O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: Thy years are throughout all generations.
Psalm 102:24
Words: From The Psalter (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: United Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1912), number 274.
Music: Louvan Virgil C. Taylor, Choral Anthems (Boston, Massachusetts: 1850) (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Taylor (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Before my journey is complete
My vigor fails, my years decline;
My God, O spare me, I entreat;
The days of life are wholly Thine.
O cut not short my life’s brief day,
O Thou whose years eternal run,
Thou who didst earth’s foundations lay,
Creator of the stars and sun.
The earth and heav’ns shall pass away,
Like vesture worn and laid aside,
But changeless Thou shalt live for aye,
Thy years forever shall abide.
Thy servants’ children shall remain
For evermore before Thy face;
Enduring honor they shall gain,
Established ever in Thy grace.