Where'er my flattering passions rove,

I find a lurking snare;

'Tis dangerous to let loose our love

Beneath the Eternal Fair.

Souls whom the tie of friendship binds,

And partners of our blood,

Seize a large portion of our minds,

And leave the less for GOD.

Nature has soft but powerful bands,

And Reason she controls;

While children with their little hands

Hang closest to our souls.

Thoughtless they act the old Serpent's part;

What tempting things they be!

LORD, how they twine about our heart,

And draw it off from Thee!

Dear Sovereign, break these fetters off,

And set our spirits free;

GOD in Himself is bliss enough;

For we have all in Thee.