The Hartford Selection of Hymns ‎#CCLXV

CCLXV. A lovely youth falling short of heaven

1 Must all the charms of nature, then,
So hopeless to salvation prove?
Can hell demand, can heav'n condemn,
The man whom Jesus deigns to love?

2 The man who sought the ways of truth,
Paid friends and neighbors all their due;
A modest, sober, lovely youth,
And thought he wanted nothing new?

3 But mark the change: thus spake the Lord,
"Come, part with earth for heav'n to-day,"
The youth, astonish'd at the word,
In silent sadness went his way.

4 Poor virtues, that he boasted so,
This test unable to endure,
Let Christ, and grace, and glory go,
To make his land and money sure!

5 Ah foolish choice of treasures here!
Ah fatal love of tempting gold!
Must this base world be bought so dear?
Are life and heav'n so cheaply sold!

6 In vain the charms of nature shine,
If this vile passion govern me;
Transform my soul, O love divine!
And make me part with all for thee.

Text Information

• First Line: Must all the charms of nature then
• Title: A lovely youth falling short of heaven
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1799
• Scripture:
  Mark 10:21
• Topic: Lovely youth falling short of heaven; Youth: The accepted time

Tune Information

(No tune information)