Vanity of the World
Olney Hymns, William Cowper, from Cowper's Poems, Sheldon & Company, New York
Vanity of the World
God gives His mercies to be spent; The world's esteem is but a bribe, The joy that vain amusements give, &ls;Tis thus the world rewards the fools God knows the thousands who go down Oh fearful thought! be timely wise;Your hoard will do your soul no good;
Gold is a blessing only lent,
Repaid by giving others food.
To buy their peace you sell your own;
The slave of a vainglorious tribe,
Who hate you while they make you known.
Oh! sad conclusion that it brings!
The honey of a crowded hive,
Defended by a thousand stings.
That live upon her treacherous smiles:
She leads them blindfold by her rules,
And ruins all whom she beguiles.
From pleasure into endless woe;
And with a long despairing groan
Blaspheme their Maker as they go.
Delight but in a Saviour's charms,
And God shall take you to the skies,
