Pleasures and pleasures

        (The corruptible and the incorruptible)

Across the burning deserts of sinful strife

My soul in its conflict and sorrows will fly.

Pleasures of earth, so seemingly sweet

Fail at last our longings to meet.

On dazzling peak or darkling plain,

'Mid human joy or gloom or pain

We rally round our blessed standard here:

And the Saviour's cross we early learn to bear.

In place ills afflict and demons vex

And woes the sons of men perplex

Dismay not in dolour that betide

Behold, beneath His wings of love we abide.

Though earth despise and friends forsake,

Though families act as loving as snakes,

When neither sun nor stars appear,

Still I can trust and feel no fear.

Dwelleth in us is peace divine -

Peace that the world, tho'all combine

Never can take away from us!

Who cares about their snare and disgust?

Marching on, pressing t'wards the prize

To glorious crown beyond the glowing skies.

To fill our hearts with heavenly joy

Pleasures that can ne'er cloy.