A Collection of Psalms and Hymns ‎#XXXV

XXXV. The Shortness of Life

1 Time, what an empty Vapour 'tis!
And Days how swift they are!
Swift as an Indian Arrow flies,
Or like a shooting Star!

2 The present Moments just appear,
Then slide away in haste,
That we can never say, they're here!
But only say, they're past!

3 Our Life is ever on the Wing,
And Death is ever nigh;
The Moment when our Lives begin
We all begin to die.

4 Yet, mighty God, our fleeting Days
Thy lasting Favours share;
Yet with the Bounties of thy Grace
Thou load'st the rolling Year.

5 'Tis sovereign Mercy finds us Food,
And we are cloath'd by Love;
While Grace stands pointing out the Road
That leads our Souls above.

6 Thy Goodness runs an endless Round!
All Glory to the Lord!
Thy Mercy never knows a Bound,
Be thy great Name ador'd!

7 Thus we begin the lasting Song,
And when we close our Eyes,
Let following Times thy Praise prolong,
Till Time and Nature dies.

Text Information

• First Line: Time, what an empty Vapour 'tis
• Title: The Shortness of Life
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1737
• Notes: Public Domain.

Tune Information

(No tune information)