477.
Wisdom taught by all Things.
1
Who the course of time shall stay?
Stream that earnest passes on;
Still impatient in its way,
Ever coming, never gone!
May I hence, to Canaan bound,
Lesson learn from all around.
2
Does the oak, for empire made,
Prostrate on the ground appear?
Will the thorn ere long be laid?
Time subverting all things here!
Lord! prepare me for the day,
When I nature's debt must pay!
3
Now the great and mighty tread
Honour's path, and close their eyes;
Now, the beggar bows his head;
Now the fool, and now the wise!
May I make my calling sure!
Give me wealth that will endure!
4
Lords are dust! and kings are clay!
Now they shine, and now they die!
Honours, riches, pass away
Like the stream that hurries by!
Shall I seek the things of earth,
And forget my lofty birth?
5
Coveting no pomp or show,
Nor man's praises to obtain;
May I, like my Saviour, grow,
And hereafter with him reign!
Other choice may grief afford,
This will never be deplor'd!
