Dorchester (William Billings)

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CPDL #31839:   

Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2014-05-06).   Score information: Letter (landscape), 1 page, 29 kB   Copyright: Public Domain

Edition notes: Music as in 1778, note shapes changed (4-shape). Stanzas 2-4 added from Isaac Watts 1719 Hymn 58.

CPDL #31840:    

Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2014-05-06).   Score information: Letter, 1 page, 29 kB   Copyright: Public Domain

Edition notes: Oval-note edition.

General Information

Title: Dorchester
Composer: William Billings
Lyricist: Isaac Watts

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB

Genre: Sacred, Hymn

Language: English
Instruments: a cappella
Published: 1778

Description: Words by Isaac Watts, 1719, his Hymn 58.

External websites:

Original text and translations

English text

Time, what an empty vapor 'tis!
And days, how swift they are!
Swift as an Indian arrow flies,
Or like a shooting star.

'Tis sovereign mercy finds us food,
And we are clothed with love;
While grace stands pointing out the road
That leads our souls above.

His goodness runs an endless round;
All glory to the Lord!
His mercy never knows a bound,
And be his name adored!

Thus we begin the lasting song;
And when we close our eyes,
Let the next age thy praise prolong,
Till time and nature dies.