Church Hymn Book ‎#P.XXXIX.II

P.XXXIX.II. Teach me the measure of my days

5 Teach me the measure of my days,
Thou Maker of my frame;
I would survey life's narrow space,
And learn how frail I am.

6 A span is all that we can boast,
An inch or two of time;
Man is but vanity and dust
In all his flow'r and prime.

7 See the vain race of mortals move
Like shadows o'er the plain;
They rage and strive, desire and love,
But all the noise is vain.

8 Some walk in honour's gaudy show,
Some dig for golden ore;
They toil for heirs they know not who,
And straight are seen no more.

9 What should I wish or wait for then
From creatures, earth and dust?
They make our expectations vain,
And disappoint our trust.

10 Now I forbid my carnal hope,
My fond desires recall;
I give my mortal int'rest up,
And make my God my all.

Text Information

• First Line: Teach me the measure of my days
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1816
• Scripture:
  Psalm 39:5-10
• Topic: The Vanity of Man as Mortal

Tune Information

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