1 Vain man, on foolish pleasures bent, Prepares for his own punishment; What pains, what loathsome maladies From luxury and lust arise!
2 The drunkard feels his vitals waste, Yet drowns his health to please his taste; Till all his active powers are lost, And fainting life draws near the dust.
3 The glutton groans and loathes to eat, His soul abhors delicious meat; Nature, with heavy loads opprest, Would yield to death to be releas'd.
4 Then how the frighted sinners fly To God for help with earnest cry! He hears their groans, prolongs their breath, And saves them from approaching death,
5 No med'cines could effect the cure So quick, so easy, or so sure: The deadly sentence God repeals, He sends his sovereign word, and heals,
6 O may the sons of men record The wondrous goodness of the Lord! And let their thankful offerings prove How they adore their Maker's love.