In vain the erring world inquires

I. In vain the erring world enquires,
For true substantial good:
While earth confines their low desires,
They live on airy food.

II. Illusive dreams of happiness,
Their eager thoughts employ;
They wake, convinc'd their boasted bliss
Was visionary joy.

III. Begone, ye gilded vanities;
I seek some solid good;
To real bliss my wishes rise,
The favour of my God.

IV. My God, to thee my soul aspires;
Dispel the shades of night,
Enlarge and fill these vast desires,
With infinite delight.

V. Immortal joy thy smiles impart,
Heav'n dawns in ev'ry ray;
One glimpse of thee will glad my heart,
And turn my night to day.

VI. Not all the good which earth bestows,
Can fill the craving mind;
Its highest joys have mingled woes,
And leave a sting behind.

VII. Should boundless wealth increase my store—
Can wealth my cares beguile?
I should be wretched still, and poor
Without thy blissful smile.

VIII. Grant, O my God, this one request:
Oh, be thy love alone
My ample portion,—here I rest,
For heav'n is in the boon.

Source: Poems on Subjects Chiefly Devotional, Vol. 1 #30