Hence, vain, intruding world, depart;
by A. Steele·1814·Meter 8.8.8.8 (LM)
Based on Ps 4:4
1
Hence, vain, intruding world, depart;
No more allure nor vex my heart;
Let every vanity be gone;
I would be peaceful and alone.
2
Here let me search my inmost mind,
And try its real state to find,
The secret springs of thought explore,
And call my words and actions o'er.
3
Eternity, tremendous sound!
To guilty souls a dreadful wound;
But O, if Christ and heaven be mine,
How sweet the accents, how divine!
4
Be this my great, my only care,
My chief pursuit, my ardent prayer,
An interest in the Saviour's blood,
My pardon sealed, and peace with God.
5
Search, Lord, O search my inmost heart,
And light, and hope, and joy impart;
From guilt and error set me free,
And guide me safe to heaven and thee.