Time, like an ever-rolling stream

Quote byIsaac Watts · 1674–1748

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: "Our God, our help in ages past" (1719), Psalm 90 st. 5..

English (original)

Time, like an ever-rolling stream, Bears all its sons away; They fly forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day.

— Isaac Watts

Lord, I ascribe it to thy grace, And not to chance as others do, That I was born of Christian race, And not a Heathen, or a Jew.

I would not change my native land For rich Peru with all her gold. A nobler prize lies in my hand Than East or Western Indies hold.

Were I so tall to reach the pole, Or grasp the ocean with my span, I must be measured by my soul; The mind's the standard of the man.

Whene'er I take my walks abroad, How many poor I see! What shall I render to my God For all his gifts to me?

There's not a place where we can flee, But God is present there.

Just as a tree cut down, that fell To north, or southward, there it lies: So man departs to heaven or hell, Fix'd in the state wherein he dies.