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 pleasures that allure our 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.