Must all the charms of nature, then

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Must all the charms of nature, then

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 27 hymnals

Representative Text

1 Must all the charms of nature, then,
So hopeless to salvation prove?
Can hell demand, can heaven 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 heaven today,"
The youth, astonished 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.

The Hartford Selection of Hymns from the most approved authors, 1799

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Author: Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >

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