CCVI. The Care of the Soul, the one Thing needful.

WHY will ye lavish out your Years
Amidst a thousand trifling Cares?
While in this various Range of Thought
The one Thing needful is forgot?

Why will ye chase the fleeting Wind,
And famish an immortal Mind?
While Angels with Regret look down
To see you spurn a heav'nly Crown?

Th' Eternal GOD calls from above,
And Jesus pleads his bleeding Love;
Awaken'd Conscience gives you Pain;
And shall they join their Pleas in vain?

Not so your dying Eyes shall view
Those Objects, which ye now persue;
Not so shall Heav'n and Hell appear,
When the decisive Hour is near.

Almighty GOD, thy Pow'r impart
To fix Convictions on the Heart;
Thy Pow'r unveils the blindest Eyes,
And makes the haughtiest Scorner wise.