Doctor Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David ‎#XLIX

XLIX. The World's Three chief Temptations

1 When, in the light of faith divine,
We look on things below,
Honour, and gold, and sensual joy,
How vain and dangerous too.

2 Honour's a puff of noisy breath;
Yet men expose their blood,
And venture everlasting death,
To gain that airy good.

3 Whilst others starve the nobler mind,
And feed on shining dust;
They rob the serpent of his food,
T' indulge a sordid lust.

4 The pleasure which allures the sense,
Are dangerous snares to souls;
There's but a drop of flattering sweet,
And dash'd with bitter bowls.

5 God is mine all-sufficient good,
My portion, and my choice;
In him my vast desires are fill'd,
And all my powers rejoice.

6 In vain the world accosts my ear,
And tempts my heart anew;
I cannot buy your bliss so dear,
Nor part with heaven for you.

Text Information

• First Line: When, in the light of faith divine
• Title: The World's Three chief Temptations
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1790

Tune Information

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