The Vanity of Man as Mortal

1 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.

2 A span is all that we can boast;
A fleeting hour of time;
Man is but vanity and dust,
In all His flower and prime.

3 Vain race of mortals, see them move
Like shadows o'er the plain:
They rage and strive, desire and love,
But all the noise is vain.

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

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

6 Now I resign my earthly hope,
My fond desires recall;
I give my mortal interest up,
And make my God my all.

Source: Evangelical Lutheran hymnal: with music #432a

• MIDI file from The Cyber Hymnal #6830
  
• Audio recording from Philadelphia harmony: a collection of Psalm tunes, hymns, and anthems #3a
• MIDI file from Philadelphia harmony: a collection of Psalm tunes, hymns, and anthems #3a
  
• Audio recording from The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion (New ed. thoroughly rev. and much enl.) #31b
• MIDI file from The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion (New ed. thoroughly rev. and much enl.) #31b