1 The wandering star and fleeting wind
Both represent the 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 through 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, are 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’d confess
Our folly and unsteadfastness;
When shall these hearts more fixèd be –
Fixed by thy grace, and fixed on thee?