They dance after pleasure's bubble

(Henry Law, 1797-1884)

The mass of mankind are strangers to God, and
rebels to His grace. Their chief good resides in things
of time and sense. Their horizon stretches not beyond
this fleeting earthly scene. Their one object is to press
most earthly joy into earth's little day. They dance
after pleasure's bubble, and scorn the cross!

The world is still the world. Its baits, its
filth, its vile corruptions, are unchanged.

It still extends a net for the unwary soul.

It still is the broad road going down to hell.

It still is the wide gate courting the giddy multitude.

Hence Scripture's voice still cries, "Beware!"

Beacons still show a coast bestrewed with
wrecks, and wisdom calls the holy pilgrim
from treacherous path.

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide
 and the way is easy that leads to destruction,
 and those who enter by it are many. For the
 gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads
 to life, and those who find it are few."
    (Matthew 7:13-14)