God gives his mercies to be spent

Vanity of the world by William Cowper


 * 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,
 * O! 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 treach'rous 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 Savior's charms;
 * And God shall take you to the skies,
 * Embraced in everlasting arms.