This world is the place where Satan has power,
To tempt us without and within;
The place where he gathers his servants together,
To give them the pleasures of sin.
He has plenty to give to the rich and the poor,
Has plenty for young and for old;
He blinds them to pleasures that always endure—
Far better than silver and gold.
He has wine for the drunkard to gladden his heart,
And tempt him his sins to forget;
Let him drink to the full, and yet, when it is past,
His sins are all facing him yet.
He has oaths for the swearer, and hardens his heart,
His conscience he hardens in sin;
To care not for God, to care not for man
Nor for warnings without and within.
He has plenty of pleasures, has parties and balls,
Has dances for young and for gay;
Has theaters and concerts for young and for old,
And says they are innocent play.
He has plenty of gold for the miser to love,
He has business for thrifty and smart;
He tells them to always look out for themselves,
And hardens their conscience and heart.
For people ambitious he has honor to give,
Has admirers for those who are vain,
Has science for learned and intelligent folk,
Has kingdoms for those who would reign.
A religion for those who esteem themselves good,
Who say they are serious and true,
A church and a choir, good music to please,
A preacher, a pulpit, a pew.