THE PLEASURES OF THE WORLD.
By Clyde Scott Chase
“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” THE Saviour spake; and from His lips
Came forth the great and potent word:
“The bitter of the cross He sips
Whose heart by love of God is stirred.” And we, amid earth’s sins enrolled,
Attest His counsel true and wise;
God’s face no one can e’er behold
Through sinful-pleasure-blotted eyes. Self must be crucified if we
The peace of Heaven truly feel;
At all times we must hear and see
The poet Cowper’s words of steel: The joy that vain amusements give,
O, sad conclusion that it brings!
The honey of a crowded hive,
Defended by a thousand stings. ’Tis thus the world rewards the fools
Who live upon her treacherous smiles,
She leads them blindfold by her rules,
And ruins all whom she beguiles.