My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle.
Job 7:6
Words: Benjamin Beddome (1717–1795). Published posthumously in Hymns Adapted to Public Worship (London: Burton & Briggs, 1818), number 708. New Year’s Day.
Music: Evan William H. Havergal, 1847. Arranged by Lowell Mason in New Carmina Sacra (Boston, Massachusetts: Wilkins, Carter, 1850) (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Beddome (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Another year is quickly gone,
With its revolving days,
And yet how little have I done,
For my creator’s praise!
I have a warfare to maintain,
Against the world and sin;
But oh, what little ground I gain,
How slothful have I been.
My sands, alas, how fast they run,
How swift my moments fly;
And yet my work is scarce begun,
Now death approaches nigh.
My heart is hard and stubborn still,
My wild affections rove;
Grace has but half subdued my will,
But half obtained my love.
God’s holy laws I still transgress,
His righteous will oppose;
My follies every day increase,
My debt still larger grows.
Impartial Judge, how shall I bear
Thy scrutinizing view?
Oh may I better live this year,
Or never live it through!