The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts ‎#Ps.91

Ps.91. Psalm 39 Part 2

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Text Information

• First Line: Teach me the measure of my days
• Title: Psalm 39 Part 2
• Author: Isaac Watts
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1806
• Scripture:
  Psalm 39:4-7
• Topic: Devotion: on a sick bed; Health: prayed for; Sick-Bed Devotion; Tongue governed; Afflictions: submission to them; Funeral psalm; Humility: and submission; Man: his vanity as mortal; Mortality: of man; Patience: under afflictions; Pleading: without repining; Prudence: and zeal; Resignation; Submission: to sickness; Vanity: of man as mortal; Watchfulness: over the tongue

Tune Information

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