are given;But follow not the phantom bright, Anchor thy hope on Heaven.
And love is but a meteor gleam, Which dazzles for a while,Like sunshine on the flowing stream, Or summer's fleeting smile. The fondest friends grow changed and cold, And strongest ties are riven;The heart's desires earth cannot hold, Then give thy love to Heaven.
To fading joys why clingest thou, With faith so fond and deep?O'er promise false, and broken vow, Soon wilt thou vainly weep.When thy deceived and wounded heart, With silent grief is riven,Like Mary choose the "better part," And fix thy faith on Heaven.