Vanity of the World

God gives his mercies to be spent;
“Your hoard will do your soul no good;

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,
Oh! 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 treacherous 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 Saviour’s charms;
And God shall take you to the skies,
Embraced in everlasting arms.

William Cowper