The Eternity of God and Man's Mortality

Verse 1

Lord, thou hast been thy children's God, All-powerful, wise and good, and just, In every age their safe abode, Their hope, their refuge, and their trust,

Verse 2

Before thy word gave nature birth, Or spread the starry heavens abroad, Or formed the varied face of earth, From everlasting thou art God.

Verse 3

Great father of eternity, How short are ages in thy sight! A thousand years, how swift they fly, Like one short silent watch of night!

Verse 4

Uncertain life, how soon it flies! Dream of an hour, how short our bloom! Like spring's gay verdure now we rise, Cut down ere night to fill the tomb.

Verse 5

Teach us to count our shortening days, And with true diligence apply Our hearts to wisdom's sacred ways, That we may learn to live and die.