1 Why do the proud insult the poor,
And boast the large estates they have!
How vain are riches to secure
Their haughty owners from the grave!

2 They can’t redeem one hour from death
With all the wealth in which they trust;
Nor give a dying brother breath,
When God commands him down to dust.

3 There the dark earth and dismal shade
Shall clasp their naked bodies round;
That flesh so delicately fed
Lies cold, and moulders in the ground.

4 Like thoughtless sheep the sinner dies,
And leaves his glories in the tomb;
The saints shall in the morning rise,
And find th’ oppressor's awful doom.

5 His honours perish in the dust,
And pomp and beauty, birth and blood;
That glorious day exalts the just
To full dominion o’er the proud.

6 My Saviour shall my life restore,
And raise me from my dark abode;
My flesh and soul shall part no more,
But dwell forever near my God.