See, the world for youth prepares

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. See, the world for youth prepares,Harlot like, her gaudy snares!Pleasures round her seem to wait,But ’tis all a painted cheat.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. Rash and unsuspecting youthThinks to find thee always smooth,Always kind, till better taught,By experience dearly bought.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. So the calm, but faithless sea,(Lively emblem, world, of thee)Tempts the shepherd from the shore,Foreign regions to explore.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. While no wrinkled wave is seen,While the sky remains serene;Filled with hopes, and golden schemes,Of a storm he little dreams.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. But ere long the tempest raves,Then he trembles at the waves;Wishes then he had been wise,But too late–he sinks and dies.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. Hapless thus, are they, vain world,Soon on rocks of ruin hurled;Who admiring thee, untried,Court thy pleasure, wealth, or pride.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. Such a shipwreck had been mine,Had not JESUS (Name Divine!)Saved me with a mighty hand,And restored my soul to land.

8. 8

   Stanza 8. Now, with gratitude I raiseEbenezers to his praise;Now my rash pursuits are o’er,I can trust thee, world, no more.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 2, Hymn 99. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/2-99