The Worldling

John Newton, 1779, from Olney Hymns, vol. 1, hymn 102

My barns are full, my stores increase, And now, for many years, Soul, eat and drink, and take thine ease, Secure from wants and fears. 2. Thus while a worldling boasted once, As many now presume; He heard the Lord himself pronounce His sudden, aweful doom. 3. This night, vain fool, thy soul must pass Into a world unknown; And who shall then the stores possess Which thou hast called thine own.

4. Thus blinded mortals fondly scheme For happiness below; Till death disturb the pleasing dream, And they awake to woe. 5. Ah! who can speak the vast dismay That fills the sinner's mind; When torn, by death's strong hand, away, He leaves his all behind. 6. Wretches, who cleave to earthly things, But are not rich to God; Their dying hour is full of stings, And hell their dark abode.

7. Dear Saviour, make us timely wise, Thy gospel to attend; That we may live above the skies, When this poor life shall end.

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