Hymns And Spiritual Songs

1 Must all the charms of nature then
So hopeless to salvation prove?
Can hell demand, can heaven condemn
The man whom Jesus deigns to love?

2 The man who sought the ways of truth,
Paid friends and neighbours all their due,
(A modest, sober, lovely youth)
And thought he wanted nothing now.

3 But mark the change! thus spake the Lord,
"Come, part with earth for heaven to-day,"
The youth astonish'd at the word,
In silent sadness went his way.

4 Poor virtues that he boasted so,
This test unable to endure;
Let Christ, and grace, and glory go
To make his land and money sure.

5 Ah foolish choice of treasures here!
Ah fatal love of tempting gold!
Must this base world be bought so dear?
Are life and heaven so cheaply sold?

6 In vain the charms of nature shine,
If this vile passion govern me:
Transform my soul, O love divine,
And make me part with all for thee.