Old things are passed away

John Newton · 1779

Catalog grade guidance: 3–5 — Olney hymn for school recitation; preview archaic diction.

29 content lines · 158 words · Est. recitation about 1 min 56 sec (approx.)

Public-domain text for reading and recitation practice. Source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library (Olney Hymns, 1779).Estimated time uses ~120 words/minute plus short pauses—not a contest rule.

Hymn 59

John Newton

8,6,8,6

Old things are passed away.

Let worldly minds the world pursue,

It has no charms for me;

Once I admired its trifles too,

But grace has set me free.

Its pleasures now no longer please,

No more content afford;

Far from my heart be joys like these;

Now I have seen the LORD.

As by the light of op'ning day

The stars are all concealed;

So earthly pleasures fade away,

When JESUS is revealed.

Creatures no more divide my choice,

I bid them all depart;

His name, and love, and gracious voice,

Have fixed my roving heart.

Now, Lord, I would be thine alone,

And wholly live to thee;

But may I hope that thou wilt own

A worthless worm, like me?

Yes! though of sinners I'm the worst,

I cannot doubt thy will;

For if thou hadst not loved me first

I had refused thee still.
Jer 31:3