The World

I

See, the world for youth prepares,
Harlot-like, her gaudy snares!
Pleasures round her seem to wait,
But ’tis all a painted cheat.

II

Rash and unsuspecting youth
Thinks to find thee always smooth,
Always kind, till better taught,
By experience dearly bought.

III

So the calm but faithless sea,
(Lively emblem, world, of thee,)
Tempts the shepherd from the shore,
Foreign regions to explore.

IV

While no wrinkled wave is seen,
While the sky remains serene,
Fill’d with hopes and golden schemes.
Of a storm he little dreams.

V

By ere long the tempest raves,
Then he trembles at the waves,
Wishes then he had been wise,
But too late⁠—he sinks and dies.

VI

Hapless, thus, are they, vain world,
Soon on rocks of ruin hurl’d,
Who, admiring thee untried,
Court thy pleasure, wealth, or pride.

VII

Such a shipwreck had been mine.
Had not Jesus (name divine!)
Saved me with a mighty hand,
And restored my soul to land.

VIII

Now, with gratitude I raise
Ebenezers to his praise;
Now my rash pursuits are o’er,
I can trust thee, world, no more.