They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world hears them.
1 John 4:5
Words: John Newton, Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779), Book 3, number 59. Old things are passed away.
Let worldly minds the world pursue,
It has no charms for me;
Once I admired its trifles too,
But grace has set me free.
Its pleasures now no longer please,
No more content afford;
Far from my heart be joys like these;
Now I have seen the Lord.
As by the light of opening day
The stars are all concealed;
So earthly pleasures fade away,
When Jesus is revealed.
Creatures no more divide my choice,
I bid them all depart;
His name, and love, and gracious voice,
Have fixed my roving heart.
Now, Lord, I would be Thine alone,
And wholly live to Thee;
But may I hope that Thou wilt own
A worthless worm, like me?
Yes! though of sinners I’m the worst,
I cannot doubt Thy will;
For if Thou hadst not loved me first
I had refused Thee still.