Anne Steele, 1716-1778
Ye glittering toys of earth, adieu,
A nobler choice be mine;
A regal prize attracts my view,
A treasure all divine;
Begone unworthy of my cares,
Ye spacious baits of sense;
Inestimable worth appears
The pearl of price immense.
Jesus, to multitudes unknown—
O name divinely sweet!
Jesus, in Thee, in Thee alone,
Wealth, honor, pleasure meet!
Should both the Indies at my call
Their boasted stores resign:
With joy I would renounce them all,
For leave to call Thee mine.
Should earth’s vain treasures all depart,
Of this dear gift possessed,
I’d clasp it to my joyful heart,
And be forever blest:
Dear Sovereign of my soul’s desire,
Thy love is bliss divine!
Accept the wish that love inspires,
And bid me call Thee mine.
A nobler choice be mine;
A regal prize attracts my view,
A treasure all divine;
Begone unworthy of my cares,
Ye spacious baits of sense;
Inestimable worth appears
The pearl of price immense.
Jesus, to multitudes unknown—
O name divinely sweet!
Jesus, in Thee, in Thee alone,
Wealth, honor, pleasure meet!
Should both the Indies at my call
Their boasted stores resign:
With joy I would renounce them all,
For leave to call Thee mine.
Should earth’s vain treasures all depart,
Of this dear gift possessed,
I’d clasp it to my joyful heart,
And be forever blest:
Dear Sovereign of my soul’s desire,
Thy love is bliss divine!
Accept the wish that love inspires,
And bid me call Thee mine.
