Page:Olney Hymns - 1840.djvu/279

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BOOK II.
CREATION.
275

2 As in another world we seem,
A new creation of our own;
All appears real, though but a dream,
And all familiar, though unknown.

3 Sometimes, the mind beholds again
The past day's business in review—
Resumes the pleasure or the pain,
And sometimes all we meet is new.

4 What schemes we form, what pains we take!
We fight, we run, we fly, we fall;
But all is ended when we wake,
We scarcely then a trace recall.

5 But though our dreams are often wild,
Like clouds before the driving storm;
Yet some important may be styled,
Sent to admonish or inform.

6 What mighty agents have access,
What friends from heaven, or foes from hell,
Our minds to comfort or distress,
When we are sleeping, who can tell?

7 One thing, at least, and tis enough,
We learn from this surprising fact—
Our dreams afford sufficient proof,
The soul without the flesh can act.

8 This life, which mortals so esteem,
That many choose it for their all,
They will confess, was but a dream,
When waken d by death's awful call.

99.
The World.

 
1 See, the world for youth prepares,
Harlot-like, her gaudy snares!
Pleasures round her seem to wait,
But tis all a painted cheat.

2 Rash and unsuspecting youth
Thinks to find thee always smooth,