Young people all attention give, While I address you in God's name; You who in sin and folly live, Come hear the counsel of a friend. I've sought for bliss in glitt'ring toys, And ranged the luring scenes of vice; But never knew substantial joys, Until I heard my Saviour's voice. He spake at once my sins forgiv'n, And washed my load of guilt away; He gave me glory, peace and heav'n, And thus I found the heav'nly way. And now with trembling sense I view The billows roll beneath your feet; For death eternal waits for you, Who slight the force of gospel truth. Youth, like the spring will soon be gone By fleeting time or conqu'ring death, Your morning sun may set at noon, And leave you ever in the dark. Your sparkling eyes and blooming cheeks Must wither like the blasted rose; The coffin, earth, and winding sheet Will soon your active limbs enclose. Ye heedless ones that wildly stroll, The grave will soon become your bed, Where silence reigns and vapors roll In solemn darkness round your head. Your friends will pass this lonesome place, And with a sigh move slow along; Still gazing on the spires of grass With which your graves are overgrown.