Hymn LXXVII. Long Metre. Redeeming Time

God of eternity, from thee Did infant time its being draw, Minutes and days and months and years Revolve by thy unvaried law.

Silent and slow, they glide away, Steady and strong the current flows; Till lost in that unmeasur'd sea, From which its being first arose.

The thoughtless sons of Adam's race Upon the rapid stream are borne; To that unseen, eternal home, From which no travellers return.

Yet whilst the shore, on either side Presents a gaudy, flattering show; We gaze in fond amazement lost, Nor think to what a world we go.

Great source of wisdom, teach our hearts, To know the price of every hour; That time may bear us on to joys, Beyond its measure and its power.