The Psalms of David ‎#II.XLVIII

II.XLVIII. How vain are all Things here below?

1 How vain are all Things here below!
How false, and yet how fair!
Each Pleasure hath its Poison too,
And ev'ry Sweet a Snare.

2 The brightest Things below the Sky
Give but a flatt'ring Light;
We should suspect some danger nigh,
Where we possess Delight.

3 Our dearest Joys, and nearest Friends,
The Partners of our Blood,
How they divide our wav'ring Minds,
And leave but half for God.

4 The Fondness of a Creature's Love,
How strong it strikes the Sense!
Thither the warm Affections move,
Nor can we call them thence.

5 Dear Saviour, let thy Beauties be
My Soul's eternal Food;
And Grace command my Heart away
From all created Good.

Text Information

• First Line: How vain are all Things here below?
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1766
• Topic: Dangers of Love to the Creatures; Martyrdom; Sensual Delights dangerous

Tune Information

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