Hymn 1:23 [Must All The Charms Of Nature Then]

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Title:     Hymn 1:23 [Must All The Charms Of Nature Then]
Author: Isaac Watts [More Titles by Watts]

A hopeful youth falling short of heaven, Mark 10. 21.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

[The end]
Isaac Watts's Poem: Hymn 1:23 [Must All The Charms Of Nature Then]

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