Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22
Words: Benjamin Beddome (1717–1795). Published posthumously in Hymns Adapted to Public Worship (London: Burton & Briggs, 1818), number 719, alt. Snares of Youth.
Music: Farnham traditional English tune (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Beddome (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Frail youth are on a slippery path,
[originally, Frail youth are in a slippery path]
Beset with mighty foes;
Surrounded with disease and death,
Unnumbered sins and woes.
Their passions war against the soul,
And lead their feet astray;
Submitting to the world’s control,
They shun the narrow way.
To vanities of time and sense,
Their youthful hearts are prone;
How difficult to draw them thence,
To seek a heav’nly goal.
Great God, the work is wholly Thine,
To guide our erring youth;
Do Thou their wandering hearts incline,
To seek the ways of truth.
Restrain impetuous passions, Lord,
Upwards direct their eyes;
Give them a heart to know Thy word,
And all Thy counsels prize.