The evils that beset our path

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. The evils that beset our pathWho can prevent or cure?We stand upon the brink of deathWhen most we seem secure.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. If we today sweet peace possess,It soon may be withdrawn;Some change may plunge us in distress,Before tomorrow’s dawn.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. Disease and pain invade our healthAnd find an easy prey;And oft, when least expected, wealthTakes wings and flies away.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. A fever or a blow can shakeOur wisdom’s boasted rule;And of the brightest genius makeA madman or a fool.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. The gourds, from which we look for fruit,Produce us only pain;A worm unseen attacks the root,And all our hopes are vain.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. I pity those who seek no moreThan such a world can give;Wretched they are, and blind, and poor,And dying while they live.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. Since sin has filled the earth with woe,And creatures fade and die;Lord wean our hearts from things below,And fix our hopes on high.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 1, Hymn 54. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/1-54