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The evils that beset our path Vanity of Life See also Book 2, Hymn 6

John Newton printed it in 1779 in Olney Hymns, Book I, no. 54, under Ecclesiastes 2.

WRITTEN BY

John Newton 1725–1807

PRINTED

1779 Olney Hymns · no. 54

METRE

Common Metre 8.6.8.6 · 7 stanzas

WRITTEN ON

Ecclesiastes 2 the verse printed above it

The hymn, and the Scripture in it

All 7 stanzas as Newton printed them, with the verses their lines echo beside them. Point at a line to join it to its verse; click to read the passage.

SHARED WORDSthe verse shares the line's wording ECHOproposed by an AI model, confirmed by a separate check Not the author's own notes

AMONG THE SCRIPTURES

The stanzas at the centre; around them, every book its heading and its echoes come from, Old Testament on the left and New on the right. Choose a stanza or a book.

a line echoes this verse its heading or an echo comes from here

STANZA I

The evils that beset our path

Who can prevent or cure?

We stand upon the brink of death

When most we seem secure.

No line of this stanza quotes a verse closely; it is the hymn's own confession.

Where Newton found it

Newton printed the hymn under Ecclesiastes 2.

1I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good!” But it proved to be futile. 2I said of laughter, “It is folly,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” 3I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. 4I expanded my pursuits. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. … 22 more verses ECCLESIASTES 2 · ITS FIRST VERSES · BEREAN STANDARD BIBLE READ ECCLESIASTES 2

Its place in the book

Book I of Olney Hymns walks through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, one hymn per passage: 141 hymns. This is number 54. Point at a tick to see the hymn; click it to open that hymn.

NO. 54 · JOHN NEWTON · THIS HYMN The evils that beset our path

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