Resolved to watch over all my Ways, I strove to keep my Tongue in Awe

Verse 1

Resolv'd to watch o'er all my Ways, I strove to keep my Tongue in Awe; And curb'd with Care, my hasty Words, When I the prosp'rous wicked saw; From good Discourse I did refrain, But that increas'd my inward Pain.

Verse 2

My Heart did glow, which working Thoughts, Did in my Bosom restless make; And warm Reflection fann'd the Fire, 'Till with my Tongue at last I spake: And thus with eager Zeal express'd, The Thought that labor'd in my Breast.

Verse 3

LORD, let me know my Term of Days, And show how soon my Life will end; The num'rous Train of Ills disclose, Which still on this frail State attend: A Span will measure all my Years, My Life but Vanity appears.

Verse 4

Man, like a Shadow, vainly walks, With fruitless Cares opprest; He heaps up Wealth, but cannot tell, By whom 'twill be possess'd' Why should I then on Toys attend, My Hopes on thee shall still depend.

Verse 5

Forgive my Sins, nor let me scorn'd, By proud disdainful Sinners, be; I silent was, and murmur'd not, Because I saw 'twas done by thee. The Burden of thy Wrath remove, Lest my frail Flesh too weak should prove.

Verse 6

For when thou chast'nest Man for Sin, Thou mak'st his Beauty soon to fade; It wastes away ev'n like a Cloth, That is by fretting Moths decay'd: So vain in ev'ry earthly Joy, And Life itself is but a Toy.

Verse 7

LORD, hear my Cry, accept my Tears, And listen to my humble Pray'r, Who sojourn like a Stranger here, As all my Fore-fathers likewise were. Oh spare me, and my Strength restore, Before I shall be seen no more!