You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

P73c. Lord, what a thoughtless Wretch was I

1 Lord, what a thoughtless Wretch was I,
To mourn and murmur, and repine
To see the Wicked plac'd on high,
In Pride and Robes of Honour shine!

2 But, O their End, their dreadful End!
Thy Sanctuary taught me so;
O slipp'ry Rocks I see them stand,
And fi'ry Billows roll below.

3 Now let 'em boast how tall they rise,
I'll never envy them again;
There they may stand with haughty Eyes,
Till they plunge deep in endless Pain.

4 Their fancy'd Joys, how fast they flee!
Just like a Dream when Man awakes;
Their Songs of softest Harmony
Are but a Preface to their Plagues.

5 Now I esteem their Mirth and Wine
Too dear to Purchase with my Blood;
Lord, 'tis enough that thou art mine,
My Life, my Portion, and my GOD.

Text Information
First Line: Lord, what a thoughtless Wretch was I
Meter: Long Metre
Language: English
Publication Date: 1740
Scripture: ; ; ;
Topic: Prosperity dangerous; Providence: its mystery unfolded
Notes: Public Domain.
Tune Information
(No tune information)



Media
More media are available on the text authority page.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.