God gives his mercies to be spent;

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. 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.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. 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.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. The Joy that vain amusements give,O! sad conclusion that it brings!The honey of a crowded hive,Defended by a thousand stings.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. ’Tis thus the world rewards the foolsThat live upon her treach’rous smiles;She leads them, blindfold, by her rules,And ruins all whom she beguiles.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. God knows the thousands who go downFrom pleasure, into endless woe;And with a long despairing groanBlaspheme their Maker as they go.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. 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.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 1, Hymn 55. William Cowper. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/1-55