The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley

With vain magnificent excess,
With gold and gems and costly dress
The trophies of their pride,
They charm the captivated crowd;
But can they from the eye of God
Their shame and vileness hide?

The glare of royal pageantry
Admired by vulgar eyes may be,
And beauty's idle boast,

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But cannot inward peace procure,
Or dignify the slaves impure
Of foul, incestuous lust.

Their dazzling state let faith compare
With that poor prisoner at the bar,
Who answers God's designs,
Adorn'd with truth and holiness,
With wisdom meek, and constant grace,
He all their pomp outshines.

Ye that in rich attire delight,
Say, which is the illustrious sight,
And more your eyes detains,
A woman lewd in fair disguise,
Loaded with pearls, and stain'd with vice,
Or holy Paul in chains?

University of Virginia Library

2957.

[With vain magnificent excess]