Resolved to watch over all my ways, I kept my tongue in Awe

Verse 1

Resolv'd to watch o'er all my Ways, I kept my tongue in Awe; I curb'd my hasty Words, when I the prosp'rous Wicked saw.

Verse 2

Like one that's dumb, I silent stood, and did my Tongue refrain From good Discourse; but that Restraint increas'd my inward Pain.

Verse 3

My Heart did glow, which working Tho'ts did hot and restless make; And warm Reflections fann'd the Fire, till thus at length I spake:

Verse 4

Lord, let me know my Term of Days, how soon my Life will end; The num'rous Train of Ills disclose, which this frail State attend.

Verse 5

My Life, Thou know'st, is but a Span; a Cypher sums my Years; And ev'ry Man, in best Estate, but Vanity appears.

Verse 6

Man, like a Shadow, vainly walks, with fruitless Cares oppress'd: He heaps up Wealth, but cannot tell by whom 'twill be possess'd.

Verse 7

Why then should I on worthless Toys, with anxious Care, attend? On Thee alone my stedfast Hope shall ever, Lord, depend.

Verse 8

Forgive my Sins; nor let me scorn'd by foolish Sinners be; For I was dumb, and murmur'd not, because 'twas done by Thee.

Verse 9

The dreadful Burden of thy Wrath in Mercy soon remove; Lest my frail Flesh too weak to bear the heavy Load should prove.

Verse 10

For when thou chast'nest Man for Sin, Thou mak'st his Beauty fade (So vain a Thing is he!) like Cloth by fretting Moths decay'd.

Verse 11

Lord, hear my Cry, accept my Tears, and listen to my Pray'r, Who sojourn like a Stranger here, as all my Fathers were.

Verse 12

O! spare me yet a little Time; my wasted Strength restore, Before I vanish quite from hence, and shall be seen no more.