A Selection of Hymns ‎#CCLXI

CCLXI. Moderation, or the saint indeed

1 Happy the man whose cautious steps,
still keep the golden mean;
Whose life by wisdom's rules well form'd
Declares a conscience clean.

2 Not of himself he highly thinks,
Nor acts the boaster's part;
His modest tongue the language speaks
Of his still humbler heart.

3 Not in base scandal's arts he deals,
For truth dwells in his breast;
With grief he sees his neighbour's faults
And thinks and hopes the best.

4 What blessings bounteous heaven bestows
He takes with thankful heart
With temperance he both eats and drinks,
And gives the poor a part.

5 To sect or party, his large soul
Disdains to be confin'd;
The good he loves of every name
And prays for all mankind.

6 Pure is his zeal, the offspring fair
Of truth and heavenly love;
The bigot's rage can never dwell
Where rests the peaceful dove.

7 His business is to keep his heart,
Each passion to control;
Nobly ambitious well to rule
The empire of his soul.

8 Not on the world his heart is set,
His treasure is above;
Nothing beneath the sovereign good,
Can claim his highest love.

Text Information

• First Line: Happy the man whose cautious steps
• Title: Moderation, or the saint indeed
• Author: Needham
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1792
• Scripture:
  Philippians 4:5
• Topic: Graces of the Spirit: Moderation; Moderation; Saint indeed

Tune Information

(No tune information)