1 The wandering star, and fleeting wind
Both represent th' unstable mind:
The morning cloud, and early dew
Bring our inconstancy to view.

2 But cloud, and wind, and dew, and star,
Faint and imperfect emblems are:
Nor can there aught in nature be
So fickle and so false as we.

3 Our outward walk, and inward frame,
Scarce thro' a single hour the same;
We vow, and straight our vows forget,
And then those very vows repeat.

4 We sin forsake, to sin return,
Are hot and cold, now freeze, now burn;
In deep distress, then raptures feel,
We soar to heaven, then sink to hell.

5 With flowing tears, Lord, we confess
Our folly, and unsteadfastness;
When shall these hearts more fixed be,
Fix'd by thy grace, and fix'd on thee?