Name: Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-Book
Author: Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod

The Order of Evening Service, or Vespers. — The Psalm. — The Lesson. — The Hymn. — The Canticle. — Magnificat. — Nunc Dimittis. — The Prayer. — Collect for Peace. — Benedicamus.

A Hymn of Invocation of the Holy Ghost or another Hymn may be sung.

Then shall be chanted or said, responsively, the Versicle with the Gloria Patri as here followeth, all standing to the end of the Psalm.

Minister. O Lord, open Thou my lips.

Congregation. And my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.

Minister. Make haste, O God, to deliver me.

Congregation. Make haste, to help me, O Lord.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Hallelujah!

During the Passion Season the Hallelujah shall be omitted.

Then shall be chanted or said one or more Psalms. At the end of the Psalm the Gloria Patri shall be chanted. An Antiphon may be used with each Psalm.

The Scripture Lessons shall then be read, and after each Lesson may be chanted or said:

Minister. But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.

Congregation. Thanks be to Thee, O Lord.

After the Lessons a Responsory may be chanted.

Then may be sung a Hymn.

Then may follow a Sermon, after which the Offerings may be gathered.

Then shall be sung

Then, all standing, may be chanted or said this Versicle.

But on Festival Days a special Versicle may be used.

Minister. Let my prayers be set forth before Thee as incense;

Congregation. And the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Then shall be chanted the

Luke 1, 46-55.

My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God, my Savior.

For He hath regarded: the low estate of His handmaiden.

For, behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed.

For He that is mighty hath done to me great things: and holy is His name.

And His mercy is on them that fear Him: from generation to generation.

He hath showed strength with His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He hath put down the mighty from their seats: and exalted them of low degree.

He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath sent empty away.

He hath holpen His servant Israel in remembrance of His mercy: as He spake to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed, forever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

or the

Luke 2, 29-32.

Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace: according to Thy word;

For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation: which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

A light to lighten the Gentiles: and the glory of Thy people Israel.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

An Antiphon may be chanted with the Canticle.

Then shall be said the Prayers here following, or the Suffrages, the Litany, or other prayers.

Minister. Lord, have mercy upon us.

Congregation. Lord, have mercy upon us.

Minister. Christ, have mercy upon us.

Congregation. Christ, have mercy upon us.

Minister. Lord, have mercy upon us.

Congregation. Lord, have mercy upon us.

Then all shall say:

Our Father, who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Minister. The Lord be with you.

Congregation. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Then shall be said the Collect for the day. The Collect for the Sunday is said throughout the week following until Friday; but on Saturday the Collect for the following Sunday is said. Then may be said any other Collects and after that this Collect for Peace. A Versicle may be used with the Collect.

Minister. The Lord will give strength unto His people.

Congregation. The Lord will bless His people with peace.

O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed, give unto Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Thy commandments, and also that we by Thee, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Amen.

Then may be chanted or said the

Minister. Bless we the Lord.

Congregation. Thanks be to God!

The service may end with the Benedicamus, or a Closing Hymn may be sung, after which may be said:

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all.

Amen.

At the close of the Service silent prayer should be offered.

The Order of Early Service, or Matins. — Venite Exultemus. — The Hymn. — The Psalm. — The Lesson. — The Canticle. — Te Deum Laudamus. — Benedictus. — The Prayer. — Benedicamus.

A Hymn of Invocation of the Holy Ghost or another Hymn may be sung.

Then shall be chanted or said the Versicles here following, all standing to the end of the Venite.

Minister. O Lord, open Thou my lips.

Congregation. And my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.

Minister. Make haste, O God, to deliver me.

Congregation. Make haste to help me, O Lord.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

Hallelujah!

During the Passion season the Hallelujah shall be omitted.

Then shall follow the Invitatory with the Venite. On Festival Days a special Invitatory may be used.

Minister. O come, let us worship the Lord.

Congregation. For He is our Maker.

Ps. 95, 1-7.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving: and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God: and a great King above all gods.

In His hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is His also.

The sea is His, and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land.

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker.

For He is our God: and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

The Hymn shall then be sung.

Then, all standing to the end of the Psalm, shall be chanted or said one or more Psalms. At the end of the Psalm the Gloria Patri shall be chanted. An Antiphon may be used with each Psalm.

The Scripture Lessons shall then be read. After each Lesson may be chanted or said:

Minister. But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.

Congregation. Thanks be to God!

After the Lessons a Responsory may be chanted.

A brief Exhortation or a Sermon may then follow.

The Congregation shall stand and chant the Te Deum Laudamus or the Benedictus. An Antiphon may be chanted with the Benedictus.

We praise Thee, O God: we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.

All the earth doth worship Thee: the Father everlasting.

To Thee all angels cry aloud: the heavens and all the powers therein.

To Thee cherubim and seraphim: continually do cry:

Holy, holy, holy: Lord God of Sabaoth;

Heaven and earth are full of the majesty: of Thy glory.

The glorious company of the apostles: praise Thee.

The goodly fellowship of the prophets: praise Thee.

The noble army of martyrs: praise Thee.

The holy Church throughout all the world: doth acknowledge Thee.

The Father: of an infinite Majesty;

Thine adorable, true: and only Son.

Also the Holy Ghost: the Comforter.

Thou art the King of Glory: O Christ.

Thou art the everlasting Son: of the Father.

When Thou tookest upon Thee to deliver man: Thou didst humble Thyself to be born of a virgin.

When Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death: Thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

Thou sittest at the right hand of God: in the glory of the Father.

We believe that Thou shalt come: to be our Judge.

We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants: whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood.

Make them to be numbered with Thy saints: in glory everlasting.

O Lord, save Thy people: and bless Thine inheritance.

Govern them: and lift them up forever.

Day by day: we magnify Thee.

And we worship Thy name: ever, world without end.

Vouchsafe, O Lord: to keep us this day without sin.

O Lord, have mercy upon us: have mercy upon us.

O Lord, let Thy mercy be upon us: as our trust is in Thee.

O Lord, in Thee have I trusted: let me never be confounded. Amen.

or the

Luke 1, 68-79.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: for He hath visited and redeemed His people;

And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us: in the house of His servant David;

As He spake by the mouth of His holy prophets: which have been since the world began;

That we should be saved from our enemies: and from the hand of all that hate us;

To perform the mercy promised to our fathers: and to remember His holy covenant;

The oath which He sware to our father Abraham: that He would grant unto us;

That we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies: might serve Him without fear,

In holiness and righteousness before Him: all the days of our life.

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways;

To give knowledge of salvation unto His people: by the remission of their sins,

Through the tender mercy of our God: whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us,

To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: to guide our feet in the way of peace.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

Then shall be said the Prayers here following, or the Suffrages, the Litany, or other prayers.

Minister. Lord, have mercy upon us.

Congregation. Lord, have mercy upon us.

Minister. Christ, have mercy upon us.

Congregation. Christ, have mercy upon us.

Minister. Lord, have mercy upon us.

Congregation. Lord, have mercy upon us.

Then all shall say:

Our Father, who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

One or more Collects may be used, with the Salutation, which may be preceded by a Versicle. After each Collect the Congregation shall chant or say:

Amen.

Then may be chanted or said the Benedicamus with the Salutation.

Minister. The Lord be with you.

Congregation. And with thy spirit.

Minister. Bless we the Lord.

Congregation. Thanks be to God!

The service may end with the Benedicamus, or a closing Hymn may be sung; after which may be said:

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all.

Amen.

At the close of the service silent prayer should be offered.

HYMNS

THE BEGINNING OF WORSHIP. — 1 — 2 — 3 — 4 — 5 — 6 — 7 — 8

L. M.

Lord Jesus Christ, to us attend,

Thy Holy Spirit to us send,

With grace to rule us day by day

And lead us in true wisdom’s way.

2. Teach Thou our lips to sing Thy praise,

Our hearts in true devotion raise,

Our faith increase, and grant us light

That we may know Thy name aright;

3. Until we join the hosts that cry,

“Holy art Thou, O Lord most high!”

And in the light of that blest place

Shall gaze upon Thee face to face.

4. Glory to God, the Father, Son,

And Holy Spirit, Three in One!

To Thee, O holy Trinity,

Be praise throughout eternity!

William, Duke of Saxe-Weimar, 1651.

L. M.

Lord, open Thou my heart to hear

And by Thy Word to me draw near;

Let me Thy Word still pure retain,

Let me Thy child and heir remain.

2. Thy Word doth move the inmost heart,

Thy Word doth perfect health impart,

Thy Word my soul with joy doth bless.

Thy Word brings peace and blessedness.

3. Glory to God the Father, Son,

And Holy Spirit, Three in One!

To Thee, O blessed Trinity,

Be praise throughout eternity!

J. Olearius, 1671.

7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 8

Blessed Jesus, at Thy word

We are gathered all to hear Thee;

Let our hearts and souls be stirred

Now to seek and love and fear Thee,

By Thy teachings, sweet and holy,

Drawn from earth to love Thee solely.

2. All our knowledge, sense, and sight

Lie in deepest darkness shrouded

Till Thy Spirit breaks our night,

With the beams of truth unclouded.

Thou alone to God canst win us,

Thou must work all good within us.

3. Glorious Lord, Thyself impart!

Light of Light, from God proceeding;

Open Thou our ears and heart,

Help us by Thy Spirit’s pleading;

Hear the cry Thy people raises,

Hear and bless our prayers and praises.

4. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

Praise to Thee and adoration!

Grant that we Thy Word may trust

And obtain true consolation,

While we here below must wander,

Till we sing Thy praises yonder.

T. Clausnitzer, 1663; C. Winkworth, tr., 1858.

L. M.

Thy presence, gracious God, afford,

Prepare us to receive Thy Word;

Now let Thy voice engage our ear

And faith be mixed with what we hear.

2. Distracting thoughts and cares remove

And fix our hearts and hopes above;

With food divine may we be fed

And satisfied with living bread.

3. To us the sacred Word apply

With sovereign power and energy;

And may we, in Thy faith and fear,

Reduce to practise what we hear.

4. Father, in us Thy Son reveal;

Teach us to know and do Thy will;

Thy saving power and love display

And guide us to the realms of day.

J. Fawcett, 1817.

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7

Open now Thy gates of beauty,

Zion, let me enter there,

Where my soul in joyful duty

Waits for Him who answers pray’r;

Oh, how blessed is this place,

Filled with solace, light, and grace!

2. Yes, my God, I come before Thee,

Come Thou also down to me;

Where we find Thee and adore Thee,

There a heaven on earth must be.

In my heart, oh, enter Thou,

Let it be Thy temple now.

3. Here Thy praise is gladly chanted,

Here Thy seed is duly sown;

Let my soul, where it is planted,

Bring forth precious sheaves alone,

So that all I hear may be

Fruitful unto life in me.

4. Thou my faith increase and quicken,

Let me keep Thy Gift divine,

Howsoe’er temptations thicken;

May Thy Word still o’er me shine,

As my pole-star through my life,

As my comfort in my strife.

5. Speak, O God, and I will hear Thee,

Let Thy will be done indeed;

May I undisturbed draw near Thee

Whilst Thou dost Thy people feed.

Here of life the fountain flows,

Here is balm for all our woes.

B. Schmolck, 1734; C. Winkworth, tr., 1862.

C. M.

Lord, when we bend before Thy throne

And our confessions pour,

Teach us to feel the sins we own

And hate what we deplore.

2. Our broken spirit pitying see,

True penitence impart;

Then let a kindling glance from Thee

Beam hope upon the heart.

3. When our responsive tongues essay

Their grateful hymns to raise,

Grant that our souls may join the lay

And mount to Thee in praise.

4. When we disclose our wants in prayer,

May we our wills resign

And not a thought our bosom share

That is not wholly Thine.

5. May faith each meek petition fill

And waft it to the skies

And teach our hearts ’tis goodness still

That grants it or denies.

J. D. Carlyle, 1802.

7s

Lord, we come before Thee now,

At Thy feet we humbly bow;

Oh, do not our suit disdain!

Shall we seek Thee, Lord, in vain?

2. Lord, on Thee our souls depend;

In compassion now descend,

Fill our hearts with Thy rich grace,

Tune our lips to sing Thy praise.

3. In Thine own appointed way

Now we seek Thee, here we stay.

Lord, we know not how to go

Till a blessing Thou bestow.

4. Send some message from Thy Word

That may joy and peace afford;

Let Thy Spirit now impart

Full salvation to each heart.

5. Comfort those who weep and mourn,

Let the time of joy return;

Those that are cast down lift up,

Strong in faith, in love, and hope.

6. Grant that those who seek may find

Thee a God sincere and kind.

Heal the sick, the captive free;

Let us all rejoice in Thee.

W. Hammond, 1745.

7s

To Thy temple I repair;

Lord, I love to worship there.

While Thy glorious praise is sung,

Touch my lips, unloose my tongue.

2. While the prayers of saints ascend,

God of Love, to mine attend.

Hear me, for Thy Spirit pleads;

Hear, for Jesus intercedes.

3. While I hearken to Thy Law,

Fill my soul with humble awe,

Till Thy Gospel bring to me

Life and immortality.

4. While Thy ministers proclaim

Peace and pardon in Thy name,

Through their voice, by faith, may I

Hear Thee speaking from the sky.

5. From Thy house, when I return,

May my heart within me burn;

And at evening let me say,

“I have walked with God to-day.”

James Montgomery, 1812.

THE CLOSE OF WORSHIP. — 9 — 10 — 11 — 12 — 13 — 14 — 15 — 16 — 17 — 18

7, 6, 7, 6

Abide, O dearest Jesus,

Among us with Thy grace,

That Satan may not harm us

Nor we to sin give place.

2. Abide, O dear Redeemer,

Among us with Thy Word

And thus now and hereafter

True peace and joy afford.

3. Abide with heavenly brightness

Among us, precious Light;

Thy truth direct, and keep us

From error’s gloomy night.

4. Abide with richest blessings

Among us, bounteous Lord;

Let us in grace and wisdom

Grow daily through Thy Word.

5. Abide with Thy protection

Among us, Lord, our Strength,

Lest world and Satan fell us

And overcome at length.

6. Abide, O faithful Savior,

Among us with Thy love;

Grant steadfastness and help us

To reach our home above.

J. Stegmann, 1628; A. Crull, tr.

7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 8

Now our worship sweet is o’er—

Singing, praying, teaching, hearing;

Let us gladly God adore

For His gracious strength and cheering.

Praise our God, who now would save us,

For the rich repast He gave us.

2. Now the Blessing cheers our heart

And the service thus is ended,

Let us joyfully depart,—

Be our souls to God commended.

May His Spirit ever guide us

And with all things well provide us.

3. Let our going out be blest,

Bless our entrance in like measure;

Bless, O Lord, our toil and rest,

Bless our bread, our grief and pleasure;

Be in death Thy blessing given,

And make us blest heirs of heaven.

M. H. Schenck, 1680; M. Loy, tr.

6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)

On what has now been sown

Thy blessing, Lord, bestow;

The pow’r is Thine alone

To make it spring and grow:

Do Thou the gracious harvest raise,

And Thou alone shalt have the praise.

2. To Thee our wants are known,

From Thee are all our powers;

Accept what is Thine own

And pardon what is ours.

Our praises, Lord, and prayers receive

And to Thy Word a blessing give.

3. O grant that each of us

Who meet before Thee here,

May meet together thus

When Thou and Thine appear,

And follow Thee to heaven, our home.

E’en so, Amen, Lord Jesus, come!

John Newton, 1779.

L. M. 6 l

Sweet Savior, bless us ere we go;

Thy Word into our minds instil;

And make our lukewarm hearts to glow

With lowly love and fervent will.

Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,

O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

2. The day is gone, its hours have run,

And Thou hast taken count of all—

The scanty triumphs grace hath won,

The broken vow, the frequent fall.

Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,

O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

3. Grant us, dear Lord, from evil ways

True absolution and release

And bless us, more than in past days,

With purity and inward peace.

Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,

O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

4. For all we love, the poor, the sad,

The sinful, unto Thee we call;

O let Thy mercy make us glad;

Thou art our Savior and our All.

Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,

O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

5. Sweet Savior, bless us; night is come;

Through night and darkness near us be;

Good angels watch about our home,

And we are one day nearer Thee.

Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,

O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

F. W. Faber, 1852.

C. M.

Almighty God, Thy Word is cast

Like seed into the ground;

Now let the dew of heaven descend

And righteous fruits abound.

2. Let not the foe of Christ and man

This holy seed remove,

But give it root in every heart

To bring forth fruits of love.

3. Let not the world’s deceitful cares

The rising plant destroy,

But let it yield a hundredfold

The fruits of peace and joy.

4. Oft as the precious seed is sown,

Thy quickening grace bestow,

That all whose souls the truth receive

Its saving power may know.

J. Cawood, 1819.

8, 7, 8, 7

Savior, all my sins confessing,

Gracious hear me when I cry;

Give through faith the promised blessing,

Freely, fully justify.

2. By Thy Holy Spirit’s leading,

Bring me to Thy bosom nigh;

In Thy blessed footsteps treading,

Soul and body sanctify.

3. So, the days of conflict ended,

In the mansions of the sky,

Whither, Lord, Thou art ascended,

With Thyself me glorify.

Thomas Haweis, 1808, a.

7s

Now may He who from the dead

Brought the Shepherd of the sheep,

Jesus Christ, our king and Head,

All our souls in safety keep.

2. May He teach us to fulfil

What is pleasing in His sight;

Perfect us in all His will

And preserve us day and night.

3. To that dear Redeemer’s praise,

Who the covenant sealed with blood,

Let our hearts and voices raise

Loud thanksgivings to our God.

John Newton, 1779.

10s

Savior, again to Thy dear name we raise

With one accord our parting hymn of praise;

Once more we bless Thee ere our worship cease;

Then, lowly bending, wait Thy word of peace.

2. Grant us Thy peace upon our homeward way;

With Thee began, with Thee shall end the day;

Guard Thou the lips from sin, the hearts from shame,

That in this house have called upon Thy name.

3. Grant us Thy peace, Lord, through the coming night,

Turn Thou for us its darkness into light;

From harm and danger keep Thy children free,

For dark and light are both alike to Thee.

4. Grant us Thy peace throughout our earthly life,

Our balm in sorrow and our stay in strife;

Then, when Thy voice shall bid our conflict cease,

Call us, O Lord, to Thine eternal peace.

J. Ellerton, 1866.

8, 7, 6 l

Lord, dismiss us with Thy blessing,

Fill our hearts with joy and peace.

Let us each, Thy love possessing,

Triumph in redeeming grace.

|: O refresh us, :|

Trav’ling through this wilderness.

2. Thanks we give and adoration

For Thy Gospel’s joyful sound.

May the fruits of Thy salvation

In our hearts and lives abound:

|: May Thy presence :|

With us evermore be found.

3. So, whene’er the signal’s given

Us from earth to call away,

Borne on angels’ wings to heaven,

Glad the summons to obey,

|: May we, ready, :|

Rise and reign in endless day.

J. Fawcett, 1773.

8, 6, 8, 6, 8, 8

Lord of my life, whose tender care

Hath led me on till now,

Here lowly, at the hour of prayer,

Before Thy throne I bow.

I bless Thy gracious hand and pray

Forgiveness for another day.

2. O may I daily, hourly, strive

In heavenly grace to grow;

To Thee and to Thy glory live,

Dead else to all below;

Tread in the path my Savior trod,

Though thorny, yet the path to God!

3. With prayer my humble praise I bring

For mercies day by day.

Lord, teach my heart Thy love to sing;

Lord, teach me how to pray!

All that I have, I am, to Thee

I offer through eternity.

“Ω Chelsea,” 1838.

MORNING. — 19 — 20 — 21 — 22 — 23 — 24 — 25 — 26 — 27 — 28 — 29

L. M. 6 l

When streaming from the eastern skies,

The morning light salutes my eyes,

O Sun of righteousness divine,

On me with beams of mercy shine,

Chase the dark clouds of sin away,

And turn my darkness into day.

2. When to heaven’s great and glorious King

My morning sacrifice I bring,

And, grieving o’er my guilt and shame,

Ask mercy, Savior, in Thy name,

My conscience sprinkle with Thy blood

And be my advocate with God.

3. When each day’s scenes and labors close,

And wearied nature seeks repose,

With pardoning mercy, richly blest,

Guard me, my Savior, while I rest;

And as each morning’s sun shall rise,

O lead me onward to the skies.

4. And at my life’s last setting sun,

My conflict o’er, my labors done,

Jesus, Thy heavenly radiance shed,

To cheer and bless my dying bed;

And from death’s gloom my spirit raise

To see Thy face and sing Thy praise.

Wm. Shrubsole, 1813, a.

L. M.

O holy, blessed Trinity,

Divine, essential Unity,

God Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

Be Thou this day my Guide and Host.

2. My soul and body keep from harm,

O’er all I have extend Thine arm,

That Satan may not cause distress,

Nor bring me shame and wretchedness.

3. The Father’s love shield me this day,

The Son’s pure wisdom cheer my way,

The Holy Spirit’s light divine

Illume my heart’s benighted shrine.

4. My Maker, strengthen Thou my heart,

O my Redeemer, help impart,

Blest Comforter, keep at my side

That faith and love in me abide.

5. Lord, bless and keep Thou me as Thine!

Lord, make Thy face upon me shine!

Lord, lift Thy countenance on me

And give me peace, sweet peace, from Thee.

Martin Behm, 1608; C. H. L. Schuette, tr., a.

7, 6

While yet the morn is breaking,

I thank my God once more,

Beneath whose care awaking,

I find the night is o’er;

I thank Him that He calls me

To life and health anew;

I know whate’er befalls me,

His care will still be true.

2. O Israel’s Guardian, hear me,

Watch over me this day;

In all I do be near me.

For others, too, I pray;

To Thee I would commend them,

Our Church, our school, our land,

Direct them and defend them,

When dangers are at hand.

3. O gracious Lord, direct us,

Thy doctrine pure defend,

From heresies protect us,

And for Thy Word contend,

That we may praise Thee ever,

O God, with one accord,

And say: The Lord, our Savior,

Be evermore adored!

4. O grant us peace and gladness,

Give us our daily bread,

Shield us from grief and sadness,

On us Thy blessings shed.

Grant that our whole behavior,

In truth and righteousness,

May praise Thee, Lord, our Savior,

Whose holy name we bless.

5. And gently grant Thy blessing

That we may do Thy will,

No more Thy ways transgressing,

Our proper task fulfil;

With Peter’s full affiance

Let down our nets again;

If Thou art our Reliance,

Our toil will not be vain.

6. With craftiness unceasing

Strives Satan to restrain

What in Thy sight is pleasing

And for Thy Church is gain;

Yet vain is his endeavor,

For Thou, O Christ, our Lord,

Dost rule all things forever

By Thine almighty Word.

7. Thou art the Vine,—O nourish

The branches graft in Thee

And let them grow and flourish,

A fair and fruitful tree.

Thy Spirit pour within us

And let His gifts of grace

To such good actions win us

As best may show Thy praise.

J. Muehlmann, 1610.

7, 6

My inmost heart now raises,

In this fair morning hour,

A song of thankful praises

To Thine almighty power.

O God, upon Thy throne!

To honor and adore Thee,

I bring my praise before Thee

Through Christ, Thine only Son.

2. For Thou from me hast warded

All perils of the night;

From every harm hast guarded

My soul till morning’s light.

Humbly to Thee I cry,

O Savior, have compassion

And pardon my transgression;

Have mercy, Lord most high!

3. And shield me from all evil,

O gracious God, this day,

From sin, and from the devil,

From shame and from dismay,

From fire’s consuming breath,

From water’s devastation,

From need and consternation,

From evil sudden death.

4. My life, my soul—defend them!

My wife, child, goods, and home,—

To Thy hand I commend them,

From Thee my blessings come;

Thy bounteous hand bestows

My household and my treasures,

My parents, friends, and pleasures;

My cup with good o’erflows.

5. Let not Thine angel leave me

While here on earth I stay,

Lest Satan’s arts deceive me

And lead my soul astray.

Then keep Thine angel near

At night and each new morrow,

Lest soul and body sorrow

And, faltering, cost me dear.

6. God shall do my advising,

Whose might with wisdom blends;

May He bless rest and rising,

My efforts, means, and ends!

To God, forever blessed,

Will I with mine confide me

And willing let Him guide me

As seemeth to Him best.

7. Amen! I say, not fearing

That God rejects my prayer;

I doubt not He is hearing

And granting me His care.

So I put forth my hands

And look not long behind me,

But ply the task assigned me

By God as He commands.

J. Mathesius, 1592.

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7

God, who madest earth and heaven,

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost;

Who the day and night hast given,

Sun and moon and starry host;

Thou whose mighty hand sustains

Earth and all that it contains;—

2. Praise to Thee my soul shall render,

Who this night hast guarded me;

My omnipotent Defender,

Who from ill dost set me free,

Free from danger, anguish, woe,

Free from the infernal Foe.

3. Let the night of my transgression

With night’s darkness pass away;

Jesus, into Thy possession

I resign myself to-day;

In Thy wounds I find relief

From my greatest sin and grief.

4. Grant that I may rise this morning

From the lethargy of sin,

So my soul, through Thy adorning,

Shall be glorious within

And I at the Judgment Day

Shall not be a castaway.

5. Let my life and conversation

Be directed by Thy Word;

Lord, Thy constant preservation

To Thine erring child afford;

Nowhere but alone in Thee

From all harm can I be free.

6. Wholly to Thy blest protection

I commit my heart and mind.

Mighty God, to Thy direction

Wholly may I be resigned!

Lord, my Shield, my Light divine,

Oh, accept and own me Thine!

7. Lord, to me Thine angel sending,

Keep me from the subtle Foe;

From his craft and might defending,

Never let Thy wand’rer go,

Till my final rest shall come

And Thine angel bear me home.

H. Albert, 1642; J. C. Jacobi and A. T. Russell, tr., a.

8, 8

How lovely now the morning star

In twilight sky bright gleams afar

While night her curtain raiseth!

Each creature hails, with ravished sight,

The glories of returning light

And God, its Maker, praiseth.

Both far And near,

All things living Thanks are giving,

There high soaring,

Here through earth’s wide field adoring.

2. Then haste, my soul, thy song to raise

Nor spare in thy Redeemer’s praise

To pour thy due oblation;

For glory, Lord, to Thee belongs,

Thy praise resounds in grateful songs,

With pious emulation,

Joy rings Glad strings;

Voices sounding, Hearts rebounding,

Thus all nature

Sings Thy praise, O great Creator.

3. Unconscious, I securely slept

Nor saw the cruel foes which kept

Close watch about my slumber;

Though evil spirits, through the night,

With fiendish craft and watchful spite,

Came round me without number;

Whose hands In bands,

Mischief brewing For my ruin,

Had enslaved me,

Hadst not Thou stood by and saved me.

4. For, Jesus, Thou with saving power

Wast near me in that threatening hour,

Didst save me from their fury;

And I reposed in quiet sleep

Whilst Thou unwearied watch didst keep;

To Thee all praise and glory!

Lord, all My soul,

Upward springing, Loudly singing,

Shall adore Thee,

While on earth I walk before Thee.

5. This day my Fortress, Lord, abide,

Now ope Thy gates of mercy wide,

Within their shelter place me;

My Castle and my Rock Thou art,

Oh, let no foeman’s treacherous dart

From Thee, my Stronghold, chase me!

Help, Lord, Afford!

Near me tarry Blows to parry,

While around me

Sword and armor sore confound me.

6. Pour down Thy grace in cheering streams

And warm my heart with mercy’s beams

From heaven, Thy throne of beauty;

Let Thy good Spirit guide my will

That I, whate’er my station, still

May seek my joy in duty.

Send light And might

That each measure, Scheme and pleasure,

Heavenward tending,

Still in Thee may find its ending.

7. Keep grief, if this may be, away;

If not, Thy will be done, I say,

My choice to Thine resigning.

O come and like the morning dew

Refresh my heart and make it new,

That I may, unrepining,

Bear cross And loss

Till that morrow Chase all sorrow,

When upraisèd

Where Thy name is ever praisèd.

8. Meanwhile, my heart, both sing and leap,

Mid cross and loss good courage keep,

To heaven’s bright gate you hasten;

Then lay desponding care aside,

God ever thus His own hath tried

And those He loves doth chasten;

Hope still Midst ill,

Calm, though grieving, Firm believing

Tribulation

Is the road to sure salvation.

B. Wiesenmeyer, 1653; F. E. Cox, tr., a.

S. M.

We lift our hearts to Thee,

O Day-star from on high!

The sun itself is but Thy shade,

Yet cheers both earth and sky.

2. O let Thy rising beams

The night of sin disperse,

The mists of error and of vice,

Which shade the universe.

3. How beauteous nature now!

How dark and sad before!

With joy we view the pleasing change

And nature’s God adore.

4. O may no gloomy crime

Pollute the rising day;

May Jesus’ blood, like morning dew,

Wash all our stains away.

5. May we this life improve

To mourn for errors past

And live this short, revolving day

As if it were our last.

Charles Wesley, 1741.

7s

Now the shades of night are gone,

Now the morning light is come;

Lord, may we be Thine to-day,

Drive the shades of sin away.

2. Fill our souls with heavenly light,

Banish doubt and cleanse our sight;

In Thy service, Lord, to-day,

Help us labor, help us pray.

3. Keep our haughty passions bound,

Save us from our foes around;

Going out and coming in,

Keep us safe from every sin.

4. When our work of life is past,

Oh, receive us then at last!

Night of sin will be no more

When we reach the heavenly shore.

Samson Occom, 1770.

C. M.

Lord of my life, O may Thy praise

Employ my noblest powers;

Whose goodness lengthens out my days

And fills the circling hours.

2. Preserved by Thine almighty arm,

I pass the shades of night,

Serene and safe from every harm,

And see returning light.

3. When sleep, death’s semblance, o’er me spread,

And I unconscious lay,

Thy watchful care was round my bed

To guard my feeble clay.

4. O let the same almighty care

My waking hours attend;

From every trespass, every snare,

My heedless steps defend.

5. Smile on my minutes as they roll

And guide my future days;

And let Thy goodness fill my soul

With gratitude and praise.

Anne Steele, 1760.

7s 6 l

Every morning mercies new

Fall as fresh as morning dew;

Every morning let us pay

Tribute with the early day;

For Thy mercies, Lord, are sure,

Thy compassion doth endure.

2. Still the greatness of Thy love

Daily doth our sins remove;

Daily, far as east from west,

Lifts the burden from the breast;

Gives unbought to those who pray

Strength to stand in evil day.

3. Let our prayers each morn prevail

That these gifts may never fail;

And as we confess the sin

And the Tempter’s power within,

Feed us with the Bread of Life,

Fit us for our daily strife.

4. As the morning light returns,

As the sun with splendor burns,

Teach us still to turn to Thee,

Ever-blessed Trinity,

With our hands our hearts to raise

In unfailing prayer and praise.

G. Phillimore, 1863.

L. M.

Awake, my soul, and with the sun

Thy daily stage of duty run;

Shake off dull sloth and joyful rise

To pay thy morning sacrifice.

2. All praise to Thee, who safe hast kept

And hast refreshed me while I slept.

Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake,

I may of endless life partake.

3. Lord, I my vows to Thee renew;

Disperse my sins as morning dew,

Guard my first springs of thought and will,

And with Thyself my spirit fill.

4. Direct, control, suggest, this day,

All I design or do or say,

That all my powers, with all their might,

In Thy sole glory may unite.

5. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him, above, ye heavenly host:

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Thomas Ken, 1695.

EVENING. — 30 — 31 — 32 — 33 — 34 — 35 — 36 — 37 — 38 — 39 — 40 — 41 — 42 — 43 — 44 — 45

C. M.

Since now the day has reached its close

And sunlight shines no more,

In sleep the toil-worn find repose

And all who wept before.

2. But Thou, my God, no rest dost know,

No slumber dims Thy sight;

Thou hatest darkness as Thy foe,

For Thou Thyself art light.

3. O Lord, I pray, remember me

Throughout the gloom of night

And grant to me most graciously

The shield of Thy great might.

4. Turn from me Satan’s tyranny

Through many an angel arm,

Then shall I be from danger free

And safe from every harm.

5. I know the evil I have done

Doth cry aloud to Thee;

But yet the mercy of Thy Son

Hath full atoned for me.

6. Him I present Thee as my bail

While suppliant at Thy feet;

With such assurance I’ll not fail

Before Thy judgment-seat.

7. And therefore now I close my eyes

And sleep with tranquil breast;

Why waste the time in fears or sighs?

God watches o’er my rest.

8. Away, vain, idle thoughts, depart!

Roam not, my soul, abroad!

For now I build within my heart

A temple to my God.

9. Should this night prove the last for me

In this dark vale of tears,

Then lead me, Lord, in heaven to Thee

And my elect compeers.

10. And thus I live and die to Thee,

Strong Lord of hosts, indeed!

In life and death Thou helpest me

From every fear and need.

J. T. Herzog, before 1670.

8, 7

Sink not yet, my soul, to slumber,

Wake, my heart, go forth and tell,

All the mercies without number

That this bygone day befell.

Tell how God hath kept afar

All things that against me war,

Hath upheld me and defended,

And His grace my soul befriended.

2. Father, merciful and holy,

Thee to-night I praise and bless,

Who, to labor true and lowly,

Grantest ever meet success;

Many a sin and many a woe,

Many a fierce and subtle foe,

Hast Thou checked that once alarmed me,

So that naught to-day has harmed me.

3. Yes, our wisdom vainly ponders,

Fathoms not Thy loving thought.

Never tongue can tell the wonders

That Thy hand for me hath wrought;

Thou hast guided me to-day

That no ill hath crossed my way.

There is neither bound nor measure

In Thy love’s o’erflowing treasure.

4. Now the light that nature gladdens,

And the pomp of day, is gone,

And my heart is tired and saddens

As the gloomy night comes on.

Ah, then, with Thy changeless light

Warm and cheer my heart to-night;

As the shadows round me gather,

Keep me close to Thee, my Father!

5. Of Thy grace, I pray Thee, pardon

All my sins and heal their smart;

Sore and heavy is their burden,

Sharp their sting within my heart;

And my Foe lays many a snare

But to tempt me to despair.

Thou alone canst help me, Savior;

Punish not my ill behavior.

6. Though I have from Thee departed,

Now I seek Thy face again,

For Thy Son, the loving-hearted,

Made our peace through bitter pain.

Yes, far greater than our sin,

Though it still be strong within,

Is Thy love that fails us never,

Mercy that endures forever.

7. Brightness of th’ eternal city!

Light of every faithful soul!

Safe beneath Thy sheltering pity

Let the tempest past me roll;

Now it darkens far and near,

Still, my God, still be Thou here;

Thou canst comfort, and Thou only,

When the night is long and lonely.

8. From the power of darkness save me

And from Satan’s hellish snares,

Who endeavors to enslave me

And assails me unawares;

Let me never lose the sight

Of Thy good and gracious light;

Thou canst fill my heart with gladness,

That it feel no pain in sadness.

9. Though my weary eyes are closing

And my senses fall asleep,

Still my soul, on Thee reposing,

Ever must its vigils keep.

Let my spirit longingly

Always dream, my God, of Thee,

Firmly unto Thee e’er cleaving,

Sleeping, yet Thy grace receiving.

10. Lord, the twilight now hath vanished,

Send Thy blessing on my sleep,

Every sin and terror banished,

Let my rest be calm and deep.

Soul and body, mind and health,

Wife and children, house and wealth,

Friend and foe, the sick, the stranger,

Keep Thou safe from harm and danger.

11. O Thou mighty God, now hearken

To the prayer Thy child hath made;

Jesus, while the night-hours darken,

Be Thou still my hope, my aid;

Holy Ghost, on Thee I call,

Friend and Comforter of all,

Hear my earnest prayer, O hear me!

Lord, Thou hearest, Thou art near me.

J. Rist, 1642.

L. M.

The happy sunshine now is gone,

The gloomy night comes swiftly on;

But shine Thou still, O Christ, our Light,

Nor let us lose ourselves in night.

2. We thank Thee that throughout the day

Thy angels watched around our way

And free from harm and vexing fear

Have led us on in safety here.

3. Whate’er of wrong we’ve done or said,

Let not the charge on us be laid;

That, through Thy free forgiveness blest,

In peaceful slumber we may rest.

4. Thy guardian angels round us place,

All evil from our couch to chase;

Our soul and body, while we sleep,

In safety, gracious Father, keep.

Nikolaus Herman, 1560.

7, 7

Now rest beneath night’s shadows,

Man, beast, town, woods, and meadows,

The world in slumber lies;

But thou, my heart, awake thee,

To prayer and song betake thee,

Let praise to thy Creator rise.

2. O sun, where art thou vanished?

The night thy reign hath banished,

The foe of day, the night.

Farewell! For now appeareth

Another Sun and cheereth

My heart—’tis Jesus Christ, my Light.

3. The last faint beam is going,

The golden stars are glowing

In yonder dark-blue deep;

Such is the glory given

When, called of God to heaven,

On earth no more we pine and weep.

4. To rest my body hasteth,

Aside its garments casteth,

Types of mortality;

These I put off and ponder

How Christ shall give me yonder

A robe of glorious majesty.

5. Head, hands, and feet, reposing,

Are glad the day is closing,

That work came to an end;

Cheer up, my heart, with gladness!

For God from all earth’s sadness

And from sin’s toil relief will send.

6. Ye weary limbs, now rest you,

For toil hath sore oppressed you,

And quiet sleep ye crave;

A sleep shall once o’ertake you

From which no man can wake you,

In your last narrow bed—the grave.

7. My heavy eyes are closing;

When I lie deep reposing,

Soul, body, where are ye?

To helpless sleep I yield them;

O let Thy mercy shield them,

Thou sleepless Eye, their Guardian be!

8. Lord Jesus, who dost love me,

O spread Thy wings above me

And shield me from alarm!

Though Satan would devour me,

Let angel-guards sing o’er me:

“This child of God shall meet no harm!”

9. My loved ones, rest securely,

From every peril surely

Our God will guard your heads.

May He sweet slumbers send you

And bid His hosts attend you,

And golden-armed, watch o’er your beds!

Paul Gerhardt, 1653.

L. M.

Christ, everlasting Source of light,

All things are open to Thy sight;

Thou Splendor of Thy Father’s face,

Show us the path of truth and grace.

2. We now implore Thy sovereign might

To keep us, Lord, the coming night;

Preserve us, Lord, from all distress;

O God, Thy mercy we address.

3. Remove our sinful drowsiness;

Let Satan not our soul oppress;

Our feeble flesh keep chaste and pure

And let us rest in Thee secure.

4. And when our eyes are bound in sleep,

The lamp of faith still burning keep;

Thy hand sustain us while we rest;

Remove our sin, and we are blest.

5. Great Guardian of Thy Christian flock,

Thy presence be our saving rock;

Thine agony and holy blood

Be always our support, O God!

6. Remember, Lord, the woes and pains

Which here our body hold in chains;

Our soul, which Thou hast ransomed, Lord,

O comfort with Thy holy Word.

7. To God the Father and the Son

And Holy Spirit, Three in One,

Be glory, praise, and majesty

Now, ever, and eternally.

From Ambrose’s Christe, qui lux es et dies: W. Meusslin, 1527.

L. M.

Before Thy throne I now appear,

O Lord, bow down Thy gracious ear

To me and cast not from Thy face

Thy sinful child, that sues for grace.

2. Thou, Father of eternity,

Thine image hast impressed on me;

In Thee I am and live and move,

Nor can exist without Thy love.

3. Oft hast Thou snatched me from distress

And raised me oft when comfortless,

When but a step, nay, one hair’s breadth,

Was ’twixt my tottering life and death.

4. My sense and reason come from Thee,

And sustenance Thou givest me;

A faithful friend Thou dost bestow

To prove his love in weal and woe.

5. Thou hast redeemed me, Son of God,

Hast shed for me Thy precious blood,

The Law for my sake hast fulfilled,

And thus Thy Father’s wrath hast stilled.

6. When sin and Satan witness bear

Against me that I must despair,

As Mediator step Thou in

And save me from the curse of sin.

7. Thou art my Advocate for aye,

My Savior, Comfort, and my Stay.

Thine all-sufficient merit is

On earth my peace, in heaven my bliss.

8. God Holy Spirit, Power Divine,

Thou workest in this heart of mine;

Naught can be counted good in me

But what proceeds alone from Thee.

9. Through Thee I now my God adore

And call Him Father evermore;

Through Thee His Word and Sacrament

I love and hold till life is spent.

10. Through Thee I’m in temptation free

From fear and sad despondency;

Through Thee I’m quickened oft to taste

The sweets of Thine eternal rest.

11. And so I now give thanks to Thee

With heart and tongue most joyfully

For all Thy mercies, Lord, my God,

Which on my soul Thou hast bestowed.

12. Beseeching Thine almighty grace

To aid me, till I’ve run my race,

Soul, body, honor, house, and friend

To Thy protection I commend.

13. Give me a heart that is sincere,

To love Thy truth, and persevere

In faith and Christian piety

And shun all base hypocrisy.

14. My sins and trespasses forgive;

Have patience with me while I live;

O give me faith and charity

And let my hope rest but in Thee.

15. Grant that in peace I close mine eyes,

But on the Last Day bid me rise

And let me see Thy face fore’er—

Amen, Amen, Lord, hear my prayer!

B. von Hodenberg. 1640; J. Gesenius, a. 1650.

L. M.

Glory to Thee, my God, this night

For all the blessings of the light!

Keep me, O keep me, King of kings,

Beneath Thine own almighty wings!

2. Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son,

The ill that I this day have done,

That with the world, myself, and Thee

I, ere I sleep, at peace may be.

3. Teach me to live that I may dread

The grave as little as my bed;

Teach me to die that so I may

With joy behold the Judgment Day.

4. Oh, may my soul on Thee repose,

And may sweet sleep my eyelids close!

Let no ill dreams disturb my rest,

No powers of darkness me molest.

Thomas Ken, 1695, abr.

8, 7

Savior, breathe an evening blessing

Ere repose our spirits seal;

Sin and want we come confessing;

Thou canst save, and Thou canst heal.

2. Though destruction walk around us,

Though the arrows past us fly,

Angel-guards from Thee surround us;

We are safe if Thou art nigh.

3. Though the night be dark and dreary,

Darkness cannot hide from Thee;

Thou art He who, never weary,

Watchest where Thy people be.

4. Should swift death this night o’ertake us

And our couch become our tomb,

May the morn in heav’n awake us,

Clad in light and deathless bloom.

James Edmeston, 1820.

11, 11, 11, 5

Now God be with us, for the night is closing;

The light and darkness are of His disposing,

And ’neath His shadow here to rest we yield us,

For He will shield us.

2. Let evil thoughts and spirits flee before us;

Till morning cometh, watch, O Master, o’er us;

In soul and body Thou from harm defend us,

Thine angels send us.

3. Let pious thoughts be ours when sleep o’ertakes us,

Our earliest thoughts be Thine when morning wakes us;

All day serve Thee, in all that we are doing

Thy praise pursuing.

4. Through Thy Beloved soothe the sick and weeping

And bid the captive lose his griefs in sleeping;

Widows and orphans, we to Thee commend them,

Do Thou befriend them.

5. We have no refuge, none on earth to aid us,

Save Thee, O Father, who Thine own hast made us:

But Thy dear presence will not leave them lonely

Who seek Thee only.

6. Father, Thy name be praised, Thy kingdom given;

Thy will be done on earth as ’tis in heaven;

Give daily bread, forgive our sins, deliver

Us now and ever.

Bohemian Brethren, 1566; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

L. M.

Thus far the Lord has led me on,

Thus far His power prolongs my days;

And every evening shall make known

Some fresh memorial of His grace.

2. Much of my time has run to waste,

And I, perhaps, am near my home;

But He forgives my follies past

And gives me strength for days to come.

3. I lay my body down to sleep;

Peace is the pillow for my head;

His ever-watchful eye will keep

Its constant guard around my bed.

4. Faith in Thy name forbids my fear;

Oh, may Thy presence ne’er depart!

And in the morning may I bear

Thy loving-kindness on my heart!

Isaac Watts, 1709, a. and abr.

10s

Abide with me! fast falls the eventide;

The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide!

When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, O abide with me!

2. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;

Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;

Change and decay in all around I see;

O Thou, who changest not, abide with me!

3. Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,

But as Thou dwell’st with Thy disciples, Lord,

Familiar, condescending, patient, free,

Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.

4. Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,

But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings;

Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea;

O Friend of sinners, thus abide with me!

5. Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,

And, though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,

Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee:

On to the close, O Lord, abide with me!

6. I need Thy presence every passing hour:

What but Thy grace can foil the Tempter’s power?

Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?

Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me!

7. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;

Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness.

Where is death’s sting? where, grave, thy victory?

I triumph still if Thou abide with me.

8. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes,

Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies.

Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;

In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!

H. F. Lyte, 1847.

S. M.

The day is past and gone,

The evening shades appear;

O may I ever keep in mind

The night of death draws near.

2. Lord, keep me safe this night,

Secure from all my fears;

May angels guard me while I sleep,

Till morning light appears.

3. And when I early rise

And view th’ unwearied sun,

May I set out to win the prize

And after glory run,

4. That, when my days are past

And I from time remove,

Lord, I may in Thy bosom rest,

The bosom of Thy love.

J. Leland, 1792.

L. M.

Sun of my soul, Thou Savior dear,

It is not night if Thou be near;

Oh, may no earth-born cloud arise

To hide Thee from Thy servant’s eyes!

2. When the soft dews of kindly sleep

My wearied eyelids gently steep,

Be my last thought how sweet to rest

Forever on my Savior’s breast.

3. Abide with me from morn till eve,

For without Thee I cannot live;

Abide with me when night is nigh,

For without Thee I dare not die.

4. If some poor wandering child of Thine

Has spurned to-day the voice divine,

Now, Lord, the gracious work begin;

Let him no more lie down in sin.

5. Watch by the sick, enrich the poor

With blessings from Thy boundless store;

Be every mourner’s sleep to-night,

Like infant’s slumbers, pure and light.

6. Come near and bless us when we wake,

Ere through the world our way we take;

And lead us by Thy hand of love

Until we reach our home above.

J. Keble, 1820.

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7

Through the day Thy love hath spared us,

Now we lay us down to rest;

Through the silent watches guard us,

Let no foe our peace molest:

Jesus, Thou our Guardian be;

Sweet it is to trust in Thee.

2. Pilgrims here on earth and strangers,

Dwelling in the midst of foes,

Us and ours preserve from dangers;

In Thine arms may we repose

And, when life’s sad day is past,

Rest with Thee in heaven at last.

3. Triune God, let all adore Thee,

Saints on earth and saints in heav’n;

Every creature bow before Thee,

Who hast all their being giv’n,

Who dost seek and save the lost:

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Thomas Kelly, 1806.

8, 4, 8, 4, 8, 8, 8, 4

God, who madest earth and heaven,

Darkness and light,

Who the day for toil hast given,

For rest the night,

May Thine angel guards defend us,

Slumber sweet Thy mercy send us,

Holy dreams and hopes attend us,

This livelong night!

2. Guard us waking, guard us sleeping,

And when we die,

Let us in Thy mighty keeping

All peaceful lie.

When the trumpet’s call shall wake us,

Do not Thou, blest Lord, forsake us,

But to reign in glory take us

With Thee on high.

Reginald Heber, 1827; 2d stanza, R. Whately, 1860.

6, 5

Now the day is over,

Night is drawing nigh,

Shadows of the evening

Steal across the sky.

2. Now the darkness gathers,

Stars begin to peep,

Birds and beasts and flowers

Soon will be asleep.

3. Jesus, give the weary

Calm and sweet repose;

With Thy tenderest blessing

May my eyelids close.

4. Through the long night-watches

May Thine angels spread

Their white wings above me,

Watching round my bed.

5. When the morning wakens,

Then may I arise

Pure and fresh and sinless

In Thy holy eyes!

6. Glory to the Father,

Glory to the Son,

And to Thee, blest Spirit,

While all ages run.

Sabine Baring-Gould, 1865, abr.

INVITATION. — 46 — 47 — 48 — 49 — 50 — 51 — 52 — 53 — 54 — 55 — 56 — 57 — 58

C. M. 8 l

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“Come unto Me and rest;

Lay down, thou weary one, lay down

Thy head upon My breast!”

I came to Jesus as I was,

Weary and worn and sad;

I found in Him a resting-place,

And He has made me glad.

2. I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“Behold, I freely give

The living water; thirsty one,

Stoop down and drink and live!”

I came to Jesus, and I drank

Of that life-giving stream;

My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,

And now I live in Him.

3. I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“I am this dark world’s Light;

Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise

And all thy day be bright!”

I looked to Jesus, and I found

In Him my Star, my Sun;

And in that Light of Life I’ll walk

Till traveling days are done.

H. Bonar, 1846.

C. M.

The Savior calls; let every ear

Attend the heavenly sound,

Ye doubting souls, dismiss your fear;

Hope smiles reviving round.

2. For every thirsty, longing heart

Here streams of bounty flow

And life and health and bliss impart

To banish mortal woe.

3. Here springs of sacred pleasures rise

To ease your every pain;

Immortal fountain! full supplies!

Nor shall you thirst in vain.

4. Ye sinners, come, ’tis Mercy’s voice;

The gracious call obey;

Mercy invites to heavenly joys,

And can you yet delay?

5. Dear Savior, draw reluctant hearts;

To Thee let sinners fly

And take the bliss Thy love imparts

And drink and never die.

Anne Steele, 1760.

7s

Sinners, turn; why will ye die?

God, your Maker, asks you—Why?

God, who did your being give,

Made you with Himself to live.

2. He the fatal cause demands,

Asks the work of His own hands,

Why, ye thankless creatures, why

Will ye cross His love and die?

3. Sinners, turn; why will ye die?

God, your Savior, asks you—Why?

He, who did your souls retrieve,

Died Himself that you might live.

4. Will ye let Him die in vain,

Crucify your Lord again?

Why, ye ransomed sinners, why

Will ye slight His grace and die?

5. Sinners, turn; why will ye die?

God the Spirit asks you—Why?

He, who all your lifetime strove,

Wooed you to embrace His love.

6. Will ye not His grace receive?

Will ye still refuse to live?

O ye long-sought sinners, why

Will ye grieve your God and die?

Charles Wesley, 1741.

7, 6, 8 l

“Come unto Me, ye weary,

And I will give you rest.”

O blessed voice of Jesus,

Which comes to hearts opprest!

It tells of benediction,

Of pardon, grace, and peace,

Of joy that hath no ending,

Of love which cannot cease.

2. “Come unto Me, dear children,

And I will give you light.”

O loving voice of Jesus,

Which comes to cheer the night!

Our hearts were filled with sadness,

And we had lost our way;

But He has brought us gladness

And songs at break of day.

3. “Come unto Me, ye weary,

And I will give you life,”

O cheering voice of Jesus,

Which comes to aid our strife!

The Foe is stern and eager,

The fight is fierce and long;

But Thou hast made us mighty

And stronger than the strong.

4. “And whosoever cometh,

I will not cast him out.”

O welcome voice of Jesus,

Which drives away our doubt,

Which calls us, very sinners,

Unworthy though we be

Of love so free and boundless,

To come, dear Lord, to Thee!

W. C. Dix, 1867.

7, 6, 8 l

To-day Thy mercy calls us

To wash away our sin.

However great our trespass,

Whatever we have been;

However long from mercy

Our hearts have turned away,

Thy precious blood can cleanse us

And make us white to-day.

2. To-day Thy gate is open,

And all who enter in

Shall find a Father’s welcome

And pardon for their sin.

The past shall be forgotten,

A present joy be giv’n,

A future grace be promised,

A glorious crown in heav’n.

3. To-day our Father calls us,

His Holy Spirit waits;

His blessed angels gather

Around the heavenly gates.

No question will be asked us

How often we have come;

Although we oft have wandered,

It is our Father’s home.

4. O all-embracing Mercy,

O ever-open Door,

What should we do without Thee

When heart and eye run o’er?

When all things seem against us,

To drive us to despair,

We know one gate is open,

One ear will hear our prayer.

O. Allen, 1862.

L. M.

Behold a Stranger at the door!

He gently knocks, has knocked before,

Has waited long, is waiting still;

You treat no other friend so ill.

2. But will He prove a friend indeed?

He will; the very Friend you need;

The Friend of sinners—yes, ’tis He,

With garments dyed on Calvary.

3. O lovely attitude! He stands

With melting heart and laden hands;

O matchless kindness! and He shows

This matchless kindness to His foes.

4. Admit Him lest His anger burn

And He, departing, ne’er return;

Admit Him, or the hour’s at hand

When at His door denied you’ll stand.

J. Grigg, 1756, a.

S. M.

The Spirit in our hearts

Is whispering, “Sinner, come!”

The Bride, the Church of Christ, proclaims

To all His children, “Come!”

2. Let him that heareth say

To all about him, “Come!”

Let him that thirsts for righteousness

To Christ, the Fountain, come.

3. Yes, whosoever will,

O let him freely come

And freely drink the stream of life;

’Tis Jesus bids him come.

4. Lo, Jesus, who invites,

Declares, “I quickly come.”

Lord, even so; I wait Thine hour;

Jesus, my Savior, come!

H. U. Onderdonk, 1826.

S. M.

Let every ear attend

And every heart rejoice;

The trumpet of the Gospel sounds

With an inviting voice.

2. Ho! all ye starving souls,

That feed upon the wind

And vainly strive with earthly toys

To fill an empty mind.

3. Here Wisdom has prepared

A soul-reviving feast

And bids your longing appetites

The rich provision taste.

4. Ho! ye that pant for streams

And pine away and die,

Here you may quench your raging thirst

With springs that never dry.

5. Rivers of mercy here

In a rich ocean join;

Salvation in abundance flows

Like floods of milk and wine.

6. The gates of Gospel grace

Stand open night and day.

Lord, we are come to seek supplies

And drive our wants away.

Isaac Watts, 1707.

L. M.

Return, O wanderer, return

And seek an injured Father’s face;

Those warm desires that in thee burn

Were kindled by reclaiming grace.

2. Return, O wanderer, return

And seek a Father’s melting heart;

His pitying eyes thy grief discern,

His hand shall heal thine inward smart.

3. Return, O wanderer, return,

Thy Savior bids thy spirit live;

Go to His bleeding feet and learn

How freely Jesus can forgive.

4. Return, O wanderer, return

And wipe away the falling tear;

’Tis God who says, “No longer mourn,”

’Tis Mercy’s voice invites thee near.

W. B. Collyer, 1812.

L. M.

Hasten, O sinner, to be wise

And stay not for the morrow’s sun,

The longer wisdom you despise,

The harder is she to be won.

2. O hasten, mercy to implore

And stay not for the morrow’s sun,

For fear thy season should be o’er

Before this evening’s course be run.

3. Hasten, O sinner, to return

And stay not for the morrow’s sun,

For fear thy lamp should fail to burn

Before the needful work is done.

4. Hasten, O sinner, to be blest

And stay not for the morrow’s sun,

For fear the curse should thee arrest

Before the morrow is begun.

Thomas Scott, 1773.

7s

Come, my soul, thy suit prepare,

Jesus loves to answer prayer;

He Himself has bid thee pray,

Therefore will not say thee nay.

2. Thou art coming to a King,

Large petitions with thee bring;

For His grace and power are such

None can ever ask too much.

3. With my burden I begin:

Lord, remove this load of sin;

Let Thy blood, for sinners spilt,

Set my conscience free from guilt.

4. Lord, I come to Thee for rest,

Take possession of my breast;

There Thy blood-bought right maintain

And without a rival reign.

5. While I am a pilgrim here,

Let Thy love my spirit cheer;

As my Guide, my Guard, my Friend,

Lead me to my journey’s end.

6. Show me what I have to do,

Every hour my strength renew;

Let me live a life of faith,

Let me die Thy people’s death.

John Newton, 1779.

11s

Delay not, delay not, O sinner, draw near,

The waters of life are now flowing for thee;

No price is demanded; the Savior is here;

Redemption is purchased, salvation is free.

2. Delay not, delay not, why longer abuse

The love and compassion of Jesus, thy God?

A fountain is opened; how canst thou refuse

To wash and be cleansed in His pardoning blood?

3. Delay not, delay not, O sinner, to come,

For mercy still lingers and calls thee to-day;

Her voice is not heard in the vale of the tomb;

Her message, unheeded, will soon pass away.

4. Delay not, delay not, the Spirit of Grace,

Long grieved and resisted, may take its sad flight

And leave thee in darkness to finish thy race,

To sink in the gloom of eternity’s night.

5. Delay not, delay not, the hour is at hand;

The earth shall dissolve, and the heavens shall fade;

The dead, small and great, in the Judgment shall stand;

What power then, O sinner, shall lend thee its aid?

T. Hastings, 1831.

7s

Come, ye weary sinners, come,

All who feel your heavy load;

Jesus calls His wanderers home;

Hasten to your pardoning God.

2. Come, ye guilty souls opprest,

Answer to the Savior’s call:

“Come, and I will give you rest;

Come, and I will save you all.”

3. Jesus, full of truth and love,

We Thy gracious call obey;

Faithful let Thy mercies prove,

Take our load of guilt away.

4. Fain we would on Thee rely,

Cast on Thee our sin and care,

To Thine arms of mercy fly,

Find our lasting quiet there.

5. Lo, we come to Thee for ease:

True and gracious as Thou art,

How our weary souls release,

Write forgiveness on our heart.

Charles Wesley, 1746, a.

PRAISE. — 59 — 60 — 61 — 62 — 63 — 64 — 65 — 66 — 67 — 68 — 69 — 70 — 71 — 72 — 73 — 74 — 75 — 76 — 77 — 78 — 79 — 80

7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 7, 6

My soul, now bless thy Maker!

Let all within me bless His name,

Who maketh thee partaker

Of mercies more than thou dar’st claim!

Forget Him not, whose meekness

Forgiveth all thy sin;

Who healeth all thy weakness,

Renews thy life within;

Whose grace and care are endless

And saved thee through the past;

Who leaves no sufferer friendless,

But rights the wronged at last.

2. He shows to man His treasure

Of judgment, truth, and righteousness,

His love beyond all measure,

His yearning pity o’er distress;

Nor treats us as we merit,

But lays His anger by,

The humble, contrite spirit

Finds His compassion nigh;

Far as the heavens above us,

As break from close of day,

So far, since He doth love us,

He casts our sins away.

3. For as a tender father

Hath pity on his children here,

He in His arms will gather

All who are His in childlike fear.

He knows how frail our powers,

Who but from dust are made;

We flourish as the flowers,

And even so we fade;

The wind but o’er them passes,

And all their bloom is o’er,—

We wither like the grasses,

Our place knows us no more.

4. His grace alone endureth,

And children’s children yet shall prove

How God with strength assureth

The hearts of all that seek His love.

In heaven is fixed His dwelling,

His rule is over all;

Angels in might excelling,

Bright hosts, before Him fall!

Praise Him who ever reigneth,

All ye who hear His Word,

Nor our poor hymns disdaineth;—

My soul, O bless the Lord!

G. Graumann, 1525; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

To God, the Father of all love,

The God of earth and heaven,

The mighty God, who reigns above,

Be praise and glory given!

With healing balm my soul He fills

And every pain and sorrow stills,—

To God all praise and glory!

2. The angel host, O King of kings,

Thy praise forever telling,

In earth and sky all living things

Beneath Thy shadow dwelling,

Adore and praise their Maker’s might,

Whose wisdom orders all things right,—

To God all praise and glory!

3. What God’s almighty power hath made

His gracious mercy keepeth;

By morning glow or evening shade

His watchful eye ne’er sleepeth;

Within the kingdom of His might,

Lo! all is just and all is right,—

To God all praise and glory!

4. I cried to God in my distress,

His mercy heard me calling;

My Savior saw my helplessness

And kept my feet from falling.

For this, Lord, praise and thanks to Thee!

Praise God most high, praise God with me,—

To God all praise and glory!

5. The Lord forsaketh not His flock,

His chosen generation;

He is their Refuge and their Rock,

Their Peace and their Salvation,

And with a mother’s watchful love

He guides them wheresoe’er they rove,—

To God all praise and glory!

6. When earth can comfort us no more

Nor human help availeth,

The Maker comes Himself, whose store

Of blessing never faileth,

And bends on them a Father’s eyes,

Whom earth all rest and hope denies,—

To God all praise and glory!

7. Thus all my pilgrim way along

I’ll sing aloud Thy praises

That men may hear the grateful song

My voice unwearied raises.

Be joyful in the Lord, my heart;

Both soul and body, bear your part,—

To God all praise and glory!

8. Ye who confess Christ’s holy name,

To God give praise and glory!

Ye who the Father’s power proclaim,

To God give praise and glory!

All idols under foot be trod,

The Lord is God! The Lord is God!

To God all praise and glory!

9. Then come before His presence now

And banish fear and sadness;

To your Redeemer pay your vow

And sing with joy and gladness:

Though great distress my soul befall,

The Lord, my God, rules over all,—

To God all praise and glory!

J. J. Schuetz, 1673.

C. M.

Songs of immortal praise belong

To my almighty God:

He hath my heart and He my tongue

To spread His name abroad.

2. How great the works His hand hath wrought!

How glorious in our sight!

And men in every age have sought

His wonders with delight.

3. How most exact is nature’s frame!

How wise th’ eternal Mind!

His counsels never change the scheme

That His first thoughts designed.

4. When He redeemed the sons of men,

He fixed His covenant sure;

The orders that His lips pronounce

To endless years endure.

5. Nature and time and earth and skies

Thy heavenly skill proclaim.

What shall we do to make us wise

But learn to read Thy name!

6. To fear Thy power, to trust Thy grace,

Is our divinest skill;

And he’s the wisest of our race

Who best obeys Thy will.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8

O that I had a thousand voices,

A mouth to speak with thousand tongues!

My heart, which in the Lord rejoices,

Then would proclaim in grateful songs

To all, wherever I might be,

What great things God hath done for me.

2. O that my voice might high be sounding,

Far as the widely distant poles;

My blood run quick, with rapture bounding,

Long as its vital current rolls,

And every pulse thanksgiving raise,

And every breath a hymn of praise!

3. O all ye powers that God implanted,

Arise, keep silence thus no more,

Put forth the strength that He hath granted!

Your noblest work is to adore.

My soul and body, make ye meet

With heartfelt praise your Lord to greet!

4. Ye forest leaves, so green and tender,

That dance for joy in summer air;

Ye meadow grasses, bright and slender;

Ye flowers, so wondrous sweet and fair;

Ye live to show His praise alone,

Help me to make His glory known!

5. O all things that have breath and motion,

That throng with life, earth, sea, and sky,

Now join me in my heart’s devotion,

Help me to raise His praises high;

My utmost powers can ne’er aright

Declare the wonders of His might.

6. Dear Father, endless praise I render

For soul and body, strangely joined;

I praise Thee, Guardian kind and tender,

For all the noble joys I find

So richly spread on every side

And freely for my use supplied.

7. What equal praises can I offer,

Dear Jesus, for Thy mercy shown?

What pangs, my Savior, didst Thou suffer,

And thus for all my sins atone!

Thy death alone my soul could free

From Satan, to be blest with Thee.

8. Glory and praise, still onward reaching,

Thine be it, Spirit of all grace,

Whose holy power and faithful teaching

Give me among Thy saints a place!

Whate’er of good in me may shine

Comes only from Thy light divine.

9. Who grants abundant gifts to bless me?

Who but Thyself, O God of love?

Who guards my ways lest fears oppress me?

’Tis Thou, Lord God of hosts, above!

And when my sins Thy wrath provoke,

Thy patience, Lord, forbears the stroke.

10. I kiss the rod, too, unrepining,

When God His chastening makes me feel,

My graces call for His refining,

The trial works no lasting ill;

It purifies and makes it known

That He regards me as His own.

11. In life I often have discovered,

With gratitude and glad surprise,

When clouds of sorrows o’er me hovered,

God sent from them my best supplies.

In troubles He is ever near

And shows me all a Father’s care.

12. Why not, then, with a faith unbounded,

Forever in His love confide?

Why not, with earthly griefs surrounded,

Rejoicing still in hope abide,

Until I reach that blissful home

Where doubt and sorrow never come?

13. No more low vanities regarding,

To Thee, in whom I find my rest,

I cry, my inmost soul according,

“My God, Thou art the Highest, Best;

Strength, honor, praise, and thanks, and power

Be Thine both now and evermore!”

14. Lord, I will tell, while I am living,

Thy goodness forth with every breath

And greet each morning with thanksgiving

Until my heart is still in death;

Yea, when at last my lips grow cold,

Thy praise shall in my sighs be told.

15. O Father, deign Thou, I beseech Thee,

To listen to my earthly lays;

A nobler strain in heav’n shall reach Thee,

When I with angels hymn Thy praise

And learn amid their choirs to sing

Loud hallelujahs to my King.

J. Mentzer, 1704.

14, 14, 4, 7, 8

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy Health and Salvation!

Join the full throng;

Wake, harp and psalter and song;

Sound forth in glad adoration!

2. Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,

Who, as on wings of an eagle, uplifteth, sustaineth.

Hast thou not seen

How thy desires all have been

Granted in what He ordaineth?

3. Praise to the Lord, who hath fearfully, wondrously, made thee;

Health hath vouchsafed and, when heedlessly falling, hath stayed thee!

What need or grief

Ever hath failed of relief?—

Wings of His mercy did shade thee.

4. Praise to the Lord, who doth visibly bless and defend thee;

Who from the heavens the streams of His mercy doth send thee!

Ponder anew

What the Almighty can do

If with His love He befriend thee.

5. Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!

All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him!

He is thy Light;

Soul, keep it always in sight,

Gladly forever adore Him!

J. Neander, 1680.

6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6

Now thank we all our God

With heart and hands and voices,

Who wondrous things hath done,

In whom His world rejoices;

Who from our mother’s arms

Hath blessed us on our way

With countless gifts of love

And still is ours to-day.

2. Oh, may this bounteous God

Through all this life be near us,

With ever joyful hearts

And blessed peace to cheer us;

And keep us in His grace,

And guide us when perplexed,

And free us from all ills

In this world and the next.

3. All praise and thanks to God

The Father now be given,

The Son, and Him who reigns

With them in highest heaven:

The one eternal God,

Whom earth and heaven adore;

For thus it was, is now,

And shall be evermore!

Martin Rinckart, 1630; C. Winkworth, tr.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 8, 7, 7

I will sing my Maker’s praises

And in Him most joyful be,

For in all things I see traces

Of His tender love to me.

Nothing but His love could move Him

With such sweet and tender care

Evermore to raise and bear

All who try to serve and love Him.

All things have their little day,

God’s great love abides for aye.

2. As an eagle spreadeth over

Her young brood her sheltering wings,

So the arm of God did cover

Me against affliction’s stings.

He who life and being gave me,

Even in my mother’s womb,

From the cradle to the tomb,

He shall ever guard and save me.

All things have their little day,

God’s great love abides for aye.

3. Yea, so dear did He esteem me

That His Son He loved so well

He hath given to redeem me

From the quenchless flames of hell.

O Thou Spring of boundless blessing,

How could e’er my feeble mind

Of Thy depth the bottom find,

Though my efforts were unceasing?

All things have their little day,

God’s great love abides for aye.

4. God His Spirit to instruct me

In His holy Word hath giv’n

That He safely may conduct me

Through this weary world to heav’n.

He my heart’s dark chamber filleth

With the clear, pure light of faith,

Which destroys the power of death;

Yea, e’en hell itself it stilleth.

All things have their little day,

God’s great love abides for aye.

5. All that for my soul is needful

He doth carefully provide,

Nor of that is He unheedful

Which my body needs beside.

When my strength cannot avail me,

When my powers can do no more,

Doth my God His strength outpour,

In my need He doth not fail me.

All things have their little day,

God’s great love abides for aye.

6. All the hosts of earth and heaven

Wheresoe’er I turn mine eye,

For my benefit are given

That they may my need supply.

All that’s living, all that’s growing,

On the heights or in the woods,

In the vales or in the floods,

God is for my good bestowing.

All things have their little day,

God’s great love abides for aye.

7. When I sleep, He still is near me,

O’er me rests His guardian eye;

And new gifts and blessings cheer me

When the morning streaks the sky.

Were it not for God’s protection,

Had His countenance not been

Here my guide, I had not seen

Any end of my affliction.

All things have their little day,

God’s great love abides for aye.

8. Ah, how often doth the devil

Cause some great calamity!

But my life from all such evil

Till this moment has been free.

For the angel whom God sendeth,

Wardeth off each threatening hurt,

Every evil doth avert

That mine enemy intendeth.

All things have their little day,

God’s great love abides for aye.

9. As a father never turneth

Wholly from a wayward child,

For the prodigal still yearneth,

Longing to be reconciled:

So my many sins and errors

Find a tender, pardoning God,

Chast’ning frailty with His rod,

Not, in vengeance, with His terrors.

All things have their little day,

God’s great love abides for aye.

10. All His strokes and scourges truly

For the moment grievous prove

And yet, when I weigh them duly,

Are but tokens of His love,

Proofs that He is watching o’er me

And by crosses to His fold,

From the world that fain would hold

Soul and body, would restore me.

All things have their little day,

God’s great love abides for aye.

11. On this thought I dwell with pleasure;

For it granteth joy and peace.

Christ’s cross hath its time and measure

And at last will wholly cease.

When the winter disappeareth,

Lovely summer comes again;

Joy is giv’n for woe and pain

Who his cross in patience beareth.

All things have their little day,

God’s great love abides for aye.

12. Since, then, neither change nor coldness

In my Father’s love can be,

Lo, I lift my hands with boldness,

As Thy child I come to Thee.

Grant me grace, O God, I pray Thee,

That I may with all my might,

All my lifetime, day and night,

Love and trust Thee and obey Thee;

And when this brief life is o’er,

Praise and love Thee evermore.

Paul Gerhardt, 1659.

L. M.

Thee we adore, eternal Lord!

We praise Thy name with one accord;

Thy saints, who here Thy goodness see,

Through all the world do worship Thee.

2. To Thee aloud all angels cry,

The heavens and all the powers on high;

Thee, “Holy, Holy, Holy King,

Lord God of hosts!” they ever sing.

3. Th’ apostles join the glorious throng;

The prophets swell th’ immortal song;

Thy martyrs’ noble army raise

Eternal anthems to Thy praise.

4. From day to day, O Lord, do we

Highly exalt and honor Thee.

Thy name we worship and adore

World without end, forevermore!

5. Vouchsafe, O Lord, we humbly pray,

To keep us safe from sin this day;

Have mercy, Lord! We trust in Thee;

O let us ne’er confounded be!

T. Cotterill, 1815, a.

9, 10, 9, 10, 10, 10

Jehovah, let me now adore Thee,

For where is there a God such, Lord, as Thou?

With songs I fain would come before Thee;

O let Thy Holy Spirit teach me now

To praise Thee in His name, through whom alone

Our songs can please Thee, through Thy blessed Son.

2. O Father, draw me to my Savior

That Thy dear Son may draw me unto Thee;

Thy Spirit guide my whole behavior

And rule both sense and reason thus in me,

That, Lord, Thy peace I taste may ne’er depart,

But wake sweet melodies within my heart.

3. Grant that Thy Spirit prompt my praises,

Then shall my singing surely please Thine ear;

Sweet are the sounds my heart then raises,

My prayer in truth and spirit Thou wilt hear.

Then shall Thy Spirit raise my heart to Thee

To sing Thee psalms of praise in high degree.

4. For He can plead for me with sighings

That are unspeakable to lips like mine;

He bids me pray with earnest cryings,

Bears witness with my soul that I am Thine,

Joint heir with Christ and thus may dare to say:

O Abba, Father, hear me when I pray!

5. When thus my heart in prayer ascendeth

Through Thine own Holy Spirit unto Thee,

Thy heart, O Father, kindly bendeth

Its fervent love and favor unto me,

Rejoicing my petition to fulfil

Which I have made according to Thy will.

6. And what Thy Spirit thus hath taught me

To seek from Thee must needs be such a prayer

As Thou wilt grant, through Him who bought me

And raised me up to be Thy child and heir.

In Jesus’ name I, fearless, seek Thy face

And take from Thee, my Father, grace for grace.

7. O joy! my hope and trust are founded

On His sure Word and witness in the heart;

I know Thy mercies are unbounded,

And all good gifts Thou freely wilt impart;

Nay, more is lavished by Thy bounteous hand

Than I can ask or seek or understand.

8. O bliss! in Jesus’ name I’ve tendered

My prayer; He pleads at Thy right hand for me.

Yea and amen in Him is rendered

What I in faith and spirit ask of Thee.

O joy for me! and praise be ever Thine

Whose wondrous love has made such blessings mine!

Bartholomew Crasselius, 1697; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

7s

Songs of praise the angels sang,

Heaven with hallelujahs rang,

When Jehovah’s work begun,

When He spake, and it was done.

2. Songs of praise awoke the morn

When the Prince of Peace was born;

Songs of praise arose when He

Captive led captivity.

3. Heaven and earth must pass away;

Songs of praise shall crown that day:

God will make new heavens and earth;

Songs of praise shall hail their birth.

4. And shall man alone be dumb

Till that glorious kingdom come?

No; the Church delights to raise

Psalms and hymns and songs of praise.

5. Saints below, with heart and voice,

Still in songs of praise rejoice;

Learning here, by faith and love,

Songs of praise to sing above.

6. Borne upon their latest breath,

Songs of praise shall conquer death;

Then, amidst eternal joy,

Songs of praise their powers employ.

James Montgomery, 1819.

8, 5, 8 l

Lord, ’tis not that I did choose Thee,

That could never be,

For this heart would still refuse Thee;

Thou hast chosen me,

Hast from all the sin that stained me

Washed and set me free

And unto this end ordained me,

That I live to Thee.

2. ’Twas Thy love and mercy called me,

Taught my opening mind;

Else the world had yet enthralled me,

To Thy glories blind.

Now my heart owns none above Thee;

For Thy grace I thirst;

Knowing well that, if I love Thee,

Thou didst love me first.

3. Praise the God of all creation

For His boundless love;

Praise the Lamb, our Expiation,

Priest enthroned above;

Praise the Spirit of salvation,

Him by whom we live;

Undivided adoration

To the Godhead give!

Josiah Condor, † 1855.

L. M.

Give to our God immortal praise!

Mercy and truth are all His ways,

Wonders of grace to God belong;

Repeat His mercies in your song.

2. Give to the Lord of lords renown,

The King of kings with glory crown.

His mercies ever shall endure

When lords and kings are known no more.

3. He built the earth, He spread the sky,

And fixed the starry lights on high.

Wonders of grace to God belong;

Repeat His mercies in your song.

4. He fills the sun with morning light,

He bids the moon direct the night;

His mercies ever shall endure

When suns and moons shall shine no more.

5. He sent His Son with power to save

From guilt and darkness and the grave.

Wonders of grace to God belong;

Repeat His mercies in your song.

6. Through this vain world He guides our feet

And leads us to His heavenly seat.

His mercies ever shall endure

When this vain world shall be no more.

Ps. 136. Isaac Watts, 1719.

7s 6 l

God of mercy, God of grace,

Show the brightness of Thy face!

Shine upon us, Savior, shine,

Fill Thy Church with light divine,

And Thy saving health extend

Unto earth’s remotest end.

2. Let the people praise Thee, Lord!

Be by all that live adored;

Let the nations shout and sing

Glory to their Lord and King,

At Thy feet their tribute pay,

And Thy holy will obey.

3. Let the people praise Thee, Lord!

Earth shall then her fruits afford,

God to man His blessing give,

Man to God devoted live;

All below and all above

One in joy and light and love.

H. F. Lyte, 1834.

C. M.

When all Thy mercies, O my God,

My rising soul surveys,

Transported with the view, I’m lost

In wonder, love, and praise.

2. Ten thousand thousand precious gifts

My daily thanks employ;

Nor is the least a cheerful heart,

That tastes those gifts with joy.

3. Through every period of my life

Thy goodness I’ll pursue;

And after death, in distant worlds,

The glorious theme renew.

4. When nature fails, and day and night

Divide Thy works no more,

My ever grateful heart, O Lord,

Thy mercies shall adore.

5. Through all eternity to Thee

A joyful song I’ll raise;

But oh! eternity’s too short

To utter all Thy praise.

J. Addison, 1712, abr.

L. M. 6 l

I’ll praise my Maker whilst I’ve breath;

And when my voice is lost in death,

Praise shall employ my nobler powers.

My days of praise shall ne’er be past

While life and thought and being last

Or immortality endures.

2. Happy the man whose hopes rely

On Israel’s God, who made the sky

And earth and seas with all their train;

His truth forever stands secure;

He saves th’ oppressed, He feeds the poor,

And none shall find His promise vain.

3. The Lord gives eyesight to the blind;

The Lord supports the sinking mind;

He sends the laboring conscience peace;

He helps the stranger in distress,

The widow and the fatherless,

And grants the prisoner sweet release.

4. I’ll praise Him while He lends me breath;

And when my voice is lost in death,

Praise shall employ my nobler powers:

My days of praise shall ne’er be past,

While life and thought and being last

Or immortality endures.

Isaac Watts, 1719, a.

C. M.

To God be glory, peace on earth,

To all mankind good will!

We bless, we praise, we worship Thee,

And glorify Thee still.

2. And thanks for Thy great glory give,

That fills our soul with light,

O Lord, our heavenly King, the God

And Father of all might!

3. And Thou, begotten Son of God,

Before all time begun;

O Jesus Christ, Thou Lamb of God,

The Father’s only Son:

4. Have mercy, Thou, that tak’st the sins

Of all the world away!

Have mercy, Savior of mankind,

And hear us when we pray!

5. O Thou, who sitt’st at God’s right hand,

Upon the Father’s throne,

Have mercy on us, Thou, O Christ,

Who art the Holy One!

6. Thou only, with the Holy Ghost,

Whom earth and heaven adore,

In glory of the Father art

Most high forevermore.

Supplement to Tate and Brady, 1700, a.

C. M.

Through all the changing scenes of life,

In trouble and in joy,

The praises of my God shall still

My heart and tongue employ.

2. Of His deliverance I will boast

Till all that are distrest

From my example comfort take

And charm their griefs to rest.

3. O magnify the Lord with me,

With me exalt His name!

When in distress on Him I called,

He to my rescue came.

4. The hosts of God encamp around

The dwellings of the just;

Deliverance He affords to all

Who on His succor trust.

5. O make but trial of His love!

Experience will decide

How blest are they, and only they,

Who in His truth confide.

6. Fear Him, ye Christians, you will then

Have nothing else to fear;

Make you His service your delight,

Your wants shall be His care.

Ps. 34. Tate and Brady, 1698, a.

S. M.

O bless the Lord, my soul!

Let all within me join

And aid my tongue to bless His name,

Whose favors are divine.

2. O bless the Lord, my soul!

Nor let His mercies lie

Forgotten in unthankfulness

And without praises die.

3. ’Tis He forgives thy sins;

’Tis He relieves thy pain;

’Tis He that heals thy sicknesses

And gives thee strength again.

4. He crowns thy life with love

When ransomed from the grave;

He that redeemed my soul from death

Hath sovereign power to save.

5. He fills the poor with good;

He gives the sufferers rest:

The Lord hath judgments for the proud

And justice for th’ opprest.

6. His wondrous works and ways

He made by Moses known,

But sent the world His truth and grace

By His beloved Son.

Ps. 103. Isaac Watts, 1719, a.

S. M.

My soul, repeat His praise,

Whose mercies are so great;

Whose anger is so slow to rise,

So ready to abate.

2. God will not always chide;

And when His wrath is felt,

His strokes are fewer than our crimes

And lighter than our guilt.

3. High as the heavens are raised

Above the ground we tread,

So far the riches of His grace

Our highest thoughts exceed.

4. His grace subdues our sins;

And His forgiving love

Far as the east is from the west

Doth all our guilt remove.

5. The pity of the Lord

To those who fear His name

Is such as tender parents feel;

He knows our feeble frame.

6. Our days are as the grass

Or like the morning flower;

If one sharp blast sweep o’er the field,

It withers in an hour.

7. But Thy compassions, Lord,

To endless years endure;

And children’s children ever find

Thy words of promise sure.

Ps. 103. Isaac Watts, 1719.

L. M.

Before Jehovah’s awful throne,

Ye nations, bow with sacred joy;

Know that the Lord is God alone,

He can create and He destroy.

2. His sov’reign power, without our aid,

Made us of clay and formed us men;

And when like wandering sheep we strayed,

He brought us to His fold again.

3. We are His people, we His care,

Our souls and all our mortal frame.

What lasting honors shall we rear,

Almighty Maker, to Thy name?

4. We’ll crowd Thy gates with thankful songs,

High as the heavens our voices raise;

And earth, with her ten thousand tongues,

Shall fill Thy courts with sounding praise.

5. Wide as the world is Thy command,

Vast as eternity Thy love;

Firm as a rock Thy truth must stand

When rolling years shall cease to move.

Isaac Watts, 1719, a.

L. M.

From all that dwell below the skies

Let the Creator’s praise arise;

Let the Redeemer’s name be sung

Through every land, by every tongue.

2. Eternal are Thy mercies, Lord;

Eternal truth attends Thy Word;

Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore

Till suns shall rise and set no more.

3. Your lofty themes, ye mortals, bring;

In songs of praise divinely sing;

The great salvation loud proclaim

And shout for joy the Savior’s name.

4. In every land begin the song;

To every land the strains belong;

In cheerful sounds all voices raise

And fill the world with loudest praise.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

The Lord hath helped me hitherto

By His surpassing favor;

His mercies ev’ry morn were new,

His kindness did not waver.

God hitherto hath been my Guide,

Hath pleasures hitherto supplied,

And hitherto hath helped me.

2. I praise and thank Thee, Lord, my God,

For Thine abundant blessing,

Which heretofore Thou hast bestowed

And I am still possessing.

Inscribe this on my memory:

The Lord hath done great things for me

And graciously hath helped me.

3. Help me in future, God of grace,

Help me on each occasion,

Help me in each and ev’ry place,

Help me through Jesus’ Passion;

Help me in life and death, O God,

Help me through Jesus’ dying blood,

Help me as Thou hast helped me!

Emilia Juliana, Countess of Schwarzburg, † 1706; A. Crull, tr., 1882.

THE REDEEMER. — 81 — 82 — 83 — 84 — 85 — 86 — 87 — 88 — 89 — 90 — 91 — 92 — 93 — 94 — 95 — 96 — 97 — 98 — 99 — 100 — 101 — 102 — 103 — 104 — 105 — 106 — 107 — 108 — 109

8, 7, 8, 7

Lamb of God, we fall before Thee,

Humbly trusting in Thy cross;

That alone be all our glory,

All things else are only dross.

2. Thee we own a perfect Savior,

Only Source of all that’s good.

Every grace and every favor

Comes to us through Jesus’ blood.

3. Jesus gives us true repentance,

By His Spirit sent from heav’n;

Whispers this transporting sentence,

“Son, thy sins are all forgiv’n.”

4. Faith He grants us to believe it,

Grateful hearts His love to prize;

Want we wisdom? He must give it;

Hearing ears and seeing eyes.

5. Jesus gives us pure affections,

Wills to do what He requires,

Makes us follow His directions,

And what He commands, inspires.

6. All our prayers and all our praises,

Rightly offered in His name,—

He that dictates them is Jesus;

He that answers is the same.

Joseph Hart, 1759.

6, 6, 5, 6, 6, 5, 7, 8, 6

Jesus, priceless Treasure,

Source of purest pleasure,

Truest Friend to me!

Long my heart hath panted,

Till it well-nigh fainted,

Thirsting after Thee.

Thine I am, O spotless Lamb!

I will suffer naught to hide Thee,

Ask for naught beside Thee.

2. In Thine arms I rest me,

Foes who would molest me

Cannot reach me here;

Though the earth be shaking,

Every heart be quaking,

Jesus calms my fear;

Sin and hell, In conflict fell,

With their heaviest storms assail me.

Jesus will not fail me.

3. Satan, I defy thee;

Death, I need not fly thee;

Fear, I bid thee cease!

Rage, O world; thy noises

Cannot drown our voices

Singing still of peace,

For God’s power Guards every hour;

Earth and all its depths adore Him,

Silent bow before Him.

4. Wealth, I will not heed thee,

Wherefore should I need thee?

Jesus is my Joy.

Honors, ye may glisten,

But I will not listen,

Ye the soul destroy.

Want or loss Or shame or cross

Ne’er to leave my Lord shall move me

Since He deigns to love me.

5. Farewell, thou who choosest

Earth and heaven refusest;

Thou wilt tempt in vain.

Farewell, sins, nor blind me,

Get ye far behind me,

Come not forth again.

Past your hour, O pomp and power;

Godless life, thy bonds I sever,

Farewell now forever!

6. Hence, all fears and sadness!

For the Lord of gladness,

Jesus, enters in.

Those who love the Father,

Though the storms may gather,

Still have peace within;

Yea, whate’er I here must bear,

Still in Thee lies purest pleasure,

Jesus, priceless Treasure!

J. Franck, c. 1653; C. Winkworth, tr.

8, 7, 8, 7, 12, 12, 11, 11

One thing’s needful! then, Lord Jesus,

Keep this one thing in my mind;

All beside, though first it please us,

Soon a grievous yoke we find;

Beneath it the heart is still fretting and striving,

No true, lasting happiness ever deriving.

The gain of this one thing all loss can requite

And teach me in all things to find true delight.

2. Soul, wilt thou this one thing find thee?

Seek not midst created things;

What is earthly leave behind thee,

Over nature stretch thy wings.

For where God and Man both in One are united,

With God’s perfect fulness the heart is delighted,

There, there, is the worthiest lot and the best,

My One and my All, and my Joy and my Rest.

3. How were Mary’s thoughts devoted

Her eternal joy to find,

As intent each word she noted,

At her Savior’s feet reclined!

How kindled her heart, how devout was its feeling,

While hearing the lessons that Christ was revealing!

For Jesus all earthly concerns she forgot,

And all was repaid in that one happy lot.

4. Thus my longings, heavenward tending,

Jesus, rest alone on Thee;

Help me, thus on Thee depending,

Savior, come and dwell in me!

Although all the world should forsake and forget Thee,

In love I will follow Thee, ne’er will I quit Thee.

Lord Jesus, both spirit and life is Thy Word;

And is there a joy which Thou dost not afford?

5. Wisdom’s highest, noblest treasure,

Jesus, lies concealed in Thee;

Grant that this may still the measure

Of my will and actions be.

Humility there, and simplicity, reigning.

My steps shall in wisdom forever be training.

Oh! if I of Christ have this knowledge divine,

The fulness of heavenly wisdom is mine.

6. Christ, Thou art the sole oblation

That I’ll bring before my God;

In His sight I’ve acceptation

Only through Thy streaming blood.

Immaculate righteousness I have acquired,

Since Thou on the tree of the cross hast expired;

The robe of salvation forever is mine,

In this shall my faith through eternity shine.

7. Let my soul, in full exemption,

Wake up in Thy likeness now;

Thou art made to me redemption,

My sanctification Thou.

Whatever I need for my journey to heaven,

In Thee, O my Savior, is unto me given;

O let me all perishing pleasure forego,

And Thy life, O Jesus, alone let me know.

8. Where should else my hopes be centered?

Grace o’erwhelms me with its flood;

Thou, my Savior, once hast entered

Holiest heaven through Thy blood.

Eternal redemption for sinners there finding,

From hell’s dark dominion my spirit unbinding,

To me perfect freedom Thy entrance has brought,

And childlike to cry, “Abba, Father,” I’m taught.

9. Christ Himself, my Shepherd, feeds me,

Peace and joy my spirit fill;

In a pasture green He leads me

Forth beside the waters still.

Oh, naught to my soul is so sweet and reviving

As thus unto Jesus alone to be living;

True happiness this, and this only, supplies,

Through faith on my Savior to fasten mine eyes.

10. Therefore, Jesus, my Salvation,

Thou my One, my All, shalt be.

Prove my fixed determination,

Root out all hypocrisy.

Look well if on sin’s slipp’ry paths I am hasting,

And lead me, O Lord, in the way everlasting!

This one thing is needful, all others are vain;

I count all but loss that I Christ may obtain.

J. H. Schroeder, 1697; F. E. Cox, tr., a.

L. M. 6 l

Jesus, Thy boundless love to me

No thought can reach, no tongue declare;

Unite my thankful heart to Thee

And reign without a rival there.

Thine wholly, Thine alone, I am;

Be Thou alone my constant flame.

2. O grant that nothing in my soul

May dwell but Thy pure love alone;

O may Thy love possess me whole,

My Joy, my Treasure, and my Crown.

Strange flames far from my heart remove;

My every act, word, thought, be love!

3. O Love, how cheering is Thy ray!

All pain before Thy presence flies;

Care, anguish, sorrow, melt away,

Where’er Thy healing beams arise.

O Jesus, nothing may I see,

Nothing desire or seek but Thee.

4. Unwearied, may I this pursue,

Dauntless to the high prize aspire;

Hourly within my soul renew

This holy flame, this heavenly fire;

And day and night be all my care

To guard this sacred treasure there.

5. O draw me, Savior, after Thee!

So shall I run and never tire.

With gracious words still comfort me;

Be Thou my Hope, my sole Desire.

Free me from every weight. Nor fear

Nor sin can come if Thou art here.

6. From all eternity, with love

Unchangeable Thou hast me viewed;

Ere knew this beating heart to move,

Thy tender mercies me pursued.

Ever with me may they abide

And close me in on every side.

7. Still let Thy love point out my way;

How wondrous things Thy love hath wrought!

Still lead me lest I go astray;

Direct my work, inspire my thought;

And if I fall, soon may I hear

Thy voice and know that love is near.

8. In suffering be Thy love my peace,

In weakness be Thy love my power;

And when the storms of life shall cease,

Jesus, in that important hour,

In death as life be Thou my Guide

And save me, who for me hast died!

P. Gerhardt, 1666; J. Wesley, tr., a.

L. M. 6 l

The Lord my pasture shall prepare

And feed me with a shepherd’s care;

His presence shall my wants supply

And guard me with a watchful eye;

My noonday walks He shall attend

And all my midnight hours defend.

2. While on the sultry glebe I faint

Or on the thirsty mountain pant,

To fertile vales and dewy meads

My ever wandering steps He leads,

Where peaceful rivers soft and slow

Amid the verdant landscape flow.

3. Though in a bare and rugged way,

Through devious lonely wilds, I stray,

Thy bounty shall my pains beguile;

The barren wilderness shall smile,

With sudden greens and herbage crowned,

And streams shall murmur all around.

4. Though in the paths of death I tread,

With gloomy horrors overspread,

My steadfast heart shall fear no ill,

For Thou, O Lord, art with me still;

Thy friendly crook shall give me aid

And guide me through the dreadful shade.

J. Addison, 1712.

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus only

Can my heartfelt longing still;

Without Him my soul is lonely,

And I wish what Jesus will.

For my heart, which He hath filled,

Ever cries: Lord, as Thou wilt.

2. One it is for whom I’m living,

Whom I’m loving faithfully;

Jesus, unto whom I’m giving

What in love He gave to me.

Jesus’ blood hides all my guilt;

Lord, O lead me as Thou wilt.

3. What to me may seem a treasure,

But displeasing is to Thee,

O remove such harmful pleasure;

Give instead what profits me.

Let my heart by Thee be stilled,

Make me Thine, Lord, as Thou wilt.

4. Grant that always I endeavor

Thy good pleasure to fulfil;

In me, through me, with me ever,

Lord, accomplish Thou Thy will.

Let me die, Lord, on Thee built,

When and where and as Thou wilt.

5. Lord, my praise shall be unceasing,

For Thou gav’st Thyself to me

And, besides, so many a blessing,

That I sing most joyfully:

Be it unto me, my Shield,

As Thou wilt, Lord, as Thou wilt.

Ludaemilia Elizabeth, Countess of Schwarzburg, 1668; A. Crull, tr.

11, 4, 4, 11, 6, 6, 6, 7, 8

I leave Thee not; Thou art my Jesus ever,

Though earth rebel,

And death and hell

Would from its steadfast hold my faith dissever.

Ah, no! I ever will

Cling to my Helper still.

Hear what my love is taught:

Thou art my Jesus ever,

I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

2. I leave Thee not, O Love! of love the highest,

Though doubt display

Its battle-day;

I own the power which Thou, my Lord, appliest.

Thou didst bear guilt and woe;

Shall I to torment go

When into Judgment brought?

O Love! of love the highest,

I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

3. I leave Thee not, O Thou who sweetly cheerest,

Whose fresh supplies

Cause strength to rise

Just in the hour when faith’s decay is nearest.

If sickness chill the soul

And nights of languor roll,

My heart one hope hath caught.

O Thou who sweetly cheerest,

I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

4. I leave Thee not, Thou Help in tribulation!

Heap ill on ill,

I trust Thee still;

I hope when all seems near to desolation.

Do what Thou wilt with me,

Yet will I cling to Thee;

Thy grace I have besought.

Thou Help in tribulation,

I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

5. I leave Thee not; shall I forsake salvation?

No, Jesus, no!

Thou shalt not go;

Mine still Thou art, to free from condemnation.

Beyond this fleeting night

Thy presence brings me light,

Whose ray my soul hath sought;

Shall I forsake salvation?

I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

6. I leave Thee not; Thy Word my way shall brighten.

With Thee I go

Through weal and woe;

Thy precept wise shall every burden lighten.

My Lord, on Thee I hang

Nor heed the journey’s pang,

Though thorny be my lot;

Thy Word my way shall brighten.

I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

7. I leave Thee not, Thou Source of all my pleasure;

For should I stray

From Thee away,

My richest joy must cease to be a treasure.

All joys are dross to me,

Unless delight from Thee

Doth cheer my earthly lot.

Thou Source of all my pleasure,

I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

8. I leave Thee not! I fear no condemnation;

For how could share

Thy child and heir

The lot of those who spurn their soul’s salvation?

Thy blood, Lord, cleanseth me,

And therefore I am free

From hell, the sinners’ lot.

I fear no condemnation;

I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

9. I leave Thee not, my God, my Lord, my Heaven!

Nor death shall rend

From Thee, my Friend,

Who for my sake Thyself to death hast given.

Thou diedst for love to me,

My love goes back to Thee;

My heart has but one thought:

My God, my Lord, my Heaven,

I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

W. C. Dessler, 1692; J. W. Alexander, tr., 1851.

7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7

My dear Jesus I’ll not leave,

Who for me Himself has given;

Therefore unto Him I’ll cleave,

Nor from Him be ever driven;

Life from Him doth light receive,—

My dear Jesus I’ll not leave.

2. Jesus I will never leave

While on earth I am abiding;

My full trust He shall receive;

What I have, without dividing,

All to Him I freely give,—

My dear Jesus I’ll not leave.

3. Though my eyesight pass away,

Hearing, taste, and feeling fail me;

Though the earth’s last light of day

Shall o’ertake and sore assail me;

When my dying sigh I heave,—

My dear Jesus I’ll not leave.

4. Nor will I my Jesus leave

When at length I shall come thither

Where His saints He will receive,

Where in bliss they live together;

Endless joy to me He’ll give,—

My dear Jesus I’ll not leave.

5. Not for earth’s vain joys I crave,

Not for heaven’s glorious pleasure;

Jesus, who my soul did save,

Shall be my Desire and Treasure;

He redemption did achieve,—

My dear Jesus I’ll not leave.

6. Jesus I shall never leave,

To His side still firmly clinging.

Christ leads all who Him receive

To life’s waters ever springing.

Blessed they who to Him cleave!—

My dear Jesus I’ll not leave.

Chr. Keymann, c. 1656.

7, 4, 7, 4, 7, 4, 6

Jesus, Thou my heart’s Delight,

Sweetest Jesus!

Thrill’st my soul with rapture quite,

Sweetest Jesus!

All cares vanish at Thy sight,

Sweetest Jesus!

Jesus, sweetest Jesus!

2. Evermore I think of Thee,

My Redeemer!

And I long for none but Thee,

My Redeemer!

Yearns my soul with Thee to be,

My Redeemer!

Jesus, my Redeemer!

3. Feed Thou me and fill my soul,

Heavenly Manna!

Quench my thirst, my heart make whole,

Help, Hosanna!

Be the Rest unto my soul,

Rest of weary,

Jesus, Rest of weary!

4. Naught is lovelier than Thou,

Fairest Lover!

Naught is friendlier than Thou,

Gentle Lover!

And naught sweeter is than Thou,

Sweetest Lover,

Jesus, sweetest Lover!

5. I am weak; come, strengthen me,

Strength in weakness!

Faint am I, refresh Thou me,

Sweetest Jesus!

When I die, console Thou me,

Thou Consoler,

Jesus, my Consoler!

J. Flittner, 1661; J. A. Rimbach, tr., 1903, a.

C. M.

O Jesus, King most wonderful,

Thou Conqueror renowned,

Thou Sweetness most ineffable,

In whom all joys are found!

2. When once Thou visitest the heart,

Then truth begins to shine,

Then earthly vanities depart,

Then kindles love divine.

3. O Jesus, Light of all below,

Thou Fount of life and fire,

Surpassing all the joys we know,

All that we can desire,—

4. May every heart confess Thy name,

And ever Thee adore,

And, seeking Thee, itself inflame

To seek Thee more and more.

5. Thee may our tongues forever bless,

Thee may we love alone,

And ever in our lives express

The image of Thine own.

Bernard of Clairvaux, † 1153; E. Caswall, tr., 1848.

L. M.

Jesus, and shall it ever be,

A mortal man ashamed of Thee?

Ashamed of Thee, whom angels praise,

Whose glories shine through endless days?

2. Ashamed of Jesus! Sooner far

Let evening blush to own a star;

He sheds the beams of light divine

O’er this benighted soul of mine.

3. Ashamed of Jesus! Just as soon

Let midnight be ashamed of noon.

’Tis midnight with my soul till He,

Bright Morning-Star, bids darkness flee.

4. Ashamed of Jesus! that dear Friend

On whom my hopes of heaven depend!

No; when I blush, be this my shame,

That I no more revere His name.

5. Ashamed of Jesus! Yes, I may,

When I’ve no guilt to wash away,

No tear to wipe, no good to crave,

No fears to quell, no soul to save.

6. Till then—nor is my boasting vain—

Till then I boast a Savior slain;

And oh, may this my glory be,

That Christ is not ashamed of me!

J. Grigg, 1765; B. Francis, 1787.

L. M.

Awake, my soul, to joyful lays

And sing Thy great Redeemer’s praise;

He justly claims a song from me,—

His loving-kindness, O how free!

2. He saw me ruined in the Fall,

Yet loved me notwithstanding all;

He saved me from my lost estate,—

His loving-kindness, O how great!

3. When I was Satan’s easy prey

And deep in debt and bondage lay,

He paid His life for my discharge,—

His loving-kindness, O how large!

4. Though numerous hosts of mighty foes,

Though earth and hell my way oppose,

He safely leads my soul along,—

His loving-kindness, O how strong!

5. When trouble, like a gloomy cloud,

Has gathered thick and thundered loud,

He near my soul has always stood,—

His loving-kindness, O how good!

6. When earthly friends forsake me quite

And I have neither skill nor might,

He’s sure my Helper to appear,—

His loving-kindness, O how near!

7. Often I feel my sinful heart

Prone from my Jesus to depart;

But though I have Him oft forgot,

His loving-kindness changes not.

8. When I shall pass death’s gloomy vale

And all my mortal power must fail,

O may my last, expiring breath

His loving-kindness sing in death!

9. Then shall I mount and soar away

To the bright world of endless day

And sing with rapture and surprise

His loving-kindness in the skies.

S. Medley, 1782.

C. M.

All hail the power of Jesus’ name!

Let angels prostrate fall;

Bring forth the royal diadem

And crown Him Lord of all!

2. Crown Him, ye martyrs of our God,

Who from His altar call;

Extol the Stem of Jesse’s rod

And crown Him Lord of all!

3. Ye seed of Israel’s chosen race,

Ye ransomed from the Fall,

Hail Him, who saves you by His grace,

And crown Him Lord of all!

4. Hail Him, ye heirs of David’s line,

Whom David Lord did call,

The God incarnate, Man divine,

And crown Him Lord of all!

5. Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget

The wormwood and the gall,

Go, spread your trophies at His feet,

And crown Him Lord of all!

6. Let every kindred, every tribe,

On this terrestrial ball

To Him all majesty ascribe

And crown Him Lord of all!

7. O that with yonder sacred throng

We at His feet may fall,

Join in the everlasting song,

And crown Him Lord of all!

E. Perronet, 1780.

C. M.

Thou art the Way; to Thee alone

From sin and death we flee;

And he who would the Father seek,

Must seek Him, Lord, by Thee.

2. Thou art the Truth; Thy Word alone

True wisdom can impart;

Thou only canst inform the mind

And purify the heart.

3. Thou art the Life; the rending tomb

Proclaims Thy conquering arm;

And those who put their trust in Thee

Nor death nor hell shall harm.

4. Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life;

Grant us that Way to know,

That Truth to keep, that Life to win,

Whose joys eternal flow.

G. W. Doane, 1824.

8, 7, 8, 7

In the Cross of Christ I glory,

Towering o’er the wrecks of time;

All the light of sacred story

Gathers round its head sublime.

2. When the woes of life o’ertake me,

Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,

Never shall the Cross forsake me;

Lo! it glows with peace and joy.

3. When the sun of bliss is beaming

Light and love upon my way,

From the Cross the radiance streaming

Adds new luster to the day.

4. Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,

By the Cross are sanctified;

Peace is there that knows no measure,

Joys that through all time abide.

John Bowring, 1825.

C. M.

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

In a believer’s ear!

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,

And drives away his fear.

2. It makes the wounded spirit whole

And calms the troubled breast;

’Tis manna to the hungry soul

And to the weary, rest.

3. Dear name! the Rock on which I build

My Shield and Hiding-place;

My never-failing Treasury, filled

With boundless stores of grace.

4. By Thee my prayers acceptance gain,

Although with sin defiled:

Satan accuses me in vain,

And I am owned a child.

5. Jesus! my Shepherd, Guardian, Friend,

My Prophet, Priest, and King,

My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,

Accept the praise I bring.

6. Weak is the effort of my heart

And cold my warmest thought;

But when I see Thee as Thou art,

I’ll praise Thee as I ought.

7. Till then I would Thy love proclaim

With every fleeting breath;

And may the music of Thy name

Refresh my soul in death.

John Newton, 1779.

8, 7, 8, 7

Jesus, Thou art mine forever,

Dearer far than earth to me;

Neither life nor death shall sever

Those sweet ties which bind to Thee.

2. All were drear to me and lonely,

If Thy presence gladdened not;

While I sing to Thee, Thee only,

Mine’s an ever blissful lot.

3. Thou alone art all my Treasure,

Who hast died that I may live;

Thou conferrest noblest pleasure,

Who dost all my sins forgive.

4. Brightest gems and fairest flowers

Lose their beauty in Thy frown;

Joy and peace, like balmy showers,

In Thy smile come gently down.

5. Jesus, Thou art mine forever,

Suffer not myself to stray;

Let me in my weakness never

Cast my priceless pearl away.

6. Lamb of God, I do implore Thee,

Guard, support me, lest I fall;

Let me evermore adore Thee,

Be my everlasting All!

M. Loy, 1863.

C. M.

Jesus, the very thought of Thee

With sweetness fills the breast;

But sweeter far Thy face to see

And in Thy presence rest.

2. Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,

Nor can the memory find

A sweeter sound than Thy blest name,

O Savior of mankind!

3. O Hope of every contrite heart,

O Joy of all the meek!

To those who fall, how kind Thou art,

How good to those who seek!

4. But what to those who find?—Ah! this

Nor tongue nor pen can show;

The love of Jesus, what it is,

None but His loved ones know.

5. Jesus, our only Joy be Thou!

As Thou our Prize wilt be;

Jesus, be Thou our Glory now

And through eternity!

Bernard of Clairvaux, † 1153; E. Caswall, tr., 1849, a.

7s

Chief of sinners though I be,

Jesus shed His blood for me;

Died that I might live on high,

Lived that I might never die;

As the branch is to the vine,

I am His, and He is mine.

2. O the height of Jesus’ love!

Higher than the heavens above,

Deeper than the depths of sea,

Lasting as eternity;

Love that found me,—wondrous thought!—

Found me when I sought Him not.

3. Jesus only can impart

Balm to heal the smitten heart;

Peace that flows from sin forgiv’n,

Joy that lifts the soul to heav’n;

Faith and hope to walk with God,

In the way that Enoch trod.

4. Chief of sinners though I be,

Christ is all in all to me;

All my wants to Him are known,

All my sorrows are His own;

Safe with Him from earthly strife,

He sustains the hidden life.

5. O my Savior, help afford

By Thy Spirit and Thy Word!

When my wayward heart would stray,

Keep me in the narrow way;

Grace in time of need supply

While I live and when I die.

Wm. McComb, 1848.

7s 6 l

Christ, whose glory fills the skies,

Christ, the true, the only Light,

Sun of Righteousness, arise,

Triumph o’er the shades of night.

Day-spring from on high, be near;

Day-star, in my heart appear.

2. Dark and cheerless is the morn

Unaccompanied by Thee;

Joyless is the day’s return

Till Thy mercy’s beams I see;

Till they inward light impart,

Cheer my eyes, and warm my heart.

3. Visit, then, this soul of mine,

Pierce the gloom of sin and grief;

Fill me, Radiancy Divine,

Scatter all my unbelief;

More and more Thyself display,

Shining to the perfect day.

Charles Wesley, 1740.

C. M.

To our Redeemer’s glorious name

Awake the sacred song!

O may His love, immortal flame,

Tune every heart and tongue!

2. His love, what mortal thought can reach!

What mortal tongue display!

Imagination’s utmost stretch

In wonder dies away.

3. He left His radiant throne on high,

Left the bright realms of bliss,

And came to earth to bleed and die,—

Was ever love like this?

4. Dear Lord, while we adoring pay

Our humble thanks to Thee,

May every heart with rapture say,

“The Savior died for me!”

5. O may the sweet, the blissful theme

Fill every heart and tongue

Till strangers love the charming name

And join the sacred song!

Anne Steele, 1760.

C. M.

Come, let us join our cheerful songs

With angels round the throne.

Ten thousand thousand are their tongues,

But all their joys are one.

2. “Worthy the Lamb that died,” they cry,

“To be exalted thus.”

“Worthy the Lamb,” our lips reply,

For He was slain for us.

3. Jesus is worthy to receive

Honor and power divine;

And blessings more than we can give,

Be, Lord, forever Thine.

4. Let all that dwell above the sky,

And air, and earth, and seas

Conspire to lift Thy glories high

And speak Thine endless praise!

5. The whole creation join in one

To bless the sacred name

Of Him that sits upon the throne,

And to adore the Lamb.

Isaac Watts, 1707.

8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 4, 8, 4, 8

O Morning Star, how fair and bright

Thou beamest forth in truth and light!

O Sovereign meek and lowly!

Sweet Root of Jesse, David’s Son,

My King and Bridegroom, Thou hast won

My heart to love Thee solely!

Lovely art Thou,

Fair and glorious, All victorious,

Rich in blessing,

Rule and might o’er all possessing.

2. O King high-born, Pearl dearly won,

True Son of God and Mary’s Son,

Crown of exceeding glory!

My heart calls Thee a Lily, Lord,

Pure milk and honey is Thy Word,

Thy sweetest Gospel-story.

Rose of Sharon,

Hail! hosanna! Heavenly Manna,

Feed us ever;

Lord, I can forget Thee never!

3. Clear Jasper, Ruby fervent red,

Deep, deep into my heart now shed

Thy love’s pure fire forever;

Fill me with joy, grant me to be

Thy member, closely joined to Thee,

Whom naught from Thee may sever;

Toward Thee longing

Doth possess me: Come and bless me,

For Thy gladness

Eye and heart here pine in sadness.

4. But if Thou look on me in love,

There straightway falls from God above

A ray of purest pleasure;

Thy Word and Spirit, flesh and blood,

Refresh my soul with heavenly food,

Thou art my hidden Treasure.

Let Thy grace, Lord,

Warm and cheer me, O draw near me;

Thou hast taught us

Thee to seek since Thou hast sought us.

5. Lord God, my Father, mighty Shield,

Thou in Thy Son art all revealed

As Thou hast loved and known me;

Thy Son hath me with Him betrothed,

In His own whitest raiment clothed,

He for His bride will own me.

Hallelujah!

Life in heaven Hath He given,

With Him dwelling,

Still shall I His praise be telling.

6. Then touch the chords of harp and lute,

Let no sweet music now be mute,

But, joyously resounding,

Tell of the marriage-feast, the bride,

The heavenly Bridegroom at her side,

Mid love and joy abounding.

Shout for triumph,

Loudly sing ye, Praises bring ye,

Fall before Him,

King of kings, let all adore Him!

7. Here rests my heart and holds it fast;

The Lord I love is First and Last,

The End and the Beginning.

I welcome death, for I shall rise

Through Him to His own Paradise,

Above all tears and sinning.

Amen! Amen!

Come, Lord Jesus. Soon release us!

With deep yearning,

Lord, we look for Thy returning!

P. Nicolai, 1597; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

S. M. 8 l

Crown Him with many crowns,

The Lamb upon His throne;

Hark! how the heav’nly anthem drowns

All music but its own;

Awake, my soul, and sing

Of Him who died for thee,

And hail Him as thy matchless King

Through all eternity.

2. Crown Him the Virgin’s Son,

The God incarnate born,

Whose arm those crimson trophies won

Which now His brow adorn;

Fruit of the mystic rose,

As of that rose the stem;

The root whence mercy ever flows,

The Babe of Bethlehem.

3. Crown Him the Lord of love

Behold His hands and side,

Rich wounds, yet visible above,

In beauty glorified.

No angel in the sky

Can fully bear that sight,

But downward bends his wond’ring eye

At mysteries so bright.

4. Crown Him the Lord of peace,

Whose power a scepter sways

From pole to pole, that wars may cease

And all be prayer and praise.

His reign shall know no end,

And round His piercèd feet

Fair flowers of paradise extend

Their fragrance ever sweet.

5. Crown Him the Lord of years,

The Potentate of time,

Creator of the rolling spheres,

Ineffably sublime.

All hail, Redeemer, hail!

For Thou hast died for me;

Thy praise shall never, never fail

Throughout eternity.

M. Bridges, 1851.

S. M. 8 l

I was a wandering sheep,

I did not love the fold;

I did not love my Shepherd’s voice,

I would not be controlled;

I was a wayward child,

I did not love my home;

I did not love my Father’s voice,

I loved afar to roam.

2. The Shepherd sought His sheep,

The Father sought His child;

They followed me o’er vale and hill,

O’er deserts waste and wild;

They found me nigh to death,

Famished and faint and lone;

They bound me with the bands of love,

They saved the wandering one.

3. Jesus my Shepherd is,

’Twas He that loved my soul,

’Twas He that washed me in His blood,

’Twas He that made me whole;

’Twas He that sought the lost,

That found the wandering sheep;

’Twas He that brought me to the fold,

’Tis He that still doth keep.

4. I was a wandering sheep,

I would not be controlled.

But now I love my Shepherd’s voice,

I love, I love, the fold.

I was a wayward child,

I once preferred to roam,

But now I love my Father’s voice,

I love, I love, His home.

H. Bonar, 1844.

7s

Jesus, Savior, come to me!

Let me ever be with Thee;

Come and nevermore depart,

Thou who reignest in my heart.

2. Lord, for Thee I ever sigh,

Nothing else can satisfy;

’Tis my constant cry to Thee:

Jesus, Jesus, come to me!

3. Earthly joys can give no peace,

Cannot bid my longing cease;

But to have my Jesus near,

This is perfect pleasure here.

4. All that makes the angels glad,

In their garb of glory clad,

Only fills me with distress

If Thy presence do not bless.

5. Take Thou all away from me,

I shall still thus minded be;

Thou who madest me Thine own

Shalt be e’er my Joy alone.

6. Lord, to none on earth beside

Thee my heart I open wide;

Enter Thou, possess it all,

Thee alone mine own I call.

7. Thou alone, my God and Lord,

Art my Glory and Reward;

Thou hast bled for me and died,

I will be no other’s bride.

8. Come, then, Lamb for sinners slain,

Come and ease me of my pain;

Evermore I cry to Thee:

Jesus, Jesus, come to me!

9. Patiently I wait Thy Day;

For this gift yet, Lord, I pray,

That, when death shall come to me,

My sweet Jesus Thou wilt be.

J. Scheffler, c. 1657.

7s 8 l

Jesus, Lover of my soul,

Let me to Thy bosom fly,

While the waters nearer roll,

While the tempest still is high.

Hide me, O my Savior, hide,

Till the storm of life is past;

Safe into the haven guide;

O receive my soul at last!

2. Other refuge have I none;

Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;

Leave, ah, leave me not alone,

Still support and comfort me!

All my trust on Thee is stayed,

All my help from Thee I bring;

Cover my defenseless head

With the shadow of Thy wing.

3. Wilt Thou not regard my call?

Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?

Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall;

Lo! on Thee I cast my care.

Reach me out Thy gracious hand!

While I of Thy strength receive,

Hoping against hope I stand,

Dying, and, behold, I live!

4. Thou, O Christ, art all I want;

More than all in Thee I find.

Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,

Heal the sick, and lead the blind.

Just and holy is Thy name;

I am all unrighteousness:

False and full of sin I am,

Thou art full of truth and grace.

5. Plenteous grace with Thee is found,

Grace to cover all my sin;

Let the healing streams abound;

Make and keep me pure within.

Thou of life the Fountain art,

Freely let me take of Thee;

Spring Thou up within my heart,

Rise to all eternity.

Charles Wesley, 1740.

C. M.

O for a thousand tongues to sing

My great Redeemer’s praise,

The glories of my God and King,

The triumphs of His grace!

2. My gracious Master and my God,

Assist me to proclaim,

To spread through all the earth abroad

The honors of Thy name.

3. Jesus! the name that charms our fears,

That bids our sorrows cease;

’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,

’Tis life and health and peace.

4. He breaks the power of canceled sin,

He sets the prisoner free;

His blood can make the foulest clean;

His blood avails for me.

5. Look unto Him, ye nations; own

Your God, ye fallen race;

Look and be saved through faith alone,

Be justified by grace.

6. See all your sins on Jesus laid;

The Lamb of God was slain;

His soul was once an offering made

For every soul of man.

7. Glory to God and praise and love

Be ever, ever giv’n

By saints below and saints above,

The Church in earth and heav’n.

Charles Wesley, 1739.

8s 10 l

O friend of souls, how blest am I

Whene’er Thy love my spirit calms!

From sorrow’s dungeon forth I fly

And hide me in Thy shelt’ring arms.

The night of weeping flies away

Before the heart-reviving ray

Of love that beams from out Thy breast;

Here is my heaven on earth begun.

Who is not joyful that has won

In Thee, O Lord, his joy and rest?

2. The world may call herself my foe,

So be it; for I trust her not,

E’en though a friendly face she show

And heap with her good things my lot.

In Thee alone will I rejoice,

Thou art the Friend, Lord, of my choice,

For Thou art true when friendships fail;

Mid storms of woe Thy truth is still

My anchor; hate me as she will,

The world shall o’er me ne’er prevail.

3. The Law may threaten endless death

From awful Sinai’s burning hill,

Straightway from its consuming breath

My soul through faith mounts higher still;

She throws herself at Jesus’ feet

And finds with Him a safe retreat,

Where curse and death can never come.

Though all foes threaten condemnation,

Yet, Jesus, Thou art my Salvation,

For in Thy love I find my home.

4. Through deserts of the cross Thou leadest;

I follow, leaning on Thy hand;

From out the clouds Thy child Thou feedest

And giv’st him water from the sand.

I know Thy wondrous ways will end

In love and blessing, Thou true Friend;

Enough, if Thou art ever near.

I know whom Thou wilt glorify

And raise o’er sun and stars on high,

Thou lead’st through depths and darkness here.

5. To others death seems dark and grim,

But not, Thou Life of life, to me.

I know Thou ne’er forsakest him

Whose heart and spirit rest in Thee.

Oh, who would fear his journey’s close

If from dark woods and lurking foes

He then find safety and release?

Nay, rather, with a joyful heart

From this dark region I depart

To Thy eternal light and peace.

6. O Friend of souls, then blest indeed

Am I when on Thy love I lean!

The world nor pain nor death I heed,

Since Thou, my God, my Joy hast been.

O let this peace that Thou hast giv’n

Be but a foretaste of Thy heav’n,

For goodness infinite is Thine.

Hence, world, with all thy flattering toys!

In God alone lie all my joys;

O rich delight, my Friend is mine!

W. C. Dessler, 1692; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

GOD’S WORD. — 110 — 111 — 112 — 113 — 114 — 115 — 116 — 117 — 118 — 119 — 120 — 121 — 122

L. M.

Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide,

For round us falls the eventide;

Let not Thy Word, that heavenly light,

For us be ever veiled in night.

2. In these last days of sore distress

Grant us, dear Lord, true steadfastness,

That pure we keep, till life is spent,

Thy holy Word and Sacrament.

3. Lord Jesus, help, Thy Church uphold,

For we are sluggish, thoughtless, cold;

Indue Thy Word with power and grace

And spread its truth in every place.

4. O keep us in Thy Word, we pray;

The guile and rage of Satan stay;

Unto Thy Church grant, Lord, Thy grace,

Peace, concord, patience, fearlessness.

5. O God! how sin’s dread works abound!

Throughout the earth no rest is found,

And wide has falsehood’s spirit spread,

And error boldly rears its head.

6. Those haughty spirits, Lord, restrain

Who o’er Thy Church with might would reign

And always offer something new,

Devised to change Thy doctrine true.

7. And since the cause and glory, Lord,

Are Thine, not ours, do Thou afford

Us help and strength and constancy;

With all our heart we trust in Thee.

8. A trusty weapon is Thy Word,

Thy Church’s buckler, shield, and sword;

Lord, let us in this Word abide,

That we may seek no other guide.

9. O grant that in Thy holy Word

We here may live and die, dear Lord;

And when our journey endeth here,

Receive us into glory there.

N. Selnecker, 1611 (3-9 anon.).

C. M.

How precious is the Book Divine,

By inspiration given!

Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine

To guide our souls to heaven.

2. Its light, descending from above,

Illumes this world so drear,

Displays a Savior’s boundless love,

And brings His glories near.

3. It shows to man his wandering ways

And where his feet have trod,

And brings to view the matchless grace

Of a forgiving God.

4. O’er all the straight and narrow way

Its radiant beams are cast;

A light whose never weary ray

Grows brightest at the last.

5. It sweetly cheers our drooping hearts

In this dark vale of tears;

Life, light, and joy it still imparts

And quells our rising fears.

6. This lamp, through all the tedious night

Of life shall guide our way

Till we behold the clearer light

Of an eternal day.

J. Fawcett, 1782, abr.

C. M.

How shall the young secure their hearts

And guard their lives from sin?

Thy Word the choicest rules imparts

To keep the conscience clean.

2. ’Tis like the sun, a heavenly light,

That guides us all the day,

And through the dangers of the night

A lamp to lead our way.

3. The starry heavens Thy rule obey,

The earth maintains her place;

And these Thy servants, night and day,

Thy skill and power express.

4. But still Thy Law and Gospel, Lord,

Have lessons more divine;

Not earth stands firmer than Thy Word,

Nor stars so nobly shine.

5. Thy Word is everlasting truth;

How pure is every page!

That holy Book shall guide our youth

And well support our age.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

7s, 6s 8 l

O Word of God Incarnate,

O Wisdom from on high,

O Truth unchanged, unchanging,

O Light of our dark sky,—

We praise Thee for the radiance

That from the hallowed page,

A lantern to our footsteps,

Shines on from age to age.

2. The Church from her dear Master

Received the gift divine,

And still that light she lifteth

O’er all the earth to shine.

It is the golden casket,

Where gems of truth are stored;

It is the heaven-drawn picture

Of Christ, the living Word.

3. It floateth like a banner

Before God’s host unfurled;

It shineth like a beacon

Above the darkling world;

It is the chart and compass

That o’er life’s surging sea,

Mid mists and rocks and quicksands,

Still guides, O Christ, to Thee.

4. Oh, make Thy Church, dear Savior,

A lamp of burnished gold,

To bear before the nations

Thy true light as of old;

Oh, teach Thy wandering pilgrims

By this their path to trace,

Till, clouds and darkness ended,

They see Thee face to face.

W. W. How, 1867, a.

L. M.

The heavens declare Thy glory, Lord,

In every star Thy wisdom shines;

But when our eyes behold Thy Word,

We read Thy name in fairer lines.

2. The rolling sun, the changing light,

And nights and days, Thy power confess;

But the blest Volume Thou didst write

Reveals Thy justice and Thy grace.

3. Thy Gospel-heralds dare not rest

Till through the world Thy truth has run;

Till Christ has all the nations blest

That see the light or feel the sun.

4. Great Sun of Righteousness, arise;

Bless the dark world with heavenly light;

The Gospel makes the simple wise,

Thy laws are pure, Thy judgments right.

5. Thy noblest wonders here we view

In souls renewed and sins forgiv’n.

Lord, cleanse our sins, our souls renew,

And make Thy Word our guide to heav’n.

Isaac Watts, 1719, abr.

L. M.

The Law of God is good and wise

And sets His will before our eyes,

Shows us the way of righteousness,

And dooms to death when we transgress.

2. Its light of holiness imparts

The knowledge of our sinful hearts,

That we may see our lost estate

And seek deliv’rance ere too late.

3. To those who help in Christ have found

And would in works of love abound

It shows what deeds are His delight

And should be done as good and right.

4. When men the offered help disdain

And wilfully in sin remain,

Its terror in their ear resounds

And keeps their wickedness in bounds.

5. The Law is good; but since the Fall

Its holiness condemns us all;

It dooms us for our sin to die

And has no power to justify.

6. To Jesus we for refuge flee,

Who from the curse has set us free,

And humbly worship at His throne,

Saved by His grace through faith alone.

M. Loy, 1863.

L. M.

The Gospel shows the Father’s grace,

Who sent His Son to save our race,

Proclaims how Jesus lived and died

That man might thus be justified.

2. It sets the Lamb before our eyes

Who made th’ atoning sacrifice

And calls the souls with guilt opprest

To come and find eternal rest.

3. It brings the Savior’s righteousness

Our souls to robe in royal dress;

From all our guilt it brings release

And gives the troubled conscience peace.

4. It is the power of God to save

From sin and Satan and the grave;

It works the faith which firmly clings

To all the treasures which it brings.

5. It bears to all the tidings glad

And bids their hearts no more be sad;

The heavy-laden soul it cheers

And banishes their guilty fears.

6. May we in faith its tidings learn,

Nor thanklessly its blessings spurn;

May we in faith its truth confess

And praise the Lord, our Righteousness!

M. Loy, 1863.

C. M.

Father of mercies, in Thy Word

What endless glory shines!

Forever be Thy name adored

For these celestial lines.

2. Here the Redeemer’s welcome voice

Spreads heavenly peace around;

And life and everlasting joys

Attend the blissful sound.

3. Oh, may these heavenly pages be

My ever dear delight;

And still new beauties may I see

And still increasing light!

4. Divine Instructor, gracious Lord!

Be Thou forever near;

Teach me to love Thy sacred Word

And view my Savior there.

Anne Steele, 1760.

L. M.

When Israel through the desert passed,

A fiery pillar went before

To guide them through the dreary waste

And lessen the fatigues they bore.

2. Such is Thy glorious Word, O God!

’Tis for our light and guidance giv’n;

It sheds its luster all abroad

And points the path to bliss and heav’n.

3. It fills the soul with sweet delight

And quickens its inactive powers;

It sets our wand’ring footsteps right,

Displays Thy love, and kindles ours.

4. Its promises rejoice our hearts,

Its doctrines are divinely true;

While highest wisdom it imparts,

It comforts and instructs us too.

5. Ye favored lands, that have this Word,

Ye saints, who feel its saving power,

Unite your tongues to praise the Lord

And His distinguished grace adore!

B. Beddome, 1769.

C. M.

Lamp of our feet, whereby we trace

Our path when wont to stray,

Stream from the fount of heav’nly grace,

Brook by the traveler’s way;

2. Bread of our souls, whereon we feed,

True manna from on high;

Our guide and chart, wherein we read

Of realms beyond the sky;

3. Pillar of fire, through watches dark,

Or radiant cloud by day;

When waves would break our tossing bark,

Our anchor and our stay:—

4. Word of the ever-living God,

Will of His glorious Son;

Without thee, how could earth be trod

Or heaven itself be won?

5. Lord, grant us all aright to learn

The wisdom it imparts

And to its heavenly teaching turn

With simple, childlike hearts.

B. Barton, 1826, a.

L. M.

We have a sure prophetic Word,

By inspiration of the Lord;

And though assailed on every hand,

Jehovah’s Word shall ever stand.

2. By powers of empire banned and burned,

By pagan pride rejected, spurned,

The Word still stands the Christian’s trust

While haughty empires lie in dust.

3. Lo! what the Word in times of old

Of future days and deeds foretold

Is all fulfilled, while ages roll,

As traced on the prophetic scroll.

4. Abiding, steadfast, firm, and sure,

The teachings of the Word endure:

Blest he who trusts this steadfast Word,

His anchor holds in Christ, the Lord!

E. Cronenwett, 1880.

8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

Christians, come, in sweetest measures,

Sing of those who spread the treasures

In the holy Gospel shrined;

Blessed tidings of salvation,

Peace on earth their proclamation,

Love from God to lost mankind.

2. See the rivers four that gladden

With their streams the better Eden,

Planted by our Savior dear:

Christ the Fountain, these the waters.

Drink, O Zion’s sons and daughters,

Drink, and find salvation here.

3. Here our souls, by Jesus sated,

More and more shall be translated

Earth’s temptations far above;

Freed from sin’s abhorred dominion,

Soaring on angelic pinion,

They shall reach the source of love.

4. Then shall thanks and praise ascending,

For Thy mercies without ending,

Rise to Thee, O Savior blest.

With Thy gracious aid defend us,

Let Thy guiding light attend us,

Bring us to Thy place of rest.

Adam of St. Victor, 1150; R. Campbell, tr., 1850, a.

L. M.

In vain would boasting reason find

The path to happiness and God;

Her weak directions leave the mind

Bewildered in a doubtful road.

2. Jesus, Thy words alone impart

Eternal life; on these I live;

Here sweeter comforts cheer my heart

Than all the powers of nature give.

3. Here let my constant feet abide;

Thou art the true, the living Way.

Let Thy good Spirit be my guide

To the bright realms of endless day.

4. The various forms that men devise

To shake my faith with treacherous art

I scorn as vanity and lies

And bind Thy Gospel to my heart.

Anne Steele, 1760, a.

THE LORD’S DAY. — 123 — 124 — 125 — 126 — 127 — 128 — 129

7s 6 l

Father, who the light this day

Out of darkness didst create,

Shine upon us now, we pray,

While within Thy courts we wait.

Wean us from the works of night,

Make us children of the light.

2. Savior, who this day didst break

From the bondage of the tomb,

Bid our slumbering souls awake

And dispel their doubt and gloom;

Let us, from our bonds set free,

Rise from sin and live to Thee.

3. Blessed Spirit, Comforter,

Sent this day from Christ on high,

Lord, on us Thy gifts confer,

Cleanse, illumine, sanctify;

All Thine influence shed abroad;

Lead us to the truth of God.

Julia A. Elliott, 1833, a.

6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)

Welcome, delightful morn,

Thou day of sacred rest;

I hail thy kind return:

Lord, make these moments blest.

From the low train of mortal toys

I soar to reach immortal joys.

2. Now may the King descend

And fill His throne of grace;

Thy scepter, Lord, extend

While saints address Thy face;

Let sinners feel Thy quickening Word

And learn to know and fear the Lord.

3. Descend, O heavenly Dove,

With all Thy quickening powers,

Disclose a Savior’s love,

And bless these sacred hours.

Then shall my soul new life obtain,

Nor Lord’s Days e’er be spent in vain.

Hayward, in Dobell’s New Sel., 1806.

7s 6 l

Safely through another week

God has brought us on our way;

Let us now a blessing seek,

Waiting in His courts to-day:

Day of all the week the best,

Emblem of eternal rest.

2. Mercies multiplied each hour

Through the week our praise demand;

Guarded by almighty power,

Fed and guided by His hand,

Though ungrateful we have been

And repaying love with sin.

3. While we pray for pardoning grace,

Through the dear Redeemer’s name,

Show Thy reconcilèd face,

Take away our sin and shame;

From our worldly cares set free,

May we rest this day in Thee.

4. As we come Thy name to praise,

May we feel Thy presence near;

May Thy glory meet our eyes

While we in Thy house appear.

Here afford us, Lord, a taste

Of our everlasting feast.

5. May Thy Gospel’s joyful sound

Conquer sinners, comfort saints;

Make the fruits of grace abound,

Bring relief for all complaints.

Thus may all our Sabbaths prove

Till we join the Church above.

John Newton, 1774.

7s

On this day, the first of days,

God the Father’s name we praise,

Who, creation’s Fount and Spring,

Did the world from darkness bring.

2. On this day th’ eternal Son,

Over death His triumph won;

On this day the Spirit came

With His gifts of living flame.

3. Oh, that fervent love to-day

May in every heart have sway,

Teaching us to praise aright

God, the Source of life and light!

4. Father, who didst fashion me

Image of Thyself to be,

Fill me with Thy love divine,

Let my every thought be Thine.

5. Holy Jesus, may I be

Dead and buried here with Thee,

And, by love inflamed, arise

Unto Thee a sacrifice.

Die Parente Temporum, 1748; H. W. Baker, tr., 1861.

L. M.

This day at Thy creating word

First o’er the earth the light was poured.

O Lord, this day upon us shine

And fill our souls with light divine.

2. This day the Lord for sinners slain

In might victorious rose again.

O Jesus, may we raised be

From death of sin to life in Thee.

3. This day the Holy Spirit came

With fiery tongues of cloven flame.—

O Spirit, fill our hearts this day

With grace to hear and grace to pray.

4. O day of light and life and grace,

From earthly toils sweet resting-place,

Thy hallowed hours, best gift of love,

Give we again to God above!

W. W. How, 1854.

C. M.

With joy we hail the sacred day

Which we have called God’s own;

With joy the summons we obey

To worship at His throne.

2. Thy chosen temple, Lord, how fair!

As here Thy servants throng

To breathe the humble, fervent prayer

And pour the choral song.

3. Spirit of Grace, O deign to dwell

Within Thy Church below;

Make her in holiness excel,

With pure devotion glow.

4. Let peace within her walls be found;

Let all her sons unite

To spread with holy zeal around

Her clear and shining light.

5. Great God, we hail the sacred day

Which we have called Thine own;

With joy the summons we obey

To worship at Thy throne.

H. Auber, 1833, a.

C. M.

This is the day the Lord hath made;

He calls the hours His own;

Let heaven rejoice, let earth be glad,

And praise surround the throne.

2. To-day He rose and left the dead,

And Satan’s empire fell;

To-day the saints His triumph spread

And all His wonders tell.

3. Hosanna to th’ anointed King,

To David’s holy Son!

Help us, O Lord; descend and bring

Salvation from Thy throne.

4. Blest be the Lord, who comes to men

With messages of grace;

Who comes in God His Father’s name

To save our sinful race.

5. Hosanna in the highest strains

The Church on earth can raise!

The highest heavens, in which He reigns,

Shall give Him nobler praise.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

ADVENT. — 130 — 131 — 132 — 133 — 134 — 135 — 136 — 137 — 138 — 139 — 140 — 141 — 142 — 143 — 144

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8

Comfort, comfort ye My people,

Speak ye peace, thus saith your God;

Comfort those who sit in darkness,

Mourning ’neath their sorrow’s load;

Speak ye to Jerusalem

Of the peace that waits for them;

Tell her that her sins I cover,

And her warfare now is over.

2. For the Herald’s voice is crying

In the desert far and near,

Bidding all men to repentance,

Since the kingdom now is here.

Oh, that warning cry obey!

Now prepare for God a way!

Let the valleys rise to meet Him

And the hills bow down to greet Him.

3. Make ye straight what long was crooked,

Make the rougher places plain;

Let your hearts be true and humble,

As befits His holy reign;

For the glory of the Lord

Now o’er earth is shed abroad,

And all flesh shall see the token

That His Word is never broken.

J. Olearius, 1671; C. Winkworth, tr., 1862.

8, 7, 6 l

Jesus came, the heav’ns adoring,

Came with peace from realms on high;

Jesus came for man’s redemption,

Lowly came on earth to die;

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Came in deep humility.

2. Jesus comes again in mercy,

When our hearts are bowed with care;

Jesus comes again in answer

To an earnest, heartfelt prayer;

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Comes to save us from despair.

3. Jesus comes to hearts rejoicing,

Bringing news of sins forgiv’n;

Jesus comes in sounds of gladness,

Leading souls redeemed to heav’n;

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Now the gate of death is riv’n.

4. Jesus comes in joy and sorrow,

Shares alike our hopes and fears;

Jesus comes, whate’er befalls us,

Glads our hearts and dries our tears;

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Cheering e’en our failing years.

5. Jesus comes on clouds triumphant

When the heavens shall pass away;

Jesus comes again in glory,

Let us, then, our homage pay,

Alleluia! ever singing

Till the dawn of endless day.

G. Thring, 1864.

7, 6, 8 l

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed,

Great David’s greater Son!

Hail, in the time appointed,

His reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression,

To set the captive free,

To take away transgression,

And rule in equity.

2. He comes with succor speedy

To those who suffer wrong,

To help the poor and needy,

And bid the weak be strong;

To give them songs for sighing,

Their darkness turn to light,

Whose souls, condemned and dying,

Were precious in His sight.

3. He shall come down like showers

Upon the fruitful earth;

And love, joy, hope, like flowers,

Spring in His path to birth.

Before Him on the mountains

Shall peace, the herald, go,

And righteousness, in fountains,

From hill to valley flow.

4. To Him shall prayer unceasing

And daily vows ascend,

His kingdom still increasing,

A kingdom without end.

The tide of time shall never

His covenant remove;

His name shall stand forever,—

That name to us is Love.

James Montgomery, 1821.

8, 7, 8, 7

Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding:

“Christ is nigh!” it seems to say;

“Cast away the dreams of darkness,

O ye children of the day!”

2. Startled at the solemn warning,

Let the earth-bound soul arise;

Christ, her Sun, all sloth dispelling,

Shines upon the morning skies.

3. Lo, the Lamb, so long expected,

Comes with pardon down from heav’n.

Let us haste, with tears of sorrow,

One and all, to be forgiv’n.

4. So, when next He comes with glory,

Wrapping all the earth in fear,

With His mercy He may shield us

And with words of love draw near.

From the Latin (c. 5th cent.); E. Caswall, tr. 1849.

7, 6, 8 l

The Bridegroom soon will call us:

Come, all ye wedding-guests!

May not His voice appall us

While slumber binds our breasts!

May all our lamps be burning

And oil be found in store,

That we, with Him returning,

May open find the door!

2. There shall we see delighted

Our dear Redeemer’s face,

Who leads our souls benighted

To glory by His grace;

The patriarchs shall meet us,

The prophets’ holy band,

Apostles, martyrs, greet us

In that celestial land.

3. They will not blush to own us

As brothers, sisters dear,

Love ever will be shown us

When we with them appear.

We all shall come before Him

Who for us man became,

As Lord and God adore Him,

And ever bless His name.

4. Our Father, rich in blessing,

Will give us crowns of gold

And, to His bosom pressing,

Impart a bliss untold,

Will welcome with embraces

Of never-ending love,

And deck us with His graces

In blissful realms above.

5. In yonder home shall never

Be silent music’s voice;

With hearts and lips forever

We shall in God rejoice.

The angels shall adore Him,

All saints shall sing His praise,

And bring with joy before Him

Their sweetest heavenly lays.

6. In mansions fair and spacious

Will God the feast prepare

And, ever kind and gracious,

Bid us its riches share;

There bliss that knows no measure

From springs of love shall flow,

And never-changing pleasure

His bounty will bestow.

7. Thus God shall from all evil

Forever make us free,

From sin and from the devil,

From all adversity,

From sickness, pain, and sadness,

From troubles, cares, and fears,

And grant us heavenly gladness,

And wipe away our tears.

Johann Walther, † c. 1566.

7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7

Come, Thou precious Ransom, come!

Only Hope for sinful mortals!

Come, O Savior of the world!

Open are to Thee all portals;

Come, Thy beauty let us see:

Anxiously we wait for Thee.

2. O great King of Glory, come!

Let me be Thy living temple;

Enter Thou into my heart;

Though I am but poor and simple,

Yet my riches then shall be

That Thou reignest, Lord, in me.

3. My hosannas and my palms

Graciously receive, I pray Thee;

Evermore, as best I can,

Savior, I will homage pay Thee,

And in faith I will embrace,

Lord, Thy merit through Thy grace.

4. Hail! Hosanna! David’s Son,

Help, Lord, hear our supplication!

Let Thy kingdom, scepter, crown

Bring us blessing and salvation

That forever we may sing:

Hail! Hosanna! to our King.

J. G. Olearius, 1644; A. Crull, tr.

7, 6, 8 l

O Lord, how shall I meet Thee,

How welcome Thee aright?

All nations long to greet Thee,

My Hope, my heart’s Delight!

O kindle, dearest Jesus,

Thy lamp within my breast

That I may know what pleases

Thee, Lord, my heav’nly Guest.

2. Thy Zion strews before Thee

Green boughs and fairest palms,

And I, too, will adore Thee

With sweetest songs and psalms.

My heart shall bloom forever

For Thee with praises new

And from Thy name shall never

Withhold the honor due.

3. What hast Thou left ungranted

To give me glad relief?

When soul and body panted

In utmost depth of grief,

In deepest degradation,

Devoid of joy and peace,

Then Thou, my soul’s Salvation,

Didst come to bring release.

4. I lay in fetters groaning,

Thou com’st to set me free;

I stood, my shame bemoaning,

Thou com’st to honor me;

A glory Thou dost give me,

A treasure safe on high,

That will not fail or leave me

As earthly riches fly.

5. Naught, naught, dear Lord, could move Thee

To leave Thy rightful place

Save love, for which I love Thee;

A love that could embrace

A world where sorrow dwelleth,

Which sin and suffering fill,

More than the tongue e’er telleth;—

Yet Thou couldst love it still!

6. Rejoice, then, ye sad-hearted,

Who sit in deepest gloom,

Who mourn o’er joys departed

And tremble at your doom.

Despair not, He is near you,

Yea, standing at the door,

Who best can help and cheer you

And bid you weep no more.

7. No care nor effort either

Is needed day or night

How ye may draw Him hither

In your own strength and might.

He comes, He comes with gladness,

Moved by His love alone,

To calm your fear and sadness,

To Him they well are known.

8. Sin’s debt, that fearful burden,

Let not your souls distress;

Your guilt the Lord will pardon

And cover with His grace.

He comes, He comes, procuring

The peace of sin forgiv’n,

To all God’s sons securing

Their part and lot in heav’n.

9. Why should the wicked move you?

Heed not their craft and spite!

Your Savior, who doth love you,

Will scatter all their might.

He comes, a King most glorious,

And all His earthly foes

In vain His course victorious

Endeavor to oppose.

10. He comes to judge the nations,

A terror to His foes,

A Light of consolations

And blessed Hope to those

Who love the Lord’s appearing.

O glorious Sun, now come,

Send forth Thy beams so cheering

And guide us safely home!

Paul Gerhardt, 1653.

S. M.

The Advent of our God

Our prayers must now employ,

And we must meet Him on His road

With hymns of holy joy.

2. The everlasting Son

Incarnate deigns to be;

Himself a servant’s form puts on

To set His people free.

3. Daughter of Zion, rise

And greet thy lowly King,

And do not wickedly despise

The mercies He will bring.

4. As Judge, in clouds of light,

He will come down again

And all His scattered saints unite

With Him in heaven to reign.

5. Before that dreadful day

May all our sins be gone;

May the old man be put away

And the new man put on!

6. Praise to the Savior Son

From the created host;

Like praise be to the Father done

And to the Holy Ghost.

John Chandler, 1837, a.

8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 6, 6

Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates!

Behold, the King of Glory waits;

The King of kings is drawing near,

The Savior of the world is here;

Life and salvation He doth bring,

Wherefore rejoice and gladly sing:

We praise Thee, Father, now,

Creator, wise art Thou!

2. The Lord is just, a Helper tried,

Mercy is ever at His side,

His kingly crown is holiness,

His scepter, pity in distress;

The end of all our woe He brings,

Wherefore the earth is glad and sings:

We praise Thee, Savior, now,

Mighty in deed art Thou!

3. O blest the land, the city blest,

Where Christ, the Ruler, is confessed!

O happy hearts and happy homes

To whom this King in triumph comes!

The cloudless Sun of Joy He is,

Who bringeth pure delight and bliss.

We praise Thee, Spirit, now,

Our Comforter art Thou!

4. Fling wide the portals of your heart,

Make it a temple set apart

From earthly use for heaven’s employ,

Adorned with prayer and love and joy;

So shall your Sovereign enter in

And new and nobler life begin.

To Thee, O God, be praise

For word and deed and grace!

5. Redeemer, come! I open wide

My heart to Thee; here, Lord, abide!

Let me Thy inner presence feel,

Thy grace and love in me reveal;

Thy Holy Spirit guide us on

Until our glorious goal be won!

Eternal praise and fame

We offer to Thy name.

G. Weissel, 1633; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

C. M.

Hark the glad sound! the Savior comes,

The Savior promised long;

Let every heart prepare a throne

And every voice a song.

2. He comes the prisoners to release,

In Satan’s bondage held;

The gates of brass before Him burst,

The iron fetters yield.

3. He comes from thickest films of vice

To clear the mental ray

And on the eyeballs of the blind

To pour the heav’nly day.

4. He comes the broken heart to bind,

The bleeding soul to cure

And with the treasures of His grace

T’ enrich the humble poor.

5. Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,

Thy welcome shall proclaim.

And heaven’s eternal arches ring

With Thy beloved name.

Philip Doddridge, 1735.

L. M. (with Hall.)

Again is come the new church-year;

Rejoice, all Christians, far and near!

Thy King, O Zion, comes to Thee,

Therefore rejoice eternally!

Hallelujah!

2. Amongst us now anew are heard

The lessons of God’s gracious Word,

Which shows the way to life in heaven.

For this all praise to God be given!

Hallelujah!

3. May what is taught in Thy true Word

Increase our faith in Thee, O Lord,

And so abide in us that we

May render endless praise to Thee!

Hallelujah!

J. Olearius, 1671.

7s

Savior of the heathen, come,

Virgin’s Son, here make Thy home!

Wonder at it, heaven and earth,

That the Lord chose such a birth.

2. Not by human flesh and blood,

By the Spirit of our God

Was the Word of God made flesh—

Woman’s blossom, sweet and fresh.

3. Though the virgin was with child,

Chastity proved undefiled;

Many a virtue rare forth shone,

God was there upon His throne.

4. From the Father forth He came

And returned unto the same;

Down to hell He went alone

And again to God’s high throne.

5. Thou, the Father’s equal, win

Victory in the flesh o’er sin,

By Thy strength divine, O Lord,

Help to our frail flesh afford.

6. Lord, Thy manger is so bright,

Night sends forth a novel light;

Darkness must not enter there,

Faith abides in light fore’er.

7. Praise to God the Father sing,

Praise to God the Son, our King,

Praise to God the Spirit be

Ever and eternally.

From the Latin of Ambrose; Martin Luther, 1524, abr.

7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 7, 7, 6

Arise, sons of the kingdom!

The King is drawing nigh;

Arise and hail with gladness

The Ruler from on high.

Ye Christians, hasten forth!

Your praise and homage bring Him

And glad hosannas sing Him;

Naught else your love is worth.

2. Arise, ye drooping mourners!

The King is very near;

Away with grief and sorrow!

For, lo! your Help is here.

Behold, in many a place—

O blessed consolation!—

We find Him, our Salvation,

In His pure means of grace.

3. Now hear, ye bold transgressors,

The King full well gives heed

To all that ye are doing,

And to the life ye lead,

Enthralled by sin and hell;

There’s naught in all creation

Escapes His observation,

He marketh all things well.

4. Be righteous, ye His subjects,

The King is just and true;

Prepare for Him a highway,

Make all things straight and new.

He means all for our good;

Then let us bear the crosses

Which He Himself imposes

In an undaunted mood.

5. He nevermore forsaketh

A child that feels the rod,

Who Him his Refuge maketh

And puts his trust in God.

He is our sovereign King;

E’en death itself shall never

Those from their Master sever

Who to His mercy cling.

6. Arise, ye faint and fearful!

The King now comes with might;

His heart hath long since loved us,

He makes our darkness light.

Now are our sorrows o’er;

No wrath shall e’er befall us,

Since God in grace doth call us

His children evermore.

7. The King in grace remembers

His loved ones here below

With gifts of royal treasures,

Yea, doth Himself bestow

Through His blest Word and grace.

O King, arrayed in splendor,

To Thee all praise we’ll render

Here and there face to face.

8. O rich the gifts Thou bring’st us,

Thyself made poor and weak;

O Love beyond expression

That thus can sinners seek!

For this, O Lord, will we

Our joyous tribute bring Thee

And glad hosannas sing Thee

And ever grateful be.

J. Rist, 1651, abr.

6s 6 l

Once He came in blessing,

All our ills redressing,

Came in likeness lowly,

Son of God most holy;

Bore the cross to save us,

Hope and freedom gave us.

2. Still He comes within us,

Still His voice would win us

From the sins that hurt us;

Would to Truth convert us

From our foolish errors,

Ere He comes in terrors.

3. Thus, if thou hast known Him,

Not ashamed to own Him,

Nor dost love Him coldly,

But wilt trust Him boldly,

He will now receive thee,

Heal thee, and forgive thee.

4. He who well endureth

Bright reward secureth.

Come then, O Lord Jesus,

From our sins release us;

Let us here confess Thee

Till in heaven we bless Thee.

J. Horn (Roh), 1544; C. Winkworth, tr., 1862, a.

L. M.

Jesus, Thy Church with longing eyes

For Thine expected coming waits:

When will the promised light arise,

And glory beam from Zion’s gates?

2. E’en now, when tempests round us fall

And wintry clouds o’ercast the sky,

Thy words with pleasure we recall

And deem that our redemption’s nigh.

3. Come, gracious Lord, our hearts renew,

Our foes repel, our wrongs redress,

Man’s rooted enmity subdue,

And crown Thy Gospel with success.

4. O come and reign o’er every land;

Let Satan from his throne be hurled,

All nations bow to Thy command,

And grace revive a dying world.

5. Teach us in watchfulness and prayer

To wait for the appointed hour

And fit us by Thy grace to share

The triumphs of Thy conquering power.

W. H. Bathhurst, 1831.

CHRISTMAS. — 145 — 146 — 147 — 148 — 149 — 150 — 151 — 152 — 153 — 154 — 155 — 156 — 157 — 158 — 159 — 160 — 161 — 162

8, 6, 6, 8, 6, 6

All my heart this night rejoices,

As I hear Far and near

Sweetest angel voices;

“Christ is born,” their choirs are singing,

Till the air Everywhere

Now with joy is ringing.

2. Forth to-day the Conqueror goeth,

the foe, Sin and woe,

Death and hell, o’erthroweth.

God is man, man to deliver;

His dear Son Now is one

With our blood forever.

3. Shall we still dread God’s displeasure,

Who, to save, Freely gave

Us His dearest Treasure?

To redeem us, He hath given

His own Son From the throne

Of His might in heaven.

4. Should He, who Himself imparted,

Aught withhold From the fold,

Leave us broken-hearted?

Should the Son of God not love us,

Who, to cheer Sufferers here,

Left His throne above us?

5. If our blessed Lord and Maker

Hated men, Would He then

Be of flesh partaker?

If He in our woe delighted,

Would He bear All the care

Of our race benighted?

6. He becomes the Lamb that taketh

Sin away And for aye

Full atonement maketh.

For our Life His own He tenders

And our race, By His grace,

Meet for glory renders.

7. Hark! a voice from yonder manger,

Soft and sweet, Doth entreat:

“Flee from woe and danger;

Brethren, from all ills that grieve you

You are freed, All you need

I will surely give you.”

8. Come, then, banish all your sadness,

One and all, Great and small,

Come with songs of gladness.

Love Him who with love is glowing;

Hail the Star, Near and far,

Light and joy bestowing.

9. Ye whose anguish knew no measure,

Weep no more, See the door

To celestial pleasure.

Cling to Him, for He will guide you

Where no cross, Pain, or loss

Can again betide you.

10. Hither come, ye heavy-hearted,

Who for sin, Deep within,

Long and sore have smarted;

For the poisoned wounds you’re feeling

Help is near, One is here

Mighty for their healing.

11. Hither come, ye poor and wretched,

Know His will Is to fill

Every hand outstretchèd;

Here are riches without measure,

Here forget All regret,

Fill your hearts with treasure.

12. Let me in my arms receive Thee,

On Thy breast Let me rest,

Savior, ne’er to leave Thee!

Since Thou hast Thyself presented

Now to me, I shall be

Evermore contented.

13. Guilt no longer can distress me;

Son of God, Thou my load

Bearest to release me.

Stain in me Thou findest never;

I am clean, All my sin

Is removed forever.

14. I am pure, in Thee believing,

From Thy store Evermore

Righteous robes receiving.

In my heart I will enfold Thee,

Treasure rare, Let me there,

Loving, ever hold Thee!

15. Thee, O Lord, with heed I’ll cherish

While I’ve breath; E’en in death

Shall my faith not perish.

I shall dwell with Thee forever

Far on high, In the joy

That can alter never.

Paul Gerhardt, 1656.

7s

Let the earth now praise the Lord,

Who hath truly kept His word

And the sinners’ Help and Friend

Now at last to us doth send.

2. What the fathers most desired,

What the prophets’ heart inspired,

What they longed for many a year,

Stands fulfilled in glory here.

3. Abram’s promised great Reward,

Zion’s Helper, Jacob’s Lord,

Him of twofold race behold,

Truly came, as long foretold.

4. Welcome, O my Savior, now!

Hail! my Portion, Lord, art Thou!

Here, too, in my heart, I pray,

O prepare Thyself a way.

5. King of Glory, enter in!

Cleanse it from the filth of sin,

As Thou hast so often done;

It belongs to Thee alone.

6. As Thy coming was in peace,

Noiseless, full of gentleness,

Let the same mind dwell in me

That was ever found in Thee.

7. Comfort my desponding heart;

Thou my Strength and Refuge art.

I am weak, and cunningly

Satan lays his snares for me.

8. Bruise for me the Serpent’s head,

That, set free from doubt and dread,

I may cleave to Thee in faith,

Safely kept through life and death;

9. And when Thou dost come again

As a glorious King to reign,

I with joy may see Thy face,

Truly ransomed by Thy grace.

H. Held, 1643; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

8, 7, 8, 8, 4

All praise to Jesus’ hallowed name,

Who of virgin pure became

True man for us! The angels sing,

As the glad news to earth they bring,

Hallelujah!

2. Th’ eternal Father’s only Son

For a manger leaves His throne;

Disguised in our poor flesh and blood

Is now the everlasting Good.

Hallelujah!

3. He whom the world could not inclose

Doth in Mary’s lap repose,

He is become an infant small,

Who by His might upholdeth all.

Hallelujah!

4. Th’ eternal Light, come down from heaven,

Hath to us new sunshine given;

It shineth in the midst of night

And maketh us the sons of light.

Hallelujah!

5. The Father’s Son, God ever blest,

In the world became a guest;

He leads us from this vale of tears

And makes us in His kingdom heirs.

Hallelujah!

6. He came to earth despised and poor,

Man to pity and restore

And make us rich in heaven above,

The angels’ equal, through His love.

Hallelujah!

7. All this He did that He might prove

To us sinners His great love;

For this let Christendom adore

And praise His name forevermore.

Hallelujah!

Martin Luther, 1543; R. Massie, tr., a. First stanza since 1370.

L. M.

Now praise we Christ, the Holy One,

The blessed Virgin Mary’s Son,

Far as the glorious sun doth shine,

E’en to the world’s remote confine.

2. He who Himself all things did make

A servant’s form vouchsafed to take,

That He as man mankind might win

And save His creatures from their sin.

3. The grace of God, the mighty Lord,

Upon the mother was outpoured;

A virgin pure and undefiled

In wondrous wise conceived a child.

4. The noble mother bare a Son,

For so did Gabriel’s promise run,

Whom John confessed and leaped with joy,

Ere yet the mother knew her boy.

5. Upon a manger, filled with hay,

In poverty content He lay;

With milk was fed the Lord of all,

Who feeds the ravens when they call.

6. The heavenly choirs rejoice and raise

Their voice to God in songs of praise;

To humble shepherds is proclaimed

The Shepherd who the world hath framed.

7. All honor unto Christ be paid,

Pure offspring of the favored maid,

With Father and with Holy Ghost,

Till time in endless time be lost!

From the Latin of Sedulius; Martin Luther, 1524; R. Massie, tr., a.

7, 6, 7, 6

A great and mighty wonder

Our Christmas Festal brings:

On earth, a lowly Infant,

Behold the King of kings!

2. The Word is made incarnate,

Descending from on high;

And cherubim sing anthems

To shepherds, from the sky.

3. And we with them triumphant

Repeat the hymn again:

“To God on high be glory

And peace on earth to men!”

4. While thus they sing your Monarch,

Those bright angelic bands,

Rejoice, ye vales and mountains!

Ye oceans, clap your hands!

5. Since all He comes to ransom,

By all be He adored,

The Infant born in Bethlehem,

The Savior and the Lord!

6. All idol forms shall perish,

And error shall decay,

And Christ shall wield His scepter,

Our Lord and God, for aye.

From the Greek of Anatolius, c. 540; J. M. Neale, tr. 1862, a.

L. M.

From heaven above to earth I come

To bear good news to every home;

Glad tidings of great joy I bring,

Whereof I now will say and sing.

2. To you this night is born a child

Of Mary, chosen virgin mild;

This little child, of lowly birth,

Shall be the joy of all the earth.

3. This is the Christ, our God and Lord,

Who in all need shall aid afford;

He will Himself your Savior be,

From all your sins to make you free.

4. He brings those blessings long ago

Prepared by God for all below,

That in His heavenly kingdom blest

You may with us forever rest.

5. These are the tokens ye shall mark:

The swaddling-clothes and manger dark;

There shall ye find the young Child laid

By whom the heavens and earth were made.

6. Now let us all with gladsome cheer

Go with the shepherds and draw near

To see the wondrous gift of God,

Who hath His own dear Son bestowed.

7. Give heed, my heart, lift up thine eyes!

What is it in yon manger lies?

Who is this child, so young and fair?

Dear little Jesus lieth there.

8. Welcome to earth, Thou noble Guest,

Through whom the sinful world is blest!

Thou com’st to share my misery,

What thanks shall I return to Thee?

9. Ah! Lord, who hast created all,

How hast Thou made Thee weak and small

That Thou must choose Thy infant bed

Where humble cattle lately fed.

10. And were the world ten times as wide,

With gold and jewels beautified,

It would be far too small to be

A narrow cradle, Lord, for Thee.

11. For velvets soft and silken stuff

Thou hast but hay and straw so rough,

Whereon Thou, King, so rich and great,

As ’twere Thy heaven, art throned in state.

12. And thus, dear Lord, it pleasèd Thee

To make this truth quite plain to me,

That this world’s honor, wealth, and might

Are naught and worthless in Thy sight.

13. Ah! dearest Jesus, holy Child,

Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled,

Within my heart, that it may be

A chamber consecrate to Thee.

14. My heart for very joy doth leap,

My lips no more can silence keep;

I, too, must sing with joyful tongue

That sweetest ancient cradle-song:

15. Glory to God in highest heav’n,

Who unto man His Son hath giv’n!

While angels sing with pious mirth

A glad New Year to all the earth.

Martin Luther, 1535.

L. M.

Rejoice, ye sons of men alway!

God comes to you from heaven to-day;

The Lord is born a little child

Of Mary, chosen virgin mild.

2. He is the Branch of Jesse’s tree,

The Lion out of Judah He,

The Gentiles’ Light, the promised Seed

Who was to bruise the Serpent’s head.

3. He brings us peace and happiness

And heals all sorrow and distress

Which on account of Adam’s fall

Forever weighed upon us all.

4. Through His low birth and holy blood

We all are saved by Christ, true God;

The angels’ glory we shall share

And in His kingdom live fore’er.

C. Freund, † 1591; A. Crull, tr.

8, 7, 7, 8, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8

O rejoice, ye Christians, loudly,

For our joy has now begun;

Wondrous things our God hath done;

Tell abroad His goodness proudly,

Who our race hath honored thus

That He deigns to dwell with us.

Joy, O joy, beyond all gladness!

Christ hath done away with sadness!

Hence, all sorrow and repining,

For the Sun of Grace is shining!

2. See, my soul, thy Savior chooses

Weakness here and poverty,

In such love He comes to thee,

Nor the hardest couch refuses;

All He suffers for thy good,

To redeem thee by His blood.

Joy, O joy, beyond all gladness!

Christ hath done away with sadness!

Hence, all sorrow and repining,

For the Sun of Grace is shining!

3. Lord, how shall I thank Thee rightly?

I acknowledge that by Thee

I am saved eternally;

Let me not forget it lightly,

But to Thee through all things cleave,

And my heart true peace receive.

Joy, O joy, beyond all gladness!

Christ hath done away with sadness!

Hence, all sorrow and repining,

For the Sun of Grace is shining!

4. Jesus, guard and guide Thy members,

Fill Thy brethren with Thy grace,

Hear their prayers in every place,

Quicken now life’s faintest embers;

Grant all Christians, far and near,

Holy peace, a glad New Year!

Joy, O joy, beyond all gladness!

Christ hath done away with sadness!

Hence, all sorrow and repining,

For the Sun of Grace is shining!

C. Keymann, † 1662; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

7, 6, 7, 6

Let us all with gladsome voice

Praise the God of heaven,

Who, to bid our hearts rejoice,

His own Son hath given.

2. To this vale of tears He comes,

Here to serve in sadness,

That with Him in heaven’s fair homes

We may reign in gladness.

3. We are rich, for He was poor;

Is not this a wonder?

Therefore praise God evermore

Here on earth and yonder!

4. O Lord Christ, our Savior dear,

Be Thou ever near us.

Grant us now a glad New Year;

Amen, Jesus, hear us!

U. Langhanns, c. 1560; C. Winkworth, tr.

7s 8 l

Hark! the herald-angels sing,

“Glory to the new-born King;

Peace on earth and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!”

Joyful, all ye nations, rise,

Join the triumph of the skies;

With th’ angelic hosts proclaim,

“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Hark! the herald-angels sing,

“Glory to the new-born King!”

2. Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;

Hail, th’ incarnate Deity,

Pleased as man with men to dwell;

Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hail, the heavenly Prince of Peace!

Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings,

Ris’n with healing in His wings.

Hark! the herald-angels sing,

“Glory to the new-born King!”

3. Mild He lays His glory by,

Born that man no more may die,

Born to raise the sons of earth,

Born to give them second birth.

Come, Desire of nations, come,

Fix in us Thy humble home;

Oh, to all Thyself impart,

Formed in each believing heart!

Hark! the herald-angels sing,

“Glory to the new-born King!”

Charles Wesley, 1739, a.

C. M.

To us a Child of hope is born,

To us a Son is given,

And on His shoulder ever rests

All power in earth and heaven.

2. His name shall be the Prince of Peace,

The everlasting Lord,

The Wonderful, the Counselor,

The God by all adored.

3. His righteous government and power

Shall over all extend;

On judgment and on justice based,

His reign shall have no end.

4. Lord Jesus, reign in us, we pray,

And make us Thine alone,

Who with the Father ever art

And Holy Spirit, one.

J. Morison, 1781, abr.

4, 4, 11, 4, 4, 11

We Christians may Rejoice to-day,

When Christ was born to comfort and to save us;

Who thus believes No longer grieves,

For none are lost who grasp the hope He gave us.

2. O wondrous joy, That God most high

Should take our flesh and thus our race should honor;

A virgin mild Hath born this Child;

Such grace and glory God hath put upon her.

3. Sin brought us grief; But Christ, relief,

When down to earth He came for our salvation;

Since God with us Is dwelling thus,

Who dares to speak the Christian’s condemnation?

4. Then hither throng With happy song

To Him whose birth and death are our assurance;

Through whom are we At last set free

From sins and burdens that surpassed endurance.

5. Yes, let us praise Our God and raise

Loud hallelujahs to the skies above us;

The bliss bestowed To-day by God

To ceaseless thankfulness and joy should move us.

Caspar Fueger, † 1617; C. Winkworth, tr.

C. M.

Praise God the Lord, ye sons of men,

Before His highest throne,

To-day He opens heaven again

And gives us His own Son.

2. He leaves His heavenly Father’s throne,

Is born an infant small,

And in a manger, poor and lone,

Lies in a humble stall.

3. He lays aside His power divine,

A servant’s form doth take;

In want and lowness He doth pine

Who heaven and earth did make.

4. He nestles at His mother’s breast,

Her milk His food must be;

Whom saints and angels call the Blest,

Of David’s house is He.

5. ’Tis He who in these latter days

From Judah’s tribe should come,

By whom the Lord again would raise

His Church, His Christendom.

6. A wondrous change which He doth make!

He takes our flesh and blood

And lays aside for sinners’ sake

His majesty of God.

7. He serves that I a lord may be;

A great exchange, indeed!

Could Jesus’ love do more for me

To help me in my need?

8. He opens us again the door

Of Paradise to-day;

The cherub guards the gate no more.

To God our thanks we pay.

Nikolaus Herman, 1560; A. Crull, tr., a.

C. M.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room

And heaven and nature sing.

2. Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ,

While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains

Repeat the sounding joy.

3. No more let sins and sorrows grow

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found.

4. He rules the world with truth and grace

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness

And wonders of His love.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

11s

Come hither, ye faithful, triumphantly sing;

Come, see in the manger our Savior and King!

To Bethlehem hasten with joyful accord;

O come ye, come hither, to worship the Lord!

2. True Son of the Father, He comes from the skies;

To be born of a virgin He does not despise.

To Bethlehem hasten with joyful accord;

O come ye, come hither, to worship the Lord!

3. Hark, hark to the angels all singing in heaven,

“To God in the highest all glory be given!”

To Bethlehem hasten with joyful accord;

O come ye, come hither, to worship the Lord!

4. To Thee, then, O Jesus, this day of Thy birth,

Be glory and honor through heaven and earth,

True Godhead incarnate, omnipotent Word!

O come, let us hasten to worship the Lord!

Latin, 17th cent.; E. Caswall, tr., 1848.

8, 7, 8, 7

Hark! what mean those holy voices

Sweetly sounding through the skies?

Lo! th’ angelic host rejoices,

Heavenly hallelujahs rise.

2. Listen to the wondrous story

Which they chant in hymns of joy,

Glory in the highest, glory!

Glory be to God most high!

3. Peace on earth, good will from heaven,

Reaching far as man is found;

Souls redeemed and sins forgiven!

Loud our golden harps shall sound.

4. Christ is born, the great Anointed;

Heaven and earth, His praises sing!

O receive whom God appointed

For your Prophet, Priest, and King.

5. Hasten, mortals, to adore Him,

Learn His name and taste His joy,

Till in heaven ye sing before Him,

Glory be to God most high!

6. Let us learn the wondrous story

Of our great Redeemer’s birth;

Spread the brightness of His glory

Till it cover all the earth.

J. Cawood, 1819.

L. M. (with Hall.)

Immanuel, we sing Thy praise,

Thou Prince of Life and Fount of grace,

Thou Flower of heaven and Star of morn,

Thou Lord of lords, Thou Virgin-born.

Hallelujah!

2. With all Thy saints to Thee we sing,

Praise, honor, thanks to Thee we bring,

That Thou, O long-expected Guest,

Hast come at last to make us blest!

Hallelujah!

3. For Thee, since first the world was made,

So many hearts have watched and prayed;

The patriarchs’ and prophets’ throng

For Thee have hoped and waited long.

Hallelujah!

4. Above all others longed for Thee

Thy people’s king and shepherd, he

With whom Thou, Lord, so well wert pleased

When with his harp Thy name he praised.

Hallelujah!

5. Oh, that the Savior soon would come

To break our bonds and lead us home!

Oh, that He might salvation bring!

Then Jacob would rejoice and sing.

Hallelujah!

6. Now Thou art here, Thou Ever-blest!

In lowly manger Thou dost rest;

Great things Thou makest, yet art small;

Naked Thyself, who clothest all.

Hallelujah!

7. All heavens are Thine, yet Thou dost come

To sojourn in a stranger’s home;

A mother’s milk dost not despise,

Who art the Joy of angels’ eyes.

Hallelujah!

8. Thou hast set bounds to earth and sea,

Yet swaddling-bands encircle Thee;

Thou’rt God—a bed of straw Thou hast;

Thou’rt man—yet art the First and Last.

Hallelujah!

9. From Thee above all gladness flows,

Yet Thou must bear such bitter woes;

The Gentiles’ Light and Hope Thou art,

Yet findest none to soothe Thy heart.

Hallelujah!

10. The sweetest Friend of man Thou art,

Yet many hate Thee in their heart;

By Herod’s heart Thou art abhorred,

Yet Thou art our Salvation, Lord.

Hallelujah!

11. But I, Thy humblest servant, may

Confess my love and freely say,

I love Thee truly, but I would

That I might love Thee as I should.

Hallelujah!

12. I have the will, the power is weak,

Yet, Lord, my humble offering take

And graciously the love receive

Which my poor heart to Thee can give.

Hallelujah!

13. Thou to be weak dost not disdain,

Dost choose the things the world deems vain,

Art poor and needy and content

To suffer poverty and want.

Hallelujah!

14. Thou sleepest on the lap of earth;

The manger where Thou at Thy birth

Wast laid to rest, the hay, the stall,

Were mean and miserable all.

Hallelujah!

15. And therefore doth my courage rise,

Me also Thou wilt not despise;

O dearest Lord, Thy tender grace

Fills me with hope and happiness.

Hallelujah!

16. Although I’ve passed in sin my days

And wandered far from wisdom’s ways,

Yet Thou for this to earth hast come,

To bring the wandering sinner home.

Hallelujah!

17. Had I no load of sin to bear,

Thy grace, O Lord, I could not share;

In vain had’st Thou been born for me

If from God’s wrath I had been free.

Hallelujah!

18. Now fearlessly I come to Thee,

From every grief Thou mak’st me free;

Thou bear’st the wrath, dost death destroy,

And turnest sorrow into joy.

Hallelujah!

19. Thou art my Head, my Lord divine;

I am Thy member, wholly Thine,

And by Thy Spirit’s gracious power

Will seek to serve Thee evermore.

Hallelujah!

20. I’ll sing loud hallelujahs here

With joyful spirit year by year;

And in Thy courts of joy above

Forever I will sing Thy love.

Hallelujah!

Paul Gerhardt, 1653; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

L. M.

To shepherds, as they watched by night,

Appeared a troop of angels bright;

Behold the tender Babe, they said,

In yonder lowly manger laid,

2. At Bethlehem, in David’s town,

As Micah did of old make known;

’Tis Jesus Christ, your Lord and King,

Who doth to all salvation bring.

3. Rejoice ye, then, that through His Son

God is with sinners now at one;

Made like yourselves of flesh and blood,

Your Brother is th’ eternal God.

4. What harm can sin and death, then, do?

The true God now abides with you.

Let hell and Satan rage and chafe,

God is your Brother—ye are safe.

5. Not one He will, nor can, forsake

Who Him his confidence doth make;

E’en if their worst your en’mies try,

Ye may their powerless rage defy.

6. Ye must prevail at last, for ye

Have now become God’s family;

To God forever give ye praise,

Patient and cheerful all your days.

Martin Luther, 1543; R. Massie, tr., a.

END OF YEAR. — 163 — 164 — 165

7s 8 l

While with ceaseless course the sun

Hasted through the former year,

Many souls their race have run,

Nevermore to meet us here;

Fixed in an eternal state,

They have done with all below;

We a little longer wait,

But how little, none can know.

2. As the wingèd arrow flies

Speedily, the mark to find;

As the lightning from the skies

Darts and leaves no trace behind;

Swiftly thus our fleeting days

Bear us down life’s rapid stream.

Upward, Lord, our spirits raise;

All below is but a dream.

3. Thanks for mercies past receive,

Pardon of our sins renew,

Teach us henceforth how to live

With eternity in view.

Bless Thy Word to young and old,

Fill us with a Savior’s love;

And when life’s short tale is told,

May we dwell with Thee above.

John Newton, 1774.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7 (Iambic)

Across the sky the shades of night

This winter’s eve are fleeting;

We deck Thine altar, Lord, with light,

In solemn worship meeting;

And as the year’s last hours go by,

We raise to Thee our earnest cry,

Once more Thy love entreating.

2. Before the cross subdued we bow,

To Thee our prayers addressing,

Recounting all Thy mercies now,

And all our sins confessing;

Beseeching Thee this coming year

To keep us in Thy faith and fear

And crown us with Thy blessing.

3. And while we pray, we lift our eyes

To dear ones gone before us,

Safe home with Thee in Paradise,

Whose peace descendeth o’er us;

And beg of Thee, when life is past

To reunite us all at last

With those who’ve gone before us.

4. We gather up, in this brief hour,

The memory of Thy mercies:

Thy wondrous goodness, love, and power

Our grateful song rehearses:

For Thou hast been our Strength and Stay

In many a dark and dreary day

Of sorrows and reverses.

5. In many an hour, when fear and dread,

Like evil spells, have bound us

And clouds were gathering overhead,

Thy providence hath found us.

In many a night, when seas ran high,

Thy gracious presence, drawing nigh,

Hath made all calm around us.

6. Then, O great God, in years to come,

Whatever may betide us,

Right onward through our journey home

Be Thou at hand to guide us;

Nor leave us till, at close of life,

Safe from all perils, toil, and strife.

Heaven shall enfold and hide us.

James Hamilton, 1882.

7s

Thou who roll’st the year around,

Crowned with mercies large and free,

Rich Thy gifts to us abound,

Warm our praise shall rise to Thee.

2. Kindly to our worship bow,

While our grateful thanks we tell,

That, sustained by Thee, we now

Bid the parting year farewell!

3. All its numbered days are sped,

All its busy scenes are o’er,

All its joys forever fled,

All its sorrows felt no more.

4. Mingled with th’ eternal past,

Its remembrance shall decay,

Yet to be revived at last

At the solemn Judgment Day.

5. All our follies, Lord, forgive!

Cleanse us from each guilty stain;

Let Thy grace within us live

That we spend not years in vain.

6. Then, when life’s last eve shall come,

Happy spirits, may we fly

To our everlasting home,

To our Father’s house on high!

Ray Palmer, 1858.

NEW YEAR. — 166 — 167 — 168 — 169 — 170 — 171 — 172 — 173 — 174

7, 5, 8 l

Father, let me dedicate

All this year to Thee,

In whatever earthly state

Thou wilt have me be.

Not from sorrow, pain, or care,

Freedom dare I claim;

This alone shall be my prayer:

Glorify Thy name.

2. Can a child presume to choose

Where or how to live?

Can a Father’s love refuse

All the best to give?

More Thou givest every day

Than the best can claim,

Nor withholdest aught that may

Glorify Thy name.

3. If in mercy Thou wilt spare

Joys that yet are mine;

If on life, serene and fair,

Brighter rays may shine,

Let my glad heart, while it sings,

Thee in all proclaim,

And, whate’er the future brings,

Glorify Thy name.

4. If Thou callest to the cross

And its shadow come,

Turning all my gain to loss,

Shrouding heart and home,

Let me think how Thy dear Son

To His glory came

And in deepest woe pray on:

“Glorify Thy name.”

L. Tuttiett, 1825.

L. M.

Great God, we sing that mighty Hand

By which supported still we stand;

The opening year Thy mercy shows;

Let mercy crown it till it close.

2. By day, by night, at home, abroad,

Still we are guarded by our God,

By His incessant bounty fed,

By His unerring counsel led.

3. With grateful hearts the past we own;

The future, all to us unknown,

We to Thy guardian care commit

And, peaceful, leave before Thy feet.

4. In scenes exalted or depressed

Be Thou our Joy and Thou our Rest;

Thy goodness all our hopes shall raise,

Adored through all our changing days.

5. When death shall interrupt our songs

And seal in silence mortal tongues,

Our Helper, God, in whom we trust,

In better worlds our soul shall boast.

Philip Doddridge, 1755.

7s

For Thy mercy and Thy grace,

Constant through another year,

Hear our song of thankfulness;

Jesus, our Redeemer, hear!

2. Lo! our sins on Thee we cast,

Thee, our perfect Sacrifice,

And, forgetting all the past,

Press unto our glorious prize.

3. Dark the future; let Thy light

Guide us, bright and Morning Star:

Fierce our foes and hard the fight;

Arm us, Savior, for the war.

4. In our weakness and distress,

Rock of strength, be Thou our Stay;

In the pathless wilderness

Be our true and living Way.

5. Who of us death’s awful road

In the coming year shall tread?

With Thy rod and staff, O God,

Comfort Thou his dying bed.

6. Keep us faithful, keep us pure,

Keep us evermore Thine own;

Help, O help us to endure;

Fit us for the promised crown.

7. So within Thy palace gate

We shall praise, on golden strings,

Thee the only Potentate,

Lord of lords and King of kings.

H. Downton, 1841, a.

L. M.

The new-born Child this early morn,

The dear Christ-child, of virgin born,

Again brings from His heavenly home

A new year to all Christendom.

2. This causes joy to angels fair,

Who love to keep us in their care;

They sing that in this wondrous Child

God now with man is reconciled.

3. Since God is reconciled with men,

What harm can Satan do us, then?

O’er Satan and the gates of hell

This Christ-child shall for us prevail.

4. He brings the year of jubilee!

Why doubt we yet despondently?

Rejoice! This is a happy day;

The Christ-child drives all care away.

C. Schneegass, † 1597; E. Cronenwett, tr., a.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

O Lord, our Father, thanks to Thee

In this new year we render,

For Thou hast been from misery

And dangers our Defender;

Through all the year that now has fled

Hast given us life and daily bread

And peace within our borders.

2. Lord Jesus Christ, our thanks to Thee

In this new year we render,

For Thou still rulest zealously

Thy fold, with mercy tender;

Thou hast redeemed us with Thy blood,

Thou art our only Trust and Good,

In life and death our Savior.

3. Lord Holy Ghost, our thanks to Thee

In this new year we render,

For by Thy grace it is that we

Enjoy Thy Word’s pure splendor;

Thus Thou hast kindled from above

Within our hearts true faith and love

And other Christian virtues.

4. Our faithful God, we cry to Thee:

Still bless us with Thy favor,

Blot out all our iniquity,

And hide our sins forever;

Grant us a happy, good New Year

And, when the hour of death draws near,

A blest departure. Amen.

C. Schneegass, † 1597; A. Crull, tr.

9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8

Help me, O Lord! Behold, I enter

Upon another year to-day;

In Thee my hopes and thoughts now center,

Renew my courage for the way:

New life, new strength, new happiness

I ask of Thee, O hear and bless!

2. May every plan and undertaking

This year be all begun with Thee;

When I am sleeping or am waking,

Still let me know Thou art with me;

Abroad do Thou my footsteps guide,

At home be ever at my side.

3. Be this a time of grace and pardon;

Thy rod I take with willing mind,

But suffer naught my heart to harden;

O let me now Thy mercy find;

In Thee alone, my God, I live,

Thou only canst my sins forgive.

4. And may this year to me be holy;

Thy grace so fill my every thought

That all my life be pure and lowly

And truthful as a Christian’s ought;

So make me, while yet dwelling here,

Pious and blest from year to year.

5. And grant, Lord, when the year is over,

That it for me in peace may close;

In all things care for me and cover

My head in time of fear and woes;

So may I, when my years are gone,

Appear with joy before Thy throne.

J. Rist, 1642; C. Winkworth, tr.

C. M.

O God, our Help in ages past,

Our Hope for years to come,

Our Shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal Home!

2. Under the shadow of Thy throne

Thy saints have dwelt secure;

Sufficient is Thine arm alone,

And our defense is sure.

3. Before the hills in order stood

Or earth received her frame,

From everlasting Thou art God,

To endless years the same.

4. A thousand ages in Thy sight

Are like an evening gone;

Short as the watch that ends the night

Before the rising sun.

5. Thy word commands our flesh to dust:

“Return, ye sons of men!”

All nations rose from earth at first

And turn to earth again.

6. Time, like an ever-rolling stream,

Bears all its sons away;

They fly forgotten, as a dream

Dies at the opening day.

7. Like flowery fields the nations stand,

Pleased with the morning light;

The flowers beneath the mower’s hand

Lie withering ere ’tis night.

8. O God, our Help in ages past,

Our Hope for years to come,

Be Thou our Guard while troubles last

And our eternal Home.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

L. M.

The old year now hath passed away,

We thank Thee, Christ, our Lord, to-day

That Thou hast kept us through the year

When danger and distress were near.

2. We pray Thee, O eternal Son,

Who with the Father reign’st as one,

To guard and rule Thy Christendom

Through all the ages yet to come.

3. Take not Thy saving Word away,

Our souls’ true comfort, staff, and stay;

Abide with us and keep us free

From all false doctrines graciously.

4. O help us to forsake all sin,

A new and holier course begin;

From last year’s sins, Lord, hide Thy face,

In this new year grant us Thy grace,

5. That as true Christians we may live

Or die in peace that Thou wilt give,

To rise again when Thou shalt come,

And enter our eternal home.

J. Steuerlein, 1588; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

7s

Now let us come before Him,

With songs and prayers adore Him,

Who to our life from heaven

All needed strength hath given.

2. The stream of years is flowing,

And we are onward going,

From old to new surviving,

And by His mercy thriving.

3. In woe we often languish

And pass through times of anguish,

Of wars and trepidation,

Alarming every nation.

4. A faithful mother keepeth

Guard while her infant sleepeth,

Its fear and grief assuaging

When angry storms are raging.

5. Thus God His children shieldeth

And full protection yieldeth;

When need and woe distress them,

His loving arms caress them.

6. In vain is all our doing;

The labor we’re pursuing

In our hands prospers never

Unless God watches ever.

7. Our song to Thee ascendeth,

Whose mercy never endeth;

Our thanks to Thee we render,

Who art our strong Defender.

8. O God of mercy, hear us;

Our Father, be Thou near us;

Mid crosses and in sadness

Be Thou our Fount of gladness.

9. To all that bow before Thee

And for Thy grace implore Thee,

O grant Thy benediction

And patience in affliction.

10. With richest blessings crown us.

In all our ways, Lord, own us;

Give grace, who grace bestowest

To all, e’en to the lowest.

11. To all forlorn be Father,

Thy erring children gather,

And of the poor and needy

Be Thou the Helper speedy.

12. Grant help to all afflicted;

And to the souls dejected,

By melancholy haunted,

May cheerful thoughts be granted!

13. O Lord, assistance lend us,

Thy Holy Spirit send us

That He may make us glorious

And lead to Thee victorious.

14. All this Thy hand bestoweth,

Thou Life, whence our life floweth;

To me and all believers

Grant, Lord, these New Year’s favors.

Paul Gerhardt, † 1676; J. Kelly, tr., a.

CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST. — 175 — 176 — 177 — 178

S. M.

The year begins with Thee,

And Thou begin’st with woe

To let the world of sinners see

That blood for sin must flow.

2. Thine infant cries, O Lord,

Thy tears upon the breast

Are not enough; the legal sword

Must do its stern behest.

3. Seemeth it strange to me

My own will to deny?

Seemeth it sad, my soul, to thee

Under the yoke to lie?

4. I look, and hold my peace:

The Giver of all good

E’en from His birth takes no release

From suffering, tears, and blood.

5. That I may reap in love,

Help me to sow in fear;

So life a winter’s morn may prove

To a bright endless year.

J. Keble, 1827, a.

S. M.

The ancient Law departs,

And all its terrors cease;

For Jesus makes with faithful hearts

A covenant of peace.

2. The Light of light divine,

True brightness undefiled,

He bears for us the shame of sin,

A holy, spotless Child.

3. His infant body now

Begins our pain to feel;

Those precious drops of blood that flow

For death the victim seal.

4. To-day the name is Thine

At which we bend the knee.

They call Thee Jesus, Child Divine;

Our Jesus deign to be.

5. All praise, eternal Son,

For Thy redeeming love,

With Father, Spirit, ever one,

In glorious might above.

Abbé Besnault, 1736.

L. M.

O sacred day, when first was poured

The blood of our redeeming Lord!

O solemn day, when first began

His sufferings for sinful man!

2. Just born into this world of woe,

His blood for man was made to flow.

His future death was thus expressed;

Thus, too, His early love confessed.

3. From heaven descending to fulfil

The mandates of His Father’s will,

E’en now behold the Victim lie,

The Lamb of God, prepared to die.

4. Beneath the knife behold the Child,

The Innocent, the Undefiled;

For captives He the ransom pays,

For lawless man the Law obeys.

5. Lord, circumcise our hearts, we pray,

Our fleshly natures purge away;

Thy name, Thy likeness, may we bear;

O stamp Thy holy image there.

Abbé Besnault, 1736; J. Chandler, tr., a.

7s

Jesus! Name of wondrous love,

Name all other names above,

Unto which must every knee

Bow in deep humility.

2. Jesus! Name decreed of old,

To the maiden mother told,

Kneeling in her lowly cell,

By the angel Gabriel.

3. Jesus! Name of priceless worth

To the fallen sons of earth,

For the promise that it gave,—

“Jesus shall His people save.”

4. Jesus! Name of mercy mild,

Given to the holy Child

When the cup of human woe

First He tasted here below.

5. Jesus! Only name that’s given

Under all the mighty heaven

Whereby man, to sin enslaved,

Bursts his fetters and is saved.

6. Jesus! Name of wondrous love,

Human name of God above.

Pleading only this, we flee,

Helpless, O our God, to Thee.

W. W. How, 1854, a.

EPIPHANY. — 179 — 180 — 181 — 182 — 183 — 184

7, 6, 8 l

O Jesus, King of Glory!

Both David’s Lord and Son!

Thy realm endures forever,

In heaven is fixed Thy throne;

Help that in earth’s dominions,

Throughout from pole to pole,

Thy realm may spread salvation

To each benighted soul!

2. The Eastern sages, bringing

Their tribute-gifts to Thee,

Bear witness to Thy kingdom

And humbly bow the knee.

To Thee the star is pointing,

To Thee, Incarnate Word;

Hence joyously we hail Thee:

Our Savior and our Lord!

3. Thou art a mighty Monarch,

As by the Word we’re told,

Yet carest Thou but little

For earthly goods or gold;

On no proud steed Thou ridest,

Thou wear’st no jeweled crown,

Nor dwell’st in lordly castle,

But bearest scoff and frown.

4. Yet art Thou decked with beauty,

With rays of glorious light;

Thou ever teem’st with goodness,

And all Thy ways are right.

Vouchsafe to shield Thy people

With Thine almighty arm

That they may dwell in safety

From those who mean them harm.

5. Ah, look on me with pity,

Though I am weak and poor,

Admit me to Thy kingdom,

To dwell there, blest and sure!

I pray Thee, guide and keep me

Safe from my bitter foes,

From sin and death and Satan;

Free me from all my woes.

6. And bid Thy Word within me

Shine as the fairest star;

Keep sin and all false doctrine

Forever from me far.

Help me confess Thee truly

And with Thy Christendom

Here own Thee King and Savior

And in the world to come.

Martin Behm, 1606.

L. M.

The Star proclaims the King is here;

But, Herod, why this senseless fear?

He takes no realms of earth away

Who gives the realms of heavenly day.

2. The wiser Magi see from far

And follow on His guiding star;

And led by light to light they press

And by their gifts their God confess.

3. Within the Jordan’s crystal flood

In meekness stands the Lamb of God

And, sinless, sanctifies the wave,

Mankind from sin to cleanse and save.

4. At Cana first His power is shown;

His might the blushing waters own

And, changing, as He speaks the word,

Flow wine, obedient to their Lord.

5. All glory, Jesus, be to Thee

For this Thy glad Epiphany;

Whom with the Father we adore

And Holy Ghost forevermore.

From the Latin of Sedulius, 5th cent.; J. N. Neale, tr. 1852, a.

11, 10, 11, 10

Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,

Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;

Star of the East, the horizon adorning,

Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

2. Cold on His cradle the dewdrops are shining;

Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall:

Angels adore Him in slumber reclining,

Maker and Monarch and Savior of all!

3. Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion,

Odors of Edom and offerings divine,

Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,

Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?

4. Vainly we offer each ample oblation;

Vainly with gifts would His favor secure.

Richer by far is the heart’s adoration;

Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

5. Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,

Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;

Star of the East, the horizon adorning,

Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Reginald Heber, 1811.

8, 7, 8 l

Hail, Thou Source of every blessing,

Sovereign Father of mankind!

Gentiles now, Thy grace possessing,

In Thy courts admission find.

Grateful now we fall before Thee,

In Thy Church obtain a place;

Now by faith behold Thy glory,

Praise Thy truth, adore Thy grace.

2. Once far off, but now invited,

We approach Thy sacred throne;

In Thy covenant united,

Reconciled, redeemed, made one.

Now revealed to Eastern sages,

See the star of mercy shine;

Mystery hid in former ages,

Mystery great of love divine.

3. Hail, Thou all-inviting Savior!

Gentiles now their offerings bring;

In Thy temple seek Thy favor.

Jesus Christ, our Lord and King.

May we, body, soul, and spirit,

Live devoted to Thy praise,

Glorious realms of bliss inherit,

Grateful anthems ever raise!

Basil Wood, 1813.

7s 6 l

As with gladness men of old

Did the guiding star behold,

As with joy they hailed its light,

Leading onward, beaming bright,

So, most gracious Lord, may we

Evermore be led by Thee.

2. As with joyful steps they sped

To that lowly manger-bed.

There to bend the knee before

Him whom heaven and earth adore,

So may we with willing feet

Ever seek Thy mercy-seat.

3. As they offered gifts most rare

At that manger rude and bare,

So may we with holy joy,

Pure and free from sin’s alloy,

All our costliest treasures bring,

Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.

4. Holy Jesus, every day

Keep us in the narrow way;

And when earthly things are past,

Bring our ransomed souls at last

Where they need no star to guide,

Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

5. In the heavenly country bright

Need they no created light;

Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown,

Thou its Sun which goes not down;

There forever may we sing

Alleluias to our King!

W. C. Dix, 1860.

7s 8 l

Songs of thankfulness and praise,

Jesus, Lord, to Thee we raise,

Manifested by the star

To the sages from afar,

Branch of royal David’s stem,

In Thy birth at Bethlehem.

Anthems be to Thee addressed,

God in man made manifest.

2. Manifest at Jordan’s stream,

Prophet, Priest, and King supreme,

And at Cana, wedding-guest,

In Thy Godhead manifest;

Manifest in power divine,

Changing water into wine.

Anthems be to Thee addressed,

God in man made manifest.

3. Manifest in making whole

Palsied limbs and fainting soul;

Manifest in valiant fight,

Quelling all the devil’s might;

Manifest in gracious will,

Ever bringing good from ill.

Anthems be to Thee addressed,

God in man made manifest.

4. Sun and moon shall darkened be,

Stars shall fall, the heavens shall flee;

Christ will then like lightning shine,

All will see His glorious sign;

All will then the trumpet hear,

All will see the Judge appear;

Thou by all wilt be confessed,

God in man made manifest.

5. Grant us grace to see Thee, Lord,

Present in Thy holy Word;

May we imitate Thee now

And be pure as pure art Thou,

That we like to Thee may be

At Thy great Epiphany

And may praise Thee, ever blest,

God in man made manifest.

C. Wordsworth, 1862.

PRESENTATION OF CHRIST. — 185 — 186 — 187 — 188 — 189 — 190

8, 5, 8, 4, 7, 7

In peace and joy I now depart

At God’s disposing;

For full of comfort is my heart,

Soft reposing.

So the Lord hath promised me,

And death is but a slumber.

2. ’Tis Christ that wrought this work for me.

The faithful Savior,

Whom Thou hast made mine eyes to see

By Thy favor.

Now I know He is my Life,

My Help in need and dying.

3. Him Thou hast unto all set forth

Their great Salvation,

And to His kingdom called the earth,

Every nation,

By Thy dear and wholesome Word,

In every place resounding.

4. He is the Hope and saving Light

Of lands benighted;

By Him are they who dwelt in night

Fed and lighted;

He is Israel’s Praise and Bliss,

Their Joy, Reward, and Glory.

Martin Luther, 1524; L. W. Bacon, tr., a.

8, 7, 6 l

In His Temple now behold Him,

See the long-expected Lord;

Ancient prophets had foretold Him,

God has now fulfilled His word.

Now to praise Him, His redeemed

Shall break forth with one accord.

2. In the arms of her who bore Him,

Virgin pure, behold Him lie,

While His aged saints adore Him

Ere in faith and hope they die.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Lo, th’ incarnate God most high.

3. Jesus, by Thy presentation,

Thou, who didst for us endure,

Make us see our great salvation,

Seal us with Thy promise sure,

And present us in Thy glory

To Thy Father, cleansed and pure.

H. J. Pye, 1853.

8, 7, 6 l

Angels, from the realms of glory,

Wing your flight o’er all the earth;

Ye who sang creation’s story,

Now proclaim Messiah’s birth:

Come and worship,

Come and worship;

Worship Christ, the new-born King.

2. Shepherds, in the fields abiding,

Watching o’er your flocks by night,

God with man is now residing,

Yonder shines the heav’nly Light:

Come and worship,

Come and worship;

Worship Christ, the new-born King.

3. Sages, leave your contemplations;

Brighter visions beam afar;

Seek the great Desire of nations,

Ye have seen His natal star:

Come and worship,

Come and worship;

Worship Christ, the new-born King.

4. Saints, before the altar bending,

Watching long in hope and fear,

Suddenly the Lord descending,

In His temple shall appear:

Come and worship,

Come and worship;

Worship Christ, the new-born King.

James Montgomery, 1816, a.

L. M.

O dearest Jesus, Thee I pray:

Within my heart now make Thy stay,

That I, like Simeon of old,

By faith may gladly Thee enfold.

2. Thou art my Life and Happiness,

Whom God hath sent my soul to bless;

O cleanse and purify my heart

That from Thy paths I ne’er depart.

3. Lord, with Thy light show me the way

That never I may go astray;

Ward off all sorrow and despair

And let me be Thine own fore’er.

4. Lift up Thy face upon me, Lord,

In life and death Thy help afford;

Then I’ll depart most cheerfully

This life whene’er it pleaseth Thee.

John Mylius, 1596; A. Crull, tr.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7 (Iambic)

Thank God! my Jesus cleanseth me

From all sins I committed;

He paid my debt and set me free,

I, therefore, am acquitted

Of sin’s and Satan’s bondage fell.

My faith now laughs at death and hell,

Because my life is Jesus.

2. Why should I grieve? He who fulfilled

The Law, thus to release us,

He who His Father’s wrath has stilled

By His own death, this Jesus

Still liveth, and all that He hath

He giveth unto me through faith;

Is there a greater treasure?

3. Because my Jesus cleanseth me

From sin by His own merit,

I am from pain and fear set free,

Death cannot daunt my spirit;

I trust in Jesus’ righteousness,

His innocence and blessedness

Are now my life and treasure.

4. Now I, like Simeon, can end

My life in peace and gladness,

And to my God I can commend

My spirit without sadness;

For when my weary eyes I close,

My death becomes a sweet repose,

I see the joys of heaven.

5. How happy, therefore, shall I be

When life’s frail thread is broken;

When holy angels carry me

To joys that ne’er were spoken;

When I behold Him face to face,

When I have gained that blessed place,

Prepared for me by Jesus.

6. Lord, grant that e’er prepared I be,

That naught from Thee me sever.

And when I die, let me with Thee

In glory live forever;

Come quickly to deliver me,

Lord, by Thy death and agony.

Yea, come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

J. Olearius, 1671; A. Crull, tr.

7, 6, 8 l

Light of the Gentile nations,

Thy people’s Joy and Love!

Drawn by Thy Spirit hither,

We gladly come to prove

Thy presence in Thy temple

And seek with earnest mind,

As Simeon once had waited

His Savior God to find.

2. Yea, Lord, Thy servants meet Thee,

E’en now, in every place

Where Thy true Word hath promised

That they should see Thy face.

Thou yet wilt gladly grant us,

Who gather round Thee here,

In faith’s strong arms to bear Thee,

As did that aged seer.

3. Be Thou our Joy, our Brightness,

That shines mid pain and loss,

Our Sun in times of terror,

The Glory round our cross;

A Glow in sinking spirits,

A Sunbeam in distress,

Physician, Friend, in sickness;

In death, our Happiness.

4. Let us, O Lord, be faithful

Like Simeon to the end,

So that his dying anthem

May from our hearts ascend:

“O Lord, now let Thy servant

Depart in peace, I pray,

Since I have seen my Savior,

Have here beheld His day.”

5. My Savior, I behold Thee

Now with the eye of faith;

No foe of Thee can rob me,

Though bitter words he saith.

Within Thy heart abiding,

As Thou dost dwell in me,

No pain, no death, has terrors

To part my soul from Thee.

6. Lord, here on earth Thou seemest

At times to frown on me,

And through my tears I often

Can scarce distinguish Thee;

But in the heavenly mansions

Shall nothing dim my sight,

And I shall see forever

Thine always glorious light.

J. Franck, 1674; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

PASSION OF CHRIST. — GENERAL. — 191 — 192 — 193 — 194 — 195 — 196 — 197 — 198 — 199 — 200 — 201 — 202 — GOOD FRIDAY. — 203 — 204 — 205 — 206 — 207 — 208 — 209 — 210 — 211 — 212 — 213 — 214 — BURIAL OF JESUS. — 215 — 216 — 217

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

A lamb goes uncomplaining forth,

The guilt of all men bearing;

’Tis laden with the sin of earth,

None else the burden sharing;

It goes its way, grows weak and faint,

To slaughter led without complaint,

Its spotless life to offer;

Bears shame, and stripes, and wounds, and death,

Anguish and mockery, and saith,

“Willing all this I suffer.”

2. This Lamb is Christ, the soul’s great Friend

And everlasting Savior;

Him, Him God chose sin’s reign to end

And bring us to His favor.

“Go forth, My Son!” He said, “and bail

The children who are doomed to hell

But for Thine intercession.

The punishment is great, and dread

The wrath, but Thou Thy blood shalt shed

And save them from perdition.”

3. “Yea, Father, yea, most willingly

I’ll bear what Thou commandest;

My will conforms to Thy decree,

I do what Thou demandest.”

O wondrous Love, what hast Thou done!

The Father offers up His Son,

The Son, content, descendeth!

O Love, O Love, how strong art Thou!

In shroud and grave Thou lay’st Him low

Whose word the mountains rendeth.

4. Thou lay’st Him, Love, upon the cross,

With nails and spear Him bruising;

Thou slay’st Him as a lamb, His loss

From soul and body oozing;

From body ’tis the crimson flood

Of precious sacrificial blood;

From soul, the strength of anguish.

My gain it is; sweet Lamb to Thee

What can I give, whose love to me

For me doth make Thee languish?

5. Lord, all my life I’ll cleave to Thee,

Thy love fore’er beholding,

Thee ever, as Thou ever me,

With loving arms enfolding.

Yea, Thou shalt be my Beacon-light

To guide me safe through death’s dark night

And cheer my heart in sorrow.

Henceforth myself and all that’s mine

To Thee, my Savior, I consign,

From whom all things I borrow.

6. From morn till eve my theme shall be

Thy mercy’s wondrous measure;

To sacrifice myself to Thee,

My foremost aim and pleasure.

My stream of life shall flow for Thee,

Its steadfast current ceaselessly

In praise to Thee outpouring;

And all that Thou hast done for me

I’ll treasure in my memory,

Thy gracious love adoring.

7. Enlarge, shrine of my heart, and swell,

To thee shall now be given

A treasure that doth far excel

The worth of earth and heaven.

Away with the Arabian gold,

With treasures of an earthly mold!

I’ve found a better jewel.

My priceless treasure, Lord, my God,

Is Thy most holy, precious blood,

Which flowed from wounds so cruel.

8. This treasure ever I’ll employ,

This every aid shall yield me;

In sorrow it shall be my joy,

In conflict it shall shield me;

In joy, the music of my feast,

And when all else has lost its zest,

This manna still shall feed me;

In thirst my drink; in want my food;

My company in solitude,

To comfort and to lead me.

9. Death’s poison cannot harm me now,

Thy blood new life bestoweth;

My Shadow from the heat art Thou,

When noonday’s sunlight gloweth.

When I’m by inward grief opprest,

On Thee my weary soul shall rest,

As sick men on their pillows.

Thou art my Anchor, when by woe

My bark is driven to and fro

On trouble’s restless billows.

10. And when Thy glory I shall see

And taste Thy kingdom’s pleasure,

Thy blood my royal robe shall be

And joy beyond all measure;

It then shall be my glorious crown,

Thus I’ll appear before the throne

Of God and need not hide me;

And shall, by Him to Thee betrothed,

By Thee in bridal garments clothed,

Stand as a bride beside Thee.

Paul Gerhardt, 1653.

7, 6, 8 l

Jesus, I will ponder now

On Thy holy Passion;

With Thy Spirit me endow

For such meditation.

Grant that I in love and faith

May the image cherish

Of Thy suffering, pain, and death,

That I may not perish.

2. Make me see Thy great distress,

Anguish, and affliction,

Bonds and stripes and wretchedness

And Thy crucifixion;

Make me see how scourge and rod,

Spear and nails did wound Thee,

How for man Thou diedst, O God,

Who with thorns had crowned Thee.

3. Yet, O Lord, not thus alone

Make me see Thy Passion,

But its cause to me make known

And its termination.

Ah! I also and my sin

Wrought Thy deep affliction;

This the cause alone hath been

Of Thy crucifixion.

4. Grant that I Thy Passion view

With repentant grieving

Nor Thee crucify anew

By unholy living.

How could I refuse to shun

Every sinful pleasure

Since for me God’s only Son

Suffered without measure?

5. If my sins give me alarm

And my conscience grieve me,

Let Thy cross my fear disarm,

Peace of conscience give me.

Grant that I may trust in Thee

And Thy holy Passion.

If His Son so loveth me,

God must have compassion.

6. Grant that I may willingly

Bear with Thee my crosses,

Learning humbleness of Thee,

Peace mid pain and losses.

May I give Thee love for love.

Hear me, O my Savior,

That I may in heaven above

Sing Thy praise forever.

Sigmund von Birken, 1653; A. Crull, tr.

L. M.

To Thee, Lord Jesus, thanks we give,

Who diedst for us that we might live

And through Thy holy, precious blood

Hast made us righteous before God.

2. We pray Thee, O true God and Man,

Who wast for our offenses slain:

Save us from everlasting death

And cheer us when we yield our breath.

3. Defend us, Lord, from sin and shame;

Help us by Thine almighty name

To bear our crosses patiently,

To trust in Thy great agony,

4. And thence the full assurance gain

That Thou wilt e’er our Friend remain

And not forsake us in our strife

Until we enter into life.

Chr. Fischer, c. 1568; A. Crull, tr., a.

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8

Jesus, grant that balm and healing

In Thy holy wounds I find,

Every hour that I am feeling

Pains of body and of mind.

Should some evil thought upstart,

Let Thy cross defend my heart,

Show the peril and from sinning

Keep me ere its first beginning.

2. Should some lust or sharp temptation

Prove too strong for flesh and blood,

Let me think upon Thy Passion,

And the breach is soon made good.

Or should Satan make his way

To my heart, O let me say:

“Jesus Christ for me was wounded,”

And the Tempter flees confounded.

3. If the world my heart entices

On the broad and easy road,

Filled with mirth and pleasant vices,

Let me think upon the load

Thou didst once for me endure,

That I flee all thoughts impure,

Banishing each wild emotion,

Calm and blest in my devotion.

4. Yes, whate’er may pain or grieve me,

Let Thy wounds, Lord, make me whole.

When I’m faint, let them revive me,

Granting new life to my soul.

May Thy comfort render sweet

Every bitter cup I meet,

Thou, who by Thy death and Passion

Hast procured my soul’s salvation!

5. O my God, my Rock and Tower!

Grant that in Thy death I trust,

Knowing Death has lost his power

Since Thou trod’st him in the dust.

Savior, let Thine agony

Ever help and comfort me;

Let Thy death be my protection,

Safety, life, and resurrection.

6. Jesus, grant that balm and healing

In Thy holy wounds I find,

Every hour that I am feeling

Pains of body and of mind;

And when I this world must leave,

Grant that, Lord, to Thee I cleave,

In Thy wounds find consolation,

And obtain my soul’s salvation.

J. Heermann, 1644, a.

L. M.

Lord Jesus Christ, my Life, my Light,

My Strength by day, my Trust by night,

On earth I’m but a passing guest

And sorely with my sins opprest.

2. Far off I see my fatherland,

Where through Thy blood I hope to stand.

But ere I reach that Paradise,

A weary way before me lies.

3. My heart sinks at the journey’s length,

My wasted flesh has little strength,

My soul alone still cries in me:

“Lord, take me home, take me to Thee!”

4. O let Thy sufferings give me power

To meet the last and darkest hour;

Thy sweat refresh and comfort me,

Thy bonds and fetters make me free!

5. The blows and stripes that fell on Thee

Heal up the wounds of sin in me;

Thy crown of thorns, Thy foes’ mad spite,

Let be my glory and delight.

6. That thirst and bitter draught of Thine

Cause me to bear with patience mine;

Thy piercing cry uphold my soul

When floods of anguish o’er me roll.

7. O let Thy holy wounds for me

Clefts in the rock forever be

Where as a dove my soul can hide

And safe from Satan’s rage abide.

8. And when my lips grow white and chill,

Thy Spirit cry within me still

And help my soul Thy heaven to find

When these poor eyes grow dark and blind.

9. And when my spirit flies away,

Thy dying words shall be my stay.

Let me depart with peaceful brow

When I in death my head shall bow.

10. Thy cross shall be my staff in life,

Thy holy grave my rest from strife;

The winding-sheet that covered Thee,

Oh, let it be a shroud for me!

11. Lord, in Thy nail-prints let me read

That Thou to save me hast decreed,

And grant that in Thy opened side

My troubled soul may ever hide.

12. Since Thou hast died, the Pure, the Just,

I take my homeward way in trust.

The gates of heaven, Lord, open wide

When here I may no more abide.

13. And when the last Great Day shall come

And Thou, our Judge, shalt speak the doom,

Let me with joy behold the light

And set me then upon Thy right.

14. Renew this wasted flesh of mine

That like the sun it there may shine

Among the angels pure and bright,

Yea, like Thyself in glorious light.

15. Ah, then I’ll have my heart’s desire,

When, singing with the angels’ choir,

Among the ransomed of Thy grace,

Forever I’ll behold Thy face!

Martin Behm, 1603.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 7

Christ, the Life of all the living,

Christ, the Death of death, our foe,

Who, Thyself for me once giving

To the darkest depths of woe,

Madest reconciliation

And hast saved me from damnation:

Thousand, thousand thanks shall be,

Dearest Jesus, unto Thee.

2. Thou, ah! Thou, hast taken on Thee

Bonds and stripes, a cruel rod;

Pain and scorn were heaped upon Thee,

O Thou sinless Son of God!

Thus didst Thou my soul deliver

From the bonds of sin forever.

Thousand, thousand thanks shall be,

Dearest Jesus, unto Thee.

3. Thou hast borne the smiting only

That my wounds might all be whole;

Thou hast suffered, sad and lonely,

Rest to give my weary soul;

Yea, the curse of God enduring,

Blessing unto me securing.

Thousand, thousand thanks shall be,

Dearest Jesus, unto Thee.

4. Heartless scoffers did surround Thee,

Treating Thee with cruel scorn,

And with piercing thorns they crowned Thee;

All disgrace Thou, Lord, hast borne

That as Thine Thou mightest own me

And with heavenly glory crown me.

Thousand, thousand thanks shall be,

Dearest Jesus, unto Thee.

5. Thou hast suffered men to bruise Thee

That from pain I might be free;

Falsely did Thy foes accuse Thee—

Thence I gain security;

Comfortless once Thou didst languish

Me to comfort in my anguish.

Thousand, thousand thanks shall be,

Dearest Jesus, unto Thee.

6. Thou hast suffered great affliction

And hast borne it patiently,

Even death by crucifixion,

Fully to atone for me;

Thou didst choose to be tormented

That my doom should be prevented.

Thousand, thousand thanks shall be,

Dearest Jesus, unto Thee.

E. C. Homburg, 1659.

7, 6, 7, 6, 8, 7, 6

When o’er my sins I sorrow,

Lord, I will look to Thee

And hence my comfort borrow

That Thou wast slain for me;

Yea, Lord, Thy precious blood was spilt

For me, O most unworthy,

To take away my guilt.

2. Oh, what a marvelous offering!

Behold! the Master spares

His servants, and their suffering

And grief for them He bears.

God stoopeth from His throne on high;

For me, His guilty creature,

He deigns as man to die.

3. My manifold transgression

Henceforth can harm me none,

Since Jesus’ bloody Passion

For me God’s grace hath won.

His precious blood my debts hath paid;

Of hell and all its torments

I am no more afraid.

4. Therefore I will forever

Give glory unto Thee,

O Jesus, loving Savior,

For what Thou didst for me.

I’ll spend my breath in songs of thanks

For Thy sad cry, Thy sufferings,

Thy wrongs, Thy guiltless death.

5. Lord, let Thy woes, Thy patience,

My heart with strength inspire

To vanquish all temptations

And spurn all base desire.

This thought I fain would cherish most—

What pain my soul’s redemption

Hath Thee, O Savior, cost.

6. Whate’er may be the burden,

The cross here on me laid,

Be shame or want my guerdon,

I’ll bear it with Thine aid.

Give patience, give me strength to take

Thee for my bright example

And all the world forsake.

7. And let me do to others

As Thou hast done to me:

Love all men as my brothers

And serve them willingly,

With ready heart, nor seek my own,

But as Thou, Lord, hast helped us,

From purest love alone.

J. Gesenius, 1646; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

11, 11, 11, 5

Beloved Jesus, what law hast Thou broken

That such sharp sentence should on Thee be spoken?

Of what great crime hast Thou to make confession,

Of what transgression?

2. They crown Thy head with thorns, they smite, they scourge Thee;

With cruel mockings to the cross they urge Thee;

They give Thee gall to drink, they still decry Thee;

They crucify Thee.

3. Whence come these sorrows, whence this mortal anguish?

It is my sins for which Thou, Lord, must languish;

Yea, all the wrath, the woe Thou dost inherit,

’Tis I do merit.

4. What strangest punishment is suffered yonder?

The Shepherd dies for sheep that love to wander;

The Master pays the debt His servants owe Him,

Who would not own Him.

5. The sinless Son of God must die in sadness;

The sinful child of man may live in gladness;

Man forfeited his life and is acquitted,—

God is committed.

6. There was no spot in me by sin untainted;

Sick with sin’s poison, all my heart had fainted;

My heavy guilt to hell had well-nigh brought me,

Such woe it wrought me.

7. O wondrous love, whose depth no heart hath sounded,

That brought Thee here, by foes and thieves surrounded!

All worldly pleasures, heedless, I was trying

While Thou wert dying.

8. O mighty King, no time can dim Thy glory!

How shall I spread abroad Thy wondrous story?

How shall I find some worthy gifts to proffer?

What dare I offer?

9. For vainly doth our human wisdom ponder

Thy woes; Thy mercy still transcends our wonder.

Oh, how should I do aught that could delight Thee!

Can I requite Thee?

10. Yet unrequited, Lord, I would not leave Thee;

I will renounce whate’er doth vex or grieve Thee

And quench with thoughts of Thee and prayers most lowly

All fires unholy.

11. But since my own strength never will suffice me

To crucify desires that still entice me,

To all good deeds, oh, let Thy Spirit win me

And reign within me!

12. I think upon Thy mercy without ceasing,

That earth’s vain joys to me no more be pleasing;

To do Thy will shall be my sole endeavor

Henceforth forever.

13. Whate’er of earthly good this life may grant me

I’ll risk for Thee; no shame, no cross, shall daunt me;

I shall not fear what man can do to harm me

Nor death alarm me.

14. But, worthless is my sacrifice, I own it;

Yet, Lord, for love’s sake Thou wilt not disown it;

Thou wilt accept my gift in Thy great meekness

Nor shame my weakness.

15. And when, dear Lord, before Thy throne in heaven

To me the crown of joy at last is given,

Where sweetest hymns Thy saints forever raise Thee,

I, too, shall praise Thee.

From the Latin of Anselm of Canterbury; J. Heermann, † 1647. C. Winkworth, tr., a.

7s 6 l

Go to dark Gethsemane,

Ye that feel the Tempter’s power;

Your Redeemer’s conflict see,

Watch with Him one bitter hour;

Turn not from His griefs away,

Learn of Jesus Christ to pray.

2. Follow to the judgment-hall,

View the Lord of life arraigned;

Oh, the wormwood and the gall!

Oh, the pangs His soul sustained!

Shun not suffering, shame, or loss;

Learn of Him to bear the cross.

3. Calvary’s mournful mountain climb;

There, adoring at His feet,

Mark that miracle of time,

God’s own sacrifice complete.

“It is finished!” hear Him cry;

Learn of Jesus Christ to die.

4. Early hasten to the tomb

Where they laid His breathless clay;

All is solitude and gloom,—

Who hath taken Him away?

Christ is risen! He meets our eyes.

Savior, teach us so to rise.

James Montgomery, 1825.

C. M.

There is a fountain filled with blood,

Drawn from Immanuel’s veins,

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,

Lose all their guilty stains.

2. The dying thief rejoiced to see

That fountain in his day;

And there have I, as vile as he,

Washed all my sins away.

3. Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood

Shall never lose its power

Till all the ransomed Church of God

Be saved to sin no more.

4. E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream

Thy flowing wounds supply,

Redeeming love has been my theme

And shall be till I die.

5. Then in a nobler, sweeter song

I’ll sing Thy power to save,

When this poor lisping, stammering tongue

Lies silent in the grave.

W. Cowper, 1771.

7, 6, 8 l

O bleeding Head, and wounded,

And full of pain and scorn,

In mockery surrounded

With cruel crown of thorn!

O Head, once crowned with glory

And heavenly majesty,

But now despised and gory;

Yet here I welcome Thee!

2. Men spit upon and jeer Thee,

Thou noble countenance,

Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee

And flee before Thy glance.

How art Thou pale with anguish,

With sore abuse and scorn!

How does Thy visage languish

Which once was bright as morn!

3. Now from Thy cheeks has vanished

Their color once so fair;

From Thy red lips is banished

The splendor that was there.

Pale Death, with cruel rigor,

Bereaveth Thee of life;

Thus losest Thou Thy vigor

And strength in this sad strife.

4. My burden, in Thy Passion,

Lord, Thou hast borne for me,

For it was my transgression

Which brought this woe on Thee.

I cast me down before Thee,

Wrath were my rightful lot;

Have mercy, I implore Thee,

Redeemer, spurn me not!

5. My Shepherd, now receive me!

My Guardian, own me Thine!

Great blessings Thou didst give me,

O Source of gifts divine!

Thy lips have often fed me

With milk and sweetest food;

Thy Spirit oft has led me

To stores of heavenly good.

6. Here I will stand beside Thee,

From Thee I will not part;

O Savior, do not chide me!

When breaks Thy loving heart,

When soul and body languish

In death’s last fatal grasp,

Then, in Thy deepest anguish,

Thee in mine arms I’ll clasp.

7. Naught ever so much blesses,

So much rejoices me,

As when in Thy distresses

I take a part with Thee.

All, well for me if lying

Here at Thy feet, my Life,

I, too, with Thee were dying

And thus might end my strife!

8. Thanks from my heart I offer

Thee, Jesus, dearest Friend,

For all that Thou didst suffer;

My good didst Thou intend.

Ah! grant that I may ever

To Thy truth faithful be;

When soul and body sever,

May I be found in Thee!

9. When hence I must betake me,

Lord, do not Thou depart!

O nevermore forsake me

When death is at my heart!

When soul and body languish,

O leave me not alone,

But take away mine anguish

By virtue of Thine own!

10. Be Thou my Consolation

And Shield when I must die;

Remind me of Thy Passion

When my last hour draws nigh.

Mine eyes shall then behold Thee,

Upon Thy cross shall dwell,

My heart by faith enfold Thee.

Who dieth thus dies well!

From the Latin of Bernard of Clairvaux; Paul Gerhardt, 1652.

L. M.

Enslaved by sin and bound in chains,

Beneath its dreadful tyrant sway,

And doomed to everlasting pains,

We wretched, guilty captives lay.

2. Nor gold nor gems could buy our peace,

Nor all the world’s collected store

Suffice to purchase our release;

A thousand worlds were all too poor.

3. Jesus, the Lord, the mighty God,

An all-sufficient ransom paid.

O matchless price! His precious blood

For vile, rebellious traitors shed.

4. Jesus the sacrifice became

To rescue guilty souls from hell;

The spotless, bleeding, dying Lamb

Beneath avenging Justice fell.

5. Amazing goodness! love divine!

O may our grateful hearts adore

The matchless grace; nor yield to sin,

Nor wear its cruel fetters more!

Anne Steele, † 1778.

7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 8

O Lamb of God most holy,

Upon the cursed tree slain;

E’er patient, meek, and lowly,

Though heaped with hate and disdain.

All sins Thou borest for us,

Else had despair reigned o’er us,

Have mercy on us, O Jesus!

2. O Lamb of God, most holy,

Upon the cursed tree slain;

E’er patient, meek, and lowly,

Though heaped with hate and disdain.

All sins Thou borest for us,

Else had despair reigned o’er us,

Have mercy on us, O Jesus!

3. O Lamb of God, most holy,

Upon the cursed tree slain;

E’er patient, meek, and lowly,

Though heaped with hate and disdain.

All sins Thou borest for us,

Else had despair reigned o’er us,

Thy peace be with us, O Jesus!

N. Decius, 1526; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

L. M.

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of Glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss

And pour contempt on all my pride.

2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast

Save in the death of Christ, my God;

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to His blood.

3. See, from His head, His hands, His feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a tribute far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Isaac Watts, 1707, a.

7, 7, 6, 7, 7, 8

See, world, thy Life assailèd,

On the accursed tree nailèd;

Thy Savior sinks in death!

The mighty Prince from heaven

Himself hath freely given

To shame and blows and cruel wrath.

2. Come hither now and ponder,

’Twill fill thy soul with wonder,

Blood streams from every pore.

Through grief whose depth none knoweth,

From His great heart there floweth

Sigh after sigh of anguish o’er.

3. Who is it that afflicts Thee?

My Savior, what dejects Thee

And causeth all Thy woe?

Sin Thou committedst never,

As we and our seed ever,

Of deeds of evil naught dost know.

4. I, many times transgressing,

In number far surpassing

The sand upon the coast,

I thus the cause have given

That Thou with grief art riven

And with afflictions’ scourging host.

5. I’ve done it, and deliver

Me hand and foot forever

Thou justly might’st to hell.

The mocking to Thee offered,

The scourging Thou hast suffered,

My soul it was deserved it well.

6. The load Thou takest on Thee,

That pressed so sorely on me

Than stone more heavily.

A curse, Lord, Thou becamest,

Thus blessings for me claimest;

Thy pain must all my comfort be.

7. Not death itself Thou fearest,

As Surety Thou appearest

For all my debts and me.

For me Thy brow is crownèd

With thorns, and Thou’rt disownèd

By men and bear’st all patiently.

8. Into death’s jaws Thou springest,

Deliverance to me bringest

From such a monster dire.

My death away Thou takest,

Thy grave its grave Thou makest;

O love, O unexampled fire!

9. I’m bound, my Savior, ever

By ties most sacred never

Thy service to forsake;

With soul and body ever,

With all my powers t’ endeavor,

In praise and service joy to take.

10. Not much can I be giving

In this poor life I’m living,

But one thing do I say:

Thy death and sorrows ever,

Till soul from body sever,

My heart remember shall for aye.

11. Before mine eyes I’ll place them

And joyfully embrace them,

Wherever I may be;

They’ll be a glass revealing

Pure innocence and sealing

Love and unfeigned sincerity.

12. Of sin, how great the danger;

How it excites God’s anger;

How doth His vengeance burn;

How sternly He chastiseth;

How His wrath’s flood ariseth:—

Shall I from all Thy suff’rings learn.

13. From them shall I be learning

How I may be adorning

My heart with quietness,

And how I still should love them

Whose malice aye doth move them

To grieve me by their wickedness.

14. When tongues of bad men grieve me,

Of peace and name deprive me,

My restive heart I’ll still,

Their evil deeds enduring,

Of pardon free assuring

My neighbor for his every ill.

15. Upon the cross I’ll nail me

With Thee; when sins assail me

Thou shalt my Refuge be.

Forsaking sins that grieve Thee,

Lord, let me never leave Thee,

And let me find my strength in Thee.

16. Thy groaning and Thy sighing,

Thy thousand tears and crying,

That once were heard from Thee,

They’ll lead me to Thy glory,

Where I shall joy before Thee

And evermore at rest shall be!

Paul Gerhardt, 1653; J. Kelly, tr., a.

L. M.

Thy soul, O Jesus, hallow me,

Thy Spirit steep me all in Thee,

Thy body, pierced by ruthless steel,

My wretched soul and body heal.

2. The water from Thy side that poured

For me a cleansing bath afford,

And all Thy blood, with life divine,

Revive this weakened heart of mine.

3. The sweat of death upon Thy face

Deliver me from death’s embrace,

And all Thy Passion, cross, and pain,

With strength my feebleness sustain.

4. O Christ, turn not away from me,

Receive and hide me all in Thee,

Within Thy holy wounds inclose,

And keep me safe from all my foes.

5. In death’s dark hour with me abide

And place me, Savior, at Thy side,

Where with Thy saints I shall adore

And praise Thee, Lord, forevermore.

J. Scheffler, † 1677; M. Loy, tr., a.

8, 8, 7, 8, 7

Sev’n times our blessed Savior spoke

When on the cross our sins He took

And died lest man should perish.

Let us His last and dying words

In our remembrance cherish.

2. “Father, forgive these men, for, lo,

They truly know not what they do.”

So far His love extended.

Forgive us, Lord, for we, too, have

Through ignorance offended.

3. Now to the contrite thief He cries:

“Thou, verily, in Paradise

Shalt meet me ere to-morrow.”

Lord, take us to Thy kingdom soon,

Who linger here in sorrow.

4. To weeping Mary, standing by,

“Behold thy Son!” now hear Him cry;

To John, “Behold thy mother!”

Provide, O Lord, for those we leave,

Let each befriend the other.

5. The Savior’s fourth word was, “I thirst!”

O mighty Prince of Life, Thy thirst

For us and our salvation

Is truly great; do help us, then,

That we escape damnation.

6. The fifth, “My God, my God, O why

Forsake me?” Hark, the awful cry!

Lord, Thou wast here forsaken

That we might be received on high;

Let this hope not be shaken.

7. The sixth, when victory was won,

“’Tis finished!” for Thy work was done.

Grant, Lord, that, onward pressing,

We may the work Thou dost impose

Fulfil with Thine own blessing.

8. The last, as woe and sufferings end,

“O God, My Father, I commend

Into Thy hands My spirit.”

Be this, dear Lord, my dying wish;

O heavenly Father, hear it!

9. Whoe’er, by sense of sin opprest,

Upon these words his thoughts will rest,

He joy and hope obtaineth

And, through God’s love and boundless grace,

A peaceful conscience gaineth.

10. O Jesus Christ, Thou Crucified,

Who hast for our offenses died,

Grant that we e’er may ponder

Thy wounds, Thy cross, Thy bitter death,

Both here below and yonder.

Johann Boeschenstein, 15th cent.; tr., anon.

6, 5, 6, 5

Glory be to Jesus,

Who in bitter pains

Poured for me the life-blood

From His sacred veins!

2. Grace and life eternal

In that blood I find;

Blest be His compassion,

Infinitely kind!

3. Blest through endless ages

Be the precious stream

Which from endless torments

Did the world redeem!

4. Abel’s blood for vengeance

Pleaded to the skies;

But the blood of Jesus

For our pardon cries.

5. Oft as earth exulting

Wafts its praise on high,

Angel hosts rejoicing

Make their glad reply.

6. Lift we, then, our voices,

Swell the mighty flood;

Louder still and louder

Praise the precious blood!

Italian, 18th cent.; E. Caswall, tr., 1857.

8, 7, 8 l

Stricken, smitten, and afflicted,

See Him dying on the tree!

’Tis the Christ by man rejected;

Yes, my soul, ’tis He! ’tis He!

’Tis the long-expected Prophet,

David’s Son, yet David’s Lord;

Proofs I see sufficient of it:

’Tis the true and faithful Word.

2. Tell me, ye who hear Him groaning,

Was there ever grief like His?

Friends through fear His cause disowning,

Foes insulting His distress;

Many hands were raised to wound Him,

None would interpose to save;

But the deepest stroke that pierced Him

Was the stroke that Justice gave.

3. Ye who think of sin but lightly,

Nor suppose the evil great,

Here may view its nature rightly,

Here its guilt may estimate.

Mark the Sacrifice appointed!

See who bears the awful load;

’Tis the Word, the Lord’s Anointed,

Son of Man and Son of God.

4. Here we have a firm foundation;

Here the refuge of the lost;

Christ’s the Rock of our salvation:

His the name of which we boast;

Lamb of God, for sinners wounded!

Sacrifice to cancel guilt!

None shall ever be confounded

Who on Him their hope have built.

Thomas Kelly, 1804.

8, 7, 8 l

Jesus, Refuge of the weary,

Object of the spirit’s love,

Fountain in life’s desert dreary,

Savior from the world above;

O how oft Thine eyes, offended,

Gaze upon the sinner’s fall!

Yet, upon the cross extended,

Thou didst bear the pain of all.

2. Do we pass that cross unheeding,

Breathing no repentant vow,

Though we see Thee wounded, bleeding,

See Thy thorn-encircled brow?

Yet Thy sinless death hath brought us

Life eternal, peace, and rest;

Only what Thy grace hath taught us

Calms the sinner’s stormy breast.

3. Jesus, may our hearts be burning

With more fervent love for Thee;

May our eyes be ever turning

To Thy cross of agony;

Till in glory, parted never

From the blessed Savior’s side,

Graven in our hearts forever

Dwell the cross, the Crucified!

Jerome Savonarola, † 1498.

C. M.

Behold the Savior of mankind

Nailed to the shameful tree!

How vast the love that Him inclined

To bleed and die for thee!

2. Hark how He groans while nature shakes

And earth’s strong pillars bend!

The Temple’s veil in sunder breaks,

The solid marbles rend.

3. ’Tis done; the precious ransom’s paid;

“Receive my soul!” He cries:

See where He bows His sacred head!

He bows His head and dies.

4. But soon He’ll break death’s envious chain

And in full glory shine.

O Lamb of God, was ever pain,

Was ever love, like Thine?

Samuel Wesley, Sr., 1700.

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7

Come to Calvary’s holy mountain,

Sinners, ruined by the Fall;

Here a pure and healing fountain

Flows to you, to me, to all,

In a full, perpetual tide,

Opened when our Savior died.

2. Come in poverty and meanness,

Come defiled, without, within;

From infection and uncleanness,

From the leprosy of sin,

Wash your robes and make them white;

Ye shall walk with God in light.

3. Come in sorrow and contrition,

Wounded, impotent, and blind;

Here the guilty free remission,

Here the troubled peace, may find.

Health this fountain will restore;

He that drinks shall thirst no more.

4. He that drinks shall live forever;

’Tis a soul-renewing flood.

God is faithful; God will never

Break His covenant of blood,

Signed when our Redeemer died,

Sealed when He was glorified.

James Montgomery, 1819.

7s 8 l

Savior, when in dust to Thee

Low we bow th’ adoring knee,

When, repentant, to the skies

Scarce we lift our weeping eyes,

Oh, by all Thy pains and woe,

Suffered once for man below,

Bending from Thy throne on high,

Hear our solemn litany!

2. By Thy helpless infant years,

By Thy life of want and tears,

By Thy days of sore distress

In the savage wilderness,

By the dread, mysterious hour

Of th’ insulting Tempter’s power:

Turn, O turn, a favoring eye,

Hear our solemn litany!

3. By Thine hour of dire despair,

By Thine agony of prayer,

By the cross, the nail, the thorn,

Piercing spear, and torturing scorn;

By the gloom that veiled the skies

O’er the dreadful sacrifice:

Listen to our humble cry,

Hear our solemn litany!

4. By Thy deep expiring groan;

By the sad sepulchral stone;

By the vault, whose dark abode

Held in vain the rising God:

Oh, from earth to heaven restored,

Mighty, reascended Lord,

Listen, listen to the cry

Of our solemn litany!

Robert Grant, 1815, a.

C. M.

Alas! and did my Savior bleed,

And did my Sov’reign die?

Would He devote that sacred head

For such a worm as I?

2. Was it for crimes that I had done

He groaned upon the tree?

Amazing pity, grace unknown,

And love beyond degree!

3. Well might the sun in darkness hide

And shut his glories in

When God, the mighty Maker, died

For man the creature’s sin.

4. Thus might I hide my blushing face

While His dear Cross appears,

Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,

And melt my eyes in tears.

5. But drops of grief can ne’er repay

The debt of love I owe;

Here, Lord, I give myself away,

’Tis all that I can do.

Isaac Watts, 1707.

4, 4, 7, 7, 6

O darkest woe!

Ye tears, forth flow!

Has earth so sad a wonder?

God the Father’s only Son

Now is buried yonder!

2. O sorrow dread

Our God is dead!

But by His expiation

Of our guilt upon the cross

Gained for us salvation.

3. O child of man!

It was the ban

Of death on thee that brought Him

Down to suffer for thy sins,

And such woe hath wrought Him.

4. See, stained with blood,

The Lamb of God,

The Bridegroom, lies before thee,

Pouring out His life that He

May to life restore thee.

5. O Ground of faith,

Laid low in death,

Sweet lips now silent sleeping!

Surely all that live must mourn

Here with bitter weeping.

6. O Virgin-born,

Thy death we mourn,

Thou lovely Star of gladness!

Who could see Thy reeking blood

Without grief and sadness?

7. Yea, blest is he

Whose heart shall be

Fixed here, who apprehendeth

Why the Lord of Glory thus

To the grave descendeth.

8. O Jesus blest,

My Help and Rest,

With tears I now entreat Thee:

Make me love Thee to the last,

Till in heaven I greet Thee!

First stanza, anon.; J. Rist, 1641.

4, 4, 7, 7, 6

So rest, my Rest,

Thou Ever-blest!

Thy grave with sinners making;

By Thy precious death from sin

My dead soul awaking.

2. After Thy strife,

Life of my life,

Thou’rt in the tomb reposing,

Round Thee now a rock-hewn grave,

Rock of Ages, closing.

3. How cold art Thou,

My Savior, now!

Thy fervent love hath driven

Thee into the cold, dark grave

That I might gain heaven.

4. Breath of all breath!

I know from death

Thou wilt my dust awaken;

Wherefore should I dread the grave

Or my faith be shaken?

5. To me the tomb

Shall be a room

Where I lie down on roses;

Who by faith hath conquered death

Sweetly there reposes.

6. The body dies—

Naught else—and lies

In dust until victorious

From the grave it shall arise

Beautiful and glorious.

7. Meantime I will,

My Savior, still

Deep in my bosom lay Thee,

Ever musing on Thy death.

Leave me not, I pray Thee!

Sal. Franck, 1716.

L. M.

Lord Jesus, who, our souls to save,

Didst rest and slumber in the grave,

Now grant us all in Thee to rest

And here to live as seems Thee best.

2. Give us the strength, the dauntless faith,

That Thou hast purchased with Thy death

And lead us to that glorious place

Where we shall see the Father’s face.

3. O Lamb of God, who once wast slain,

We thank Thee for that bitter pain.

Let us share in Thy death that we

May enter into life with Thee.

G. Werner, 1638; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

EASTER. — 218 — 219 — 220 — 221 — 222 — 223 — 224 — 225 — 226 — 227 — 228 — 229 — 230

7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6

Awake, my heart, with gladness,

See what to-day is done,

How after gloom and sadness

Comes forth the glorious Sun!

My Savior there was laid

Where our bed must be made

When to the realms of light

Our spirit wings its flight.

2. They in the grave did sink Him,

The Foe held jubilee;

Before he can bethink him,

Lo! Christ again is free,

And “Victory!” He cries

And waveth toward the skies

His banner, for the field

Is by the Hero held.

3. Upon the grave is standing

The Hero, looking round;

The Foe, no more withstanding,

His weapons on the ground

Throws down, his hellish power

To Christ he must give o’er

And to the Victor’s bands

Must yield his feet and hands.

4. This is a sight that gladdens

And fills my heart with glee;

Now naughtsoever saddens

My soul nor takes from me

My trust or fortitude

Or any precious good

Which by His victory

My Savior gained for me.

5. Hell and its prince, the devil,

Now of their power are shorn,

I now am safe from evil,

And sin I laugh to scorn.

Grim Death with all his might

Cannot my soul affright;

He is a powerless form,

Howe’er he rage and storm.

6. The world against me rageth,

Its fury I disdain;

Though bitter war it wageth,

Its work is all in vain.

My heart from care is free,

No trouble troubles me,

Misfortune now is play;

And night is bright as day.

7. I cleave now and forever

To Christ, a member true;

My Head will leave me never,

Whate’er He passeth through.

He treads the world beneath

His feet and conquers death

And hell and breaks sin’s thrall;

I’m with Him through it all.

8. To glory He ascendeth,

I follow Him fore’er,

For Christ, my Head, defendeth

His member from all care.

No enemy I fear

Because my Head is near;

My Savior is my Shield,

By Him all rage is stilled.

9. He brings me to the portal

That opens into bliss,

Where, graved in words immortal,

This golden scripture is:

“Who there are scorned with Me

Here with Me crowned shall be;

Who there with Me shall die

Shall here be raised as I!”

Paul Gerhardt, 1649; J. Kelly, tr., a.

C. M.

Father of Jesus Christ, my Lord,

My Savior, and my Head,

I trust in Thee, whose powerful word

Hath raised Him from the dead.

2. Thou know’st for my offense He died

And rose again for me,

Fully and freely justified,

That I might live to Thee.

3. Eternal life to all mankind

Thou hast in Jesus giv’n;

And all who seek, in Him shall find

The happiness of heav’n.

4. Obedient faith, that waits on Thee,

Thou never wilt reprove;

But Thou wilt form Thy Son in me

And perfect me in love.

5. To Thee the glory of Thy power

And faithfulness I give.

I shall in Christ at that glad hour,

And Christ in me, shall live.

Charles Wesley, 1742.

7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7

Jesus Christ, my sure Defense

And my Savior, ever liveth;

Knowing this, my confidence

Rests upon the hope it giveth

Though thy night of death be fraught

Still with many an anxious thought.

2. Jesus, my Redeemer, lives!

I, too, unto life must waken;

Endless joy my Savior gives;

Shall my courage, then, be shaken?

Shall I fear, or could the Head

Rise and leave His members dead?

3. Nay, too closely am I bound

Unto Him by hope forever;

Faith’s strong hand the Rock hath found,

Grasped it, and will leave it never;

Even death now cannot part

From its Lord the trusting heart.

4. I am only flesh and blood,

And on this corruption seizeth;

But I know my Lord and God

From the grave my body raiseth

That with Him eternally

In His glory I may be.

5. Glorified, I shall again

With this skin then be enshrouded;

In this body I shall then

See my God with eyes unclouded;

In this flesh I then shall see

Jesus Christ eternally.

6. Then these eyes my Lord shall know,

My Redeemer and my Brother;

In His love my soul shall glow,—

I myself, and not another!

Only there shall disappear

Weakness in and round me here.

7. What now sickens, mourns, and sighs

Christ with Him in glory bringeth;

Earthly is the seed and dies,

Heavenly from the grave it springeth;

Natural is the death we die,

Spiritual our life on high.

8. Then take comfort, nay, rejoice!

For His members Christ will cherish;

Fear not, they will know His voice,

Though awhile they seem to perish,

When the final trump is heard

And the deaf, cold grave is stirred.

9. Laugh to scorn the gloomy grave

And at death no longer tremble;

For the Lord, who comes to save,

Round Him shall His saints assemble,

Raising them o’er all their foes,

Mortal weakness, fear, and woes.

10. Only draw away your heart

Now from pleasures base and hollow;

Would ye there with Christ have part,

Here His footsteps ye must follow;

Fix your hearts beyond the skies,

Whither ye yourselves would rise!

Berlin, 1653; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

7s

“Christ the Lord is risen to-day,”

Sons of men and angels say.

Raise your joys and triumphs high;

Sing, ye heavens, and, earth, reply.

2. Love’s redeeming work is done,

Fought the fight, the battle won;

Lo! our Sun’s eclipse is o’er;

Lo! He sets in blood no more.

3. Vain the stone, the watch, the seal;

Christ has burst the gates of hell.

Death in vain forbids His rise;

Christ has opened Paradise.

4. Lives again our glorious King;

Where, O Death, is now thy sting?

Dying once, He all doth save;

Where thy victory, O Grave?

5. Soar we now where Christ has led,

Following our exalted Head.

Made like Him, like Him we rise;

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.

6. Hail the Lord of earth and heav’n!

Praise to Thee by both be giv’n!

Thee we greet triumphant now;

Hail, the Resurrection Thou!

Charles Wesley, 1739.

7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7

Jesus lives! No longer now

Can thy terrors, Death, appal me;

Jesus lives! by this I know

From the grave He will recall me.

Brighter scenes will then commence;

This shall be my confidence.

2. Jesus lives! To Him the throne

High o’er heaven and earth is given.

I shall go where He is gone,

Live and reign with Him in heaven.

God is pledged; weak doubtings, hence!

This shall be my confidence.

3. Jesus lives! For me He died,

Hence will I, to Jesus living,

Pure in heart and act abide,

Praise to Him and glory giving.

Freely God doth aid dispense;

This shall be my confidence.

4. Jesus lives! I know full well

Naught from me His love shall sever;

Life nor death nor powers of hell

Part me now from Christ forever.

God will be a sure Defense:

This shall be my confidence.

5. Jesus lives! Henceforth is death

But the gate of life immortal;

This shall calm my trembling breath

When I pass its gloomy portal.

Faith shall cry, as fails each sense,

“Jesus is my confidence!”

C. F. Gellert, 1757; Frances E. Cox, tr., † 1864.

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7

Who is this that comes from Edom,

All His raiment stained with blood;

To the captive speaking freedom,

Bringing and bestowing good;

Glorious in the garb He wears,

Glorious in the spoil He bears?

2. ’Tis the Savior, now victorious,

Traveling onward in His might;

’Tis the Savior; O how glorious

To His people is the sight!

Satan conquered and the grave,

Jesus now is strong to save.

3. Why that blood His raiment staining?

’Tis the blood of many slain;

Of His foes there’s none remaining,

None the contest to maintain.

Fall’n they are, no more to rise;

All their glory prostrate lies.

4. Mighty Victor, reign forever,

Wear the crown so dearly won;

Never shall Thy people, never,

Cease to sing what Thou hast done.

Thou hast fought Thy people’s foes;

Thou hast healed Thy people’s woes.

Thomas Kelly, 1809, a.

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 8, 7, 4

In death’s strong grasp the Savior lay,

For our offenses given;

But now the Lord is ris’n to-day

And brings us life from heaven.

Therefore let us all rejoice,

And praise our God with cheerful voice,

And sing loud hallelujahs.

Hallelujah!

2. No son of man could conquer Death,

Such mischief sin had wrought us,

For innocence dwelt not on earth,

And therefore Death had brought us

Into thraldom from of old

And ever grew more strong and bold

And kept us in his bondage.

Hallelujah!

3. But Jesus Christ, God’s only Son,

To our low state descended,

The cause of Death He has undone,

His power forever ended,

Ruined all his right and claim,

And left him nothing but the name,—

His sting is lost forever.

Hallelujah!

4. It was a strange and dreadful fray

When Death and Life contended;

But it was Life that won the day,

The reign of Death was ended.

Holy Scripture plainly saith

That Death is swallowed up by Death,

Made henceforth a derision.

Hallelujah!

6. Here the true Paschal Lamb we see,

Whom God so freely gave us;

He died on the accursed tree—

So strong His love!—to save us.

See, His blood doth mark our door;

Faith points to it, Death passes o’er.

The Murderer cannot harm us.

Hallelujah!

6. So let us keep the festival

With heartfelt exultation.

Christ is Himself the Joy of all,

The Sun of our salvation.

By His grace He doth impart

Eternal sunshine to the heart;

The night of sin is ended.

Hallelujah!

7. Then let us feast this Easter Day

On Christ, the Bread of heaven;

The Word of Grace hath purged away

The old and evil leaven;

Christ alone our souls will feed,

He is our meat and drink indeed,

Faith lives upon no other.

Hallelujah!

Martin Luther, 1524.

7s (with Hall.)

Christ the Lord is risen again!

Christ has broken death’s strong chain!

Hark, the angels shout for joy,

Singing evermore on high:

Hallelujah!

2. He who gave for us His life,

Who for us endured the strife,

Is our Paschal Lamb to-day.

We, too, sing for joy and say:

Hallelujah!

3. He who bore all pain and loss

Comfortless upon the cross

Lives in glory now on high,

Pleads for us and hears our cry:

Hallelujah!

4. He whose path no records tell,

Who descended into hell,

Who the strong man armed hath bound,

Now in highest heaven is crowned:

Hallelujah!

5. He who slumbered in the grave

Is exalted now to save;

Now through Christendom it rings

That the Lamb is King of kings!

Hallelujah!

6. Now He bids us tell mankind

How all may salvation find,

How poor sinners are forgiv’n,

And through faith may enter heav’n:

Hallelujah!

7. Thou our Paschal Lamb indeed,

Christ, to-day Thy people feed;

Take our sins and guilt away

That we all may sing for aye:

Hallelujah!

Bohemian Brethren, M. Weiss, 1531; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

10, 6, 10, 9, 9, 4

I am content! My Jesus liveth still,

In whom my heart is pleased;

He hath fulfilled the Law of God for me,

God’s wrath He hath appeased.

Since Him from life death could not sever,

I also shall not die forever.

I am content!

2. I am content! My Jesus is my Head,

His member I will be;

He bowed His head, when on the cross He died,

With cries of agony;

How death is brought into subjection

For me, too, by His resurrection.

I am content!

3. I am content! My Jesus is my Lord,

My Prince of Life and Peace;

His loving heart is thirsting after man’s

Welfare and future bliss.

Where He, my Lord and Master, liveth,

His servant also He receiveth.

I am content!

4. I am content! My Jesus is my Light,

My radiant Sun of Grace.

His cheering rays beam blessings forth for all;

Sweet comfort, hope, and peace.

This Easter-sun brings life, salvation,

And everlasting exultation.

I am content!

5. I am content! Lord, draw me but to Thee

That from the dead I rise

With Thee, my Head, and enter cheerfully

Into Thy heavenly joys.

The fetters of my body sever,

Then shall my soul rejoice forever.

I am content!

J. J. Moeller, 1704; A. Crull, tr.

L. M.

Where wilt Thou go since night draws near,

O Jesus Christ, Thou Pilgrim dear?

Lord, make me happy, be my Guest,

And in my heart, oh, deign to rest.

2. Grant my request, O dearest Friend,

For truly I Thy best intend;

Thou knowest that Thou ever art

A welcome Guest unto my heart.

3. The day is now far spent and gone,

The shades of night come quickly on;

Then stay with me, Thou heavenly Light,

And do not leave me in this night.

4. Enlighten me that from the way

That leads to heaven I may not stray,

That I may never be misled,

Though night of sin is round me spread.

5. And when I on my death-bed lie,

Help me and let me gently die.

Abide! I will not let Thee go!

Thou wilt not leave me, Lord, I know.

E. C. Homburg, † 1681; A. Crull, tr., a.

C. M.

Welcome, Thou Victor in the strife,

Welcome from out the cave!

To-day we triumph in Thy life

Around Thine empty grave.

2. Our enemy is put to shame,

His short-lived triumph o’er;

Our God is with us, we exclaim;

We fear our foe no more.

3. The dwellings of the just resound

With songs of victory;

For in their midst Thou, Lord, art found

And bringest peace with Thee.

4. O let Thy conquering banner wave

O’er hearts Thou makest free;

And point the path that from the grave

Leads heavenward up to Thee.

5. We bury all our sin and crime

Deep in our Savior’s tomb

And seek the treasure there that time

And change can ne’er consume.

6. Fearless we lay us in the tomb

And sleep the night away;

For Thou art there to break the gloom

And call us back to-day.

B. Schmolck, 1712; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

L. M.

I know that my Redeemer lives!

What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, He lives, who once was dead,

He lives, my ever-living Head.

2. He lives triumphant from the grave,

He lives eternally to save,

He lives all-glorious in the sky,

He lives exalted there on high.

3. He lives to bless me with His love,

He lives to plead for me above,

He lives my hungry soul to feed,

He lives to help in time of need.

4. He lives to grant me rich supply,

He lives to guide me with His eye,

He lives to hear my soul’s complaint,

He lives to comfort me when faint.

5. He lives to silence all my fears,

He lives to wipe away my tears,

He lives to calm my troubled heart,

He lives all blessings to impart.

6. He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend,

He lives and loves me to the end;

He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;

He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King!

7. He lives and grants me daily breath;

He lives, and I shall conquer death;

He lives my mansion to prepare;

He lives to bring me safely there.

8. He lives, all glory to His name!

He lives, my Jesus, still the same.

O the sweet joy this sentence gives,

“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

Samuel Medley, 1775.

L. M.

Lord Jesus Christ, strong Hero Thou,

Grim death Thou hast o’erpowered now,

Thou dost destroy hell’s gate and chain,

Dost on the third day rise again.

2. Thou grantest to Thy friends the grace

To look again upon Thy face

And showest them the glorious prize

Won when from death Thou didst arise.

3. Grant that we and all Christians may

Partake of this great joy to-day

Which by Thy resurrection Thou

To all men freely givest now.

4. Grant us that we may rise from sin,

A holy life to lead begin,

Till we, from sin and pain set free,

In endless Easter live with Thee.

B. Helder, 1620; A. Crull, tr., a.

ASCENSION. — 231 — 232 — 233 — 234 — 235 — 236

8, 7, 8 l

See, the Conqueror mounts in triumph;

See the King in royal state,

Riding on the clouds, His chariot,

To His heavenly palace gate!

Hark! the choirs of angel voices

Joyful alleluias sing,

And the portals high are lifted

To receive their heav’nly King.

2. Who is this that comes in glory,

With the trump of jubilee?

Lord of battles, God of armies,—

He hath gained the victory.

He who on the cross did suffer,

He who from the grave arose,

He has vanquished sin and Satan;

He by death has spoiled His foes.

3. While He raised His hands in blessing,

He was parted from His friends,

While their eager eyes behold Him,

He upon the clouds ascends;

He who walked with God and pleased Him,

Preaching truth and doom to come,

He, our Enoch, is translated

To His everlasting home.

4. How our heav’nly Aaron enters

With His blood within the veil;

Joshua now is come to Canaan,

And the kings before Him quail;

Now He plants the tribes of Israel

In their promised resting-place;

Now our great Elijah offers

Double portion of His grace.

5. Thou hast raised our human nature

On the clouds to God’s right hand;

There we sit in heav’nly places,

There with Thee in glory stand.

Jesus reigns, adored by angels;

Man with God is on the throne;

Mighty Lord, in Thine ascension

We by faith behold our own.

C. Wordsworth, 1862.

L. M.

Our Lord is risen from the dead,

Our Jesus is gone up on high;

The powers of hell are captive led,

The Victor rises to the sky.

2. There His triumphal chariot waits,

And angels chant the solemn lay:

“Lift up your heads, ye heavenly gates!

Ye everlasting doors, give way!”

3. Loose all your bars of massy light

And wide unfold the radiant scene.

He claims these mansions as His right;

Receive the King of Glory in.

4. Who is the King of Glory, who?

The Lord, who all His foes o’ercame,

The world, sin, death, and hell o’erthrew;

And Jesus is the Conqueror’s name.

5. Lo! His triumphal chariot waits,

And angels chant the solemn lay:

“Lift up your heads, ye heavenly gates;

Ye everlasting doors, give way!”

6. Who is the King of Glory, who?

The Lord, of glorious power possest,

The King of saints and angels too,

God over all, forever blest!

Charles Wesley, 1741.

7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 7, 7, 6

Lo, God to heaven ascendeth!

Throughout its regions vast

With shouts triumphant blendeth

The trumpet’s thrilling blast:

Sing praise to Christ the Lord!

Sing praise with exultation,

King of each heathen nation,

The God of hosts adored!

2. With joy is heaven resounding,

Christ’s glad return to see;

Behold the saints surrounding

The Lord who set them free.

Bright myriads, thronging, come;

The cherub band rejoices,

And loud seraphic voices

Welcome Messiah home.

3. No more the way is hidden

Since Christ, our Head, arose;

No more to man forbidden

The road that heav’nward goes.

Our Lord is gone before;

But here He will not leave us,

In heaven He’ll soon receive us;

He opens wide the door.

4. Christ is our place preparing;

To heaven we, too, shall rise

And, joys angelic sharing,

Be where our Treasure lies.

There may each heart be found,

Where Jesus Christ has entered;

There let our hopes be centered,

Our course still heavenward bound!

5. May we, His servants, thither

In heart and mind ascend;

And let us sing together:

“We seek Thee, Christ, our Friend,

Thee, God’s anointed Son,

Our Life, and Way to heaven,

To whom all power is given,

Our Joy, and Hope, and Crown!”

6. Farewell with all thy treasures,

O world, to falsehood giv’n!

Thy dross gives no true pleasures;

We seek the joys of heav’n.

The Savior is our Prize;

He comforts us in sadness

And fills our hearts with gladness;

To Him we lift our eyes.

7. When, on our vision dawning,

Will break the wished-for hour

Of that all-glorious morning

When Christ shall come with power?

O come, thou welcome day!

When we, our Savior meeting,

His second advent greeting,

Shall hail the heaven-sent ray.

G. W. Sacer, 1661; F. E. Cox, tr., a.

4, 4, 7, 4, 4, 7

Draw us to Thee,

For then shall we

Walk in Thy steps forever

And hasten on

Where Thou art gone

To be with Thee, dear Savior.

2. Draw us to Thee,

Lord, lovingly;

Let us depart with gladness

That we may be

Forever free

From sorrow, grief, and sadness.

3. Draw us to Thee;

O grant that we

May find the road to heaven.

Direct our way,

Lest we should stray

And from Thy paths be driven.

4. Draw us to Thee,

That also we

Thy heavenly bliss inherit

And ever dwell

Where sin and hell

No more can vex our spirit.

5. Draw us to Thee

Unceasingly,

Into Thy kingdom take us;

Let us fore’er

Thy glory share,

Thy saints and joint heirs make us.

Fr. Funcke, † 1699; A. Crull, tr.

L. M.

A hymn of glory let us sing;

New songs throughout the world shall ring:

By a new way none ever trod

Christ mounteth to the throne of God.

2. May our affections thither tend

And thither constantly ascend

Where, seated on the Father’s throne,

Thee reigning in the heavens we own!

3. Be Thou our present Joy, O Lord,

Who wilt be ever our Reward;

And as the countless ages flee,

May all our glory be in Thee!

4. All glory to the Father be,

All glory, Jesus Christ, to Thee,

Who didst to heaven above ascend,

And to the Spirit, without end.

Bede, † 735; Elizabeth R. Charles, 1858.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

Since Christ has gone to heaven, His home,

I, too, that home one day must share;

And in this hope I overcome

All doubt, all anguish, and despair;

For where the Head is, well we know,

The members He has left below

In time He surely gathers.

2. Since Christ has reached His glorious throne

And mighty gifts henceforth are His,

My heart can rest in heaven alone,

On earth my Lord I always miss;

I long to be with Him on high,

My heart and thoughts forever fly

Where is my only Treasure.

3. From Thy ascension let such grace,

Dear Lord, be ever found in me,

That steadfast faith may guide my ways

With step unfalt’ring up to Thee,

And at Thy voice I may depart

With joy to dwell where Thou, Lord, art;

Lord, hear my supplication!

J. Wegelin, 1637; C. Winkworth, tr.

SESSION. — 237 — 238 — 239

C. M.

The Head that once was crowned with thorns

Is crowned with glory now;

A royal diadem adorns

The mighty Victor’s brow.

2. The highest place that heaven affords

Is His by sovereign right,

The King of kings and Lord of lords,

And heaven’s eternal Light;

3. The Joy of all who dwell above,

The Joy of all below,

To whom He manifests His love

And grants His name to know.

4. To them the cross, with all its shame,

With all its grace, is given;

Their name an everlasting name,

Their joy the joy of heaven.

5. They suffer with their Lord below,

They reign with Him above,

Their profit and their joy to know

The mystery of His love.

6. The cross He bore is life and health,

Though shame and death to Him:

His people’s hope, His people’s wealth,

Their everlasting theme.

Thomas Kelly, 1820.

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7

Hark! ten thousand harps and voices

Sound the note of praise above;

Jesus reigns, and Heaven rejoices,—

Jesus reigns, the God of Love.

See, He sits on yonder throne:

Jesus rules the world alone.

2. Christians, come, unite your praises

With the angels round His throne;

Soon, we hope, our God will raise us

To the place where He is gone.

Meet it is that we should sing,

“Glory, glory, to our King!”

3. Sing how Jesus came from heaven,

How He bore the cross below,

How all power to Him is given,

How He reigns in glory now;

’Tis a great and endless theme,

Oh, ’tis sweet to sing of Him!

4. Jesus, hail! whose glory brightens

All above and makes it fair.

Lord of Life, Thy smile enlightens,

Cheers, and charms Thy people here.

When we think of love like Thine,

Lord, we own it love divine.

5. King of Glory, reign forever;

Thine an everlasting crown.

Nothing from Thy love shall sever

Those whom Thou hast made Thine own,

Happy objects of Thy grace,

Destined to behold Thy face.

6. Savior, hasten Thine appearing;

Bring, O bring the glorious day

When, the awful summons hearing,

Heaven and earth shall pass away;

Then with golden harps we’ll sing,

“Glory, glory, to our King!”

Thomas Kelly, 1806, a.

L. M. (with Hall.)

We thank Thee, Jesus, dearest Friend,

That Thou didst into heaven ascend,

O mighty God, Immanuel;

Make soul and body strong and well.

Hallelujah!

2. Now all His Christians can rejoice

And sing His praise with cheerful voice:

Glory to God in heaven’s high throne,

Our Brother is God’s only Son.

Hallelujah!

3. Ascended to His throne on high,

He yet to us is always nigh;

As God and man He ever reigns

And infinite in power remains.

Hallelujah!

4. Above all heavens in glory raised,

Forever by all angels praised,

All human beings rules our Lord,

All creatures must obey His word.

Hallelujah!

5. He rules and reigns at God’s right hand

And has all power at His command,

All things are subject to His rod—

The Son of man and Son of God.

Hallelujah!

6. The world, sin, Satan, death, and hell

Are vanquished by Immanuel.

Dispute who will His mighty reign,

He still the Victor must remain.

Hallelujah!

7. The man who trusts in Him is blest

And finds in Him eternal rest;

This world’s allurements we despise

And fix on Christ alone our eyes.

Hallelujah!

8. We trust in Him, our Lord and God,

Who hath redeemed us by His blood;

He captive led captivity,

From bitter death to set us free.

Hallelujah!

9. We, therefore, heartily rejoice

And sing His praise with cheerful voice:

Our Brother, our own flesh and blood,

Is God and King, our greatest Good.

Hallelujah!

10. Through Him we heirs of heaven are made;

O Brother, Christ, extend Thine aid

That we may firmly trust in Thee

And live through Thee eternally.

Hallelujah!

11. Amen, Amen, O Lord! we cry;

Do Thou, who art exalted high,

In Thy pure doctrine keep our hearts

And shield us from the devil’s arts.

Hallelujah!

Praetorius’s Musae Sioniae, 1607.

INTERCESSION. — 240 — 241 — 242 — 243 — 244 — 245

6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)

Arise, my soul, arise,

Shake off thy guilty fears,

The bleeding Sacrifice

In my behalf appears;

Before the throne my Surety stands,

My name is written on His hands.

2. He ever lives above

For me to intercede,

His all-redeeming love,

His precious blood to plead;

His blood atoned for all our race

And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

3. Five bleeding wounds He bears,

Received on Calvary;

They pour effectual prayers,

They strongly speak for me;

Forgive him, O forgive, they cry,

Nor let that ransomed sinner die!

4. The Father hears Him pray,

His dear Anointed One;

He cannot turn away,

Cannot refuse His Son;

His Spirit answers to the blood

And tells me I am born of God.

5. My God is reconciled,

His pardoning voice I hear;

He owns me for His child,

I can no longer fear;

With confidence I now draw nigh

And “Father, Abba, Father!” cry.

Charles Wesley, 1742, a.

6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)

Th’ atoning work is done,

The Victim’s blood is shed,

And Jesus now is gone

His people’s cause to plead:

He stands in heaven their great High Priest

And bears their names upon His breast.

2. He sprinkled with His blood

The mercy-seat above;

For justice had withstood

The purposes of love;

But justice now withstands no more,

And mercy yields her boundless store.

3. No temple made with hands

His place of service is;

In heaven itself He stands,

A heavenly priesthood His.

In Him the shadows of the Law

Are all fulfilled and now withdraw.

4. And though awhile He be

Hid from the eyes of men,

His people look to see

Their great High Priest again;

In brightest glory He will come

And take His waiting people home.

Thomas Kelly, 1806.

8, 7, 8 l

Hail, Thou once despisèd Jesus!

Hail, Thou Galilean King!

Thou didst suffer to release us;

Thou didst free salvation bring.

Hail, Thou agonizing Savior,

Bearer of our sin and shame!

By Thy merits we find favor;

Life is given through Thy name.

2. Paschal Lamb, by God appointed.

All our sins on Thee were laid;

By almighty love anointed,

Thou hast full atonement made.

All Thy people are forgiven

Through the virtue of Thy blood;

Open is the gate of heaven,

Peace is made ’twixt man and God.

3. Jesus, hail! enthroned in glory,

There forever to abide;

All the heavenly host adore Thee,

Seated at Thy Father’s side.

There for sinners Thou art pleading,

There Thou dost our place prepare,

Ever for us interceding,

Till in glory we appear.

4. Worship, honor, power, and blessing

Thou art worthy to receive;

Loudest praises, without ceasing,

Meet it is for us to give.

Help, ye bright angelic spirits,

Bring your sweetest, noblest lays;

Help to sing our Savior’s merits,

Help to chant Immanuel’s praise.

John Bakewell, 1757; Stanza 3 by M. Toplady, 1776.

7s

Hail the day that sees Him rise,

To His throne above the skies!

Christ, the Lamb for sinners given,

Reascends His native heaven.

2. There the glorious triumph waits:

Lift your heads, eternal gates;

He hath conquered death and sin;

Take the King of Glory in!

3. Him though highest heaven receives,

Still He loves the earth He leaves;

Though returning to His throne,

Still He calls mankind His own.

4. See, He lifts His hands above;

See, He shows the prints of love.

Hark! His gracious lips bestow

Blessings on His Church below.

5. Still for us His death He pleads;

Prevalent, He intercedes;

Near Himself prepares our place,

Harbinger of human race.

6. There we shall with Thee remain

Partners of Thy endless reign;

There Thy face unclouded see,

Find our heaven of heavens in Thee.

Charles Wesley, 1739.

6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)

Jesus, my great High Priest,

Offered His blood and died;

My guilty conscience seeks

No sacrifice beside.

His powerful blood did once atone,

And now it pleads before the throne.

2. To this dear Surety’s hand

Will I commit my cause;

He answers and fulfils

His Father’s broken laws.

Behold my soul at freedom set;

My Surety paid the dreadful debt.

3. My Advocate appears

For my defense on high;

The Father bows His ears

And lays His thunder by.

Not all that hell or sin can say

Shall turn His heart, His love, away.

4. Should all the hosts of death

And powers of hell unknown

Put their most dreadful forms

Of rage and mischief on,

I shall be safe, for Christ displays

Superior power and guardian grace.

Isaac Watts, 1709.

C. M.

I know that my Redeemer lives

And ever prays for me;

A token of His love He gives,

A pledge of liberty.

2. I find Him lifting up my head;

He brings salvation near;

His presence makes me free indeed,

And He will soon appear.

3. He wills that I should holy be;

What can withstand His will?

The counsel of His grace in me

He surely shall fulfil.

4. Jesus, I hang upon Thy word:

I steadfastly believe

Thou wilt return and claim me, Lord,

And to Thyself receive.

5. When God is mine and I am His,

Of Paradise possest,

I taste unutterable bliss

And everlasting rest.

Charles Wesley, 1742, abr.

PENTECOST. — 246 — 247 — 248 — 249 — 250 — 251 — 252 — 253 — 254 — 255 — 256 — 257 — 258 — 259 — 260

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7

Come, O come, Thou quickening Spirit,

God from all eternity!

Let us Thy blest grace inherit

And our souls be filled with Thee;

Then shall spirit, life, and light

Drive away our inner night.

2. Grant our hearts Thy heavenly treasure:

Wisdom, counsel, purity,

That in naught we may take pleasure

Save in that which pleaseth Thee.

Let Thy knowledge spread and grow,

Working error’s overthrow.

3. Lead us to our soul’s salvation,

Keep us in the paths of grace,

Shield us from the world’s temptation

That might foil us in the race;

When we stumble, hear our call,

Work repentance for our fall.

4. Let us trust Thy witness wholly

That we children are of God

Who rely upon Him solely

When they pass beneath the rod;

For the Father’s chastenings

Bless above all earthly things.

5. Prompt us e’er to come before Him

Joyously with hope in view;

Sigh in us when we implore Him,

Ever plead for us anew;

Then our prayer shall not be vain,

And our faith new strength shall gain.

6. If our soul for comfort languish

And despondency grow strong,

That the heart must cry in anguish:

“O my God, my God, how long!”

Comfort then the aching breast,

Grant us courage, patience, rest.

7. Mighty Spirit of reliance,

Sure Defense in all our need,

When the foe bids us defiance,

Bid Thy work in us Godspeed!

Grant us weapons for the strife

And with victory crown our life.

8. Guard, O God, our faith forever;

Let not Satan, death, or shame

Ever part us from our Savior;

Lord, our Refuge is Thy name.

Though our flesh would fain say Nay,

Be Thy Word to us still Yea.

9. And when death life’s thread is rending,

Then assure us yet the more,

As the heirs of life unending,

Of the glory there in store

Which can never be exprest,

But with which we shall be blest.

H. Held, † 1659.

8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 4, 8, 4, 8

O Holy Spirit, enter in,

And in our hearts Thy work begin,

Thy temple deign to make us;

Sun of the soul, Thou Light Divine,

Around and in us brightly shine,

To joy and gladness wake us.

That we To Thee

Truly living, To Thee giving

Prayer unceasing,

May in love be still increasing.

2. Give to Thy Word impressive power

That in our hearts, from this good hour,

As fire it may be glowing;

That we confess the Father, Son,

And Thee, the Spirit, Three in One,

Thy glory ever showing.

O stay And sway

Our souls ever That they never

May forsake Thee,

But by faith their refuge make Thee.

3. Thou Fountain, whence all wisdom flows

Which God on pious hearts bestows,

Grant us Thy consolation

That in our pure faith’s unity

We faithful witnesses may be

Of grace that brings salvation.

Hear us, Cheer us

By Thy teaching; Let our preaching

And our labor

Praise Thee, Lord, and bless our neighbor.

4. Left to ourselves, we shall but stray;

O lead us on the narrow way,

With wisest counsel guide us

And give us steadfastness that we

May ever faithful prove to Thee

Whatever woes betide us.

Lord, now Heal Thou

All hearts broken And betoken

Thou art near us,

Whom we trust to light and cheer us.

3. Thy heavenly strength sustain our heart

That we may act the valiant part

With Thee as our Reliance;

Be Thou our Refuge and our Shield

That we may never quit the field,

But stand in bold defiance.

Descend, Defend

From all errors And earth’s terrors;

Thy salvation

Be our constant consolation.

6. O mighty Rock, O Source of Life,

Let Thy dear Word, mid doubt and strife,

Be so within us burning

That we be faithful unto death,

In Thy pure love and holy faith,

From Thee true wisdom learning.

Thy grace And peace

On us shower; By Thy power

Christ confessing,

Let us win our Savior’s blessing.

7. O gentle Dew, from heaven now fall

With power upon the hearts of all,

Thy tender love instilling,

That heart to heart more closely bound,

In kindly deeds be fruitful found,

The law of love fulfilling;

Then, Lord, Discord

Shall not grieve Thee; We receive Thee;

Where Thou livest,

Peace and love and joy Thou givest.

8. Grant that our days, while life shall last,

In purest holiness be passed,

Be Thou our Strength forever;

Grant that our hearts henceforth be free

From sinful lust and vanity,

Which us from Thee must sever.

Keep Thou Pure now

From offenses Heart and senses.

Blessed Spirit,

Let us heavenly life inherit.

Michael Schirmer, 1640; Stanza 2 anon., c. 1660.

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8

Send, O God, a gentle shower,

For my heart is dry as sand;

Father, bathe Thy drooping flower,

Water Thou Thy thirsty land;

Let Thy Holy Spirit’s boon

O’er me from Thy heavenly throne

Like abundant streams be flowing,

Blessings on my heart bestowing.

2. By a human father, even

Though he is by sin defiled,

Only good gifts will be given

Unto a beloved child;

How much more dost Thou the same,

For “Good Father” is Thy name!

Thou wilt send to me Thy Spirit;

Thy good gifts I shall inherit.

3. Jesus, who for my salvation

To the Father didst ascend.

Hear my earnest supplication,

Unto me Thy Spirit send;

Let the Comforter for aye

Bide with me, my Strength and Stay,

That in faith I may not waver,

Steadfast in the truth forever.

4. Holy Ghost, Strength of the simple,

O make Thine abode with me,

Let me ever be Thy temple;

Cheerfully I welcome Thee.

Do Thou purify my heart,

Cast out all things that might part

Me from those sweet joys of heaven

Which by Thee to faith are given.

5. With Thy gifts my heart endowing,

Make it new and clean and fair;

Let in true love it be glowing,

Living in Thy grace fore’er;

Give me courage bold and good,

Sanctify my flesh and blood,

Let me, trusting in Christ’s merit,

Worship God in truth and spirit.

6. Thus myself I will deliver,

Lord, to Thee; my soul shall strive

Only after heaven forever

Until there I shall arrive

Where the Father and the Son

And Thyself in heaven’s high throne

I shall praise and all Thy treasures

In angelic, heavenly measures.

M. Kraemer, 1683; A. Crull, tr.

8, 8, 8, 7

Come, God, Creator, Holy Ghost,

And visit Thou the souls of men;

Fill them with graces, as Thou dost,

Thy creatures make pure again.

2. For Comforter Thy name we call,

Sweet Gift of God most high above,

A holy Unction to us all,

A living Fount, Fire, and Love.

3. Our minds enlighten and refresh,

Deep in our hearts let love burn bright;

Thou know’st the weakness of our flesh;

O strengthen us with Thy might.

4. Thou with Thy wondrous sevenfold gifts,

The Finger art of God’s right hand;

The Father’s Word Thou sendest swift

On tongues of fire to each land.

5. Drive far from us our wily foe,

Grant us Thy blessed peace within,

That in Thy footsteps we may go

And shun the dark ways of sin.

6. Teach us to know the Father well

And Jesus Christ, His Son, our Lord,

That in our hearts true faith may dwell,

Spirit of both, aye adored!

7. To God the Father, God the Son,

Who from the dead is risen again,

And God the Spirit, Three in One,

Be evermore praise. Amen.

From the Latin Veni, Creator Spiritus, Martin Luther, 1524; L. W. Bacon, tr., a.

L. M.

Spirit of mercy, truth, and love,

O shed Thine influence from above

And still from age to age convey

The wonders of this sacred day.

2. In every clime, by every tongue,

Be God’s surpassing glory sung;

Let all the listening earth be taught

The wonders by our Savior wrought.

3. Unfailing Comfort, heavenly Guide,

Still o’er Thy holy Church preside;

Still let mankind Thy blessings prove,

Spirit of mercy, truth, and love.

Anon., 1774.

L. M.

O Holy Ghost, eternal God,

Blest Comfort for life’s rugged road,

With all my heart I pray to Thee;

Hear my entreaty graciously.

2. O Lord, be Thou my Comforter

Lest in my sins I might despair;

Protect me from the snares of hell,

Grant that in Jesus Christ I dwell;

3. That always I may ready be

To serve this Master faithfully

And own Him in true living faith

My Lord and Savior unto death.

4. O lead me in the narrow way

And from the fold let me not stray,

That when this mortal frame I leave,

The crown of life I may receive.

B. Helder, † 1635; A. Crull, tr.

7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 7, 7, 6

O enter, Lord, Thy temple,

Be Thou my spirit’s Guest,

Who gavest me, the earth-born,

A second birth more blest.

Thou in the Godhead, Lord,

Though here to dwell Thou deignest,

Forever equal reignest,

Art equally adored.

2. O enter, let me know Thee

And feel Thy power within,

The power that breaks our fetters

And rescues us from sin;

So wash and cleanse Thou me

That I may serve Thee truly

And render honor duly

With perfect heart to Thee.

3. An olive wild by nature

Thou graftedst me anew;

Death preyed upon my vitals

And claimed me as his due:

But Christ’s atoning blood,

In death true comfort granting,

Drowned death with all his vaunting,

In His baptismal flood.

4. Thou art, O Holy Spirit,

The true anointing Oil,

Through which are consecrated

Soul, body, ease, and toil

To Christ, whose guardian wings,

Where’er their lot appointed,

Protect His own anointed,

His prophets, priests, and kings.

5. ’Tis Thou, O Spirit, teachest

The soul to pray aright;

Thy songs have sweetest music,

Thy prayers have wondrous might;

Unheard they cannot fall,

They pierce the highest heaven,

Till He His help hath given

Who surely helpeth all.

6. Joy is Thy gift, O Spirit,

Thou wouldst not have us pine;

In darkest hours Thy comfort

Doth aye most brightly shine;

And oh, how oft Thy voice

Hath shed its sweetness o’er me

And opened heaven before me

And bid my heart rejoice!

7. All love is Thine, O Spirit;

Thou hatest enmity;

Thou lovest peace and friendship,

All strife wouldst have us flee;

Where wrath and discord reign,

Thy whisper inly pleadeth

And to the heart that heedeth

Brings love and light again.

8. The whole wide world, O Spirit,

Upon Thy hands doth rest;

Our wayward hearts Thou turnest

As it may seem Thee best;

Once more Thy power make known,

As Thou hast done so often,

Convert the wicked, soften

Thou all the hearts of stone.

9. O Holy Spirit, hear us

And make our sorrow cease;

Thy scattered flock restore now

To union, joy, and peace;

Bid flourish once again

The lands by men forsaken,

The churches spoiled and shaken

By war’s unhallowed train.

10. On those that rule our country,

Oh! shower Thy blessings down

And in Thy loving-kindness

Adorn, as with a crown,

With piety our youth,

With godliness our nation,

That all, to gain salvation,

May know Thy heavenly truth.

11. With holy zeal then fill us

To keep the faith still pure;

And bless our lands and houses

With wealth that may endure;

And make the Foe to flee,

Who in us with Thee striveth,

From out our heart he driveth

Whate’er delighteth Thee.

12. Grant steadfastness and courage

That bravely we contend

Against the wiles of Satan;

O Lord, Thy flock defend!

Help us to battle well,

To triumph o’er the devil,

To overcome the evil

And all the powers of hell.

13. Direct our paths in all things

According to Thy mind,

And when this life is over

And all must be resigned,

O grant us then to die

With calm and fearless spirit

And after death inherit

Eternal life on high.

Paul Gerhardt, 1653.

7s

Gracious Spirit, Dove Divine,

Let Thy light within me shine;

All my guilty fears remove,

Fill me with Thy heavenly love.

2. Speak Thy pardoning grace to me,

Set the burdened sinner free;

Lead me to the Lamb of God,

Wash me in His precious blood.

3. Life and peace to me impart;

Seal salvation on my heart;

Dwell Thyself within my breast,

Earnest of eternal rest.

4. Let me never from Thee stray,

Keep me in the narrow way;

Fill my soul with joy divine;

Keep me, Lord, forever Thine.

John Stocker, 1777, a.

8, 6, 8, 6, 8, 8

Let songs of praises fill the sky:

Christ, our ascended Lord,

Sends down His Spirit from on high

According to His word:

All hail the day of Pentecost,

The coming of the Holy Ghost!

2. The Spirit by His heavenly breath

Creates new life within;

He quickens sinners from the death

Of trespasses and sin:

All hail the day of Pentecost,

The coming of the Holy Ghost!

3. The things of Christ the Spirit takes

And shows them unto men;

The fallen soul His temple makes;

God’s image stamps again:

All hail the day of Pentecost,

The coming of the Holy Ghost!

4. Come, Holy Spirit, from above

With Thy celestial fire;

Come and with flames of zeal and love

Our hearts and tongues inspire!

Be this our day of Pentecost,

The coming of the Holy Ghost!

Thomas Cotterill, 1819.

C. M.

Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove,

With all Thy quickening powers;

Kindle a flame of sacred love

In these cold hearts of ours.

2. See how we grovel here below,

Fond of these earthly toys;

Our souls, how heavily they go

To reach eternal joys!

3. In vain we tune our formal songs,

In vain we strive to rise;

Hosannas languish on our tongues,

And our devotion dies.

4. Dear Lord, and shall we ever live

At this poor, dying rate—

Our love so cold, so faint to Thee,

And Thine to us so great?

5. Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove,

With all Thy quickening powers,

Come, shed abroad a Savior’s love,

And that shall kindle ours.

Isaac Watts, 1709.

6, 5, 6, 5

Holy Spirit, hear us

On this sacred day;

Come to us with blessing,

Come with us to stay.

2. Come as once Thou camest

To the faithful few,

Patiently awaiting

Jesus’ promise true.

3. Up to heaven ascending,

Our dear Lord has gone;

Yet His little children

Leaves He not alone.

4. To His blessed promise

Now in faith we cling.

Comforter, most holy!

Spread o’er us Thy wing.

5. Lighten Thou our darkness,

Be Thyself our Light;

Strengthen Thou our weakness,

Spirit of all might.

6. Spirit of adoption,

Make us overflow

With Thy sevenfold blessing

And in grace to grow.

7. Into Christ baptizèd

Grant that we may be,

Day and night, dear Spirit,

Perfected by Thee!

J. Mohr, 1818; C. F. Hernamann, tr.

7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 8

Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord!

Be all Thy graces now outpoured

On each believer’s mind and heart;

Thy fervent love to them impart.

Lord, by the brightness of Thy light

Thou in the faith dost men unite

Of every tongue and every nation;

We, therefore, sing with exultation:

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

2. Thou holy Light, Guide Divine,

O cause the Word of Life to shine;

Teach us to know our God aright

And call Him Father with delight.

From error, Lord, our souls defend

That they on Christ alone attend,

In Him with living faith abiding,

In Him with all their might confiding.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

3. Thou holy Fire, Source of rest,

Grant that, with joy and hope possest,

We always in Thy service stay

And trouble drive us not away.

Lord, by Thy power prepare each heart,

To our weak nature strength impart

That firmly here we be contending,

Through life and death to Thee ascending.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

From the Latin Veni, Sancte Spiritus; Martin Luther, 1524.

S. M.

Come, Holy Spirit, come!

Let Thy bright beams arise;

Dispel the sorrow from our minds,

The darkness from our eyes.

2. Revive our drooping faith,

Our doubts and fears remove,

And kindle in our breasts the flame

Of never-dying love.

3. Convince us of our sin,

Then lead to Jesus’ blood,

And to our wondering view reveal

The mercies of our God.

4. ’Tis Thine to cleanse the heart,

To sanctify the soul,

To pour fresh life on every part,

And new-create the whole.

5. Dwell, therefore, in our hearts;

Our minds from bondage free;

Then shall we know and praise and love

The Father, Son, and Thee.

Joseph Hart, 1759.

7s

Holy Ghost, with light divine

Shine upon this heart of mine;

Chase the shades of night away,

Turn the darkness into day.

2. Let me see my Savior’s face,

Let me all His beauties trace;

Show those glorious truths to me

Which are only known to Thee.

3. Holy Ghost, with power divine

Cleanse this guilty heart of mine;

In Thy mercy pity me,

From sin’s bondage set me free.

4. Holy Ghost, with joy divine

Cheer this saddened heart of mine;

Yield a sacred, settled peace,

Let it grow and still increase.

5. Holy Spirit, all divine,

Dwell within this heart of mine;

Cast down every idol-throne,

Reign supreme and reign alone.

6. See, to Thee I yield my heart,

Shed Thy life through every part;

A pure temple I would be,

Wholly dedicate to Thee.

Andrew Reed, 1817.

9, 9, 11, 10, 4

Now do we pray God the Holy Ghost

For the true faith which we need the most

And that He defend us when life is ending

And from exile home we shall be wending.

Lord, have mercy!

2. Shine in our hearts, O most precious Light,

That we Jesus Christ may know aright,

Clinging to our Savior, whose blood has bought us,

Who again to our true home has brought us.

Lord, have mercy!

3. Thou sweetest Love, grace on us bestow,

Set our hearts with heavenly fire aglow,

That with hearts united we love each other,

Of one mind, in peace with every brother.

Lord, have mercy!

4. Thou highest Comfort in every need!

Grant that neither shame nor death we heed,

That e’en then our courage may never fail us

When at last th’ Accuser shall assail us.

Lord, have mercy!

Martin Luther, 1524; Stanza 1, 13th century.

TRINITY. — 261 — 262 — 263 — 264 — 265 — 266 — 267 — 268 — 269 — 270 — 271 — 272

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

All glory be to God on high,

Who hath our race befriended!

To us no harm shall now come nigh,

The strife at last is ended;

God showeth His good will to men,

And peace shall reign on earth again;

O thank Him for His goodness!

2. We praise, we worship Thee, we trust,

And give Thee thanks forever,

O Father, that Thy rule is just

And wise and changes never.

Thy boundless power o’er all things reigns,

Done is whate’er Thy will ordains:

Well for us that Thou rulest!

3. O Jesus Christ, Thou only Son

Of God, Thy heavenly Father,

Who didst for all our sins atone

And the lost sheep dost gather:

Thou Lamb of God, to Thee on high,

From out our depths, we sinners cry,

Have mercy on us, Jesus!

4. O Holy Ghost, Thou precious Gift,

Thou Comforter unfailing,

O’er Satan’s snares our souls uplift

And let Thy power availing

Avert our woes and calm our dread;

For us the Savior’s blood was shed,

We trust in Thee to save us.

N. Decius, 1526; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

6, 6, 4, 6, 6, 6, 4

Come, Thou almighty King,

Help us Thy name to sing,

Help us to praise!

Father all glorious,

O’er all victorious,

Come and reign over us,

Ancient of Days.

2. Jesus, our Lord, arise,

Scatter our enemies,

And make them fall.

Let Thine almighty aid

Our sure defense be made;

Our souls on Thee be stayed;

Lord, hear our call!

3. Come, Thou incarnate Word,

Gird on Thy mighty sword,

Our prayer attend;

Come and Thy people bless

And give Thy Word success;

Spirit of Holiness,

On us descend.

4. Come, holy Comforter,

Thy sacred witness bear

In this glad hour.

Thou, who almighty art,

Now rule in every heart,

And ne’er from us depart,

Spirit of Power!

5. To the great One in Three

The highest praises be,

Hence, evermore!

His sovereign majesty

May we in glory see

And to eternity

Love and adore!

Charles Wesley, 1757.

11, 12, 12, 10

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;

Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!

God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity!

2. Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,

Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea,

Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,

Which wert and art and evermore shalt be.

3. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,

Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,

Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,

Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

4. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea;

Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!

God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Reginald Heber, 1827.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7

The mystery hidden from the eyes

Of learned men and sages,

God hath revealed us from the skies,

In Scripture’s holy pages,

That He alone is King above

All other gods whatever,

Great, mighty, faithful, full of love,

His people’s Shield and Savior;

One Essence, but Three Persons.

2. As Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

The righteous seed adore Him;

So named, so praised, He is the boast

Of all who bow before Him;

He’s Abraham’s and Isaac’s God,

And Jacob’s, whom He knoweth,

The Lord of hosts, who every good,

Both night and day, bestoweth;

Who only worketh wonders.

3. The Father hath the Son begot,

First-born of every creature;

The Son took our weak flesh, but not

Our sinfulness of nature;

Both from the Father and the Son

The Holy Ghost proceedeth

From all eternity; yet none

In might and power exceedeth;

All equal, coeternal.

4. Be glad, my heart, thy Portion see,

Thy priceless Pearl and Treasure!

He is thy Friend, supply will He

Thy needs with bounteous measure;

He made thee in His image, was

For thy offenses smitten,

With true faith fill thee, through His grace

Doth all thy crosses sweeten

With His dear word of promise.

5. Rise, then, to Him, the Ever-blest,

And learn to know Him rightly;

Such knowledge can alone bring rest

And make thy soul burn brightly

With the pure flame of holy love,

Which cheers thy course to heaven;

For God will show thee things above

Which here ’tis only given

To hear of and see darkly.

6. But woe to the ungodly race,

In wilful blindness living,

Rejecting God and His dear grace,

Their hearts to creatures giving.

On them, alas! hell’s dreadful gates

Ere long will close forever;

For him who God rejects and hates

God will reject and sever

From His eternal kingdom.

7. O Prince of Might, Thy mercy show,

Thou God of earth and heaven;

To every sinner here below

Thy saving grace be given!

Bring back Thy sheep that go astray

And blinded eyes enlighten,

And turn Thou everything away

That wickedly might frighten

Thine own, whose faith is feeble.

8. Grant this, that we, Thy people, may

All reach the heavenly portals

And in Thy kingdom sing for aye

Mid all the blest immortals:

That Thou, O Lord, art King alone,

Above all gods whatever,

The Father, Son, and Spirit, One,

Thy people’s Shield and Savior,

One Essence, but Three Persons!

Paul Gerhardt, 1666.

8, 8, 8, 6

God of my life, Thy boundless grace

Chose, pardoned, and adopted me;

My Rest, my Home, my Dwelling-place:

Father, I come to Thee.

2. Jesus, my Hope, my Rock, my Shield,

Whose precious blood was shed for me,

Into Thy hands my soul I yield:

Savior, I come to Thee.

3. Spirit of glory and of God,

Long hast Thou deigned my Guide to be;

Now be Thy comfort sweet bestowed:

My God, I come to Thee.

4. I come to join that countless host

Who praise Thy name unceasingly;

Blest Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

My God, I come to Thee.

Charlotte Elliott, 1841.

L. M.

Thou who art Three in unity,

True God from all eternity,

The sun is fading from our sight,

Shine Thou on us with heavenly light.

2. We praise Thee with the dawning day,

To Thee at even also pray;

With our poor song we worship Thee

Now, ever, and eternally.

3. Let God the Father be adored,

And God the Son, the only Lord,

And God the Holy Spirit be

Adored throughout eternity!

From the Latin of St. Ambrose; M. Luther, 1543; R. Massie, tr.

C. M.

Father of glory, to Thy name

Immortal praise we give,

Who dost an act of grace proclaim

And bid us rebels live.

2. Immortal honor to the Son,

Who makes Thine anger cease;

Our lives He ransomed with His own

And died to make our peace.

3. To Thine almighty Spirit be

Immortal glory given,

Whose teachings bring us near to Thee

And train us up for heaven.

4. Let men with their united voice

Adore th’ eternal God

And spread His honors and their joys

Through nations far abroad.

5. Let faith and love and duty join

One grateful song to raise;

Let saints in earth and heaven combine

In harmony and praise.

Isaac Watts, c. 1721.

8, 7, 8, 7, 4, 7

Glory be to God the Father,

Glory be to God the Son,

Glory be to God the Spirit;

Great Jehovah, Three in One!

Glory, glory,

While eternal ages run!

2. Glory be to Him who loved us,

Washed us from each spot and stain;

Glory be to Him who bought us,

Made us kings with Him to reign!

Glory, glory,

To the Lamb that once was slain!

3. Glory to the King of angels,

Glory to the Church’s King,

Glory to the King of nations;

Heaven and earth, your praises bring!

Glory, glory,

To the King of Glory bring!

4. Glory, blessing, praise eternal!

Thus the choir of angels sings;

Honor, riches, power, dominion!

Thus its praise creation brings;

Glory, glory,

Glory to the King of kings!

H. Bonar, 1866.

L. M.

Father of heav’n, whose love profound

A ransom for our souls has found,

Before Thy throne we sinners bend;

To us Thy pardoning love extend.

2. Almighty Son, Incarnate Word,

Our Prophet, Priest, Redeemer, Lord,

Before Thy throne we sinners bend;

To us Thy saving grace extend.

3. Eternal Spirit, by whose breath

The soul is raised from sin and death,

Before Thy throne we sinners bend;

To us Thy quickening power extend.

4. Jehovah, Father, Spirit, Son,

Eternal Godhead, Three in One,

Before Thy throne we sinners bend;

Grace, pardon, life, to us extend.

E. Cooper, 1805.

S. M.

Father, in whom we live,

In whom we are and move,

All glory, power, and praise receive

For Thy creating love.

2. O Thou Incarnate Word,

Let all Thy ransomed race

Unite in thanks, with one accord,

For Thy redeeming grace.

3. Spirit of Holiness,

Let all Thy saints adore

Thy sacred gifts and join to bless

Thy heart-renewing power.

4. Eternal Triune Lord,

Let all the hosts above,

Let all the sons of men record,

And dwell upon, Thy love.

Charles Wesley, 1746.

7s 14 l

God the Father, be our Stay

When hell’s dread powers assail us;

Cleanse us from our sins, we pray,

Nor in our last hour fail us.

Keep us from the Evil One,

Firm in the faith abiding,

In Christ, our Savior, hiding,

And heartily confiding.

Let us put God’s armor on:

With all true Christians running

Our heavenly race and shunning

The devil’s wiles and cunning.

Amen, Amen, this be done,

So sing we, Hallelujah!

2. Jesus Christ, be Thou our Stay

When hell’s dread powers assail us;

Cleanse us from our sins, we pray,

Nor in our last hour fail us.

Keep us from the Evil One,

Firm in the faith abiding,

In Christ, our Savior, hiding,

And heartily confiding.

Let us put God’s armor on:

With all true Christians running

Our heavenly race and shunning

The devil’s wiles and cunning.

Amen, Amen, this be done,

So sing we, Hallelujah!

3. Holy Ghost, be Thou our Stay

When hell’s dread powers assail us;

Cleanse us from our sins, we pray,

Nor in our last hour fail us.

Keep us from the Evil One,

Firm in the faith abiding,

In Christ, our Savior, hiding,

And heartily confiding.

Let us put God’s armor on:

With all true Christians running

Our heavenly race and shunning

The devil’s wiles and cunning.

Amen, Amen, this be done,

So sing we, Hallelujah!

Adapted by Martin Luther, 1524, from 15th Cent. Litany.

6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6

The Lord, my God, be praised,

My Light, my Life from heaven;

My Maker, who to me

Hath soul and body given;

My Father, who protects

My life from infancy

And mighty gifts of love

Hath e’er bestowed on me.

2. The Lord, my God, be praised,

My Trust, my Life from heaven,

The Father’s own dear Son,

Whose life for me was given;

Who thus atoned for me

With His most precious blood;

Who giveth to my faith

The greatest heavenly good.

3. The Lord, my God, be praised,

My Hope, my Life from heaven,

The Father’s Spirit, whom

The Son to me hath given;

He who revives my heart

And gives me strength and power,

Help, comfort, and support

In sorrow’s gloomy hour.

4. The Lord, my God, be praised,

He who forever liveth,

To whom the heavenly host

E’er praise and honor giveth.

The Lord, my God, be praised,

In whose great name I boast,

God Father, God the Son,

And God the Holy Ghost.

5. To Him we now sing praise,

With joy our offering bringing

And with the angel host

The “Holy! Holy!” singing.

To Him all Christendom

Sings praises joyfully;

The Lord, my God, be praised

Throughout eternity!

J. Olearius, 1671; A. Crull, tr.

REFORMATION. — 273 — 274 — 275 — 276 — 277 — 278 — 279 — 280 — 281 — 282 — 283 — 284

8, 7, 8, 7, 5, 5, 5, 6, 7

A Mighty Fortress is our God,

A trusty Shield and Weapon;

He helps us free from every need

That hath us now o’ertaken.

The old evil Foe

Now means deadly woe;

Deep guile and great might

Are his dread arms in fight,

On earth is not his equal.

2. With might of ours can naught be done,

Soon were our loss effected;

But for us fights the Valiant One,

Whom God Himself elected.

Ask ye, Who is this?

Jesus Christ it is,

Of Sabaoth Lord,

And there’s none other God,

He holds the field forever.

3. Though devils all the world should fill,

All eager to devour us,

We tremble not, we fear no ill,

They shall not overpower us.

This world’s prince may still

Scowl fierce as he will,

He can harm us none,

He’s judged; the deed is done;

One little word can fell him.

4. The Word they still shall let remain

And not a thank have for it;

He’s by our side upon the plain

With His good gifts and Spirit.

And take they our life,

Goods, fame, child, and wife:

Let these all be gone,

They yet have nothing won;

The Kingdom ours remaineth.

Martin Luther, 1527.

L. M.

Lord, keep us in Thy Word and work,

Restrain the murderous Pope and Turk,

Who fain would tear from off Thy throne

Christ Jesus, Thy beloved Son.

2. Lord Jesus Christ, Thy power make known,

For Thou art Lord of lords alone;

Shield Thy poor Christendom that we

May evermore sing praise to Thee.

3. Thou Comforter of priceless worth,

Give one mind to Thy flock on earth,

Stand by us in our final strife,

And lead us out of death to life.

4. Destroy their counsels, Lord, our God,

And smite them with an iron rod,

And let them fall into the snare

Which for Thy Christians they prepare,

5. So that at last they may perceive

That, Lord, our God, Thou still dost live

And dost deliver mightily

All those who put their trust in Thee.

Martin Luther, 1541; Stanzas 4 and 5, J. Jonas, 1544.

L. M.

Thine honor rescue, Christ, our Lord!

Hear Zion’s sighs and help afford;

Destroy the wiles of mighty foes,

Who now Thy Word and truth oppose.

2. Their craft and vaunting pomp is great;

High beat their hearts, with power elate;

Our dearest hopes they but deride,

They deem us nothing in their pride.

3. Forgive, O Lord, our sins forgive,

Grant us Thy grace and let us live;

Convince Thy foes throughout the land

That godless counsels shall not stand.

4. Preserve Thy little flock in peace,

Nor let Thy boundless mercy cease;

Let it to all the world appear

That Thy true Church indeed is here.

5. That Thou art with us loud proclaim,

Who put’st our enemies to shame,

Dost all their haughtiness suppress

And help Thine own in their distress.

J. Heermann, 1630; M. Loy, tr., a.

8, 8, 6, 8, 8, 6

Fear not, O little flock, the Foe

Who madly seeks your overthrow;

Dread not his rage and power:

What though your courage sometimes faints,

His seeming triumph o’er God’s saints

Lasts but a little hour.

2. Be of good cheer; your cause belongs

To Him who can avenge your wrongs;

Leave it to Him, our Lord.

Though hidden yet from mortal eyes,

His Gideon shall for you arise,

Uphold you and His Word.

3. As true as God’s own Word is true,

Not earth nor hell with all their crew

Against us shall prevail.

A jest and byword are they grown;

God is with us, we are His own;

Our victory cannot fail.

4. Amen, Lord Jesus, grant our prayer!

Great Captain, now Thine arm make bare,

Fight for us once again!

So shall Thy saints and martyrs raise

A mighty chorus to Thy praise,

World without end. Amen.

J. M. Altenburg, † 1640; C. Winkworth, tr., 1855, a.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

The mouth of fools doth God confess,

But while their lips draw nigh Him,

Their heart is full of wickedness,

And all their deeds deny Him.

Corrupt are they, and every one

Abominable works hath done;

There is not one well-doer.

2. The Lord looked from His heavenly throne

On all mankind below Him

To see if there were any one

Who truly sought to know Him,

And all his understanding bent

To search His holy Word, intent

To do His will in earnest.

3. But none there was who walked with God,

For all aside had slidden,

Delusive paths of folly trod,

And followed lusts forbidden;

Not one there was who practised good,

Though many deemed, in haughty mood,

Their deeds to God were pleasing.

4. “How long, by folly blindly led,

Will they oppress the needy

And My own flock devour like bread?”

So fierce are they and greedy!

In God they put no trust at all,

Nor on His name in trouble call,

But be their own providers.

5. Therefore their heart is never still,

A constant fear dismays them,

God is with him who doth His will,

Who trusts Him and obeys Him;

Ye shame the counsel of the poor

And mock him when he doth assure

That God is e’er his Refuge.

6. Who shall to Israel’s outcast race

From Zion bring salvation?

God will Himself at length show grace

And loose the captive nation;

That will He do by Christ, their King;

Let Jacob then be glad and sing

And Israel be joyful.

Ps. 14. Martin Luther, 1524; R. Massie, tr.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

O God, from heaven look down and see,

A sight which well may move Thee:

Of godly men, how few there be;

Forsaken we who love Thee!

Withheld is Thy pure Word, the light

Of faith itself extinguished quite

In all the sons of Adam.

2. Fictions they teach with cunning art

And lies of man’s invention;

Not grounded on God’s Word, their heart

Breeds naught but strange dissension;

One chooses this, another that,

Untold division they create

Though saintlike in appearance.

3. May God root out all heresy

And of false teachers rid us,

Who proudly say: “Now, where is he

Who would our speech forbid us!

We have the right and might alone,

And what we say must stand, we own

None as our lord and master.”

4. Therefore saith God: “I must arise

To quell their great wrong-doing;

To Me ascend My people’s sighs,

And I have heard their suing.

My saving Word shall take the field,

Shall be the poor man’s strength and shield,

Shall conquer all opponents.”

5. As silver seven times furnace-tried,

Is pure from all its drosses,

So doth the Word of God abide

The brighter for its crosses;

For trial shows its worth aright

And manifests its strength and light,

That through all lands it shineth.

6. O God, preserve it pure and free

From this vile generation

And let us be preserved by Thee

From their abomination.

The wicked walk on every side

When mid Thy flock the vile abide

In power and are exalted.

Ps. 12. Martin Luther, 1524.

10, 10, 10, 4

Christ, Thou the Champion of the band who own

Thy Cross, O make Thy succor quickly known!

The schemes of those who long our blood have sought

Bring Thou to naught.

2. Do Thou Thyself for us, Thy children, fight,

Withstand the devil, quell his rage and might;

Whate’er assails Thy members left below

Do Thou o’erthrow.

3. And give us Thy peace: peace in Church and school;

Peace to the powers who o’er our country rule;

Peace to the conscience, peace within the heart,

Do Thou impart.

4. So shall Thy goodness here be still adored,

Thou Guardian of Thy little flock, dear Lord;

And heaven and earth through all eternity

Shall worship Thee.

M. A. von Loewenstern, 1644; C. Winkworth, tr. abr.

11, 11, 11, 5

Ah! Lord, our God, let them not be confounded

Who, though by want and woe and pain surrounded,

Yet day and night still for Thy hope are sighing,

To Thee are crying.

2. But put to shame Thy foes who breathe defiance

And make their own vain might their sole reliance.

O turn in mercy to Thy generation;

Lord, have compassion!

3. We stand bereft of help and poor and lonely;

’Twere vain to trust in man. With Thee, Lord, only

We may defeat the enemies around us

Who seek to wound us.

4. Thou art our Champion, who canst overthrow them

And save the little flock now crushed below them.

We trust in Thee; for Jesus’ sake be near us;

Help, Helper, hear us!

J. Heermann, 1630; C. Winkworth, tr.

L. M.

No change of time shall ever shock

My firm affection, Lord, to Thee;

For Thou hast always been a Rock,

A Fortress, and Defense to me.

2. Thou my Deliverer art, my God;

My trust is in Thy mighty power.

Thou art my Shield from foes abroad;

At home, my Safeguard and my Tower.

3. To Thee I will address my prayer,

To whom all praise we justly owe;

So shall I, by Thy watchful care,

Be guarded safe from every foe.

4. Let the eternal Lord be praised,

The Rock on whose defense I rest.

O’er highest heavens His name be raised

Who me with His salvation blest.

Ps. 18. Tate and Brady, 1698, abr.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

Had God not come, may Israel say,

Had God not come to aid us,

Our enemies before this day

Would surely have dismayed us;

For we are but a handful small,

Held in contempt and scorn by all,

All men rise up against us.

2. Their furious Wrath, did God permit,

Would surely have consumed us

And in the deep and yawning pit

With life and limb entombed us;

Like men o’er whom dark waters roll,

The streams had gone e’en o’er our soul

And mightily o’erwhelmed us.

3. Blest be the Lord, who from the pit

Snatched us when it was gaping;

Our souls, like birds that break the net,

To the blue skies escaping;

The snare is broken—we are free!

Our help is ever, Lord, in Thee,

The God of earth and heaven.

Ps. 124. Martin Luther, 1525; R. Massie, tr., a.

L. M.

When Rome had shrouded earth in night,

God said again, Let there be light!

And Luther with the Gospel came

To spread the truth in Jesus’ name.

2. When Rome the saints of God oppressed,

And burdened souls could find no rest,

Through Luther God deliv’rance sent

By His pure Word and Sacrament.

3. Though hosts against us stand arrayed,

Christ bids us still, Be not afraid.

Though all its powers the truth assail,

The gates of hell shall not prevail.

4. To-day with joyful hearts we sing

The guardian care of Christ, our King,

Who through His chosen instrument

To us hath this salvation sent.

5. O Lord, whose mercies still endure,

Preserve to us Thy Gospel pure;

Let it alone within us reign

That Thine the glory may remain.

M. Loy, 1880.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

If God were not upon our side

When round us foes are raging,

Were not Himself our Help and Guide

When bitter war they’re waging,

Were He not Israel’s mighty Shield,

To whom their utmost craft must yield,

We surely must have perished.

2. But now no human wit or might

His chosen people frighteth;

God sitteth in the highest height,

And He their counsels blighteth.

When craftiest snares and nets they lay,

God doth His work another way

And makes a path before us.

3. Against our souls they rage and mock,

Exciting great commotion;

As billows meet with angry shock

Out on the stormy ocean,

So they our lives with fury seek.

But God hath pity on the weak,

And Him they have forgotten.

4. They call us heretics and aye

Their Christian name are flaunting;

They seek to spill our blood, while they

Their fear of God are vaunting.

Ah, God! that precious name of Thine

O’er many a wicked deed must shine,

But Thou wilt once avenge it.

5. They open wide their ravenous jaws

And threaten to devour us,

But thanks to God, who rules our cause,

They shall not overpower us;

Their snares He yet will bring to naught

And overthrow what they have taught;

God is too mighty for them.

6. How richly He consoleth those

Whom no one else befriendeth!

The door of grace doth never close;

Sense cannot comprehend it

How this may be and deems all lost,

When through this very cross a host

Of champions God is raising.

7. Our foes, O God, are in Thy hand,

Thou knowest their endeavor;

But only give us strength to stand

And let us waver never,

Though reason strives with faith, and still

It fears to wholly trust Thy will

And sees not Thy salvation.

8. But heaven and earth, O Lord, are Thine,

For Thou alone hast made them;

Thy light let on Thy people shine

And in their sorrow aid them.

Ignite our hearts to love and faith

That shall be steadfast e’en to death,

Howe’er the world may murmur.

Ps. 124. Justus Jonas, 1524; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS. — 285 — 286 — 287

10s 4 l

Stars of the morning, so gloriously bright,

Filled with celestial resplendence and light,

These that, where night never followeth day,

Raise the “Thrice holy, Lord!” ever and aye!

2. These are Thy ministers, these dost Thou own,

Lord God of Sabaoth, nearest Thy throne.

These are Thy messengers; these dost Thou send,

Help of the helpless ones, man to defend.

3. When by Thy word earth was first poised in space,

When the far planets first sped on their race,

When was completed the six days’ employ,

Then “all the sons of God shouted for joy.”

4. Still let them succor us; still let them fight,

Lord of angelic hosts, battling for right,

Till, where their anthems they ceaselessly pour,

We with the angels may bow and adore.

Joseph of the Studium, c. 850; J. M. Neale, tr., 1862, a.

L. M.

Lord God, we all to Thee give praise,

Thank-offerings meet to Thee we raise,

That Thou didst angel hosts create

Around Thy glorious throne to wait.

2. They glow with light and heavenly grace

And constantly behold Thy face;

Obedience to Thy voice they yield

And are with godly wisdom filled.

3. They never rest nor sleep as we;

Their whole delight is but to be

Forever near Thee, gracious Lord,

Thy little flock to watch and guard.

4. The foul old Dragon and dread Foe

With envy, hate, and wrath doth glow;

It always is his aim and pride

Thy Christian people to divide.

5. As he has blighted earth of old,

He keeps e’en now his deathly hold,

Chafes madly to annihilate

All virtue, honor, Church, and State.

6. Therefore no halt or rest he knows;

A roaring lion round he goes,

Or lies in wait with baneful snare

To drive the Christians to despair.

7. But watchful is the angel band

That follows Christ on every hand

And guards Thy holy Christendom

From harm that might from Satan come.

8. From Daniel’s case this may be seen

When he sat in the lions’ den,

And likewise angels rescued Lot

That the ungodly harmed him not.

9. When the three Hebrews were at last

Into the fiery furnace cast,

No power had fiercest flames to harm

Against the rescuing angel’s arm.

10. And thus our God, still at this day,

From harm and many an evil way

Keeps near us His dear angel guard,

Placed over us as watch and ward.

11. For this, now and eternally,

Our praise shall rise, O God, to Thee,

Whom all the angel hosts adore

With joy now and forevermore.

12. We also pray Thee to defend

By them unto the latter end

Thy fold, that little flock, O Lord,

That holds in honor Thy blest Word.

From the Latin of Philip Melanchthon. Paul Eber, 1566.

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7

Jesus, Brightness of the Father,

Life and Strength of all who live!

In the presence of the angels

Glory in Thy name we give:

And Thy wondrous praise rehearse,

Singing in harmonious verse.

2. Blessed Lord, by their protection

Shelter us from harm this day;

Keep us pure in flesh and spirit;

Save us from the Foe, we pray:

And vouchsafe us by Thy grace

In Thy paradise a place.

3. Glory to th’ almighty Father,

Sing we with the heavenly host;

Glory to the great Redeemer,

Glory to the Holy Ghost;

Three in One, and One in Three,

Throughout all eternity!

Rhabanus Maurus, † 856; E. Caswall, tr., 1848, a.

ALL SAINTS. — 288 — 289 — 290

7, 6, 8, 6, 8 l

Ten thousand times ten thousand

In sparkling raiment bright,

The armies of the ransomed saints

Throng up the steeps of light.

’Tis finished! all is finished,

Their fight with death and sin;

Fling open wide the golden gates,

And let the victors in.

2. What rush of alleluias

Fills all the earth and sky!

What ringing of a thousand harps

Bespeaks the triumph nigh!

O day, for which creation

And all its tribes were made;

O joy, for all its former woes

A thousandfold repaid!

3. Oh, then, what raptured greetings

On Canaan’s happy shore;

What knitting severed friendships up,

Where partings are no more!

Then eyes with joy shall sparkle

That brimmed with tears of late;

Orphans no longer fatherless

Nor widows desolate.

4. Bring near Thy great salvation,

Thou Lamb for sinners slain;

Fill up the roll of Thine elect,

Then take Thy power and reign.

Appear, Desire of nations,

Thine exiles long for home;

Show in the heav’ns Thy promised sign;

Thou Prince and Savior, come!

H. Alford, 1867.

S. M.

For all Thy saints, O Lord,

Who strove in Thee to live,

Who followed Thee, obeyed, adored,

Our grateful hymn receive.

2. For all Thy saints, O Lord,

Accept our thankful cry,

Who counted Thee their great reward

And strove in Thee to die.

3. They all in life and death,

With Thee, their Lord, in view,

Learned from Thy Holy Spirit’s breath

To suffer and to do.

4. For this Thy name we bless

And humbly pray that we

May follow them in holiness

And live and die in Thee.

R. Mant, 1837, abr.

8, 7, 8 l

Hark! the sound of holy voices

Chanting o’er the crystal sea,

Alleluia, Alleluia,

Alleluia, Lord, to Thee!

Multitudes which none can number

Like the stars in glory stand,

Clothed in white apparel, holding

Palms of vict’ry in their hand.

2. Patriarch, and holy prophet,

Who prepared the way of Christ,

King, apostle, saint, confessor,

Martyr and evangelist,

Saintly maiden, godly matron,

Widows who have watched to prayer,

Joined in holy concert, singing

To the Lord of all, are there.

3. They have come from tribulation

And have washed their robes in blood,

Washed them in the blood of Jesus;

Tried they were, and firm they stood.

Mocked, imprisoned, stoned, tormented,

Sawn asunder, slain with sword,

They have conquered death and Satan

By the might of Christ the Lord.

4. Marching with Thy cross, their banner,

They have triumphed, following

Thee, the Captain of salvation,

Thee, their Savior and their King.

Gladly, Lord, with Thee they suffered,

Gladly, Lord, with Thee they died,

And by death to life immortal

They were born and glorified.

5. Now they reign in heavenly glory.

Now they walk in golden light,

Now they drink, as from a river,

Holy bliss and infinite.

Love and peace they taste forever

And all truth and knowledge see

In the beatific vision

Of the blessed Trinity.

C. Wordsworth, 1862.

HARVEST AND THANKSGIVING. — 291 — 292 — 293 — 294 — 295 — 296 — 297 — 298

L. M. 6 l

O Lord, whose bounteous hand again

Hath poured Thy gifts in plenty down,

Who all creation dost sustain

And all the earth with goodness crown:

Lord of the harvest, here we own

Our joy Thy gift, and Thine alone.

2. O may we ne’er with thankless heart

Forget from whom our blessings flow.

Still, Lord, Thy heavenly grace impart;

Still teach us what to Thee we owe.

Lord, may our lives with fruit divine

Return Thy care and prove us Thine.

3. Lord, grant that each may sow to Thee;

Grant us in endless life to reap.

Of every heart the Guardian be;

By day and night Thy servants keep

That all to Thee may joy afford

On Thy great harvest-day, O Lord.

Anon.

C. M.

O Lord, I sing with lips and heart,

Joy of my soul, to Thee;

To earth Thy knowledge I impart

As it is known to me.

2. Thou art the Fount of grace, I know,

And Spring so full and free,

Whence saving health and goodness flow

Each day so bounteously.

3. For what have all that live and move

Through this wide world below

That does not from Thy bounteous love,

O heavenly Father, flow?

4. Who built the lofty firmament?

Who spread th’ expanse of blue?

By whom are to our pastures sent

Refreshing rain and dew?

5. Who warmeth us in cold and frost?

Who shields us from the wind?

Who orders it that oil and must

We in their season find?

6. Who is it life and health bestows?

Who keeps us with His hand

In golden peace, wards off war’s woes

From our dear native land?

7. O Lord, of this and all our store

Thou art the Author blest;

Thou keepest watch before our door

While we securely rest.

8. Thou feedest us from year to year

And constant dost abide;

With ready help in time of fear

Thou standest at our side.

9. With patience dost Thou ever chide

And chasten’st sparingly;

Thou castest all our sins aside

And drown’st them in the sea.

10. When silent woe our bosom rends,

Thy pity sees our grief

And gives what to our glory tends

No less than our relief.

11. Thou knowest when a Christian weeps

And why his tear-drops fall;

And in the book Thy mercy keeps

These things are noted all.

12. Our deepest needs dost Thou supply,

Thou giv’st what lasts for aye;

Thou lead’st us to our home on high

When hence we pass away.

13. Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing,

A cheerful trust maintain!

For God, the Source of everything,

Thy Portion will remain.

14. He is thy Treasure, He thy Joy,

Thy Life and Light and Lord,

Thy Counselor when doubts annoy,

Thy Shield and great Reward.

15. In restless thought or blank despair

Why spend each day and night?

On Him who made thee cast thy care;

He makes our burdens light.

16. Did not His love and truth and power

Watch o’er thy childhood’s day?

Has He not oft in threatening hour

Turned dreaded ills away?

17. His wisdom never plans in vain,

Ne’er falters or mistakes;

All that His counsels did ordain

A happy ending makes.

18. Upon thy lips, then, lay thy hand

And trust His guiding love;

Then firm as rock thy peace shall stand

Here and in heaven above.

Paul Gerhardt, 1653.

C. M.

We sing th’ almighty power of God,

Who bade the mountains rise,

Who spread the flowing seas abroad,

And built the lofty skies.

2. We sing the wisdom that ordained

The sun to rule the day;

The moon shines, too, at His command,

And all the stars obey.

3. We sing the goodness of the Lord,

Who fills the earth with food;

Who formed His creatures by a word

And then pronounced them good.

4. Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed

Where’er we turn our eyes,

Whene’er we view the ground we tread

Or gaze upon the skies!

5. There’s not a plant nor flower below

But makes Thy glories known;

And clouds arise and tempests blow

By order from Thy throne.

6. On Thee each moment we depend;

If Thou withdraw, we die.

Oh, may we ne’er that God offend

Who is forever nigh!

Isaac Watts, 1715.

8, 7, 8 l

To Thee, O Lord, our hearts we raise

In hymns of adoration,

To Thee bring sacrifice of praise

With shouts of exultation:

Bright robes of gold the fields adorn,

The hills with joy are ringing,

The valleys stand so thick with corn

That even they are singing.

2. And now, on this our festal day,

Thy bounteous hand confessing,

Upon Thine altar, Lord, we lay

The first-fruits of Thy blessing.

By Thee the souls of men are fed

With gifts of grace supernal,

Thou who dost give us earthly bread,

Give us the Bread eternal.

3. We bear the burden of the day

And often toil seems dreary;

But labor ends with sunset ray,

And rest comes for the weary.

May we, the angel-reaping o’er,

Stand at the last accepted,

Christ’s golden sheaves forevermore

To garners bright elected.

4. Oh, blessed is that land of God

Where saints abide forever;

Where golden fields spread fair and broad,

Where flows the crystal river.

The strains of all its holy throng

With ours to-day are blending;

Thrice blessed is that harvest-song

Which never hath an ending.

W. C. Dix, 1864.

7s 8 l

Come, ye thankful people, come,

Raise the song of Harvest-home;

All is safely gathered in

Ere the winter storms begin;

God, our Maker, doth provide

For our wants to be supplied.

Come to God’s own temple, come;

Raise the song of Harvest-home.

2. We ourselves are God’s own field,

Fruit unto His praise to yield;

Wheat and tares together sown,

Unto joy or sorrow grown;

First the blade and then the ear,

Then the full corn shall appear.

Lord of harvest, grant that we

Wholesome grain and pure may be.

3. For the Lord, our God, shall come

and shall take His harvest home;

From His field shall purge away

All that doth offend, that day;

Give His angels charge at last

In the fire the tares to cast,

But the fruitful ears to store

In His garner evermore.

4. Come, Thou Lord of harvest, come

To Thy final Harvest-home;

Gather Thou Thy people in,

Free from sorrow, free from sin,

There, forever purified,

In Thy garner to abide.

Come with all Thine angels, come,

Raise the glorious Harvest-home!

H. Alford, 1845.

7s 8 l

Christ, by heav’nly hosts adored,

Gracious, mighty, sov’reign Lord,

God of nations, King of kings,

Head of all created things,

By the Church with joy contest,

God o’er all forever blest;

Pleading at Thy throne we stand,

Save Thy people, bless our land.

2. On our fields of grass and grain

Send, O Lord, the kindly rain;

O’er our wide and goodly land

Crown the labors of each hand.

Let Thy kind protection be

O’er our commerce on the sea.

Open, Lord, Thy bounteous hand,

Bless Thy people, bless our land.

3. Let our rulers ever be

Men that love and honor Thee;

Let the powers by Thee ordained

Be in righteousness maintained;

In the people’s hearts increase

Love of piety and peace.

Thus united we shall stand

One wide, free, and happy land.

H. Harbaugh, 1860.

7s

Praise, O praise our God and King,

Hymns of adoration sing;

For His mercies still endure,

Ever faithful, ever sure.

2. Praise Him that He made the sun

Day by day his course to run;

For His mercies still endure,

Ever faithful, ever sure.

3. And the silver moon by night,

Shining with her gentle light;

For His mercies still endure,

Ever faithful, ever sure.

4. Praise Him that He gave the rain

To mature the swelling grain;

For His mercies still endure,

Ever faithful, ever sure.

5. And hath bid the fruitful field

Crops of precious increase yield;

For His mercies still endure,

Ever faithful, ever sure.

6. Praise Him for our harvest store,

He hath filled the garner floor;

For His mercies still endure,

Ever faithful, ever sure.

7. And for richer food than this,

Pledge of everlasting bliss;

For His mercies still endure,

Ever faithful, ever sure.

8. Glory to our bounteous King,

Glory let creation sing;

Glory to the Father, Son,

And the Spirit, Three in One!

H. W. Baker, 1861.

7s 6 l

Praise to God, immortal praise,

For the love that crowns our days;

Bounteous Source of every joy,

Let Thy praise our tongues employ.

All to Thee, our God, we owe,

Source whence all our blessings flow.

2. All the plenty summer pours;

Autumn’s rich, o’erflowing stores;

Flocks that whiten all the plain;

Yellow sheaves of ripened grain.

Lord, for these our souls shall raise

Grateful vows and solemn praise.

3. Peace, prosperity, and health,

Private bliss, and public wealth,

Knowledge with its gladdening streams,

Pure religion’s holier beams.

Lord, for these our souls shall raise

Grateful vows and solemn praise.

4. As Thy prospering hand hath blest,

May we give Thee of our best

And by deeds of kindly love

For Thy mercies grateful prove;

Sinking thus through all our days,

Praise to God, immortal praise.

A. L. (Aikin) Barbauld, 1773, abr.

NATIONAL. — 299 — 300 — 301 — 302 — 303 — 304 — 305

7s 8 l

Swell the anthem, raise the song,

Praises to our God belong;

Saints and angels join to sing

Praises to the heavenly King.

Blessings from His liberal hand

Flow around this happy land.

Kept by Him, no foes annoy;

Peace and freedom we enjoy.

2. Here, beneath a peaceful sway,

May we cheerfully obey;

Never feel oppression’s rod,

Ever own and worship God.

Hark! the voice of nature sings

Praises to the King of kings;

Let us join the choral song

And the grateful notes prolong.

Nathan Strong, 1799.

L. M.

O bless, Thou heavenly Potentate,

With wisdom, strength, the powers of state,

That wrong and violence may cease

And Church and home abide in peace.

2. Bless rich and poor, the great and small,

Both friend and foe; Lord, bless Thou all

The family on earth in love

And fit all for Thy home above.

3. Thus, with Thy blessing on each hand,

Will peace and plenty fill the land

And righteousness spring from the earth

And life below have higher worth.

4. All praise to Thee, O King of kings,

Whose grace to us such blessings brings;

Thee, with the Father, we adore,

And Holy Ghost, forevermore.

Anon.

7s 6 l

What our Father does is well:

Blessed truth His children tell!

Though He send, for plenty, want,

Though the harvest-store be scant,

Yet we rest upon His love,

Seeking better things above.

2. What our Father does is well:

Shall the wilful heart rebel

If a blessing He withhold

In the field or in the fold?

Is He not Himself to be

All our store eternally?

3. What our Father does is well:

Though He sadden hill and dell,

Upward yet our praises rise

For the strength His Word supplies.

He has called us sons of God;

Can we murmur at His rod?

4. What our Father does is well:

May the thought within us dwell;

Though nor milk nor honey flow

In our barren Canaan now,

God can save us in our need,

God can bless us, God can feed.

5. Therefore unto Him we raise

Hymns of glory, songs of praise.

To the Father and the Son

And the Spirit, Three in One,

Honor, might, and glory be

Now and through eternity.

B. Schmolck, 1720; H. W. Baker, tr., 1861.

C. M.

Lord, while for all mankind we pray,

Of every clime and coast,

Oh, hear us for our native land,

The land we love the most!

2. Oh, guard our shores from every foe,

With peace our borders bless,

With prosperous times our cities crown,

Our fields with plenteousness!

3. Unite us in the sacred love

Of knowledge, truth, and Thee;

And let our hills and valleys shout

The songs of liberty.

4. Here may religion, pure and mild,

Smile on our Sabbath hours

And piety and virtue bless

The home of us and ours.

5. Lord of the nations, thus to Thee

Our country we commend;

Be Thou her Refuge and her Trust,

Her everlasting Friend.

John R. Wreford, 1837.

C. M.

Almighty Lord, before Thy throne

Thy mourning people bend;

’Tis on Thy grace in Christ alone

Our failing hopes depend.

2. Dark judgments from Thy heavy hand

Thy dreadful power display;

Yet mercy spares our guilty land,

And still we live to pray.

3. How changed, alas! are truths divine

For error, guilt, and shame!

What impious numbers, bold in sin,

Disgrace the Christian name!

4. O turn us, turn us, mighty Lord!

Convert us by Thy grace;

Then shall our hearts obey Thy Word

And see again Thy face.

5. Then, should oppressing foes invade,

We will not yield to fear,

Secure of all-sufficient aid,

When God in Christ is near.

Anne Steele, † 1778.

6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)

To Thee, our God, we fly

For mercy and for grace;

Oh, hear our lowly cry

And hide not Thou Thy face!

O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand

And guard and bless our Fatherland.

2. Arise, O Lord of hosts,

Be jealous for Thy name,

And drive from out our coasts

The sins that put to shame.

O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand

And guard and bless our Fatherland.

3. Thy best gifts from on high

In rich abundance pour

That we may magnify

And praise Thee more and more.

O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand

And guard and bless our Fatherland.

4. The powers ordained by Thee

With heavenly wisdom bless;

May they Thy servants be

And rule in righteousness.

O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand

And guard and bless our Fatherland.

5. The Church of Thy dear Son

Inflame with love’s pure fire;

Bind her once more in one

And life and truth inspire.

O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand

And guard and bless our Fatherland.

W. W. How, 1871.

6, 6, 4, 6, 6, 6, 4

God bless our native land!

Firm may she ever stand

Through storm and night;

When the wild tempests rave,

Ruler of wind and wave,

Do Thou our country save

By Thy great might!

2. For her our prayer shall rise

To God above the skies;

On Him we wait:

Thou, who art ever nigh,

Guarding with watchful eye,

To Thee aloud we cry,

God save the State!

C. T. Brooks, 1834; J. S. Dwight, 1844.

FAITH AND JUSTIFICATION. — 306 — 307 — 308 — 309 — 310 — 311 — 312 — 313 — 314 — 315 — 316 — 317 — 318 — 319 — 320 — 321 — 322 — 323 — 324 — 325 — 326 — 327 — 328 — 329 — 330

L. M. 6 l

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

2. When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale

My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

3. His oath, His covenant, and blood

Support me in the sinking flood;

When every earthly prop gives way,

He then is all my Hope and Stay.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

4. When I shall launch to worlds unseen,

Oh, may I then be found in Him,

Dressed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne!

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

Edward Mote, 1836.

C. M.

Lord, we confess our numerous faults,

How great our guilt has been:

Foolish and vain were all our thoughts,

And all our lives were sin.

2. But, O my soul, forever praise,

Forever love, His name,

Who turns thy feet from dangerous ways

Of folly, sin, and shame.

3. ’Tis not by works of righteousness

Which our own hands have done,

But we are saved by love and grace

Abounding through His Son.

4. ’Tis from the mercy of our God

That all our hopes begin;

’Tis by the Water and the Blood

Our souls are washed from sin.

5. ’Tis through the purchase of His death

Who hung upon the tree

The Spirit is sent down to breathe

On such dry bones as we.

6. Raised from the dead, we live anew;

And justified by grace,

We shall appear in glory too

And see our Father’s face.

Isaac Watts, 1709.

C. M.

All that I was, my sin, my guilt,

My death, was all my own;

All that I am, I owe to Thee,

My gracious God, alone.

2. The evil of my former state

Was mine, and only mine;

The good in which I now rejoice

Is Thine, and only Thine.

3. The darkness of my former state,

The bondage, all was mine;

The light of life in which I walk,

The liberty, is Thine.

4. Thy grace first made me feel my sin,

It taught me to believe;

Then, in believing, peace I found,

And now I live, I live!

5. All that I am, e’en here on earth,

All that I hope to be

When Jesus comes and glory dawns,

I owe it, Lord, to Thee.

H. Bonar, 1853.

L. M.

Blest is the man, forever blest,

Whose guilt is pardoned by his God,

Whose sins with sorrow are confessed

And covered with his Savior’s blood.

2. Blest is the man to whom the Lord

Imputes not his iniquities;

He pleads no merit of reward

And not on works, but grace relies.

3. From guile his heart and lips are free,

His humble joy, his holy fear,

With deep repentance well agree

And join to prove his faith sincere.

4. How glorious is that righteousness

That hides and cancels all his sins,

While a bright evidence of grace

Through his whole life appears and shines!

Isaac Watts, 1719.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

Dear Christians, one and all rejoice,

With exultation springing

And with united heart and voice

And holy rapture singing.

Tell how our God beheld our need

And sing His sweet and wondrous deed;

Right dearly it hath cost Him.

2. Fast bound in Satan’s chains I lay,

Death brooded darkly o’er me,

My sin oppressed me night and day,

Therein my mother bore me;

And ever deeper yet I fell,

Life had become a living hell,

So firmly sin possessed me.

3. My good works could avail me naught,

For they with sin were stainèd;

Free will against God’s judgment fought

And dead to good remainèd;

Grief drove me to despair, and I

Had nothing left me but to die,

To hell I fast was sinking.

4. Then God beheld my wretched state

With deep commiseration;

He thought upon His mercy great

And willed my soul’s salvation;

He turned to me a Father’s heart—

Not small the cost!—to heal my smart,

He gave His best and dearest.

5. He spake to His beloved Son:

“’Tis time to have compassion;

Then go, My heart’s most Precious One,

And bring to man salvation;

From sin and sorrow set him free,

Slay bitter death for him that he

May live with Thee forever.”

6. The Son His Father did obey,

And, born of virgin mother,

He came a while on earth to stay

That He might be my Brother.

His mighty power He hidden bore,

A servant’s form like mine He wore

To lead the devil captive.

7. He spake to me: “Hold fast by Me,

I am thy Rock and Castle;

I wholly give Myself for thee,

For thee I strive and wrestle;

For I am thine, and thou art Mine,

Henceforth My place is also thine;

The foe shall never part us.

8. “The foe shall shed My precious blood,

Me of My life bereaving.

All this I suffer for thy good;

Be steadfast and believing.

Life shall from death the victory win,

Mine innocence shall bear thy sin,

So art thou blest forever.

9. “Now to My Father I depart,

From earth to heaven ascending,

Thence heavenly wisdom to impart,

The Holy Spirit sending;

He shall in trouble comfort thee,

Teach thee to know and follow Me,

Into all truth shall guide thee.

10. “What I have done and taught do thou

To do and teach endeavor;

So shall My kingdom flourish now

And God be praised forever.

Take heed lest men with base alloy

The heavenly treasure should destroy;

This counsel I bequeath thee.”

Martin Luther, 1523.

9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8

By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless!

My heart, believ’st thou this or not?

Why tremblest thou with terror groundless?

Has Scripture e’er a falsehood taught?

Then this word also true must be:

By grace there is a crown for thee.

2. By grace! Our works are all rejected,

All claims of merit pass for naught;

The mighty Savior, long expected,

To us this blissful truth has brought,

That He by death redeems our race

And we are saved alone by grace.

3. By grace! Mark well these words’ true meaning,

When thou dost sorrow sin-opprest.

When Satan tempts with pride o’erweening,

When troubled conscience sighs for rest.

What reason cannot comprehend

It pleases God by grace to send.

4. By grace His Son, on earth appearing,

Vouchsafed beneath thy woe to bend;

Hadst thou, damnation justly fearing,

Done aught to render Him thy Friend?

Was’t not that He thy welfare sought

And but by grace deliverance wrought?

5. By grace! This ground of our salvation,

As long as God is true, endures;

What saints have penned by inspiration,

What God by His own Word assures,

What all our faith must rest upon,

Is grace, free grace, through His dear Son.

6. By grace! But think not, thou who livest

Securely on in godless ways,

That thou—though all are called—receivest

The promised rest that wakes our praise.

By grace none find in heaven a place

Who live in sin in hope of grace.

7. By grace! They who have heard this sentence

Must all hypocrisy forego;

For only after deep repentance

Can any soul this treasure know;

To sin free grace a trifle seems,

To faith it bright with glory beams.

8. By grace the timid hearts that languish

Find access to the Father’s heart,

When conflicts fierce and bitter anguish

Bid all their joy and hopes depart.

Where ofttimes should I strength obtain,

Did grace my anchor not remain!

9. By grace! On this in death I’ll rest me,

Rejoicing e’en though feeling naught;

I know my sin,—it oft oppressed me,—

But Him, too, who salvation brought.

My heart exults, grief flees apace,

Because my soul is saved by grace.

10. By grace! May sin and Satan hearken!

I bear my flag of faith in hand

And pass—for doubts my joy can’t darken—

The Red Sea to the Promised Land.

I cling to what my Savior taught

And trust it, whether felt or not.

C. L. Scheidt, 1742; M. Loy, tr., a.

9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8

Now I have found the sure foundation

Where evermore my anchor grounds.

It lay there ere the world’s creation,

Where else but in my Savior’s wounds?

Foundation, which unmoved shall stay

When earth and heaven pass away.

2. It is that mercy never-ending,

Which all conception far transcends,

Of Him who, with love’s arms extending,

To wretched sinners condescends;

Whose heart with pity still doth break

Whether we seek Him or forsake.

3. Our ruin God has not intended,

Salvation He would fain bestow;

For this His Son to earth descended

And then to heaven again did go;

For this so loudly evermore

He knocketh at our heart’s closed door.

4. O depth of love, in which, past finding,

My sins through Christ’s blood disappear;

This is for wounds the safest binding,

There is no condemnation here;

For Jesus’ blood through earth and skies

Forever Mercy! Mercy! cries.

5. I never will forget this crying,

In faith I’ll trust it all my days,

And when o’er all my sins I’m sighing,

I towards my Father’s heart will gaze;

For there is always to be found

Free mercy without end and bound.

6. Though I be robbed of every pleasure

That soul and body can make glad,

Bereft of every earthly treasure,

Forlorn, forsaken, lone, and sad,—

However far His help may be,

His mercy yet is left to me.

7. Though earthly cares and want oppress me

And cause me sorrow and regret

That things so vain can still distress me

And give me so much trouble yet,

Though I am bowed down to the dust,

Still in His mercy I will trust.

8. Though in the best of all my actions,

In works that are admired the most,

I must perceive great imperfections,

I surely have no right to boast;

Yet this sweet comfort doth abide:

In mercy only I confide.

9. Be it with me as He is willing,

Whose mercy is a boundless sea;

May He Himself my heart be stilling

That this may ne’er forgotten be;

Then it will rest, in joy and woe,

On mercy while it beats below.

10. On this foundation I unshrinking

Will stand while I on earth remain;

This shall engage my acting, thinking,

While I the breath of life retain;

Then I will sing eternally,

Unfathomed Mercy, still of Thee.

J. A. Rothe, † 1758.

L. M.

Who shall the Lord’s elect condemn?

’Tis God who justifies their souls,

And mercy, like a mighty stream,

O’er all their sins divinely rolls.

2. He lives! He lives! and sits above,

Forever interceding there:

Who shall divide us from His love,

Or what should tempt us to despair?

3. Shall persecution or distress,

Famine or sword or nakedness?

He who hath loved us bears us through

And makes us more than conquerors too.

4. Not all that men on earth can do,

Nor powers on high nor powers below,

Shall cause His mercy to remove

Or wean our hearts from Christ, our Love.

Isaac Watts, 1707, a.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

Salvation unto us has come

By God’s free grace and favor;

Good works cannot avert our doom,

They help and save us never:

Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone,

Who did for all the world atone;

He is the Mediator.

2. What God doth in His Law demand

No man to Him can render,

And so He draws His flaming brand

To punish the offender:

Our flesh has not those pure desires

Which first of all the Law requires,—

We are in condemnation.

3. It was a false, misleading dream

That God His Law had given

For us to keep and merit claim

And earn our way to heaven.

God’s Law is but a mirror bright

To bring the inbred sin to sight

That lurks within our nature.

4. By our own strength to put aside

God’s wrath and win His blessing

Is useless task, by many tried,

Is only guilt increasing.

For God hypocrisy abhors;

Flesh with the spirit ever wars,

For ’tis by nature evil.

5. And yet the Law fulfilled must be,

Or we were lost forever;

Therefore God sent His Son that He

Might us from death deliver;

He all the Law for us fulfilled

And thus His Father’s anger stilled

Which over us impended.

6. Since Christ hath full atonement made

And brought to us salvation,

Each Christian therefore may be glad

And build on this foundation.

Thy grace alone, dear Lord, I plead.

Thy death my life now is indeed,

For Thou hast paid my ransom.

7. Not doubting this, I trust in Thee,

Thy Word cannot be broken;

Thou all dost call, “Come unto Me!”

No falsehood hast Thou spoken.

“He that believes and is baptized,

He shall be saved,” say’st Thou, O Christ,

“And he shall never perish.”

8. He’s just ’fore God, and he alone,

Who by this faith is living;

This faith will by good works be known,

To God the glory giving.

Faith gives thee peace with God above,

But thou thy neighbor, too, wilt love

If thou art a new creature.

9. The Law reveals the guilt of sin

And makes man conscience-stricken;

The Gospel then doth enter in

The sinful soul to quicken.

Come to the Cross, trust Christ and live;

The Law to you no peace can give

With all its good endeavors.

10. From faith in Christ, whene’er ’tis right,

Good works are surely flowing;

The faith is dead that shuns the light,

No good works ever showing.

By faith alone the just shall live,

Good works alone the proof can give

Of love, which true faith worketh.

Paul Speratus, 1523, abr. Composite tr. 1910.

7s 6 l

Blessed are the sons of God,

They are bought with Christ’s own blood;

They are ransomed from the grave,

Life eternal they shall have.

With them numbered may we be

Here and in eternity!

2. They are justified by grace,

They enjoy the Savior’s peace;

All their sins are washed away,

They shall stand in God’s great Day.

With them numbered may we be

Here and in eternity!

3. They are lights upon the earth,

Children of a heavenly birth;

One with God, with Jesus one,

Glory is in them begun.

With them numbered may we be

Here and in eternity!

J. Humphreys, 1743.

8, 8, 6, 8, 8, 6 (C. P. M.)

I do not come because my soul

Is free from sin and pure and whole,

And worthy of Thy grace;

I do not speak to Thee because

I’ve ever justly kept Thy laws

And dare to meet Thy face.

2. I know that sin and guilt combine

To reign o’er every thought of mine

And turn from good to ill;

I know that when I try to be

Upright and just and true to Thee,

I am a sinner still.

3. I know that often when I strive

To keep a spark of love alive

For Thee, the powers within

Leap up in unsubmissive might

And oft benumb my sense of right

And pull me back to sin.

4. I know that, though in doing good

I spend my life, I never could

Atone for all I’ve done;

But though my sins are black as night,

I dare to come before Thy sight

Because I trust Thy Son.

5. In Him alone my trust I place,

Come boldly to Thy throne of grace,

And there commune with Thee.

Salvation sure, O Lord, is mine,

And, all unworthy, I am Thine,

For Jesus died for me.

F. B. St. John, 1878.

8, 7, 7, 8, 7, 7

O how great is Thy compassion,

Faithful Father, God of grace,

That upon our wretchedness,

That upon man’s sinful station

Thou took’st pity, so that we

Might be saved eternally!

2. Thy great love for this hath striven

That man from all pain shall free

And forever blessed be.

Yea, Thy Son Himself hath given

And extends an earnest call

To His Supper unto all.

3. And for this our soul’s salvation

Voucheth Thy good Spirit, Lord,

In Thy Sacraments and Word;

He doth prosper Thy vocation,

Granteth us the gift of faith

That we fear nor hell nor death.

4. Lord, Thy mercy will not leave me,—

Truth doth evermore abide,—

Then in Thee I will confide;

Since Thy Word cannot deceive me,

My salvation is to me

Well assured eternally.

5. I will praise Thy great compassion,

Faithful Father, God of grace,

That upon my wretchedness,

That upon my sinful station

Thou took’st pity graciously;

Evermore be praise to Thee!

J. Olearius, 1671; A. Crull, tr.

L. M.

Just as I am, without one plea

But that Thy blood was shed for me

And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

2. Just as I am and waiting not

To rid my soul of one dark blot,

To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

3. Just as I am, though tossed about

With many a conflict, many a doubt,

Fightings and fears within, without,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;

Sight, riches, healing of the mind,

Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

5. Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

6. Just as I am, Thy love unknown

Has broken every barrier down;

Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Charlotte Elliott, 1836, a.

S. M.

Not all the blood of beasts

On Jewish altars slain,

Could give the guilty conscience peace

Or wash away the stain.

2. But Christ, the heavenly Lamb,

Takes all our sins away;

A sacrifice of nobler name

And richer blood than they.

3. My faith would lay her hand

On that dear head of Thine,

While like a penitent I stand

And there confess my sin.

4. My soul looks back to see

The burdens Thou didst bear

When hanging on the cursed tree,

And knows her guilt was there.

5. Believing, we rejoice

To see the curse remove;

We bless the Lamb with cheerful voice

And sing His bleeding love.

Isaac Watts, 1709.

S. M.

Not what these hands have done

Can save this guilty soul;

Not what this toiling flesh has borne

Can make my spirit whole.

2. Not what I feel or do

Can give me peace with God;

Not all my prayers and sighs and tears

Can bear my awful load.

3. Thy work alone, O Christ,

Can ease this weight of sin;

Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God,

Can give me peace within.

4. Thy love to me, O God,

Not mine, O Lord, to Thee,

Can rid me of this dark unrest

And set my spirit free.

5. Thy grace alone, O God,

To me can pardon speak;

Thy power alone, O Son of God,

Can this sore bondage break.

6. I bless the Christ of God;

I rest on love divine,

And with unfaltering lip and heart

I call this Savior mine.

H. Bonar, 1861.

8, 8, 8, 6

Drawn to the cross, which Thou hast blessed

With healing gifts for souls distressed,

To find in Thee my life, my rest,

Christ Crucified, I come.

2. Thou knowest all my griefs and fears,

Thy grace abused, my misspent years;

Yet now to Thee with contrite tears,

Christ Crucified, I come.

3. Wash me and take away each stain;

Let nothing of my sin remain;

For cleansing, though it be through pain,

Christ Crucified, I come.

4. And then for work to do for Thee,

Which shall so sweet a service be

That angels well might envy me,

Christ Crucified, I come.

Genevieve M. Irons, 1880.

7, 6, 8 l

I lay my sins on Jesus,

The spotless Lamb of God;

He bears them all and frees us

From the accursed load.

I bring my guilt to Jesus,

To wash my crimson stains

White in His blood most precious

Till not a spot remains.

2. I lay my wants on Jesus;

All fulness dwells in Him;

He heals all my diseases,

He doth my soul redeem.

I lay my griefs on Jesus,

My burdens and my cares;

He from them all releases,

He all my sorrows shares.

3. I rest my soul on Jesus,

This weary soul of mine;

His right hand me embraces,

I on His breast recline.

I love the name of Jesus,

Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;

Like fragrance on the breezes

His name abroad is poured.

4. I long to be like Jesus,

Meek, loving, lowly, mild;

I long to be like Jesus,

The Father’s holy Child.

I long to be with Jesus

Amid the heavenly throng,

To sing with saints His praises,

To learn the angels’ song.

H. Bonar, 1849.

7, 6, 8 l

Through Jesus’ blood and merit

I am at peace with God;

What, then, can daunt my spirit,

However dark my road?

My courage shall not fail me,

For God is on my side;

Though hell itself assail me,

Its rage I may deride.

2. There’s nothing that can sever

Me from the love of God;

No want, no pain whatever,

No famine, peril, blood.

Though thousand foes surround me

And in their base design

A sheep for slaughter count me,

The victory still is mine.

3. Yea, neither life’s temptation

Nor death’s terrific hour,

Nor angels of high station,

Nor any other power,

Nor things that now are present,

Nor things that are to come,

Nor height, however pleasant,

Nor depth of deepest gloom,

4. Nor any creature ever

Shall from the love of God

This wretched sinner sever;

For in my Savior’s blood

This love its fountain taketh;

He hears my faithful prayer

And nevermore forsaketh

This child of His and heir.

S. Dach, † 1659; A. Crull, tr.

6, 4, 6, 4, 6, 6, 4

Nearer, my God, to Thee!

Nearer to Thee!

Through Word and Sacrament,

Thou com’st to me.

Thy grace is ever near,

Thy Spirit ever here,

Drawing to Thee.

2. Ages on ages rolled

Ere earth appeared;

Yet Thine unmeasured love

The way prepared.

E’en then Thou yearn’st for me

That I might nearer be,

Nearer to Thee!

3. Thy Son has come to earth

My sin to bear,

My every wound to heal,

My pain to share.

“God in the flesh” for me,

Brings me now nearer Thee,

Nearer to Thee!

4. Lo! all my debt is paid,

My guilt is gone.

See! He has ris’n for me,

My throne is won.

Thanks, O my God, to Thee!

None now can nearer be,

Nearer to Thee!

5. Welcome, then, to Thy home,

Blest One in Three!

As Thou hast promised, come!

Come, Lord, to me!

Work, Thou, O God, through me;

Live, Thou, O God, in me,

Ever in me!

6. By the baptismal stream,

Which made me Thine,

By the dear flesh and blood,

Thy love made mine,

Purge Thou all sin from me

That I may nearer be,

Nearer to Thee!

7. Surely it matters not

What earth may bring,

Death is of no account,

Grace will I sing.

Nothing remains for me

Save to be nearer Thee,

Nearer to Thee!

H. E. Jacobs, 1887.

7s 6 l

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee;

Let the water and the blood,

From Thy riven side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure,

Cleanse me from its guilt and power.

2. Not the labors of my hands

Can fulfil Thy Law’s demands;

Could my zeal no respite know,

Could my tears forever flow,

All for sin could not atone;

Thou must save, and Thou alone.

3. Nothing in my hand I bring,

Simply to Thy Cross I cling;

Naked, come to Thee for dress;

Helpless, look to Thee for grace;

Foul, I to the fountain fly,—

Wash me, Savior, or I die!

4. While I draw this fleeting breath,

When my eyelids close in death,

When I soar to worlds unknown,

See Thee on Thy judgment throne,

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee!

A. M. Toplady, 1776, a.

L. M.

Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness,

My beauty are, my glorious dress;

Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,

With joy shall I lift up my head.

2. Bold shall I stand in that great Day,

For who aught to my charge shall lay?

Fully through these absolved I am

From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.

3. The holy, meek, unspotted Lamb,

Who from the Father’s bosom came,

Who died for me, e’en me t’ atone,

Now for my Lord and God I own.

4. Lord, I believe Thy precious blood,

Which at the mercy-seat of God

Forever doth for sinners plead,

For me—e’en for my soul—was shed.

5. Lord, I believe were sinners more

Than sands upon the ocean shore,

Thou hast for all a ransom paid,

For all a full atonement made.

6. When from the dust of death I rise

To claim my mansion in the skies,

E’en then this shall be all my plea:

Jesus hath lived and died for me.

7. Jesus, be endless praise to Thee,

Whose boundless mercy hath for me,

For me, and all Thy hands have made,

An everlasting ransom paid.

L. v. Zinzendorf, 1739; J. Wesley, 1740.

L. M.

Our God so loved the world that He

Gave His own Son and did decree

That all who would in Him believe

Should everlasting life receive.

2. Christ Jesus is the ground of faith,

Who was made flesh and suffered death;

All that confide in Him alone

Are built on this chief Corner-stone.

3. God would not have the sinner die;

His Son with saving grace is nigh,

His Spirit in the Word doth teach

How man the blessed goal may reach.

4. Be of good cheer, for God’s own Son

Forgives all sins which thou hast done;

Thou’rt justified by Jesus’ blood,

Thy Baptism grants the highest good.

5. If thou be sick, if death draw near,

This truth thy troubled heart can cheer:

Christ Jesus saves my soul from death;

That is the firmest ground of faith.

6. Glory to God the Father, Son,

And Holy Spirit, Three in One!

To Thee, O blessed Trinity,

Be praise now and eternally!

J. Olearius, 1671; A. Crull, tr.

S. M.

Grace! ’tis a charming sound,

Harmonious to the ear;

Heav’n with the echo shall resound,

And all the earth shall hear.

2. Grace first contrived the way

To save rebellious man;

And all the steps that grace display

Which drew the wondrous plan.

3. Grace first inscribed my name

In God’s eternal book;

’Twas grace that gave me to the Lamb,

Who all my sorrows took.

4. Grace led my roving feet

To tread the heavenly road;

And new supplies each hour I meet

While pressing on to God.

5. Grace taught my soul to pray

And made my eyes o’erflow;

’Twas grace that kept me to this day

And will not let me go.

6. Grace all the work shall crown

Through everlasting days;

It lays in heaven the topmost stone

And well deserves the praise.

Philip Doddridge, 1755.

6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)

Thy works, not mine, O Christ,

Speak gladness to this heart;

They tell me all is done,

They bid my fear depart.

To whom, save Thee, who canst alone

For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?

2. Thy cross, not mine, O Christ,

Has borne the awful load

Of sins that none in heaven

Or earth could bear but God.

To whom, save Thee, who canst alone

For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?

3. Thy death, not mine, O Christ,

Has paid the ransom due;

Ten thousand deaths like mine

Would have been all too few.

To whom, save Thee, who canst alone

For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?

4. Thy righteousness, O Christ,

Alone can cover me;

No righteousness avails

Save that which is of Thee.

To whom, save Thee, who canst alone

For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?

H. Bonar, 1857.

C. M.

O Mystery of Love Divine

That thought and thanks o’erpowers!

Lord Jesus, was our portion Thine,

And is Thy portion ours?

2. Emmanuel, didst Thou take our place

To set us in Thine own?

Didst Thou our low estate embrace

To lift us to Thy throne?

3. Didst Thou fulfil each righteous deed,

God’s perfect will express,

That we, th’ unfaithful ones, might plead

Thy perfect faithfulness?

4. On Thy pure soul did dread and gloom

In that drear garden rise?

Are ours the brightness and the bloom

Of Thine own Paradise?

5. For Thee the Father’s hidden face?

For Thee the bitter cry?

For us the Father’s endless grace,

The song of victory?

6. Our load of sin and misery

Didst Thou, the Sinless, bear?

Thy spotless robe of purity

Do we, the sinners, wear?

7. Lord Jesus, is it even so?

Have we been lovèd thus?

What love can we on Thee bestow

Who hast exchanged with us?

8. Thou, who our very place didst take,

Dwell in our very heart.

Thou, who Thy portion ours dost make,

Thyself, Thyself, impart.

T. H. Gill, 1864.

SANCTIFICATION. — OBEDIENCE. — 331 — 332 — 333 — 334 — 335 — 336 — 337 — 338 — 339 — 340 — 341 — 342 — 343 — 344 — CONSECRATION. — 345 — 346 — 347 — 348 — 349 — 350 — 351 — 352 — 353 — 354 — 355 — 356 — GIVING. — 357 — 358 — 359 — 360 — 361 — 362 — TRUST. — 363 — 364 — 365 — 366 — 367 — 368 — 369 — 370 — 371 — 372 — 373 — 374 — 375 — WARFARE. — 376 — 377 — 378 — 379 — 380 — 381 — 382 — RESIGNATION. — 383 — 384 — 385 — 386 — 387 — 388 — 389

5, 5, 8, 8, 5, 5

Jesus, still lead on

Till our rest be won;

And although the way be cheerless,

We will follow calm and fearless.

Guide us by Thy hand

To our fatherland.

2. If the way be drear,

If the Foe be near,

Let no faithless fears o’ertake us;

Let not faith and hope forsake us;

For through many a woe

To our home we go.

3. When we seek relief

From a long-felt grief;

When temptations come alluring,

Make us patient and enduring;

Show us that bright shore

Where we weep no more.

4. Jesus, still lead on

Till our rest be won.

Heavenly Leader, still direct us,

Still support, control, protect us,

Till we safely stand

In our fatherland.

L. v. Zinzendorf, 1721; Jane Borthwick, tr., 1853.

L. M.

God of my life, whose gracious power

Through various deaths my soul hath led;

Or turned aside the fatal hour,

Or lifted up my sinking head:

2. In all my ways Thy hand I own,

Thy ruling providence I see.

O help me still my course to run

And still direct my path to Thee.

3. Whither, O whither should I fly

But to my loving Savior’s breast?

Secure within Thine arms to lie

And safe beneath Thy wings to rest!

4. I have no skill the snare to shun;

But Thou, O Christ, my Wisdom art!

I ever into ruin run;

But Thou art greater than my heart.

5. Foolish and impotent and blind,

Lead me a way I have not known;

Bring me where I my heaven may find,

The heaven of loving Thee alone.

6. Enlarge my heart to make Thee room;

Enter and in me ever stay.

The crooked then shall straight become;

The darkness shall be lost in day.

Charles Wesley, 1740.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 8, 7, 7

Let us ever walk with Jesus,

Follow His example pure,

Flee the world, that would deceive us

And to sin our soul allure.

Ever in His footsteps treading,

Body here, yet soul above,

Full of faith and hope and love,

Let us do the Father’s bidding.

Faithful Lord, abide with me;

Savior, lead, I follow Thee.

2. Let us suffer here with Jesus,

To His image e’er conform;

Heaven’s glory soon will please us,

Sunshine follow on the storm.

Having sown in tears, in gladness

We shall reap. With patient cheer

Let us hope and, void of fear,

Bide the turning of our sadness.

Christ, I suffer here with Thee,

There, oh, share Thy joy with me!

3. Let us also die with Jesus.

His death from the second death,

From our soul’s destruction, frees us,

Quickens us with life’s glad breath.

Let us mortify, while living,

Flesh and blood and die to sin;

And the grave that shuts us in

Shall but prove the gate to heaven.

Jesus, here I die to Thee,

There to live eternally.

4. Let us also live with Jesus;

Since He’s risen from the dead,

Must the conquered grave release us.

Jesus, Thou art now our Head,

We Thy body’s cherished members.

Where Thou livest, live shall we;

Own us evermore to be,

Dearest Friend, Thy loved brethren.

Jesus, here I live to Thee,

Yonder, too, eternally.

S. v. Birken, 1652; J. A. Rimbach, tr., a.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8

Come, follow Me, the Savior spake,

All in My way abiding;

Deny yourselves, the world forsake,

Obey My call and guiding;

O bear the cross, whate’er betide,

Take My example for your guide.

2. I am the Light, I light the way,

A virtuous life displaying;

Who comes to Me and follows, aye,

I lead from his dark straying.

I am the Way, and well I show

How men should sojourn here below.

3. My heart in lowliness abounds,

My soul with love is glowing,

And from My mouth are words and sounds

Of meekness overflowing.

My heart, My mind, My strength, My all

To God I yield, on Him I call.

4. I teach you to avoid and flee

What harms your soul’s salvation,

Your heart to purify and free

From sin’s abomination.

Your Rock and Fortress e’er am I

And lead you to the life on high.

5. But if too hot you find the fray,

I, at your side, stand ready;

I fight Myself, I lead the way,

At all times firm and steady.

A coward he who will not heed

When the chief Captain takes the lead.

6. Who seeks to find his soul’s welfare

Without Me, he shall lose it;

But who to lose it may appear,

In God shall introduce it.

Who bears no cross nor follows hard,

Deserves not Me nor My reward.

7. Then let us follow our dear Lord,

And bear the cross appointed

And, bravely cleaving to His Word,

In suffering be undaunted.

Who has not stood the battle’s strain

The crown of life shall ne’er obtain.

J. Scheffler, 1668; C. W. Schaeffer, tr., a.

8, 7, 8 l

Jesus, I my cross have taken,

All to leave and follow Thee;

Destitute, despised, forsaken,

Thou from hence my All shalt be.

Perish every fond ambition,

All I’ve sought or hoped or known;

Yet how rich is my condition!

God and heaven are still my own.

2. Let the world despise and leave me,

They have left my Savior too;

Human hearts and looks deceive me,

Thou art not, like them, untrue.

And while Thou shalt smile upon me,

God of wisdom, love, and might,

Foes may hate and friends may shun me;

Show Thy face, and all is bright.

3. Go, then, earthly fame and treasure!

Come, disaster, scorn, and pain!

In Thy service, pain is pleasure;

With Thy favor, loss is gain.

I have called Thee Abba, Father!

I have stayed my heart on Thee;

Storms may howl, and clouds may gather,

All must work for good to me.

4. Man may trouble and distress me,

’Twill but drive me to Thy breast;

Life with trials hard may press me,

Heaven will bring me sweeter rest.

Oh, ’tis not in grief to harm me

While Thy love is left to me!

Oh, ’twere not in joy to charm me

Were that joy unmixed with Thee.

5. Take, my soul, thy full salvation;

Rise o’er sin and fear and care,

Joy to find in every station,

Something still to do or bear.

Think what Spirit dwells within thee,

What a Father’s smile is thine,

What a Savior died to win thee,—

Child of heaven, shouldst thou repine?

6. Haste, then, on from grace to glory,

Armed by faith and winged by prayer;

Heaven’s eternal day’s before thee,

God’s own hand shall guide thee there.

Soon shall close thy earthly mission,

Swift shall pass thy pilgrim days,

Hope soon change to glad fruition,

Faith to sight and prayer to praise.

H. F. Lyte, 1824.

8, 7, 8 l

Holy Father! Thou hast taught me

I should live to Thee alone;

Year by year Thy hand hath brought me

On through dangers oft unknown.

When I wandered, Thou hast found me;

When I doubted, sent me light;

Still Thine arm has been around me,

All my paths were in Thy sight.

2. In the world will foes assail me,

Crafty, stronger far than I;

And the strife will never fail me,

Well I know, before I die.

Therefore, Lord, I come, believing

Thou canst give the power I need,

Through the prayer of faith receiving

Strength, the Spirit’s strength, indeed.

3. I would trust in Thy protecting,

Wholly rest upon Thine arm,

Follow wholly Thy directing,

Thou mine only Guard from harm!

Keep me from mine own undoing,

Help me turn to Thee when tried;

Still my footsteps, Father, viewing,

Keep me ever at Thy side.

J. M. Neale, 1842, a.

6, 4, 6, 4, 6, 6, 6, 4

Savior, I follow on,

Guided by Thee,

Seeing not yet the hand

That leadeth me.

Hushed be my heart and still,

Fear I no further ill,

Only to meet Thy will

My will shall be.

2. Riven the rock for me

Thirst to relieve,

Manna from heaven falls

Fresh every eve;

Never a want severe

Causeth my eye a tear

But Thou dost whisper near,

“Only believe!”

3. Often to Marah’s brink

Have I been brought;

Shrinking the cup to drink,

Help I have sought;

And with the prayer’s ascent

Jesus the branch hath rent,

Quickly relief hath sent,

Sweetening the draught.

4. Savior, I long to walk

Closer with Thee;

Led by Thy guiding hand,

Ever to be

Constantly near Thy side,

Quickened and purified,

Living for Him who died

Freely for me.

C. S. Robinson, 1862.

S. M. 8 l

O Thou who wouldst not have

One wretched sinner die,

Who diedst Thyself my soul to save

From endless misery,

Teach me my course to run,

While yet I sojourn here,

That when Thou comest on Thy throne

I may with joy appear.

2. Thou art Thyself the Way,

Thyself in me reveal;

So shall I pass my life’s short day

Obedient to Thy will;

So shall I love my God

Because He first loved me,

And praise Thee in Thy bright abode

Through all eternity.

Charles Wesley, 1749, a.

8, 8, 6, 8, 8, 6 (C. P. M.)

May we Thy precepts, Lord, fulfil

And do on earth our Father’s will

As angels do above;

Still walk in Christ, the living Way,

With all Thy children and obey

The law of Christian love.

2. So may we join Thy name to bless,

Thy grace adore, Thy power confess,

From sin and strife to flee.

One is our calling, one our name,

The end of all our hopes the same,

A crown of life with Thee.

3. Spirit of Life, of Love and Peace,

Unite our hearts, our joy increase,

Thy gracious help supply.

To each of us the blessing give

In Christian fellowship to live,

In joyful hope to die.

Edward Osler, 1836, a.

8, 7, 8, 7, 4, 7

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,

Pilgrim through this barren land;

I am weak, but Thou art mighty,

Hold me with Thy powerful hand:

Bread of heaven,

Feed me till I want no more!

2. Open now the crystal fountain

Whence the healing streams do flow,

Let the fiery, cloudy pillar

Lead me all my journey through:

Strong Deliverer,

Be Thou still my Strength and Shield!

3. When I tread the verge of Jordan,

Bid my anxious fears subside;

Death of death and hell’s Destruction,

Land me safe on Canaan’s side:

Songs of praises

I will ever give to Thee.

Wm. Williams, 1745; P. Williams, tr., 1771.

S. M.

The man is ever blest

Who shuns the sinners’ ways,

Among their counsels never stands,

Nor takes the scorners’ place;

2. But makes the Law of God

His study and delight

Amid the labors of the day

And watches of the night.

3. He like a tree shall thrive,

With waters near the root;

Fresh as the leaf his name shall live,

His works are heavenly fruit.

4. Not so th’ ungodly race,

They no such blessings find;

Their hopes shall flee like empty chaff

Before the driving wind.

5. How will they bear to stand

Before that judgment-seat

Where all the saints at Christ’s right hand

In full assembly meet?

6. He knows and He approves

The way the righteous go;

But sinners and their works shall meet

A dreadful overthrow.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

C. M.

O that the Lord would guide my ways

To keep His statutes still!

O that my God would grant me grace

To know and do His will!

2. Order my footsteps by Thy Word

And make my heart sincere;

Let sin have no dominion, Lord,

But keep my conscience clear.

3. Assist my soul, too apt to stray,

A stricter watch to keep;

And should I e’er forget Thy way,

Restore Thy wandering sheep.

4. Make me to walk in Thy commands,—

’Tis a delightful road,—

Nor let my head or heart or hands

Offend against my God.

Isaac Watts, 1719, a.

7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 8

God, from all eternity

In Thy Son Thou didst elect me;

Therefore, Father, graciously

In my course to heaven direct me;

Send to me Thy Holy Spirit

That His gifts I may inherit.

2. Though alive, I’m dead in sin,

To all good things lost by nature;

Holy Ghost, change me within,

Make of me a new-born creature;

For the flesh deserves damnation

And can never gain salvation.

3. Drive away the gloomy night

Of my sinful meditation;

Quench all thoughts that are not right,

Reason hold in limitation;

Grant that I from Thee with yearning

Wisdom always may be learning.

4. All desires and thoughts of mine,

From my youth, are only evil;

Save me by Thy power divine

From myself and from the devil;

Give me strength in ample measure,

Both to will and do Thy pleasure.

5. Such a heart create in me,

That in Thee, O God, believing,

At the base iniquity

Of my sins I may be grieving;

And when hours of woe betide me,

In the wounds of Jesus hide me.

6. As a branchlet in the Vine,

In my blessed Lord, implant me;

Ever of my Head divine

To remain a member grant me;

Oh, let Him, my Lord and Savior,

Be my Life and Love forever!

7. Faith and hope and charity

Graciously, O Father, give me;

Be my Guardian constantly

That no devil e’er may grieve me;

Grant me humbleness and gladness,

Peace and patience in my sadness.

8. Help me speak what’s right and just,

And keep silence on occasion;

Help me pray, Lord, as I must;

Help me bear my tribulation;

Help me die and let my spirit

Everlasting life inherit.

C. Neumann, 1680; A. Crull, tr.

6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6

How can I thank Thee, Lord,

For all Thy loving-kindness?

Thou hast so long a time

Had patience with my blindness

When dead in many sins

And trespasses I lay,

And kindled, holy God,

Thine anger every day.

2. Lord, Thou hast shown to me

Divine commiseration:

I persevered in sin,

But Thou in great compassion;

I did resist Thee, Lord,

Deferring to repent;

Thou didst defer Thy wrath

And instant punishment.

3. It is Thy work alone

That now I am converted,

Thy power o’er Satan’s work

In me Thou hast asserted;

Thy mercy, that doth reach

Unto the clouds, O Lord,

Did break my stony heart

By Thine almighty Word.

4. Though able to offend

Thee, Lord, by sin and failing,

Still to regain Thy grace

My strength was unavailing.

Though I could fall from grace

And choose the way of sin,

I had no strength to rise,

A new life to begin.

5. But Thou hast raised me up

And with divine compassion

Hast shown me, Lord, the way

That leadeth to salvation.

I thank Thee, Lord, that now

My former sins I hate

And freely—not from fear—

Dead works abominate.

6. That I may not backslide,

But life in heaven inherit,

Grant me, while here I live,

O Lord, Thy Holy Spirit

That He may give me strength

In mine infirmity

And e’er renew my heart

To serve Thee willingly.

7. O guide and lead me, Lord,

While here below I wander;

Grant that I follow Thee,

My Guide and my Commander.

For if I lead myself,

I soon am led astray;

But if Thou leadest me,

I do my duty aye.

8. O Father, God of Love,

Hear now my supplication!

Lord Jesus, Son of God,

O grant me Thy salvation!

And Thou, O Holy Ghost,

Always abide with me

That I may serve Thee here

And there eternally!

G. Gesenius, c. 1647; A. Crull, tr.

9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8

Soul, what return has God, thy Savior,

For all He gives thee day by day?

O hast thou in thy gift a favor

That can delight and please Him?—say!

The best of offerings He requires;

Give Him thy heart with its desires.

2. Give God His own if aught thou’rt giving;

Say, soul, to whom belongs thy heart?

Can Satan, he who hates the living,

Or any creature claim a part?—

To Thee alone I will assign,

O Lord, my heart and all that’s mine.

3. Accept the gift which Thou requirest,

The first-fruits of my heart, O God!

The offerings Thou so much desirest,

For which Thy Son paid with His blood.

To Thee alone I now resign

My heart, to be forever Thine.

4. Whom should I give my heart’s affection

But Thee, who givest Thine to faith?

Thy fervent love is my protection;

Lord, Thou hast loved me unto death.

My heart with Thine shall ever be

One heart throughout eternity.

C. F. Lochner, c. 1673.

6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6

O God, Thou faithful God,

Thou Fount that ever flowest,

Without whom nothing is,

Who all good gifts bestowest,

A pure and healthy frame

O give me and within

A conscience free from blame,

A soul unhurt by sin.

2. And grant me, Lord, to do,

With ready heart and willing,

Whate’er Thou shalt command,

My calling here fulfilling;

To do it when I ought,

With all my strength; and bless

The work I thus have wrought,

For Thou must give success.

3. O let me never speak

What bounds of truth exceedeth;

Grant that no idle word

From out my mouth proceedeth;

And grant, when in my place

I must and ought to speak,

My words due power and grace,

Nor let me wound the weak.

4. If dangers gather round,

Still keep me calm and fearless;

Help me to bear the cross

When life is dark and cheerless;

Let me subdue my foe

By words and actions kind;

When counsel I would know,

Good counsel let me find.

5. And let me with all men,

As far as in me lieth,

In peace and friendship live;

And if Thy gift supplieth

Me wealth and honor fair,

Then this refuse me not,

That naught be mingled there

Of goods unjustly got.

6. And if a longer life

Be here on earth decreed me,

And Thou through many a strife

To age at last wilt lead me,

Thy patience in me shed,

Avert all sin and shame,

And crown my hoary head

With pure, untarnished fame.

7. Let me depart this life

Confiding in my Savior;

Do Thou my soul receive,

That it may live forever;

And let my body have

A quiet resting-place

Beside a Christian’s grave;

And let it sleep in peace.

8. And on that solemn day

When all the dead are waking,

Stretch o’er my grave Thy hand,

Thyself my slumbers breaking;

Then let me hear Thy voice,

Change Thou this earthly frame,

And bid me aye rejoice

With those who love Thy name.

J. Heermann, 1630.

6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6

O God, forsake me not!

Thy gracious presence lend me;

Lead Thou Thy helpless child,

Thy Holy Spirit send me

That I my course may run.

Be Thou my Light, my Lot,

My Staff, my Rock, my Shield,—

O God, forsake me not!

2. O God, forsake me not!

Take not Thy Spirit from me

And suffer not the might

Of sin to overcome me;

Increase my feeble faith,

Which Thou Thyself hast wrought;

Be Thou my Strength and Power,—

O God, forsake me not!

3. O God, forsake me not!

Lord, hear my supplication!

In every evil hour

Help me o’ercome temptation;

And when the Prince of hell

My conscience seeks to blot,

Be Thou not far from me,—

O God, forsake me not!

4. O God, forsake me not!

Thy mercy I’m addressing;

O Father, God of Love,

Grant me Thy heavenly blessing

To do the duty which

To me Thou didst allot,

To do what pleaseth Thee,—

O God, forsake me not!

5. O God, forsake me not!

Lord, I am Thine forever.

Grant me true faith in Thee;

Grant that I leave Thee never;

Grant me a blessed end

When my good fight is fought,

Help me in life and death,—

O God, forsake me not!

S. Franck, † 1725; A. Crull, tr.

L. M. 6 l

O Love, who formedst me to wear

The image of Thy Godhead here;

Who soughtest me with tender care

Through all my wand’rings wild and drear,—

O Love, I give myself to Thee,

Thine ever, only Thine, to be.

2. O Love, who ere life’s earliest dawn

On me Thy choice hast gently laid;

O Love, who here as man wast born

And like to us in all things made,—

O Love, I give myself to Thee,

Thine ever, only Thine, to be.

3. O Love, who once in time wast slain,

Pierced through and through with bitter woe;

O Love, who, wrestling thus, didst gain

That we eternal joy might know,—

O Love, I give myself to Thee,

Thine ever, only Thine, to be.

4. O Love, of whom in truth and light,

The Word and Spirit, life and power,

Whose heart was bared to them that smite,

To shield us in our trial hour,—

O Love, I give myself to Thee,

Thine ever, only Thine, to be.

5. O Love, who thus hast bound me fast

Beneath that gentle yoke of Thine;

Love, who hast conquered me at last,

Enrapturing this heart of mine,—

O Love, I give myself to Thee,

Thine ever, only Thine, to be.

6. O Love, who lovest me for aye,

Who for my soul dost ever plead;

O Love, who didst my ransom pay,

Who for me e’er dost intercede,—

O Love, I give myself to Thee,

Thine ever, only Thine, to be.

7. O Love, who once shalt bid me rise

From out this dying life of ours;

O Love, who once above yon skies

Shalt set me in the fadeless bowers,—

O Love, I give myself to Thee,

Thine ever, only Thine, to be.

J. Scheffler, 1657; C. Winkworth, tr., a., 1858.

9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 6

Thee will I love, my Strength, my Tower,

Thee will I love, my Hope, my Joy,

Thee will I love with all my power,

With ardor time shall ne’er destroy.

Thee will I love, O Light Divine,

So long as life is mine.

2. Thee will I love, my Life, my Savior,

Who art my best and truest Friend;

Thee will I love and praise forever,

For never shall Thy kindness end;

Thee will I love with all my heart,

For Thou my Bridegroom art.

3. Alas! that I so late have known Thee,

Who art the Fairest and the Best,

Nor sooner for my Lord could own Thee,

Our highest Good, our only Rest!

Now bitter shame and grief I prove

O’er this my tardy love.

4. I wandered long in willing blindness;

I sought Thee, but I found Thee not;

For still I shunned Thy beams of kindness,

The creature-light filled all my thought.

And if at last I see Thee now,

’Twas Thou to me didst bow!

5. I thank Thee, Jesus, Sun from heaven,

Whose shining hath brought light to me;

I thank Thee, who hast richly given

All that could make me glad and free;

I thank Thee that my soul is healed

By what Thy lips revealed.

6. O keep me watchful, then, and humble

And suffer me no more to stray;

Uphold me when my feet would stumble,

Nor let me loiter by the way;

Fill all my nature with Thy light,

O Radiance strong and bright!

7. O teach me, Lord, to love Thee truly

With soul and body, head and heart,

And grant me grace that I may duly

Practise fore’er love’s sacred art;

Grant that my every thought may be

Directed e’er to Thee.

8. Thee will I love, my Crown of gladness,

Thee will I love, my God and Lord,

Amid the darkest depths of sadness,

Not for the hope of high reward,

For Thine own sake, O Light Divine,

So long as life is mine.

J. Scheffler, 1657; C. Winkworth, tr., a., 1863.

L. M.

Renew me, O eternal Light,

And let my heart and soul be bright,

Illumined with the light of grace,

That issues from Thy holy face.

2. Destroy in me the lust of sin,

From all impureness make me clean;

O grant me power and strength, my God,

To strive against my flesh and blood.

3. Create in me a new heart, Lord,

That gladly I obey Thy Word

And naught but what Thou wilt, desire;

With such new life my soul inspire.

4. Grant that I only Thee may love

And seek those things which are above,

Till I behold Thee face to face,

O Light eternal, through Thy grace.

J. F. Ruopp, 1704; A. Crull, tr.

6, 6, 4, 6, 6, 6, 4

My faith looks up to Thee,

Thou Lamb of Calvary,

Savior divine!

Now hear me while I pray;

Take all my guilt away;

O let me from this day

Be wholly Thine!

2. May Thy rich grace impart

Strength to my fainting heart,

My zeal inspire.

As Thou hast died for me,

Oh, may my love to Thee

Pure, warm, and changeless be,

A living fire!

3. While life’s dark maze I tread

And griefs around me spread,

Be Thou my Guide.

Bid darkness turn to day,

Wipe sorrow’s tears away,

Nor let me ever stray

From Thee aside.

4. When ends life’s transient dream,

When death’s cold, sullen stream

Shall o’er me roll,

Blest Savior, then, in love,

Fear and distrust remove;

Oh, bear me safe above,

A ransomed soul!

Ray Palmer, 1830.

6s 6 l

Thy life was giv’n for me,

Thy blood, O Lord, was shed,

That I might ransomed be

And quickened from the dead.

Thy life was giv’n for me:

What have I giv’n for Thee?

2. Thy Father’s home of light.

Thy rainbow-circled throne,

Were left for earthly night,

For wanderings sad and lone.

Yea, all was left for me:

Have I left aught for Thee?

3. And Thou hast brought to me,

Down from Thy home above,

Salvation full and free,

Thy pardon and Thy love.

Great gifts Thou broughtest me:

What have I brought to Thee?

4. Oh, let my life be given,

My years for Thee be spent,

World’s fetters all be riven,

And pain with joy be blent!

Thou gavest Thyself for me;

I give myself to Thee.

F. R. Havergal, 1858, abr. and a.

6, 4, 6, 4, 6, 6, 6, 4

Savior, Thy dying love

Thou gavest me;

Nor should I aught withhold,

Dear Lord, from Thee.

In love my soul would bow,

My heart fulfil its vow,

Some off’ring bring Thee now,

Something for Thee.

2. O’er the blest mercy-seat,

Pleading for me,

My feeble faith looks up,

Jesus, to Thee.

Help me the cross to bear,

Thy wondrous love declare,

Some song to raise or pray’r,

Something for Thee.

3. Give me a faithful heart—

Likeness to Thee—

That each departing day

Henceforth may see

Some work of love begun,

Some deed of kindness done,

Some wand’rer sought and won,

Something for Thee.

4. All that I am and have—

Thy gifts so free—

In joy, in grief, through life,

Dear Lord, for Thee!

And when Thy face I see,

My ransomed soul shall be

Through all eternity

Something for Thee.

S. D. Phelps, 1867.

C. M.

O for a faith that will not shrink,

Though pressed by many a foe;

That will not tremble on the brink

Of poverty or woe;

2. That will not murmur nor complain

Beneath the chastening rod,

But in the hour of grief or pain

Can lean upon its God;

3. A faith that shines more bright and clear

When tempests rage without;

That, when in danger, knows no fear,

In darkness feels no doubt;

4. That bears unmoved the world’s dread frown

Nor heeds its scornful smile;

That sin’s wild ocean cannot drown,

Nor Satan’s arts beguile;

5. A faith that keeps the narrow way

Till life’s last hour is fled

And with a pure and heavenly ray

Lights up a dying bed.

6. Lord, give us such a faith as this,

And then, whate’er may come,

We’ll taste, e’en here, the hallowed bliss

Of an eternal home.

W. H. Bathhurst, 1830, a.

7s

Take my life and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;

Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love;

Take my feet and let them be

Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3. Take my voice and let me sing

Always, only, for my King;

Take my lips and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,

Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my intellect and use

Every power as Thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,

It shall be no longer mine;

Take my heart, it is Thine own,

It shall be Thy royal throne.

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour

At Thy feet its treasure-store;

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for Thee.

F. R. Havergal, 1874.

7, 7, 7, 5

Jesus, Shepherd of the sheep,

Who Thy Father’s flock dost keep,

Safe we wake and safe we sleep

Guarded still by Thee.

2. In Thy promise firm we stand,

None can pluck us from Thy hand,

Speak—we hear—at Thy command

We will follow Thee.

3. By Thy blood our souls were bought,

By Thy life salvation wrought,

By Thy light our feet are taught,

Lord, to follow Thee.

4. Father, draw us to Thy Son;

We with joy will follow on

Till the work of grace is done

And, from sin set free,

5. We, in robes of glory dressed,

Join th’ assembly of the blest,

Gathered to eternal rest

In the fold with Thee.

Henry Cook, 1868.

8, 8, 8, 4

O Lord of heaven and earth and sea,

To Thee all praise and glory be;

How shall we show our love to Thee,

Who givest all?

2. Thou didst not spare Thine only Son,

But gav’st Him for a world undone,

And freely with that Blessed One

Thou givest all.

3. Thou giv’st the Spirit’s holy dower,

Spirit of Life and Love and Power,

And dost His sevenfold graces shower

Upon us all.

4. For souls redeemed, for sins forgiven,

For means of grace and hopes of heaven,

What can to Thee, O Lord, be given,

Who givest all?

5. We lose what on ourselves we spend;

We have, as treasure without end,

Whatever, Lord, to Thee we lend,

Who givest all.

6. Whatever, Lord, we lend to Thee

Repaid a thousandfold will be;

Then gladly will we give to Thee,

Who givest all.

C. Wordsworth, abr., 1863.

8, 7, 8 l

Lord of Glory, Thou hast bought us

With Thy life-blood as the price,

Never grudging for the lost ones

That tremendous sacrifice;

And with that hast freely given

Blessings countless as the sand,

To th’ unthankful and the evil

With Thine own unsparing hand.

2. Grant us hearts, dear Lord, to yield Thee,

Gladly, freely, of Thine own;

With the sunshine of Thy goodness

Melt our thankless hearts of stone,

Till our cold and selfish natures,

Warmed by Thee, at length believe

That more happy and more blessed

’Tis to give than to receive.

3. Wondrous honor hast Thou given

To our humblest charity

In Thine own mysterious sentence,

“Ye have done it unto Me.”

Can it be, O gracious Master,

Thou dost deign for alms to sue,

Saying by Thy poor and needy,

“Give as I have given to you”?

4. Lord of Glory, who hast bought us

With Thy life-blood as the price,

Never grudging for the lost ones

That tremendous sacrifice,

Give us faith to trust Thee boldly,

Hope, to stay our souls on Thee;

But oh! best of all Thy graces,

Give us Thine own charity.

E. S. Alderson, 1868, abr.

C. M.

Lord, lead the way the Savior went,

By lane and cell obscure,

And let love’s treasures still be spent,

Like His, upon the poor.

2. Like Him through scenes of deep distress,

Who bore the world’s sad weight,

We, in their crowded loneliness,

Would seek the desolate.

3. For Thou hast placed us side by side

In this wide world of ill,

And that Thy followers may be tried,

The poor are with us still.

4. Mean are all offerings we can make,

But Thou hast taught us, Lord,

If given for the Savior’s sake,

They lose not their reward.

W. Crosswell, 1831.

L. M.

Almighty Father, heav’n and earth

With lavish wealth before Thee bow;

Those treasures owe to Thee their birth,

Creator, Ruler, Giver, Thou.

2. The wealth of earth, of sky, of sea,

The gold, the silver, sparkling gem,

The waving corn, the bending tree,

Are Thine; to us Thou lendest them.

3. To Thee, as early morning’s dew,

Our praises, alms, and prayer shall rise,

As rose, when joyous earth was new,

Faith’s patriarchal sacrifice.

4. We, Lord, would lay, at Thy behest,

The costliest offerings on Thy shrine;

But when we give, and give our best,

We only give Thee what is Thine.

5. O Father, whence all blessings come,

O Son, Dispenser of God’s store,

O Spirit, bear our offerings home;

Lord, make them Thine forevermore.

E. A. Dayman, 1868.

S. M.

We give Thee but Thine own,

Whate’er the gift may be;

All that we have is Thine alone,

A trust, O Lord, from Thee.

2. May we Thy bounties thus

As stewards true receive

And gladly, as Thou blessest us,

To Thee our first-fruits give!

3. To comfort and to bless,

To find a balm for woe,

To tend the lone and fatherless—

Is angels’ work below.

4. The captive to release,

To God the lost to bring,

To teach the way of life and peace—

It is a Christlike thing.

5. And we believe Thy Word,

Though dim our faith may be.

Whate’er for Thine we do, O Lord,

We do it unto Thee.

W. W. How, 1858, abr.

8, 8, 8, 6

O God of mercy, God of might,

In love and pity infinite,

Teach us, as ever in Thy sight,

To live our life to Thee.

2. And Thou, who cam’st on earth to die

That fallen man might live thereby,

O hear us, for to Thee we cry,

In hope, O Lord, to Thee.

3. Teach us the lesson Thou hast taught,

To feel for those Thy blood hath bought,

That every word and deed and thought

May work a work for Thee.

4. For all are brethren, far and wide,

Since Thou, O Lord, for all hast died;

Then teach us, whatsoe’er betide,

To love them all in Thee.

5. In sickness, sorrow, want, or care,

Whate’er it be, ’tis ours to share;

May we, where help is needed, there

Give help as unto Thee!

6. And may Thy Holy Spirit move

All those who live to live in love,

Till Thou shalt greet in heaven above

All those who give to Thee.

G. Thring, 1879.

8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

All depends on our possessing

God’s free love and grace and blessing,

Though all earthly wealth depart;

He who God for his hath taken

Mid the changing world unshaken

Keeps a free, heroic heart.

2. He who hitherto hath fed me

And to many a joy hath led me

Is and ever shall be mine;

He who did so gently school me,

He who still doth guide and rule me,

Will not leave me now to pine.

3. Shall I weary me with fretting

O’er vain trifles and regretting

Things that never can remain?

I will strive but that to win me

Which can shed true rest within me,

Rest the world must seek in vain.

4. When my heart with longing sickens,

Hope again my courage quickens,

For my wish shall be fulfilled.

If it please His will most tender,

Soul and body I surrender

Unto Him on whom I build.

5. Well He knows how best to grant me

All the longing hopes that haunt me;

All things have their proper day.

I would dictate to Him never;

As God wills, so be it ever;

When He wills, I will obey.

6. If on earth He bids me linger,

He will guide me with His finger

Through the years that now look dim.

All that earth has fleets and changes,

As a river onward ranges,

But I rest in peace on Him.

Anon., 1673; C. Winkworth, tr., a., 1858.

C. M.

O God of Jacob, by whose hand

Thy people still are fed;

Who through this weary pilgrimage

Hast all our fathers led;

2. To Thee our humble vows we raise,

To Thee address our prayer

And in Thy kind and faithful breast

Deposit all our care.

3. Through each perplexing path of life

Our wandering footsteps guide;

Give us each day our daily bread

And raiment fit provide.

4. O spread Thy covering wings around

Till all our wanderings cease

And at our Father’s loved abode

Our souls arrive in peace.

5. To Thee, as to our covenant God,

We’ll our whole selves resign

And thankful own that all we are,

And all we have, is Thine.

Philip Doddridge, 1737, a.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 4, 6, 8

Lord, hear the voice of my complaint,

To Thee I now commend me,

Let not my heart and hope grow faint,

But deign Thy grace to send me.

True faith from Thee, my God, I seek,

The faith that loves Thee solely,

Keeps me lowly

And prompt to aid the weak,

And mark each word that Thou dost speak.

2. Yet more from Thee I dare to claim,

Whose goodness is unbounded;

O let me ne’er be put to shame,

My hope be ne’er confounded,

But e’en in death still find Thee true,

And in that hour, else lonely,

Trust Thee only,

Not aught that I can do;

For such false trust I sore should rue.

3. O grant that from my very heart

My foes be all forgiven;

Forgive my sins and heal their smart

And grant new life from heaven.

Thy Word, that blessed food, bestow,

Which best the soul can nourish;

Make it flourish

Through all the storms of woe

That else my faith might overthrow.

4. Then be the world my foe or friend,

Keep me to her a stranger,

Thy steadfast follower to the end,

Through pleasure and through danger;

From Thee alone comes such high grace,

No works of ours obtain it

Or can gain it;

Our pride hath here no place—

This Thy free promise we embrace.

5. Help me, for I am weak; I fight,

Yet scarce can battle longer;

I cling but to Thy grace and might,

’Tis Thou canst make me stronger;

When sore temptations are my lot

And tempests round me lower,

Break the power:

So, through deliverance wrought,

I know that Thou forsak’st me not.

J. Agricola, 1531; C. Winkworth, 1863, a.

8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 4, 8, 8

O Lord, I love Thee from my heart;

I pray Thee, ne’er from me depart,

With tender mercy cheer me;

I scorn the richest earthly lot,

E’en heaven and earth attract me not,

If only Thou be near me.

Yea, though my heart be like to break,

Thou shalt my Trust that naught can shake,

My Portion and my Comfort be,

Who by Thy blood hast purchased me,

Lord Jesus Christ!

My God and Lord, my God and Lord!

Forsake me not who trust Thy Word.

2. Yea, Lord, ’twas Thy free bounty gave

My body, soul, and what I have

In this poor life of labor;

O grant that I may through Thy grace

Use all my powers to show Thy praise

And serve and help my neighbor.

From all false doctrine keep me, Lord,

From Satan’s lies and malice ward,

In every cross uphold Thou me

That I may bear it patiently.

Lord Jesus Christ!

My God and Lord, my God and Lord!

In death Thy comfort still afford.

3. Ah! Lord, let Thy dear angels come

At my last end to bear me home,

That I may die unfearing;

And in its narrow chamber keep

My body safe in painless sleep

Until Thy reappearing;

And then from death awaken me

That these mine eyes with joy may see,

O Son of God, Thy glorious face,

My Savior and my Fount of grace.

Lord Jesus Christ!

My prayer attend, my prayer attend,

And I will praise Thee without end.

M. Schalling, c. 1567.

C. M.

The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want;

He makes me down to lie

In pastures green; He leadeth me

The quiet waters by.

2. My soul He doth restore again

And me to walk doth make

Within the path of righteousness,

E’en for His own name’s sake.

3. Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,

Yet will I fear no ill;

For Thou art with me, and Thy rod

And staff me comfort still.

4. My table Thou hast furnishèd

In presence of my foes,

My head Thou dost with oil anoint,

And my cup overflows.

5. Goodness and mercy, all my life,

Shall surely follow me;

And in God’s house forevermore

My dwelling-place shall be.

F. Rous, 1643.

C. M.

When I can read my title clear

To mansions in the skies,

I bid farewell to every fear

And wipe my weeping eyes.

2. Should earth against my soul engage

And hellish darts be hurled,

Then I can smile at Satan’s rage

And face a frowning world.

3. Let cares like a wild deluge come

And storms of sorrow fall,

May I but safely reach my home,

My God, my heaven, my all!

4. There shall I bathe my weary soul

In seas of heavenly rest

And not a wave of trouble roll

Across my peaceful breast.

Isaac Watts, 1707.

S. M.

My spirit on Thy care,

Blest Savior, I recline;

Thou wilt not leave me to despair,

For Thou art Love divine.

2. In Thee I place my trust,

On Thee I calmly rest;

I know Thee good, I know Thee just,

And count Thy choice the best.

3. Whate’er events betide,

Thy will they all perform;

Safe in Thy breast my head I hide

Nor fear the coming storm.

4. Let good or ill befall,

It must be good for me;

Secure of having Thee in all,

Of having all in Thee.

H. F. Lyte, 1834.

8, 5, 8, 3

I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,

Trusting only Thee;

Trusting Thee for full salvation,

Great and free.

2. I am trusting Thee for pardon,

At Thy feet I bow;

For Thy grace and tender mercy,

Trusting now.

3. I am trusting Thee for cleansing

In the crimson flood;

Trusting Thee to make me holy

By Thy blood.

4. I am trusting Thee to guide me;

Thou alone shalt lead,

Every day and hour supplying

All my need.

5. I am trusting Thee for power,

Thine can never fail;

Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me

Must prevail.

6. I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,

Never let me fall;

I am trusting Thee forever

And for all.

F. R. Havergal, 1874.

7, 6, 8 l

To Thee, O dear, dear Savior,

My spirit turns for rest,

My peace is in Thy favor,

My pillow on Thy breast;

Though all the world deceive me,

I know that I am Thine,

And Thou wilt never leave me,

O blessed Savior mine.

2. In Thee my trust abideth,

On Thee my hope relies,

O Thou whose love provideth

For all beneath the skies;

O Thou whose mercy found me,

From bondage set me free,

And then forever bound me

With threefold cords to Thee.

3. My grief is in the dulness

With which this sluggish heart

Doth open to the fulness

Of all Thou wouldst impart;

My joy is in Thy beauty

Of holiness divine,

My comfort in the duty

That binds my life in Thine.

4. Alas, that I should ever

Have failed in love to Thee,

The only One who never

Forgot or slighted me!

Oh, for a heart to love Thee

More truly as I ought

And nothing place above Thee

In deed or word or thought!

5. Oh, for that choicest blessing

Of living in Thy love

And thus on earth possessing

The peace of heaven above!

Oh, for the bliss that by it

The soul securely knows

The holy calm and quiet

Of faith’s serene repose!

J. S. B. Monsell, 1863.

8, 8, 6, 8, 8, 6 (C. P. M.)

Where’er I go, whate’er my task,

The counsel of my God I ask,

Who ruleth all things right;

Unless He give both thought and deed,

The utmost pains can ne’er succeed,

And vain must be man’s might.

2. For what can all my toil avail?

My care, my watching,—all must fail

Unless my God is there.

Then let Him order all for me

As in His will He shall decree;

On Him I cast my care.

3. For naught can come, as naught has been,

But what my Father has foreseen

And what shall work my good.

Whate’er He gives me I will take,

Whate’er He chooses I will make

My choice with thankful mood.

4. I lean upon His mighty arm,

Which shieldeth me from every harm

And all calamity.

If in His precepts I shall live,

Whate’er is useful He will give;

And naught can injure me.

5. But only may He of His grace

The record of my guilt efface

And wipe out all my debt;

Though I have sinned, He will not straight

Pronounce His judgment, He will wait,

Have patience with me yet.

6. I travel to a distant land

To serve the post wherein I stand,

Which He hath bid me fill;

And He will bless me with His light

That I may serve His world aright

And make me know His will.

7. And though through desert wilds I fare,

Yet Jesus Christ is with me there,

The Lord Himself is near;

In all my dangers He will come,

And He who kept me safe at home

Can keep me safely here.

8. Yes, He will speed me on my way

And point me where to go and stay

And help me still and lead;

Let me in health and safety live

And time and wind and weather give

And whatsoe’er I need.

9. His holy angel being near,

My enemies I need not fear,

For He protects me well;

I owe it to my faithful Guide,

Who never yet hath left my side,

That I in peace may dwell.

10. When late at night my sleep I take,

When early in the morn I wake,

At rest, or on my way,

In hours of weakness or in bonds,

When, vexed with fears, my heart desponds,

God’s Word is e’er my stay.

11. Since, then, my course is traced by Him,

I will not fear that future dim,

But go, whate’er befall,

Well knowing naught awaits me there

Too hard for me through Him to bear;

With Him I’ll conquer all.

12. To Him myself I wholly give,

At His command I die or live,

I trust His love and power;

And if to-morrow or to-day

His summons come, I will obey,

He knows the proper hour.

13. But if it please that Love most kind,

And if this voice within my mind

Be whispering not in vain,

I yet shall praise my God ere long

In many a sweet and joyful song

When in my home again.

14. To those I love will He be near,

With His consoling light appear,

Who is my Shield and theirs;

And He will grant beyond our thought

What they and I alike have sought

With tears and fervent prayers.

Paul Fleming, 1642; C. Winkworth, tr., 1858, a.

S. M.

Jesus, my Truth, my Way,

My sure unerring Light,

On Thee my feeble soul I stay,

Which Thou wilt lead aright.

2. My Wisdom and my Guide,

My Counselor Thou art;

O let me never leave Thy side

Nor from Thy paths depart!

3. Thou seest my feebleness;

Jesus, be Thou my Power,

My Help and Refuge in distress,

My Fortress and my Tower.

4. Give me to trust in Thee;

Be Thou my sure Abode;

My Horn and Rock and Buckler be,

My Savior and my God.

5. Myself I cannot save,

Myself I cannot keep;

But strength in Thee I surely have,

Whose eyelids never sleep.

6. My soul to Thee alone

Now, therefore, I commend.

Thou, Jesus, having loved Thine own,

Wilt love me to the end!

Charles Wesley, 1749.

S. M.

The Lord my Shepherd is,

I shall be well supplied:

Since He is mine and I am His,

What can I want beside?

2. He leads me to the place

Where heavenly pasture grows,

Where living waters gently pass

And full salvation flows.

3. If e’er I go astray,

He doth my soul reclaim

And guides me in His own right way

For His most holy name.

4. While He affords His aid,

I cannot yield to fear;

Though I should walk through death’s dark shade,

My Shepherd’s with me there.

5. The bounties of Thy love

Shall crown my following days;

Nor from Thy house will I remove

Nor cease to speak Thy praise.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

11s 4 l

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!

What more can He say than to you He hath said,

Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?

2. In every condition,—in sickness, in health,

In poverty’s vale or abounding in wealth,

At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,—

As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.

3. Fear not, I am with Thee, oh, be not dismayed;

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

4. When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;

For I will be with thee thy troubles to bless

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

5. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;

The flames shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

6. E’en down to old age all My people shall prove

My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;

And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,

Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.

7. The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose

I will not, I will not, desert to His foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I’ll never, no never, no never, forsake!

Keen, 1787.

L. M.

Fight the good fight with all thy might;

Christ is thy Strength and Christ thy Right.

Lay hold on life, and it shall be

Thy joy and crown eternally.

2. Run the straight race through God’s good grace,

Lift up thine eyes and seek His face;

Life with its way before us lies,

Christ is the Path and Christ the Prize.

3. Cast care aside; upon thy Guide

Lean, and His mercy will provide;

Lean, and the trusting soul shall prove

Christ is its Life and Christ its Love.

4. Faint not, nor fear, His arms are near;

He changeth not, and thou art dear;

Only believe, and thou shalt see

That Christ is all in all to thee.

J. S. B. Monsell, 1863.

7, 6, 8 l

Stand up!—stand up for Jesus!

Ye soldiers of the Cross;

Lift high His royal banner,

It must not suffer loss.

From victory unto victory

His army shall He lead,

Till every foe is vanquished

And Christ is Lord indeed.

2. Stand up!—stand up for Jesus!

The trumpet call obey;

Forth to the mighty conflict

In this His glorious day.

Ye that are men, now serve Him

Against unnumbered foes;

Let courage rise with danger

And strength to strength oppose.

3. Stand up!—stand up for Jesus!

Stand in His strength alone;

The arm of flesh will fail you,

Ye dare not trust your own.

Put on the Gospel armor,

Each piece put on with prayer;

Where duty calls or danger,

Be never wanting there.

4. Stand up!—stand up for Jesus!

The strife will not be long;

This day the noise of battle,

The next, the victor’s song.

To him that overcometh,

A crown of life shall be;

He with the King of Glory

Shall reign eternally.

G. Duffield, 1858.

C. M.

Am I a soldier of the Cross,

A follower of the Lamb?

And shall I fear to own His cause

Or blush to speak His name?

2. Must I be carried to the skies

On flowery beds of ease

While others fought to win the prize

And sailed through bloody seas?

3. Are there no foes for me to face?

Must I not stem the flood?

Is this vile world a friend to grace,

To help me on to God?

4. Sure I must fight if I would reign;

Increase my courage, Lord!

I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,

Supported by Thy Word.

5. Thy saints, in all this glorious war,

Shall conquer, though they die;

They see the triumph from afar

With faith’s discerning eye.

6. When that illustrious day shall rise

And all Thine armies shine

In robes of victory through the skies,

The glory shall be Thine.

Isaac Watts, 1709, a.

S. M.

My soul, be on thy guard;

Ten thousand foes arise,

And hosts of sin are pressing hard

To draw thee from the skies.

2. O watch and fight and pray,

The battle ne’er give o’er;

Renew it boldly every day

And help divine implore.

3. Ne’er think the victory won,

Nor lay thine armor down;

Thine arduous work will not be done

Till thou receive thy crown.

4. Fight on, my soul, till death

Shall bring thee to thy God;

He’ll take thee at thy parting breath

To His divine abode.

George Heath, 1781.

S. M.

Soldiers of Christ, arise

And put your armor on;

Strong in the strength which God supplies

Through His eternal Son.

2. Strong in the Lord of hosts

And in His mighty power.

Who in the strength of Jesus trusts

Is more than conqueror.

3. Stand, then, in His great might,

With all His strength endued;

But take, to arm you for the fight,

The panoply of God:

4. That, having all things done

And all your conflicts past,

Ye may o’ercome through Christ alone

And stand entire at last.

5. From strength to strength go on,

Wrestle and fight and pray;

Tread all the powers of darkness down

And win the well-fought day.

6. Still let the Spirit cry

In all His soldiers, “Come,”

Till Christ the Lord descends from high

And takes the conquerors home.

Charles Wesley, 1749.

7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6

Rise, my soul, to watch and pray,

From thy sleep awake thee,

Lest at last the evil day

Suddenly o’ertake thee;

For the Foe, Well we know,

Oft his harvest reapeth

While the Christian sleepeth.

2. But first rouse thee and awake

From secure indiff’rence;

Else will follow in its wake

Woe without deliv’rance.

O beware! Soul, take care!

Death in sins might find thee

Ere thou look behind thee.

3. Wake and watch, or else thy night

Christ can ne’er enlighten;

Far off still will seem the light

That thy path should brighten;

God demands Eyes and hands

Open for the offers

He so richly proffers.

4. Watch against the devil’s snares

Lest asleep he find thee;

For, indeed, no pains he spares

To deceive and blind thee;

Satan’s prey Oft are they

Who are soundly sleeping

And no good watch keeping.

5. Watch against the world that frowns

Darkly to dismay thee;

Watch when she thy wishes crowns,

Smiling to betray thee;

Watch and see Thou art free

From false friends that charm thee

While they seek to harm thee.

6. Watch against thyself, my soul;

See thou do not stifle

Grace that should thy thoughts control

Nor with mercy trifle.

Pride and sin Lurk within

All thy hopes to scatter;

List not when they flatter.

7. But while watching, also see

That thou pray unceasing;

For the Lord must make thee free,

Strength and faith increasing,

So to do Service true.

Let not sloth enslave thee;

Pray, and He will save thee.

8. Yea, indeed, He bids us pray,

Promising to hear us,

E’er to be our Staff and Stay,

Ever to be near us.

Ere we plead Will He heed,

Strengthen, keep, defend us,

And deliv’rance send us.

9. Courage, then, for all things must

Work for good and bless us,

If we but in prayerful trust

To His Son address us;

For He will Richly fill

And His Spirit send us,

Who to Him commend us.

10. Therefore let us watch and pray

Ever without ceasing,

For we know with every day

Dangers are increasing,

And the end Doth impend;

When the trumpet calleth,

Earth in ruins falleth.

J. B. Freystein, 1704.

S. M.

Ye servants of the Lord,

Each in his office wait,

Observant of His heavenly Word

And watchful at His gate.

2. Let all your lamps be bright

And trim the golden flame;

Gird up your loins, as in His sight,

For awful is His name.

3. Watch! ’tis your Lord’s command;

And while we speak, He’s near.

Mark the first signal of His hand

And ready all appear.

4. O happy servant he

In such a posture found!

He shall his Lord with rapture see

And be with honor crowned.

Philip Doddridge, 1755.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

Lord, as Thou wilt, deal Thou with me,

No other wish I cherish;

In life and death I cling to Thee,

O Lord, let me not perish!

Let but Thy grace ne’er from me part,

Else as Thou wilt; grant patient heart:

Thy will the best is ever.

2. Grant honor, truth, prosperity,

And love Thy Word to ponder;

False doctrines, Lord, keep far from me

And grant both here and yonder

What serves my everlasting bliss;

Preserve me from unrighteousness

In all my life and doings.

3. When at Thy summons I must leave

This world of sin and sadness,

Grant me Thy grace, Lord, not to grieve,

But to depart with gladness.

My spirit I commend to Thee;

O Lord, a blessed end give me

Through Jesus Christ;—yea. Amen.

C. Melissander, 1574.

6s 8 l

Thy way, not mine, O Lord,

However dark it be!

Lead me by Thine own hand,

Choose out my path for me.

I dare not choose my lot;

I would not if I might.

Choose Thou for me, my God,

So shall I walk aright.

2. The kingdom that I seek

Is Thine; so let the way

That leads to it be Thine,

Else I must surely stray.

Take Thou my cup and it

With joy or sorrow fill,

As best to Thee may seem;

Choose Thou my good and ill.

3. Choose Thou for me my friends,

My sickness or my health;

Choose Thou my cares for me,

My poverty or wealth.

Not mine, not mine, the choice,

In things or great or small;

Be Thou my Guide, my Strength,

My Wisdom and my All.

H. Bonar, 1857.

6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6

What is the world to me

And all its vaunted pleasure

When Thou, and Thou alone,

Lord Jesus, art my Treasure!

Thou only, dearest Lord,

My soul’s Delight shalt be;

Thou art my Peace, my Rest,—

What is the world to me!

2. The world is like the smoke,

A fleeting exhalation,

A shadow faint and dim,

Of very short duration.

My Jesus doth abide,

Though all things fade and flee;

My everlasting Rock,—

What is the world to me!

3. The world strives to be praised

And honored by the mighty

Nor will at all reflect

How frail they are and flighty.

But what I glory in

Above all things is He,

My Jesus, He alone,—

What is the world to me!

4. The world seeks after wealth,

And unto Mammon offers

Its all, content if gold

Is hoarded in its coffers.

I know a higher good,

Which e’er my joy shall be;

My Jesus is my Wealth,—

What is the world to me!

5. The world is sorely grieved

Whenever it is slighted,

As though an enemy

Its honor would have blighted.

Christ, I bear Thy reproach

While thus it pleaseth Thee!

I’m honored by my Lord,—

What is the world to me!

6. The world cannot extol

Too highly sinful pleasures

And foolishly resigns

For them the heavenly treasures.

Let others love the world

To please their vanity:

I love the Lord, my God,—

What is the world to me!

7. What is the world to me!

It rapidly must vanish;

With all its gorgeous pomp

Pale death it cannot banish;

Its riches pass away,

And all its joys must flee.

But Jesus doth abide,—

What is the world to me!

8. What is the world to me!

My Jesus is my Treasure,

My Life, my Wealth, my All,

My Friend, my Love, my Pleasure,

My heavenly Happiness

And Bliss eternally.

Once more, then, I would say,

What is the world to me!

G. M. Pfefferkorn, 1667; A. Crull, tr.

8, 8, 8, 4

My God, my Father, while I stray

Far from my home, on life’s rough way,

O teach me from my heart to say,

“Thy will be done!”

2. Though dark my path and sad my lot,

Let me be still and murmur not.

Or breathe the prayer divinely taught,

“Thy will be done!”

3. What though in lonely grief I sigh

For friends beloved, no longer nigh,

Submissive still would I reply,

“Thy will be done!”

4. Though Thou hast called me to resign

What most I prized, it ne’er was mine;

I have but yielded what was Thine:

“Thy will be done!”

5. Should grief or sickness waste away

My life in premature decay,

My Father, still I strive to say,

“Thy will be done!”

6. Let but my fainting heart be blest

With Thy sweet Spirit for its Guest;

My God, to Thee I leave the rest:

“Thy will be done!”

7. Renew my will from day to day;

Blend it with Thine and take away

All that now makes it hard to say,

“Thy will be done!”

8. Then, when on earth I breathe no more,

The prayer, oft mixed with tears before,

I’ll sing upon a happier shore,

“Thy will be done!”

Charlotte Elliott, 1834.

6s 8 l

My Jesus, as Thou wilt!

Oh, may Thy will be mine!

Into Thy hand of love

I would my all resign.

Through sorrow or through joy

Conduct me as Thine own

And help me still to say,

My Lord, Thy will be done.

2. My Jesus, as Thou wilt!

If needy here and poor,

Give me Thy people’s bread,

Their portion rich and sure.

The manna of Thy Word

Let my soul feed upon;

And if all else should fail,

My Lord, Thy will be done.

3. My Jesus, as Thou wilt!

Though seen through many a tear,

Let not my star of hope

Grow dim or disappear,

Since Thou on earth hast wept

And sorrowed oft alone.

If I must weep with Thee,

My Lord, Thy will be done.

4. My Jesus, as Thou wilt!

All shall be well for me;

Each changing future scene

I gladly trust with Thee.

Straight to my home above

I travel calmly on

And sing in life or death,

My Lord, Thy will be done.

B. Schmolck, † 1737; Jane Borthwick, tr., 1854.

S. M.

Blest be Thy love, dear Lord,

That taught us this sweet way

Only to love Thee for Thyself

And for that love obey.

2. O Thou, our soul’s chief Hope,

We to Thy mercy fly;

Where’er we are Thou canst protect,

Whate’er we need, supply.

3. Whether we sleep or wake,

To Thee we both resign;

The darkest night is as the day

If Thy light on us shine.

4. Whether we live or die,

Both we submit to Thee;

In death we live, as well as life,

If Thine in death we be.

John Austin, 1668.

C. M.

O Lord, my best desire fulfil

And help me to resign

Life, health, and comfort to Thy will

And make Thy pleasure mine.

2. Why should I shrink at Thy command,

Whose love forbids my fears,

Or tremble at the gracious hand

That wipes away my tears?

3. No, rather let me freely yield

What most I prize to Thee,

Who never hast a good withheld,

Nor wilt withhold, from me.

4. Thy favor, all my journey through,

Thou art engaged to grant;

What else I want, or think I do,

’Tis better still to want.

W. Cowper, 1779.

CATECHISM. — 390 — LAW. — 391 — 392 — CREED. — 393 — 394 — PRAYER. — 395 — 396 — 397 — 398 — 399 — BAPTISM. — 400 — 401 — 402 — 403 — 404 — 405 — 406 — 407 — CONFIRMATION. — 408 — 409 — 410 — 411 — 412 — CONFESSION. — 413 — 414 — 415 — 416 — 417 — 418 — 419 — 420 — 421 — 422 — 423 — ABSOLUTION. — 424 — 425 — 426 — THE LORD’S SUPPER. — 427 — 428 — 429 — 430 — 431 — 432 — 433 — 434 — 435 — 436 — 437 — 438 — 439 — 440 — 441 — HOME, MARRIAGE, CHILDREN. — 442 — 443 — 444 — 445 — 446 — 447 — 448 — 449

L. M.

Lord, grant that we e’er pure retain

The catechismal doctrine plain

As Luther taught the heavenly truth

In simple words to tender youth.

2. That we Thy holy Law may know

And mourn our sin and all its woe

And yet believe in Father, Son,

And Holy Spirit, Three in One.

3. That we on Thee, our Father, call,

Who canst and wilt give help to all;

That as Thy children we may live,

Whom Thou in Baptism didst receive.

4. That, if we fall, we rise again,

Repentingly confess our sin,

And take the Sacrament in faith.—

Amen. God grant a happy death!

L. Helmbold, 1577; M. Loy, tr.

8, 8, 8, 7, 4

That man a godly life might live,

God did these Ten Commandments give

By His true servant Moses, high

Upon the Mount Sinai.

Have mercy, Lord!

2. I am thy God and Lord alone,

No other god beside Me own;

Put thy whole confidence in Me

And love Me e’er cordially.

Have mercy, Lord!

3. By idle word and speech profane

Take not My holy name in vain

And praise but that as good and true

Which I Myself say and do.

Have mercy, Lord!

4. Hallow the day which God hath blest

That thou and all thy house may rest;

Keep hand and heart from labor free

That God may so work in thee.

Have mercy, Lord!

5. Give to thy parents honor due,

Be dutiful, and loving too,

And help them when their strength decays,

So shalt thou have length of days.

Have mercy, Lord!

6. In sinful wrath thou shalt not kill,

Nor hate, nor render ill for ill;

Be patient and of gentle mood,

And to thy foe do thou good.

Have mercy, Lord!

7. Be faithful to thy marriage vows,

Thy heart give only to thy spouse;

Thy life keep pure, and lest thou sin,

Use temp’rance and discipline.

Have mercy, Lord!

8. Steal not; all usury abhor

Nor wring their life-blood from the poor,

But open wide thy loving hand

To all the poor in the land.

Have mercy, Lord!

9. Bear not false witness nor belie

Thy neighbor by foul calumny;

Defend his innocence from blame;

With charity hide his shame.

Have mercy, Lord!

10. Thy neighbor’s house desire thou not,

His wife, nor aught that he hath got,

But wish that his such good may be

As thy heart doth wish for thee.

Have mercy, Lord!

11. God these commandments gave, therein

To show thee, child of man, thy sin

And make thee also well perceive

How man unto God should live.

Have mercy, Lord!

12. Help us, Lord Jesus Christ, for we

A Mediator have in Thee.

Our works cannot salvation gain;

They merit but endless pain.

Have mercy, Lord!

Martin Luther, 1524; R. Massie, tr., a.

8, 8, 8, 7, 4

Wilt thou, O man, live happily

And dwell with God eternally?

The Ten Commandments keep, for thus

Our God Himself biddeth us.

Have mercy, Lord!

2. I am thy Lord and God; take heed

Lest other gods do thee mislead.

Thy heart shall trust alone in Me;

Thou shalt My own kingdom be.

Have mercy, Lord!

3. Honor My name in word and deed

And call on Me in time of need.

Hallow the Sabbath that I may

Work in thy heart on that day.

Have mercy, Lord!

4. Obedient always, next to Me,

To father and to mother be.

Kill no man, but to wrath be slow.

Be true to thy marriage vow.

Have mercy, Lord!

5. Steal not nor do thy neighbor wrong

By bearing witness with false tongue.

Thy neighbor’s wife desire thou not

Nor grudge him aught he hath got.

Have mercy, Lord!

Martin Luther, 1525; R. Massie, tr., a.

8, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7

We all believe in one true God,

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

Present Helper in all need,

Praised by all the heavenly host,

By whose mighty power alone

All is made and wrought and done.

2. And we believe in Jesus Christ,

Son of God and Mary’s Son,

Who from heaven above came down

And leads us to heaven’s throne;

By whose blood and death are we

Rescued from all misery.

3. And we confess the Holy Ghost,

Who from both fore’er proceeds;

Who upholds and comforts us

In the midst of fears and needs.

Blest and holy Trinity,

Praise forever be to Thee!

T. Clausnitzer, † 1684.

8s 10 l

We all believe in one true God,

Maker of the earth and heaven,

The Father, who to us in love

Hath the claim of children given;

He in soul and body feeds us,

All we want His hand provides us,

Through all snares and perils leads us

Watches that no harm betides us;

He cares for us by day and night,

All things are governed by His might.

2. And we believe in Jesus Christ,

His own Son, our Lord, possessing

An equal Godhead, throne, and might,

Through whom comes the Father’s blessing:

Conceived of the Holy Spirit,

Born of Mary, virgin-mother,

That lost man might life inherit,

Made true man, our Elder Brother,

Was crucified for sinful men,

And raised by God to life again.

3. We in the Holy Ghost believe,

Who sweet grace and comfort giveth

And with the Father and the Son

In eternal glory liveth;

Who the Christian Church doth even

Keep in unity of spirit.

Sins are truly here forgiven

Through the blest Redeemer’s merit.

All flesh shall rise again, and we

Shall live with God eternally. Amen.

Martin Luther, 1525.

8, 7, 8 l

What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

Oh, what needless pain we bear,—

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

2. Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged,

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a Friend so faithful,

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness,—

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our Refuge,—

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer;

In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there.

Joseph Scriven, 1855.

L. M. 6 l

Our Father, Thou in heaven above,

Who biddest us to dwell in love,

As brothers of one family,

And cry for all we need to Thee:

Teach us to mean the words we say

And from our inmost heart to pray.

2. Thy name be hallowed! Help us, Lord,

To keep in purity Thy Word

And lead according to Thy name

A holy life, untouched by blame.

Let no false teachings do us hurt,

All poor, deluded souls convert.

3. Thy kingdom come! Thine let it be

In time and through eternity!

Oh, let Thy Holy Spirit dwell

With us to rule and guide us well.

From Satan’s mighty power and rage

Preserve Thy Church from age to age.

4. Thy will be done on earth, O Lord,

As where in heaven Thou art adored!

Patience in time of grief bestow,

Obedience in weal and woe;

Our sinful flesh and blood control

That thwart Thy will within the soul.

5. Give us this day our daily bread

And all that for this life we need;

From war and strife be our Defense,

From famine and from pestilence,

That we may live in godly peace,

Unvexed by cares and avarice.

6. Lord, all our trespasses forgive

That they our hearts no more may grieve,

As we forgive their trespasses

Who unto us have done amiss.

Thus let us dwell in charity

And serve each other willingly.

7. Into temptation lead us not;

And when the Foe doth war and plot

Against our souls on every hand,

Then, armed with faith, O may we stand

Against him as a valiant host,

Through comfort of the Holy Ghost.

8. From evil, Lord, deliver us;

The times and days are perilous.

Redeem us from eternal death;

And when we yield our dying breath,

Console us, grant us calm release,

And take our souls to Thee in peace.

9. Amen! that is, So let it be!

Confirm our faith continually

That we may doubt not, but believe

That what we ask we shall receive;

Thus in Thy name and at Thy word

We say: Amen; O hear us, Lord!

Martin Luther, 1539.

S. M.

Our heavenly Father, hear

The prayer we offer now;

Thy name be hallowed far and near,

To Thee all nations bow.

2. Thy kingdom come; Thy will

On earth be done in love,

As saints and seraphim fulfil

Thy holy will above.

3. Our daily bread supply

While by Thy word we live;

The guilt of our iniquity

Forgive as we forgive.

4. From dark temptation’s power,

From Satan’s wiles defend;

Deliver in the evil hour

And guide us to the end.

5. Thine shall forever be

Glory and power divine;

The scepter, throne, and majesty

Of heaven and earth are Thine.

James Montgomery, 1825.

C. M.

Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire,

Uttered or unexpressed;

The motion of a hidden fire

That trembles in the breast.

2. Prayer is the burden of a sigh,

The falling of a tear,

The upward glancing of an eye,

When none but God is near.

3. Prayer is the simplest form of speech

That infant lips can try;

Prayer the sublimest strains that reach

The Majesty on high.

4. Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice,

Returning from his ways,

While angels in their songs rejoice

And cry, “Behold, he prays!”

5. Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath.

The Christian’s native air,

His watchword at the gate of death,—

He enters heaven with prayer.

6. The saints in prayer appear as one

In word and deed and mind,

While with the Father and the Son

Sweet fellowship they find.

7. Nor prayer is made by man alone,—

The Holy Spirit pleads,

And Jesus on th’ eternal throne

For sinners intercedes.

8. O Thou, by whom we come to God,

The Life, the Truth, the Way,

The path of prayer Thyself hast trod,—

Lord, teach us how to pray!

James Montgomery, 1818.

C. M.

Approach, my soul, the mercy-seat,

Where Jesus answers prayer;

There humbly fall before His feet,

For none can perish there.

2. Thy promise is my only plea,

With this I venture nigh;

Thou callest burdened souls to Thee,

And such, O Lord, am I.

3. Bowed down beneath a load of sin,

By Satan sorely pressed,

By wars without and fears within,

I come to Thee for rest.

4. Be Thou my Shield and Hiding-place,

That, sheltered near Thy side,

I may my fierce Accuser face

And tell him Thou hast died.

5. O wondrous Love, to bleed and die,

To bear the cross and shame,

That guilty sinners such as I

Might plead Thy gracious name!

John Newton, 1779.

9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8

Baptized into Thy name most holy,

O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

I claim a place, though weak and lowly,

Among Thy seed, Thy chosen host.

Buried with Christ and dead to sin,

Thy Spirit now shall live within.

2. My loving Father, Thou dost take me

To be henceforth Thy child and heir;

My faithful Savior, Thou dost make me

The fruit of all Thy sorrows share;

Thou, Holy Ghost, wilt comfort me

When darkest clouds around I see.

3. And I have vowed to fear and love Thee

And to obey Thee, Lord, alone;

I felt Thy Holy Spirit move me

And freely pledged myself Thine own,

Renouncing sin to keep the faith

And war with evil unto death.

4. My faithful God, Thou failest never,

Thy covenant surely will abide;

O cast me not away forever

Should I transgress it on my side;

If I have sore my soul defiled,

Yet still forgive, restore Thy child.

5. Yea, all I am and love most dearly,

To Thee I offer new the whole;

O let me make my vows sincerely,

Take full possession of my soul;

Let naught within me, naught I own,

Serve any will but Thine alone.

6. Depart, depart, thou Prince of Darkness!

No more by thee I’ll be enticed.

Mine is indeed a tarnished conscience,

But sprinkled with the blood of Christ.

Away, vain world! O sin, away!

Lo! I renounce you all this day.

7. And never let my purpose falter,

O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

But keep me faithful to Thine altar

Till Thou shalt call me from my post;

So unto Thee I’ll live and die

And praise Thee evermore on high.

J. J. Rambach, † 1735; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7

To Jordan came our Lord, the Christ,

To do God’s pleasure willing,

And there was by Saint John baptized,

All righteousness fulfilling;

There did He consecrate a bath

To wash away transgression

And quench the bitterness of death

By His own blood and Passion,

He would a new life give us.

2. So hear ye all and well perceive

What God doth call a Baptism

And what a Christian should believe

Who error shuns and schism:

That we should water use the Lord

Declareth is His pleasure,

Not simple water, but the Word

And Spirit without measure;—

He is the true Baptizer.

3. To show us this, He hath His Word

With signs and symbols given;

On Jordan’s banks was plainly heard

The Father’s voice from heaven:

“This is My well-beloved Son,

In whom My soul delighteth;

Hear Him!” Yea, hear Him, every one,

Whom He Himself inviteth;

Hear and obey His teaching!

4. In tender manhood God the Son

In Jordan’s water standeth;

The Holy Ghost from heaven’s throne

In dovelike form descendeth;

That thus the truth be not denied,

Nor should our faith e’er waver,

That all three Persons do preside

At Baptism’s holy laver

And dwell with the believer.

5. Thus Jesus His disciples sent:

Go, teach ye every nation,

That, lost in sin, they must repent

And flee from condemnation.

He that believes and is baptized

Shall thereby have salvation,

A new-born man he is in Christ,

From death free and damnation,

He shall inherit heaven.

6. Who in this mercy hath not faith

Nor aught therein discerneth,

Is yet in sin, condemned to death

And fire that ever burneth;

His holiness avails him not,

Nor aught which he is doing;

His inborn sin brings all to naught

And maketh sure his ruin;

Himself he cannot succor.

7. The eye of sense alone is dim

And nothing sees but water;

Faith sees Christ Jesus and in Him

The Lamb ordained for slaughter;

It sees the cleansing fountain, red

With the dear blood of Jesus,

Which from the sins, inherited

From fallen Adam, frees us

And from our own misdoings.

Martin Luther, 1543; R. Massie, tr., a.

7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 8

Blessed Jesus, here we stand,

Met to do as Thou hast spoken;

And this child, at Thy command,

Now we bring to Thee in token

That to Christ it here is given;

For of such shall be Thy heaven.

2. Yes, Thy warning voice is plain,

And we would obey it duly:

“He who is not born again,

Heart and life renewing truly,

Born of water and the Spirit,

Will My kingdom ne’er inherit.”

3. Therefore hasten we to Thee;

Take the pledge we bring, O take it!

Let us here Thy glory see

And in tender pity make it

Now Thy child and leave it never,

Thine on earth and Thine forever.

4. Wash it, Jesus, in Thy blood

From the sin-stain of its nature;

Let it rise from out this flood

Clothed in Thee, a new-born creature;

May it, washed as Thou hast bidden,

In Thine innocence be hidden.

5. Turn its darkness into light,

To Thy grace receive and save it;

Heal the Serpent’s venomed bite

In the font where now we lave it;

Here let flow a Jordan river

And from leprosy deliver.

6. Make it, Head, Thy member now;

Shepherd, take Thy lamb and feed it;

Prince of Peace, its Peace be Thou;

Way of Life, to heaven lead it;

Vine, this branch may nothing sever,

Graft by faith in Thee forever.

7. Now into Thy heart we pour

Prayers that from our hearts proceeded;

Let our sighing heavenward soar,

Let our warm desires be heeded.

Write the name we now have given,

Write it in the book of heaven.

B. Schmolck, 1704; C. Winkworth, tr.

L. M.

Now Christ, the very Son of God,

On sinners sends another flood;

It is the water which the Lord

Has comprehended in the Word.

2. This flood, to cleanse sin’s leprosy,

Mere earthly water cannot be;

But water and God’s gracious Word

Conjoined, this saving bath afford.

3. “Go ye,” says Christ, “My Word proclaim,

Baptize the nations in God’s name;

All who are baptized and believe

My full salvation shall receive.”

4. God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

To be baptized invites the host;

He will be present, though unseen,

From all their sins to wash them clean.

5. So, too, by our repentance, must

The old man, with his sins and lust,

Be daily drowned and then arise

A new man, righteous, pure, and wise.

6. That by the water and the Word

We’re born again, we thank Thee, Lord.

In life and death Thine let us be

And Thine in all eternity.

N. Selnecker, 1572; C. H. L. Schuette, tr., 1880.

L. M.

This child we dedicate to Thee,

O God of grace and purity!

Shield it from sin and threatening wrong

And let Thy love its life prolong.

2. Oh, may Thy Spirit gently draw

Its willing soul to keep Thy Law!

May virtue, piety, and truth

Dawn even with its dawning youth!

3. We, too, before Thy gracious sight,

Once shared the blest baptismal rite

And would renew its solemn vow

With love and thanks and praises now.

4. Grant that with true and faithful heart

We still may act the Christian’s part,

Cheered by each promise Thou hast given

And laboring for the prize in heaven.

From the German. S. Gilman, tr., 1823.

10, 6, 10, 6, 8, 8, 4

Father of heaven, who hast created all

And rulest all, we pray,

Look on this babe, who at Thy gracious call

Now enters on life’s way.

Oh, make it Thine; Thy blessing give,

That to Thy glory it may live,

Father of heav’n!

2. O Son of God, atoning Lord, behold,

We bring this babe to Thee:

Take it, O loving Shepherd, to Thy fold,

Forever Thine to be;

Defend it through this earthly strife

And lead it on the path of life,

O Son of God!

3. O Holy Ghost, who broodest o’er the wave,

Descend upon this child;

Give it undying life, its spirit lave

With waters undefiled,

And make it evermore to be

An heir of bliss, a shrine for Thee,

O Holy Ghost!

4. O Triune God, what Thou hast willed is done;

We speak, but Thine the might.

This babe hath hardly seen our earthly sun,

Yet on it pour Thy light

Of faith and hope and joyful love,

Thou Sun of all below, above,

O Triune God!

A. Knapp, 1841; C. Winkworth, tr., 1858.

S. M.

The Savior kindly calls

Our children to His breast;

He folds them in His gracious arms,

Himself declares them blest.

2. “Let them approach,” He cries,

“Nor scorn their humble claim;

The heirs of heaven are such as these,

For such as these I came.”

3. With joy we bring them, Lord,

Devoting them to Thee,

Imploring that, as we are Thine,

Thine may our offspring be.

H. U. Onderdonk, 1826.

S. M.

Stand, soldier of the Cross,

Thy high allegiance claim

And vow to hold the world but loss

For Thy Redeemer’s name.

2. Arise and be baptized

And wash thy sins away;

Thy league with God be solemnized,

Thy faith confessed to-day.

3. No more thine own, but Christ’s;

With all the saints of old,

Apostles, seers, evangelists,

And martyr-throngs enrolled:

4. In God’s whole armor strong,

Front hell’s embattled powers.

The warfare may be sharp and long,

The victory must be ours.

5. O bright the conqueror’s crown,

The song of triumph sweet.

When faith casts every trophy down

At our great Captain’s feet!

E. H. Bickersteth, 1870, a.

7, 6, 8 l

Let me be Thine forever,

Thou faithful God and Lord;

Let me forsake Thee never

Nor wander from Thy Word;

Lord, do not let me waver,

But give me steadfastness,

And for such grace forever

Thy holy name I’ll bless.

2. Lord Jesus, my Salvation,

My Light, my Life divine,

My only Consolation,

O make me wholly Thine!

For Thou hast dearly bought me

With blood and bitter pain;

Let me, since Thou hast sought me,

Eternal life obtain.

3. And Thou, O Holy Spirit,

My Comforter and Guide,

Grant that in Jesus’ merit

I always may confide,

Him to the end confessing,

Whom I have known by faith.

Give me Thy constant blessing

And grant a Christian death.

N. Selnecker, 1572; M. Loy, tr., a., 1880.

6, 5, 8 l

In the hour of trial,

Jesus, plead for me,

Lest by base denial

I depart from Thee.

When Thou see’st me waver,

With a look recall

Nor from fear or favor

Suffer me to fall.

2. With forbidden pleasures

Would this vain world charm

Or its sordid treasures

Spread to work me harm.

Bring to my remembrance

Sad Gethsemane

Or, in darker semblance,

Cross-crowned Calvary.

3. Should Thy mercy send me

Sorrow, toil, and woe,

Or should pain attend me

On my path below,

Grant that I may never

Fail Thy hand to see;

Grant that I may ever

Cast my care on Thee.

4. When my last hour cometh,

Fraught with strife and pain,

When my dust returneth

To the dust again,

On Thy truth relying,

Through that mortal strife,

Jesus, take me, dying,

To eternal life.

James Montgomery, 1834, a.

L. M. 8 l

Arm these Thy soldiers, mighty Lord,

With shield of faith and Spirit’s sword.

Forth to the battle may they go

And boldly fight against the foe,

With banner of the Cross unfurled,

And by it overcome the world;

And so at last receive from Thee

The palm and crown of victory.

2. Come, ever-blessed Spirit, come

And make Thy servants’ hearts Thy home;

May each a living temple be,

Hallowed forever, Lord, to Thee!

Enrich that temple’s holy shrine

With sevenfold gifts of grace divine;

With wisdom, light, and knowledge bless,

With counsel, strength, fear, godliness.

3. O Trinity in Unity,

One only God and Persons Three;

In whom, through whom, by whom we live,

To Thee we praise and glory give.

O grant us so to use Thy grace

That we may see Thy glorious face

And ever with the heavenly host

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

C. Wordsworth, 1862.

7s

Thine forever, God of Love!

Hear us from Thy throne above,

Thine forever may we be

Here and in eternity.

2. Thine forever, Lord of Life!

Shield us through our earthly strife;

Thou, the Life, the Truth, the Way,

Guide us to the realms of day.

3. Thine forever! O how blest

They who find in Thee their rest!

Savior, Guardian, heavenly Friend,

O defend us to the end!

4. Thine forever! Savior, keep

These Thy frail and trembling sheep!

Safe alone beneath Thy care,

Let us all Thy goodness share.

5. Thine forever! Thou our Guide,

All our wants by Thee supplied,

All our sins by Thee forgiven;

Lead us, Lord, from earth to heaven.

Mary F. Maude, 1848.

C. M.

My God, accept my heart this day

And make it always Thine

That I from Thee no more may stray,

No more from Thee decline.

2. Before the cross of Him who died,

Behold, I prostrate fall;

Let every sin be crucified,

Let Christ be all in all!

3. Anoint me with Thy heavenly grace,

Adopt me for Thine own,

That I may see Thy glorious face

And worship at Thy throne!

4. May the dear blood, once shed for me,

My blest atonement prove

That I from first to last may be

The purchase of Thy love!

5. Let every thought and work and word

To Thee be ever given;

Then life shall be Thy service, Lord,

And death the gate of heaven.

M. Bridges, 1848.

8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 4, 8

Lord Jesus Christ, in Thee alone

My only hope on earth I place;

For other comforter is none,

No help have I but in Thy grace.

There is no man nor creature here,

No angel in the heavenly sphere,

Who in my need can succor me.

I cry to Thee,

For Thee I trust implicitly.

2. My sin is very sore and great,

I mourn beneath its dreadful load;

O free me from this heavy weight,

My Savior, through Thy precious blood;

And with Thy Father for me plead

That Thou hast suffered in my stead;

From me the burden then is rolled.

Lord, I lay hold

On Thy dear promises of old.

3. And in Thy mercy now bestow

True Christian faith on me, O Lord,

That all the sweetness I may know

Which in Thy holy Cross is stored,

Love Thee o’er earthly pride or pelf,

And love my neighbor as myself;

And when at last is come my end,

Be Thou my Friend,

From Satan’s wiles my soul defend.

4. Glory to God in highest heaven,

The Father of eternal love;

To His dear Son, for sinners given,

Whose watchful grace we daily prove;

To God the Holy Ghost on high;

Oh, ever be His comfort nigh,

And teach us, in His love and fear,

To please Him here

And serve Him in the heavenly sphere!

J. Schneesing, 1542; C. Winkworth, tr., a., 1858.

7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7

“Jesus sinners doth receive!”

O may all this saying ponder

Who in sin’s delusions live

And from God and heaven wander!

This alone sure hope can give—

“Jesus sinners doth receive!”

2. We deserve but grief and shame,

Yet His words, rich grace revealing,

Pardon, peace, and life proclaim;

Here their ills have perfect healing

Who with humble hearts believe—

“Jesus sinners doth receive!”

3. Sheep that from the fold did stray

Every faithful shepherd seeketh;

Weary souls that lost their way,

Christ, the Shepherd, seeks and taketh

In His arms that they may live—

“Jesus sinners doth receive!”

4. Come, ye sinners, one and all,

Come, ye all have invitation;

Come, obey His gracious call,

Come, accept His free salvation!

Firmly in these words believe:

“Jesus sinners doth receive!”

5. I, a sinner, come to Thee

And acknowledge my transgression;

Tender mercy show to me,

Grant me graciously remission;

Let these words my soul relieve:

“Jesus sinners doth receive!”

6. Henceforth I need fear no foe;

Were as scarlet my transgression,

It shall be as white as snow

By the virtue of Thy Passion;

For in these words I believe:

“Jesus sinners doth receive!”

7. Now my conscience is at ease,

Now I fear no condemnation.

He who grants me full release

Hath atoned for my transgression.

In true faith to Him I cleave,—

“Jesus sinners doth receive!”

Erdmann Neumeister, 1718.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

Out of the depths I cry to Thee,

Lord, hear my lamentation;

Bend down Thy gracious ear to me

And grant my supplication;

For if Thou fix Thy searching eye

On all sin and iniquity,

Who, Lord, can stand before Thee?

2. But love and grace with Thee prevail,

O God, our sins forgiving;

The best and holiest deeds must fail

Of all before Thee living;

Before Thee none can boasting stand,

But all must fear Thy strict demand

And live alone by mercy.

3. My hope I rest, then, on the Lord

And build not on my merit;

My heart shall trust His gracious Word,

His goodness stays my spirit.

His precious Word assureth me

He will my Joy and Comfort be;

This is my firm reliance.

4. And though it tarry till the night

And till the morn appeareth,

My heart still trusteth in His might,

It doubteth not nor feareth.

Do thus, O ye of Israel’s seed,

Ye of the Spirit born indeed,

Wait for your God’s appearing.

5. Though great our sins and sore our woes,

His grace much more aboundeth;

His helping love no limit knows,

Our utmost need it soundeth,

Our Shepherd is the Lord, and He

At last shall set His Israel free

From all their sin and sorrow.

Martin Luther, 1524.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8

Lord, to Thee I make confession,

I have sinned and gone astray,

I have multiplied transgression,

Chosen for myself my way.

Led at last to see my errors,

Lord, I tremble at Thy terrors.

2. Yet, though conscience’ voice appall me,

Father, I will seek Thy face;

Though Thy child I dare not call me,

Yet receive me to Thy grace;

Do not for my sins forsake me,

Let not yet Thy wrath o’ertake me.

3. For Thy Son hath suffered for me,

And the blood He shed for sin,

That can heal me and restore me,

Quench this burning fire within;

’Tis alone His cross can vanquish

These dark fears and soothe this anguish.

4. Then on Him I cast my burden,

Sink it in the depths below!

Let me feel Thy gracious pardon,

Wash me, make me white as snow.

Let Thy Spirit leave me never,

Make me only Thine forever!

J. Franck, 1649; C. Winkworth, tr., 1862.

L. M.

O Jesus, Lamb of God, who art

The Life and Comfort of my heart,

I, wretched sinner, come to Thee

And bring so many sins with me.

2. O God, my sinfulness is great,

I groan beneath a dreadful weight;

Yet be Thou merciful, I pray,

Take guilt and punishment away.

3. Saint John the Baptist biddeth me

To cast my burden, Lord, on Thee,

Since Thou hast left Thy heavenly throne

That for our sins Thou might’st atone.

4. Help me amend my ways, O Lord,

And willingly obey Thy Word;

Do always, then, abide with me,

And when I die, take me to Thee.

B. Helder, 1620; A. Crull, tr., 1880.

L. M.

With broken heart and contrite sigh,

A trembling sinner, Lord, I cry;

Thy pardoning grace is rich and free;

O God, be merciful to me!

2. I smite upon my troubled breast,

With deep and conscious guilt opprest;

Christ and His Cross my only plea;

O God, be merciful to me!

3. Far off I stand with tearful eyes

Nor dare uplift them to the skies;

But Thou dost all my anguish see;

O God, be merciful to me!

4. Nor alms nor deeds that I have done

Can for a single sin atone;

To Calvary alone I flee;

O God, be merciful to me!

5. And when, redeemed from sin and hell,

With all the ransomed throng I dwell,

My raptured song shall ever be,

God has been merciful to me!

C. Elven, 1852.

L. M.

O Thou that hear’st when sinners cry,

Though all my crimes before Thee lie,

Behold them not with angry look,

But blot their memory from Thy book.

2. Create my nature pure within,

And form my soul averse to sin;

Let Thy good Spirit ne’er depart

Nor hide Thy presence from my heart.

3. I cannot live without Thy light,

Cast out and banished from Thy sight;

Thy holy joys, my God, restore

And guard me that I fall no more.

4. Though I have grieved Thy Spirit, Lord,

His help and comfort still afford;

And let me now come near Thy throne

To plead the merits of Thy Son.

5. A broken heart, my God, my King,

Is all the sacrifice I bring;

Look down, O Lord, with pitying eye

And save the soul condemned to die.

6. O may Thy love inspire my tongue!

Salvation shall be all my song;

And all my powers shall join to bless

The Lord, my Strength and Righteousness.

Isaac Watts, 1719, a.

L. M. 6 l

Th’ abyss of many a former sin

Encloses me and bars me in;

Like billows my transgressions roll—

Be Thou the Pilot of my soul—

And to salvation’s harbor bring,

Thou Savior and Thou glorious King!

2. My Father’s heritage abused,

Wasted by lust, by sin misused,

To shame and want and misery brought,

The slave to many a fruitless thought:—

I cry to Thee, who lovest men,

O pity and receive again!

3. In hunger now, no more possest

Of that my portion bright and blest,

The exile and the alien see

Who yet would fain return to Thee.

And save me, Lord, who seeks to raise

To Thy dear love the hymn of praise!

4. With that saved thief my prayer I make,

“Remember for Thy mercy’s sake!”

With that poor publican I cry,

“Be merciful, O God most high!”

With that lost prodigal I fain

Back to my home would turn again.

5. Mourn, mourn, my soul, with earnest care

And raise to Christ the contrite prayer:—

O Thou, who freely wast made poor

My sorrows and my sins to cure,

Me, poor of all good works, embrace,

Enriching with Thy boundless grace!

Joseph of the Studium, c. 860; J. M. Neale, tr., 1862.

8, 7, 8, 7

Alas, my God! my sins are great,

My conscience doth upbraid me;

And now I find that in my strait

No man hath power to aid me.

2. And fled I hence in my despair

In some lone spot to hide me,

My griefs would still be with me there

And peace still be denied me.

3. Lord, Thee I seek. I merit naught,

Yet pity and restore me;

Be not Thy wrath, just God, my lot;

Thy Son hath suffered for me.

4. If pain and woe must follow sin,

Then be my path still rougher.

Here spare me not; if heaven I win,

On earth I gladly suffer.

5. But curb my heart, forgive my guilt,

Make Thou my patience firmer;

For they must miss the good Thou wilt

Who at Thy chastenings murmur.

6. Then deal with me as seems Thee best,

Thy grace will help me bear it,

If but at last I see Thy rest

And with my Savior share it.

M. Rutilius, 1604; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

S. M.

And wilt Thou pardon, Lord,

A sinner such as I,

Although Thy book his crimes record

Of such a crimson dye?

2. So deep are they engraved,

So terrible their fear:

The righteous scarcely shall be saved,

And where shall I appear?

3. O Thou Physician blest,

Make clean my guilty soul

And me, by many a sin opprest,

Restore and keep me whole.

4. I know not how to praise

Thy mercy and Thy love;

But deign Thy servant to upraise,

And I shall learn above.

Joseph of the Studium, c. 860; J. M. Neale, tr., 1862.

S. M.

Out of the deep I call

To Thee, O Lord, to Thee;

Before Thy throne of grace I fall,

Be merciful to me.

2. Out of the deep I cry,

The woeful deep of sin,

Of evil done in days gone by,

Of evil now within;

3. Out of the deep of fear

And dread of coming shame.

From morning watch till night is near

I plead the precious name.

4. Lord, there is mercy now,

As ever was, with Thee;

Before Thy throne of grace I bow;

Be merciful to me.

H. W. Baker, 1868.

L. M.

O God, Thou righteous, faithful Lord,

I have not kept Thy holy Word,

But sinned and oft offended Thee;

Now I repent, it grieveth me.

2. Thou, Father, merciful and kind,

No pleasure in my death dost find,

But strong desire doth in Thee burn

That I should unto Thee return.

3. Since Thou, dear Father, callest me,

I, poor lost sinner, come to Thee,

Relying on Christ’s precious blood

Which from His holy five wounds flowed.

4. I pray through Christ, Thine only Son,

Who for my good our flesh put on,

To me let Thy love never fail,

O’er justice let Thy grace prevail.

5. In mercy, Father, let Thy grace

Through Jesus’ blood my sins efface;

Then I, the poor lost child, will be

From all my sins forever free.

6. Grant that, according to Thy Word,

I lead a godly life, O Lord,

And let me, after time is o’er,

Inherit life forevermore.

Anon., 1650; A. Crull, tr., 1880.

L. M.

O faithful God, we worship Thee!

Thou pardon’st our iniquity,

Thou grantest help in sin’s distress,

And soul and body Thou dost bless.

2. Thou, through Thy servant, say’st to me:

“Thy sins are all forgiven thee,

Depart in peace; but sin no more

And e’er My pardoning grace adore.”

3. O Lord, we bless Thy gracious heart,

For Thou Thyself dost heal our smart

Through Christ our Savior’s precious blood,

Which for the sake of sinners flowed.

4. Give us Thy Spirit, peace afford

Now and forever, gracious Lord!

Thy Word and holy Sacrament

Preserve to us till life is spent.

N. Selnecker, 1587.

L. M.

Yea, as I live, Jehovah saith,

I do not wish the sinner’s death,

But that he turn from error’s ways,

Repent, and live through endless days.

2. Hence Christ His servants gave command:

“Go forth and preach in every land;

Forgiveness to each soul extend

That mourns, believes, and will amend.

3. “Whose sins soever ye remit,

I truly pardon and acquit;

Whose sins soever ye retain,

Condemned and guilty shall remain.

4. “What ye shall bind, that bound shall be;

What ye shall loose, that shall be free;

To all alike the keys are given

To ope and close the gates of heaven.

5. “They who believe, when ye proclaim

The joyful tidings in My name,

That I for them My blood have shed,

Are free from guilt and Judgment dread.”

6. The words which absolution give

Are His who died that we might live;

The minister whom Christ has sent

Is but His humble instrument.

7. However great our sin may be,

The absolution sets us free,

Appointed by God’s own dear Son

To bring the pardon He has won.

8. When ministers lay on their hands,

Absolved by Christ the sinner stands;

He who by grace the Word believes

The purchase of His blood receives.

9. This is the power of holy keys,

It binds and doth again release;

The Church retains them at her side,

Our mother and Christ’s holy bride.

10. Let those who stings of conscience bear,

Whom sin would drive to dark despair,

To Jesus come with trustful mind

And peace in absolution find.

11. All praise, eternal Son, to Thee

For absolution full and free,

In which Thou showest forth Thy grace;

From false indulgence guard our race.

12. Praise God the Father and the Son

And Holy Spirit, Three in One,

As ’twas, is now, and so shall be,

World without end, eternally!

Nikolaus Herman, 1560; M. Loy, tr., 1880.

10s

Draw nigh and take the body of your Lord

And drink the holy blood for you outpoured.

Offered was He for greatest and for least,

Himself the Victim and Himself the Priest.

2. He that in this world rules His saints and shields,

To all believers life eternal yields,

With heavenly bread makes them that hunger whole,

Gives living waters to the thirsting soul.

3. Approach ye, then, with faithful hearts sincere

And take the pledges of salvation here.

O Judge of all, our only Savior Thou,

In this Thy feast of love be with us now.

Latin, c. 680; J. M. Neale, tr., 1851, a.

L. M.

O Jesus, bruised and wounded more

Than bursted grape or bread of wheat,

The Life of life without our souls,

The Cup of our salvation sweet!

2. We come to show Thy dying hour,

Thy streaming vein, Thy broken flesh;

And still the blood is warm to save,

And still the fragrant wounds are fresh.

3. O Heart, that with a double tide

Of blood and water maketh pure;

O Flesh, once offered on the cross,

The gift that makes our pardon sure,—

4. Let nevermore our sinful souls

The anguish of Thy cross renew

Nor forge again the cruel nails

That pierced Thy victim body through.

5. Come, Bread of heaven, to feed our souls,

And with Thee, Jesus, enter in!

Come, Wine of God! and as we drink

His precious blood, wash out our sin.

Mrs. C. F. Alexander.

L. M.

My God, and is Thy table spread?

And does Thy cup with love o’erflow?

Thither be all Thy children led

And let them all its sweetness know.

2. Hail, sacred feast which Jesus makes,

Rich banquet of His flesh and blood!

Thrice happy he who here partakes

That sacred stream, that heavenly food!

3. Why are its blessings all in vain

Before unwilling hearts displayed?

Was not for us the Victim slain?

Are we forbid the children’s bread?

4. O let Thy table honored be

And furnished well with joyful guests;

And may each soul salvation see

That here its sacred pledges tastes!

Philip Doddridge, 1755, abr.

S. M.

Thy table I approach,

Dear Savior, hear my prayer;

Oh, let no unrepented sin

Prove hurtful to me there!

2. Lo, I confess my sins

And mourn their wretched bands;

A contrite heart is ever wont

To find grace at Thy hands.

3. Thy body and Thy blood,

Once slain and shed for me,

Are taken at Thy table here—

A wondrous mystery!

4. Here I with mouth and soul,

Incomprehensibly,

Shall eat the precious flesh of Christ

In blest reality.

5. Search not how this takes place,

Nor whether it can be;

God can accomplish vastly more

Than seemeth plain to thee.

6. Vouchsafe, O blessed Lord,

That earth and hell combined

May ne’er about this Sacrament

A doubt raise in my mind!

7. And may I never fail

To thank Thee day and night

For Thy true body and true blood,

O God, my Peace and Light!

G. W. Molanus, 1673; M. Loy, 1880, a.

11, 8, 11, 8, 5, 9, 9, 6, 7, 5

May God be praised henceforth and blest forever,

Who, Himself both Gift and Giver,

With His own flesh and blood our souls doth nourish;

May they grow thereby and flourish!

O Lord, have mercy!

By Thy holy body, the selfsame

Which from Thine own mother Mary came,

By the drops Thou didst bleed,

Help us in the hour of need.

O Lord, have mercy!

2. Thou hast to death Thy holy body given,

Life to win for us in heaven;

By stronger love, dear Lord, Thou couldst not bind us,

Whereof this should well remind us.

O Lord, have mercy!

Lord, Thy love constrained Thee for our good

Mighty things to do by Thy dear blood;

Thou hast paid all we owed,

Thou hast made our peace with God.

O Lord, have mercy!

3. May God bestow on us His grace and blessing,

That, His holy footsteps tracing,

We walk as brethren dear in love and union

Nor repent this sweet Communion.

O Lord, have mercy!

Let not Thy good Spirit forsake us,

Grant that heavenly-minded He make us,

That Thy poor Church may see

Days of peace and unity.

O Lord, have mercy!

1st stanza 15th cent.; Martin Luther, 1524; R. Massie, tr., a.

L. M. 8 l

Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,

Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness,

Come into the daylight’s splendor,

There with joy thy praises render

Unto Him whose grace unbounded

Hath this wondrous banquet founded;

High o’er all the heavens He reigneth,

Yet to dwell with thee He deigneth.

2. Hasten as a bride to meet Him

And with loving reverence greet Him;

For with words of life immortal

Now He knocketh at thy portal;

Haste to ope the gates before Him,

Saying, while thou dost adore Him,

“Suffer, Lord, that I receive Thee,

And I nevermore will leave Thee.”

3. He who costly goods desireth

To obtain much gold requireth;

But to freely give the treasure

Of Thy love is Thy good pleasure;

For on earth there is no coffer

Which as payment we might offer

For this cup, Thy blood containing,

And this manna, on us raining.

4. Ah, how hungers all my spirit

For the love I do not merit!

Oft have I, with sighs fast thronging,

Thought upon this food with longing,

In the battle well-nigh worsted,

For this cup of life have thirsted,

For the Friend, who here invites us

And to God Himself unites us.

5. Now I sink before Thee lowly,

Filled with joy most deep and holy,

As with trembling awe and wonder

On Thy mighty works I ponder,

How, by mystery surrounded,

Depths no man hath ever sounded,

None may dare to pierce unbidden,

Secrets that with Thee are hidden.

6. Nay, though reason here doth ponder,

It can never reach this wonder,

That this bread is never lessened,

Though it nourish thousands present,

And that Christ His blood is giving

With the wine we are receiving.

Oh, these mysteries, unsounded,

Are by God alone expounded!

7. Sun, who all my life doth brighten,

Light, who dost my soul enlighten,

Joy, the sweetest man e’er knoweth,

Fount, whence all my being floweth,—

At Thy feet I cry, my Maker,

Let me be a fit partaker

Of this blessed food from heaven,

For our good, Thy glory, given.

8. Lord, Thy fervent love hath driven

Thee to leave Thy throne in heaven,

For us on the cross to languish

And to die in bitter anguish,

To forego all joy and gladness

And to shed Thy blood in sadness,

Which we drink now; grant that never

We forget Thy love, dear Savior!

9. Jesus, Bread of life, I pray Thee,

Let me gladly here obey Thee,

Never to my hurt invited,

Be Thy love with love requited;

From this banquet let me measure,

Lord, how vast and deep love’s treasure.

Through the gifts Thou here dost give me

As Thy guest in heaven receive me.

J. Franck, 1649; C. Winkworth, tr.

7s

Lo, upon the altar lies

Bread of heaven from the skies,

Food to mortal wanderers given,

To the sons and heirs of heaven.

2. Jesus, Shepherd of the sheep!

Thou Thy flock in safety keep.

Living Bread! Thy life supply;

Strengthen us, or else we die.

3. Thou, who feedest us below,

Source of all we have or know,

Grant that with Thy saints above

We may reach Thy feast of love!

Thomas Aquinas, † 1274; E. Caswall, tr., 1848.

L. M.

The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord,

We celebrate with one accord;

It is our comfort in distress,

Our heart’s sweet joy and happiness.

2. He blotted out with His own blood

The judgment that against us stood;

He full atonement for us made,

And all our debt He fully paid.

3. That this is so and ever true

He gives an earnest ever new,

In this His holy Supper here

We taste His love so sweet, so near.

4. For His true body, as He said,

And His true blood, for sinners shed,

In this communion we receive;

His sacred Word we do believe.

5. A precious food this is indeed,—

It never faileth, such we need,—

A heavenly manna for our soul,

That we may safely reach our goal.

6. Then blessed is each worthy guest

Who in this promise finds His rest;

For Jesus will in love abide

With those who do in Him confide:

7. The guest that comes with true intent

To turn to God and to repent,

To live for Christ, to die to sin,

And thus a holy life begin.

8. Who does unworthy here appear,

Does not believe nor is sincere,

Salvation here he cannot find.

May we this warning bear in mind!

9. O Jesus Christ, our Brother dear,

Unto Thy cross we now draw near;

Thy sacred wounds indeed make whole

A wounded and afflicted soul.

10. Help us sincerely to believe

That we Thy mercy do receive

And in Thy grace do find our rest.

Amen. He who believes is blest.

H. Spegel, 1686; J. O. Wallin, 1814.

7, 6, 8 l

O living Bread from heaven,

How hast Thou fed Thy guest!

The gifts Thou now hast given

Have filled my heart with rest.

O wondrous Food of blessing!

O Cup that heals our woes!

My heart, this gift possessing,

In thankful song o’erflows.

2. My Lord, Thou here hast led me

Within Thy holiest place

And there Thyself hast fed me

With treasures of Thy grace;

And Thou hast freely given

What earth could never buy,

The Bread of life from heaven,

That now I shall not die.

3. Thou givest all I wanted.

The food can death destroy,

And Thou hast freely granted

The cup of endless joy.

Ah, Lord, I do not merit

The favor Thou hast shown,

And all my soul and spirit

Bow down before Thy throne.

4. Lord, grant me that, thus strengthened

With heavenly food, while here

My course on earth is lengthened,

I serve with holy fear;

And when Thou call’st my spirit

To leave this world below,

I enter, through Thy merit,

Where joys unmingled flow.

J. Rist, 1651, a.; C. Winkworth, tr., 1858.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

Lord Jesus, Thou art truly good;

Thou spread’st for our salvation

Thy body and Thy blood as food

And giv’st us invitation;

As weary souls, with sin opprest,

We come to Thee for needed rest,

For counsel and forgiveness.

2. Although Thou didst ascend to heaven,

Where angels bow before Thee,

And now to mortals ’tis not given

By sight here to adore Thee,

Until begins Thy Judgment grand,

When we before Thy throne shall stand

And cheerfully behold Thee;

3. Yet art Thou ever with us, Lord,

And with Thy congregation

And not confined—so says Thy Word—

To any habitation.

Firm as a rock Thy Word still stands,

Unshaken by the en’mies’ hands

Though they be e’er so cunning.

4. Thou say’st: “This is My body; eat

And orally receive Me.

This is My blood; drink all of it

And henceforth never leave Me.”

What Thou hast spoken true must be;

Thou art almighty, and with Thee

Impossible is nothing.

5. Although my reason cannot see

How in so many places

Thy body at one time may be,

Yet faith Thy Word embraces.

How it can be I leave to Thee;

Thy Word alone sufficeth me,

For Thou wilt that we trust it.

6. Lord, I believe in simple trust,

Strength in my weakness give me,

For I am naught but sinful dust,

Nor of Thy Word bereave me!

Thy Baptism, Supper, and Thy Word

My consolation are, O Lord,

For they contain my treasure.

7. Grant that we worthily receive

Thy Supper, Lord, our Savior,

That for our sins we truly grieve

And prove by our behavior

That we obtained Thy saving grace

And trust in it throughout our days;

Then will our life be godly.

8. For Thy consoling Supper, Lord,

Be praised throughout all ages!

Preserve it, for with one accord

The world against it rages.

Grant that Thy body and Thy blood

May be my comfort and sweet food

In my last moments. Amen.

S. Kinner, 1638; E. Cronenwett, tr., 1880.

L. M.

An awful mystery is here

To challenge faith and waken fear;

The Savior comes as food divine,

Concealed in earthly bread and wine.

2. This world is loveless—but above,

What wondrous boundlessness of love!

The King of Glory stoops to me

My spirit’s Life and Strength to be.

3. In consecrated wine and bread

No eye perceives the mystery dread;

But Jesus’ words are strong and clear:

“My body and My blood are here.”

4. How dull are all the powers of sense,

Employed on proofs of love immense!

The richest food remains unseen,

And highest gifts appear how mean!

5. But here we have no boon on earth,

And faith alone discerns its worth;

The Word, not sense, must be our guide

And faith assure, since sight’s denied.

6. Lord, show us still that Thou art good

And grant us evermore this food;

Give faith to ev’ry wav’ring soul

And make each wounded spirit whole.

M. Loy, 1880.

L. M.

Invited, Lord, by boundless grace,

I stood a guest before Thy face;

As host Thou spread’st no common food;

Here is Thy body and Thy blood!

2. How holy is this Sacrament,

Where pardon, peace, and life are spent!

This bread and cup my lips have pressed;

Thou blessedst, and my soul is blessed.

3. Now lettest Thou Thy guest depart

With full assurance in his heart;

For such communion, Lord, with Thee

May a new life my offering be!

4. When Thou shalt in Thy glory come

To gather all Thy people home,

Then let me, as Thy heavenly guest,

In anthems praise Thee with the blest!

E. Cronenwett, c. 1880.

L. M.

’Twas on that dark, that doleful night,

When powers of earth and hell arose

Against the Son of God’s delight,

And friends betrayed Him to His foes.

2. Before the mournful scene began,

He took the bread and blessed and brake;

What love through all His actions ran!

What wondrous words of grace He spake!

3. “This is My body, broke for sin;

Receive and eat the living food”;

Then took the cup and blessed the wine:

“’Tis the new covenant in My blood.”

4. “Do this,” He said, “till time shall end,

In memory of your dying Friend.

Meet at My table and record

The love of your departed Lord.”

5. Jesus, Thy feast we celebrate;

We show Thy death, we sing Thy name,

Till Thou return and we shall eat

The marriage supper of the Lamb.

Isaac Watts, 1709, a.

L. M.

At Thy command, our dearest Lord,

Here we attend Thy dying feast;

Thy blood, like wine, adorns the board,

And Thine own flesh feeds every guest.

2. Our faith adores Thy bleeding love

And trusts for life in One that died;

We hope for heavenly crowns above

From a Redeemer crucified.

3. Let the vain world pronounce it shame

And fling their scandals on the cause;

We come to boast our Savior’s name

And make our triumphs in His cross.

4. With joy we tell the scoffing age,

He that was dead has left His tomb;

He lives above their utmost rage,

And we are waiting till He come.

Isaac Watts, 1707.

8, 8, 7, 8

Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior,

Turned away God’s wrath forever;

Suffering pains no tongue can tell,

He saved us from the pains of hell.

2. To remind us that, to save us,

He hath died, His flesh He gave us

With this bread, a quick’ning food,

And with this wine His precious blood.

3. Whoso to this board repaireth

Take good heed how he prepareth;

Death instead of life shall he

Receive who comes unworthily.

4. Thou shalt hold with faith unshaken

That this food is to be taken

By the sick who are distressed,

By those whose heart is sin-oppressed.

5. Christ says: “Come, ye heavy-laden,

I your weary hearts will gladden;

They that are yet strong and well,

Despise the best physician’s skill.

6. “Couldst thou earn thine own salvation,

Useless were My death and Passion;

This feast is not spread for thee

If thine own helper thou wilt be.”

7. If thou this believest truly

And confession makest duly,

Thou a welcome guest art here,

This heavenly food thy soul shall cheer.

8. But the fruits must not be missing,

Love thy neighbor without ceasing;

That true love let him receive

Which here to thee thy God doth give.

John Huss, † 1415; Martin Luther, 1524.

7, 6, 7, 6

The voice that breathed o’er Eden,

That earliest wedding-day,

The primal marriage blessing,—

It hath not passed away.

2. Still in the pure espousal

Of Christian man and maid,

The Holy Three are with us,

The threefold grace is said.

3. Be present, loving Father,

To give away this bride,

As Eve Thou gav’st to Adam

Out of his own pierced side.

4. Be present, Son of Mary,

To join their loving hands,

As Thou didst bind two natures

In Thine eternal bands.

5. Be present, Holiest Spirit,

To bless them as they kneel,

As Thou for Christ, the Bridegroom,

The heavenly spouse dost seal.

6. O spread Thy pure wings o’er them,

Let no ill power find place,

When onward to Thine altar

Their hallowed path they trace,

7. To cast their crowns before Thee

In perfect sacrifice,

Till to the home of gladness

With Christ’s own Bride they rise.

J. Keble, 1857, a.

C. M. 8 l

Lord, who at Cana’s wedding-feast

Didst as a Guest appear,

Thou dearer far than earthly guest,

Vouchsafe Thy presence here;

For holy Thou indeed dost prove

The marriage-vow to be,

Proclaiming it a type of love

Between the Church and Thee.

2. The holiest vow that man can make,

The golden thread in life,

The bond that none may dare to break,

That bindeth man and wife;

Which, blessed by Thee, whate’er betides,

No evil shall destroy,

Through care-worn days each care divides,

And doubles every joy.

3. On those who now before Thee kneel,

O Lord, Thy blessing pour,

That each may wake the other’s zeal

To love Thee more and more.

Oh, grant them here in peace to live,

In purity and love,

And, this world leaving, to receive

A crown of life above.

A. Thrupp, 1853, a.

11, 10, 11, 10

O perfect Love, all human thought transcending,

Lowly we kneel in pray’r before Thy throne,

That theirs may be the love which knows no ending,

Whom Thou forevermore dost join in one.

2. O perfect Life, be Thou their full assurance

Of tender charity and steadfast faith,

Of patient hope and quiet, brave endurance,

With childlike trust, that fears nor pain nor death.

3. Grant them the joy which brightens earthly sorrow;

Grant them the peace which calms all earthly strife,

And to life’s day the glorious unknown morrow

That dawns upon eternal love and life.

Dorothy F. Bloomfield, 1883.

L. M.

O blest the house, whate’er befall,

Where Jesus Christ is all in all;

Yea, if He were not dwelling there,

How poor and dark and void it were!

2. O blest that house where faith ye find,

And all within have set their mind

To trust their God and serve Him still

And do in all His holy will!

3. O blest the parents who give heed

Unto their children’s foremost need

And weary not of care or cost!

To them and heaven shall none be lost.

4. Blest such a house, it prospers well,

In peace and joy the parents dwell,

And in their children’s lot is shown

How richly God can bless His own.

5. Then here will I and mine to-day

A solemn covenant make and say:

Though all the world forsake Thy Word,

I and my house will serve the Lord.

C. C. von Pfeil, 1782; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

L. M.

Happy the man who feareth God,

Whose feet His holy ways have trod;

Thine own good hand shall nourish thee,

And well and happy shalt thou be.

2. Lo! to that man these blessings cleave

Who in God’s holy fear doth live;

From him the ancient curse hath fled

By Adam’s race inherited.

3. Out of Mount Zion God shall send

And crown with joy thy latter end,

That thou Jerusalem may’st see

In favor and prosperity.

4. He shall be with thee in thy ways

And give thee health and strength of days;

Yea, thou shalt children’s children see,

And peace on Israel shall be.

5. Praise God the Father, God the Son,

And God the Spirit, Three in One;

As ’twas through ages heretofore,

Is now, and shall be evermore.

Martin Luther, 1524; R. Massie, tr., abr.

8, 7, 6 l

Gracious Savior, gentle Shepherd,

Children all are dear to Thee;

Gathered with Thine arms and carried

In Thy bosom may they be;

Sweetly, fondly, safely tended,

From all want and danger free.

2. Tender Shepherd, never leave them

From Thy fold to go astray;

By Thy warning love directed,

May they walk the narrow way!

Thus direct them, thus defend them,

Lest they fall an easy prey.

3. Cleanse their hearts from sinful folly

In the stream Thy love supplied,

Mingled stream of blood and water

Flowing from Thy wounded side;

And to heavenly pastures lead them,

Where Thine own still waters glide.

4. Let Thy holy Word instruct them;

Fill their minds with heavenly light;

Let Thy powerful grace constrain them

To approve whate’er is right;

Let them feel Thy yoke is easy,

Let them prove Thy burden light.

5. Taught to lisp Thy holy praises

Which on earth Thy children sing,

Both with lips and hearts, unfeignèd,

Glad thank-offerings may they bring;

Then with all the saints in glory

Join to praise their Lord and King.

Jane E. Leeson, 1857.

6, 6, 4, 6, 6, 6, 4

Shepherd of tender youth,

Guiding in love and truth

Through devious ways;

Christ, our triumphant King,

We come Thy name to sing

And here our children bring

To join Thy praise.

2. Thou art our holy Lord,

O all-subduing Word,

Healer of strife.

Thou didst Thyself abase

That from sin’s deep disgrace

Thou mightest save our race

And give us life.

3. Thou art the great High Priest;

Thou hast prepared the feast

Of holy love;

And in our mortal pain

None calls on Thee in vain;

Help Thou dost not disdain,

Help from above.

4. Ever be near our side,

Our Shepherd and our Guide,

Our Staff and Song;

Jesus, Thou Christ of God,

By Thine enduring Word

Lead us where Thou hast trod,

Make our faith strong.

5. So now, and till we die,

Sound we Thy praises high

And joyful sing;

Let all the holy throng

Who to Thy Church belong

Unite and swell the song

To Christ, our King!

Clement of Alexandria, 211; H. M. Dexter, tr., 1846.

8, 7, 8, 7

Savior, who Thy flock art feeding

With the Shepherd’s kindest care,

All the feeble gently leading,

While the lambs Thy bosom share,—

2. Now, these little ones receiving,

Fold them in Thy gracious arm;

There, we know, Thy Word believing,

Only there secure from harm.

3. Never, from Thy pasture roving,

Let them be the Lion’s prey;

Let Thy tenderness, so loving,

Keep them through life’s dangerous way.

4. Then within Thy fold eternal

Let them find a resting-place,

Feed in pastures ever vernal,

Drink the rivers of Thy grace.

W. A. Muehlenberg, 1826.

CHURCH. — LAYING OF CORNER-STONE. — 450 — 451 — 452 — 453 — DEDICATION OF CHURCH. — 454 — 455 — 456 — 457 — 458 — 459 — THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS. — 460 — 461 — 462 — 463 — GLORY OF THE CHURCH. — 464 — 465 — 466 — 467 — 468 — 469 — MISSIONS. — 470 — 471 — 472 — 473 — 474 — 475 — 476 — 477 — 478 — 479 — 480 — 481 — 482 — 483 — 484 — THE MINISTRY. — 485 — 486 — 487 — 488 — 489 — 490 — 491 — 492 — 493

L. M.

O Lord of hosts, whose glory fills

The bounds of the eternal hills

And yet vouchsaf’st, in Christian lands,

To dwell in temples made with hands;

2. Grant that all we who here to-day

Rejoicing this foundation lay

May be in very deed Thine own,

Built on the precious Corner-stone.

3. The heads that guide endue with skill,

The hands that work preserve from ill,

That we, who these foundations lay

May raise the top-stone in its day.

4. But now and ever, Lord, protect

The temple of Thine own elect;

Be Thou in them and they in Thee,

O ever-blessed Trinity!

J. M. Neale, 1844, abr.

8, 7, 8 l

In the name which earth and heaven

Ever worship, praise, and fear,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

Shall a house be builded here.

Here with prayer its deep foundations,

In the faith of Christ, we lay,

Trusting by His help to crown it

With the top-stone in its day.

2. Here as in their due succession

Stone on stone the workmen place;

Thus, we pray, unseen, but surely,

Jesus, build us up in grace;

Till, within these walls completed,

We complete in Thee are found

And to Thee, the one Foundation,

Strong and living stones, are bound.

3. Fair shall be Thine earthly temple;

Here the careless passer-by

Shall bethink him, in its beauty,

Of the holier house on high;

Weary hearts and troubled spirits

Here shall find a still retreat;

Sinful souls shall bring their burden

Here to the Absolver’s feet.

4. Yet with truer, nobler beauty,

Lord, we pray, this house adorn,

Where Thy Bride, Thy Church redeemèd,

Robes her for her marriage morn;

Clothed in garments of salvation,

Rich with gems of heavenly grace,

Spouse of Christ, arrayed and waiting

Till she may behold His face.

5. Here in due and solemn order

May her ceaseless prayer arise;

Here may strains of holy gladness

Lift her heart above the skies;

Here the Word of Life be spoken;

Here the child of God be sealed;

Here the Bread of Heaven be broken,

“Till He come,” Himself revealed.

6. Praise to Thee, O Master Builder,

Maker of the earth and skies;

Praise to Thee, in whom Thy temple,

Fitly framed together, lies;

Praise to Thee, eternal Spirit,

Binding all that lives in one,

Till our earthly praise be ended

And th’ eternal song begun!

J. Ellerton, 1871, a.

C. M.

Behold the sure Foundation-stone

Which God in Zion lays

To build our heavenly hopes upon

And His eternal praise!

2. Chosen of God, to sinners dear,

Let saints adore the name;

They trust their whole salvation here,

Nor shall they suffer shame.

3. The foolish builders, scribe and priest,

Reject it with disdain;

Yet on this Rock the Church shall rest

And envy rage in vain.

4. What though the gates of hell withstood,

Yet must this building rise;

’Tis Thine own work, Almighty God,

And wondrous in our eyes.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)

Christ is our Corner-stone,

On Him alone we build:

With His true saints alone

The courts of heav’n are filled;

On His great love our hopes we place,

Of present grace and joys above.

2. Oh, then with hymns of praise

These hallowed courts shall ring;

Our voices we will raise

The Three in One to sing

And thus proclaim in joyful song,

Both loud and long, that glorious name.

3. Here, gracious God, do Thou

Forevermore draw nigh;

Accept each faithful vow

And mark each suppliant sigh;

In copious shower, on all who pray,

Each holy day, Thy blessing pour.

4. Here may we gain from heaven

The grace which we implore,

And may that grace, once given,

Be with us evermore,

Until that day when all the blest

To endless rest are called away!

From the Latin, 6th or 7th cent.; J. Chandler, tr., 1837.

8, 7, 6 l

Christ, Thou art the sure Foundation,

Thou the Head and Corner-stone;

Chosen of the Lord and precious,

Binding all the Church in one;

Thou Thy Zion’s Help forever

And her Confidence alone.

2. To this temple, where we call Thee,

Come, O Lord of hosts, to-day;

With Thy wonted loving-kindness

Hear Thy servants as they pray;

And Thy fullest benediction

Shed within these walls alway.

3. Here vouchsafe to all Thy servants

What they ask of Thee to gain,

What they gain from Thee forever

With the blessed to retain,

And hereafter in Thy glory

Evermore with Thee to reign.

4. Praise and honor to the Father,

Praise and honor to the Son,

Praise and honor to the Spirit,

Ever Three and ever One;

One in might and one in glory,

While eternal ages run.

From the Latin; J. M. Neale, 1851, a.

L. M.

Come, Jesus, from the sapphire throne,

Where Thy redeemed behold Thy face;

Enter this temple, now Thine own,

And let Thy glory fill the place.

2. We praise Thee that to-day we see

Its sacred walls before Thee stand;

’Tis Thine for us; ’tis ours for Thee,

Reared by Thy kind, assisting hand.

3. Oft as returns the day of rest,

Let heartfelt worship here ascend;

With Thine own joy fill every breast,

With Thine own power Thy Word attend.

4. Here in the dark and sorrowing day

Bid Thou the throbbing heart be still;

Oh, wipe the mourner’s tears away

And give new strength to meet Thy will!

5. When at Thine altar we shall meet

And keep the feast of dying love,

Be our communion ever sweet

With Thee and with Thy Church above.

6. Come, faithful Shepherd, feed Thy sheep;

In Thine own arms the lambs infold;

Give help to climb the heavenward steep

Till Thy full glory we behold.

Ray Palmer, 1875, a. and abr.

L. M.

Eternal Son of God, O Thou,

Before whom earth and heaven bow,

Regard Thy people as they raise

To Thee their songs of prayer and praise.

2. This house they dedicate to Thee

That here Thy glory they may see,

Thy body and Thy blood they here

Receive their fainting souls to cheer.

3. Here in baptismal water pure

They find for sin a gracious cure;

Their children here to Thee they bring,

O Thou our death-subduing King.

4. Here sin’s diseases healing find;

The weak grow strong, light cheers the blind;

The troubled heart with peace is blest,

And weariness finds heavenly rest.

5. When tempests shake the world around,

The rock-built Church secure is found;

The gates of hell may here assail

Whom Christ defends, but not prevail.

6. To God the Father, God the Son,

And God the Spirit, Three in One,

Be praise! Do Thou, whom we adore,

Teach us to praise Thee evermore.

From the Latin, tr., 1880.

6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)

In loud, exalted strains,

The King of Glory praise;

O’er heav’n and earth He reigns

Through everlasting days;

But Zion, with His presence blest,

Is His delight, His chosen rest.

2. O King of Glory, come

And with Thy favor crown

This temple as Thy home,

This people as Thy own;

Beneath this roof vouchsafe to show

How God can dwell with men below.

3. Now let Thine ear attend

Our supplicating cries;

Now let our praise ascend,

Accepted, to the skies;

Now let Thy Gospel’s joyful sound

Spread its celestial influence round.

4. Here may the listening throng

Imbibe Thy truth and love,

Here Christians join the song

Of seraphim above,

Till all who humbly seek Thy face

Rejoice in Thy abounding grace.

B. Francis, 1774.

S. M.

Great is the Lord, our God,

And let His praise be great;

He makes the Church His own abode,

His most delightful seat.

2. In Zion God is known,

A Refuge in distress;

How bright has His salvation shone

Through all her palaces!

3. Oft have our fathers told,

Our eyes have often seen,

How well our God secures the fold

Where His own sheep have been.

4. In every new distress

We’ll to His house repair;

We’ll think upon His wondrous grace

And seek deliverance there.

Isaac Watts, 1719, abr.

L. M.

Here in Thy name, eternal God,

We build this earthly house for Thee;

Oh, choose it for Thy fixed abode

And keep it from all error free!

2. Here, when Thy people seek Thy face

And dying sinners pray to live,

Hear Thou in heaven, Thy dwelling-place;

And when Thou hearest, Lord, forgive.

3. Here, when Thy messengers proclaim

The blessed Gospel of Thy Son,

Still by the power of His great name

Be mighty signs and wonders done.

4. When children’s voices raise the song,

“Hosanna to the heavenly King!”

Let heaven with earth the strain prolong,

Hosanna! let the angels sing.

5. Thy glory never hence depart;

Yet choose not, Lord, this house alone:

Thy kingdom come to every heart,

In every bosom fix Thy throne.

James Montgomery, 1822.

L. M.

There is within this heart of mine

A little church, with sacred shrine,

And stained forever with the blood

Of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

2. Here dwelleth God the Father, Son,

And Holy Spirit, Three in One;

He is my soul’s beloved Guest

And grants my heart true peace and rest.

3. This little church looks poor and odd;

But being the abode of God,

It has a glorious, peerless grace:

It is God’s royal dwelling-place.

4. This little church, Lord, I commend

Unto Thy care and pray: Defend

And shield it from calamity,

Dwell there now and eternally.

From the Latin of B. Walther; B. Derschau, † 1639; A. Crull, tr.

8, 7, 8, 7

Lord, in Thy kingdom there shall be

No aliens from each other,

But even as he loves himself

Each saint shall love his brother.

2. When in Thy courts below we meet

To mourn our sinful living

And with united hearts repeat

Confession, creed, thanksgiving:

3. Make us to hear in each sweet word

Thy Holy Spirit calling

To oneness with Thy Church and Thee,

That heavenly bond forestalling.

4. One Baptism and one faith have we,

One Spirit sent to win us,

One Lord, one Father, and one God,

Above and through and in us.

5. Never, by schism or by sin,

May we that union sever,

Till all, to perfect stature grown,

Are one with Thee forever!

J. Anstice, † 1836.

S. M.

Blest be the tie that binds

Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like to that above.

2. Before our Father’s throne

We pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,

Our comforts and our cares.

3. We share our mutual woes;

Our mutual burdens bear;

And often for each other flows

The sympathizing tear.

4. When we asunder part,

It gives us inward pain;

But we shall still be joined in heart

And hope to meet again.

5. This glorious hope revives

Our courage by the way,

While each in expectation lives

And longs to see the day.

6. From sorrow, toil, and pain,

And sin we shall be free;

And perfect love and friendship reign

Through all eternity.

J. Fawcett, 1772.

C. M.

The saints on earth and those above

But one communion make;

Joined to their Lord, in bonds of love,

All of His grace partake.

2. One family, we dwell in Him,

One Church above, beneath;

Though now divided by the stream,

The narrow stream, of death.

3. One army of the living God,

To His commands we bow;

Part of the host have passed the flood,

And part are crossing now.

4. Lo, thousands to their endless home

Are swiftly borne away;

And we are to the margin come

And soon must launch as they.

5. Lord Jesus, be our constant Guide;

Then, when the word is given,

Bid death’s cold flood its waves divide

And land us safe in heaven.

Isaac Watts, 1709, and Charles Wesley, 1759, a.

8, 7, 8 l

Glorious things of thee are spoken,

Zion, city of our God;

He whose word cannot be broken

Formed thee for His own abode:

On the Rock of Ages founded,

What can shake thy sure repose?

With salvation’s walls surrounded,

Thou may’st smile at all thy foes.

2. See, the streams of living waters

Springing from eternal love

Well supply thy sons and daughters

And all fear of want remove.

Who can faint while such a river

Ever flows their thirst t’assuage—

Grace, which, like the Lord, the Giver,

Never fails from age to age?

3. Savior, since of Zion’s city

I, through grace, a member am,

Let the world deride or pity,

I will glory in Thy name.

Fading is the worldling’s pleasure,

All his boasted pomp and show;

Solid joys and lasting treasure

None but Zion’s children know.

John Newton, 1779.

8, 7, 8, 7, 4, 7

Zion stands with hills surrounded,

Zion, kept by power divine;

All her foes shall be confounded,

Though the world in arms combine.

Happy Zion,

What a happy lot is thine!

2. Every human tie may perish,

Friend to friend unfaithful prove,

Brothers cease their own to cherish,

Heaven and earth at last remove;

But no changes

Can attend Jehovah’s love.

3. In the furnace God may prove thee,

Thence to bring thee forth more bright,

But can never cease to love thee;

Thou art precious in His sight;

God is with thee,

God, thine everlasting Light.

Thomas Kelly, 1806.

7, 6, 8 l

The Church’s one foundation

Is Jesus Christ, her Lord;

She is His new creation

By water and the Word.

From heav’n He came and sought her

To be His holy bride;

With His own blood He bought her,

And for her life He died.

2. Elect from every nation,

Yet one o’er all the earth,

Her charter of salvation

One Lord, one faith, one birth.

One holy name she blesses,

Partakes one holy food,

And to one hope she presses,

With every grace endued.

3. Though with a scornful wonder

Men see her sore oppressed,

By schisms rent asunder,

By heresies distressed,

Yet saints their watch are keeping,

Their cry goes up, “How long?”

And soon the night of weeping

Shall be the morn of song.

4. Mid toil and tribulation

And tumult of her war

She waits the consummation

Of peace forevermore,

Till with the vision glorious

Her longing eyes are blest

And the great Church victorious

Shall be the Church at rest.

5. Yet she on earth hath union

With God, the Three in One,

And mystic, sweet communion

With those whose rest is won.

O happy ones and holy!

Lord, give us grace that we,

Like them, the meek and lowly,

On high may dwell with Thee.

S. J. Stone, 1866.

8, 7, 8, 7

Hark! the Church proclaims her honor,

And her strength is only this;

God hath laid her choice upon her,

And the work she doth is His.

2. He His Church has firmly founded,

He will guard what He began;

We, by sin and foes surrounded,

Build her bulwarks as we can.

3. Frail and fleeting are our powers,

Short our days, our foresight dim,

And we own the choice not ours,

We were chosen first by Him.

4. Onward, then! for naught despairing;

Calm we follow at His word,

Thus through joy and sorrow bearing

Faithful witness to our Lord.

5. Though we here must strive in weakness,

Though in tears we often bend,

What His might began in meekness

Shall achieve a glorious end.

S. Preiswerk, 1844; C. Winkworth, tr., 1858.

S. M.

I love Thy Zion, Lord,

The house of Thine abode,

The Church our blest Redeemer saved

With His own precious blood.

2. I love Thy Church, O God!

Her walls before Thee stand,

Dear as the apple of Thine eye,

And graven on Thy hand.

3. Should I with scoffers join

Her altars to abuse?

No! better far my tongue were dumb,

My hand its skill should lose.

4. For her my tears shall fall,

For her my prayers ascend,

To her my cares and toils be given

Till toils and cares shall end.

5. Beyond my highest joy

I prize her heavenly ways,

Her sweet communion, solemn vows,

Her hymns of love and praise.

6. Jesus, Thou Friend Divine,

Our Savior and our King,

Thy hand from every snare and foe

Shall great deliverance bring.

7. Sure as Thy truth shall last,

To Zion shall be given

The brightest glories earth can yield

And brighter bliss of heaven.

T. Dwight, 1800, a.

6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)

Lord of the worlds above,

How pleasant and how fair

The dwellings of Thy love,

Thine earthly temples are!

To Thine abode

My heart aspires,

With warm desires

To see my God.

2. Oh, happy souls who pray

Where God appoints to hear!

Oh, happy men who pay

Their constant service there!

They praise Thee still;

And happy they

Who love the way

To Zion’s hill.

3. They go from strength to strength

Through this dark vale of tears,

Till each arrives at length,

Till each in heaven appears.

Oh, glorious seat,

When God, our King,

Shall thither bring

Our willing feet!

Isaac Watts, 1719.

8, 7, 6 l

Saints of God, the dawn is brightening,

Token of our coming Lord;

O’er the earth the field is whitening;

Louder rings the Master’s word:

Pray for reapers

In the harvest of the Lord!

2. Now, O Lord, fulfil Thy pleasure,

Breathe upon Thy chosen band,

And, with Pentecostal measure,

Send forth reapers o’er our land,

Faithful reapers,

Gathering sheaves for Thy right hand.

3. Broad the shadow of our nation,

Eager millions hither roam;

Lo! they wait for Thy salvation.

Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come;

By Thy Spirit

Bring Thy ransomed people home.

4. Soon shall end the time of weeping,

Soon the reaping time will come,

Heaven and earth together keeping

God’s eternal Harvest-home.

Saints and angels

Shout the world’s great Harvest-home.

M. Maxwell, 1849.

7, 6, 8 l

The morning light is breaking;

The darkness disappears;

The sons of earth are waking

To penitential tears;

Each breeze that sweeps the ocean

Brings tidings from afar

Of nations in commotion,

Prepared for Zion’s war.

2. See heathen nations bending

Before the God we love,

And thousand hearts ascending

In gratitude above;

While sinners, now confessing,

The Gospel call obey

And seek the Savior’s blessing,

A nation in a day.

3. Blest river of salvation,

Pursue thy onward way;

Flow thou to every nation,

Nor in thy richness stay;

Stay not till all the lowly

Triumphant reach their home;

Stay not till all the holy

Proclaim, “The Lord is come!”

S. F. Smith, 1832.

7, 6, 8 l

Our country’s voice is pleading,

Ye men of God, arise!

His providence is leading,

The land before you lies;

Day-gleams are o’er it brightening,

And promise clothes the soil;

Wide fields, for harvest whitening,

Invite the reaper’s toil.

2. Go where the waves are breaking

On California’s shore,

Christ’s precious Gospel taking,

More rich than golden ore;

On Alleghany’s mountains,

Through all the Western vale,

Beside Missouri’s fountains,

Rehearse the wondrous tale.

3. His love of Christ unfolding,

Speed on from east to west,

Till all, His Cross beholding,

In Him are fully blessed.

Great Author of salvation,

Haste, haste the glorious day,

When we, a ransomed nation,

Thy scepter shall obey.

Maria F. Anderson, 1848.

L. M.

O Spirit of the living God,

In all Thy plenitude of grace,

Where’er the foot of man hath trod,

Descend on our apostate race.

2. Give tongues of fire and hearts of love

To preach the reconciling Word;

Give power and unction from above

Where’er the joyful sound is heard.

3. Be darkness, at Thy coming, light;

Confusion—order, in Thy path;

Souls without strength inspire with might;

Bid mercy triumph over wrath.

4. O Spirit of the Lord, prepare

A sinful world their God to meet;

Breathe Thou abroad like morning air

Till hearts of stone begin to beat.

5. Baptize the nations; far and nigh

The triumphs of the Cross record;

The name of Jesus glorify

Till every kindred call Him Lord.

6. God from eternity hath willed

All flesh shall His salvation see;

So be the Father’s love fulfilled,

The Savior’s sufferings crowned through Thee.

James Montgomery, 1825.

7, 6, 8 l

From Greenland’s icy mountains,

From India’s coral strand,

Where Afric’s sunny fountains

Roll down their golden sand;

From many an ancient river,

From many a palmy plain,

They call us to deliver

Their land from error’s chain.

2. What though the spicy breezes

Blow soft o’er Ceylon’s isle,

Though every prospect pleases

And only man is vile;

In vain with lavish kindness

The gifts of God are strown;

The heathen in his blindness

Bows down to wood and stone.

3. Shall we, whose souls are lighted

With wisdom from on high,—

Shall we to men benighted

The lamp of life deny?

Salvation, O salvation!

The joyful sound proclaim

Till earth’s remotest nation

Has learned Messiah’s name.

4. Waft, waft, ye winds, His story,

And you, ye waters, roll,

Till, like a sea of glory,

It spreads from pole to pole;

Till o’er our ransomed nature

The Lamb for sinners slain,

Redeemer, King, Creator,

In bliss returns to reign.

Reginald Heber, 1819.

L. M.

O Christ, our true and only Light,

Enlighten those who sit in night;

Let those afar now hear Thy voice

And in Thy fold with us rejoice.

2. Fill with the radiance of Thy grace

The souls now lost in error’s maze

And all whom in their secret minds

Some dark delusion haunts and blinds.

3. And all who else have strayed from Thee,

O gently seek! Thy healing be

To every wounded conscience given

And let them also share Thy heaven.

4. O make the deaf to hear Thy Word

And teach the dumb to speak, dear Lord,

Who dare not yet the faith avow,

Though secretly they hold it now.

5. Shine on the darkened and the cold,

Recall the wanderers from Thy fold,

Unite all those who walk apart,

Confirm the weak and doubting heart.

6. So they with us may evermore

Such grace with wondering thanks adore,

And endless praise to Thee be given

By all Thy Church in earth and heaven.

J. Heermann, 1630; C. Winkworth, tr.

8, 7, 8 l

Hark! the voice of Jesus crying,

“Who will go and work to-day?

Fields are white and harvests waiting,

Who will bear the sheaves away?”

Loud and long the Master calleth,

Rich reward He offers thee;

Who will answer, gladly saying,

“Here am I, send me, send me”?

2. If you cannot cross the ocean

And the heathen lands explore,

You can find the heathen nearer,

You can help them at your door;

If you cannot give your thousands,

You can give the widow’s mite;

And the least you give for Jesus

Will be precious in His sight.

3. If you cannot speak like angels,

If you cannot preach like Paul,

You can tell the love of Jesus,

You can say He died for all.

If you cannot rouse the wicked

With the Judgment’s dread alarms,

You can lead the little children

To the Savior’s waiting arms.

4. Let none hear you idly saying,

“There is nothing I can do,”

While the souls of men are dying

And the Master calls for you.

Take the task He gives you gladly,

Let His work your pleasure be;

Answer quickly when He calleth,

“Here am I, send me, send me!”

D. March, 1868.

8, 7, 8 l

Savior, sprinkle many nations;

Fruitful let Thy sorrows be;

By Thy pains and consolations

Draw the Gentiles unto Thee!

Of Thy Cross the wondrous story,

Be it to the nations told;

Let them see Thee in Thy glory

And Thy mercy manifold.

2. Let to mortals all be given

Thee to know and life to gain,

Thee the very God of heaven,

Thee the Man for sinners slain!

Speak Thou, through the Gospel-tiding,

Peace to every human breast;

Grant to all in Thee confiding

Mercy, solace, hope, and rest.

3. Great the need in every nation,

Dense the darkness of sin’s night;

Let Thy Spirit bring salvation,

Love’s pure flame, and wisdom’s light.

Give the Word, Thy preachers strengthen

With the prophets’ power of old,

Help them Zion’s cords to lengthen,

All Thy wandering sheep to fold!

A. C. Coxe, 1851; Stanzas 2 and 3 a., W. G. Polack, 1927.

10s

Rise, crowned with light, imperial Salem, rise!

Exalt thy towering head and lift thine eyes;

See heaven its sparkling portals wide display

And break upon thee in a flood of day.

2. See a long race thy spacious court adorn;

See future sons and daughters, yet unborn,

In crowding ranks on every side arise,

Demanding life, impatient for the skies.

3. See barbarous nations at thy gates attend,

Walk in the light and in thy temple bend;

See thy bright altars thronged with prostrate kings,

While every land its joyful tribute brings.

4. The seas shall waste, the skies to smoke decay,

Rocks fall to dust, and mountains melt away;

But fixed this Word, this saving power, remains;

Thy realms shall last, thy own Messiah reigns.

Alexander Pope, 1720.

L. M.

Look from Thy sphere of endless day,

O God of mercy and of might!

In pity look on those who stray

Benighted in this land of light.

2. In peopled vale, in lonely glen,

In crowded mart, by stream or sea,

How many of the sons of men

Hear not the message sent from Thee!

3. Send forth Thy heralds, Lord, to call

The thoughtless young, the hardened old,

A scattered, homeless flock, till all

Be gathered to Thy peaceful fold.

4. Send them Thy mighty Word to speak,

Till faith shall dawn and doubt depart,

To awe the bold, to stay the weak,

And bind and heal the broken heart.

5. Then all these wastes, a dreary scene,

That makes us sadden as we gaze,

Shall grow with living waters green

And lift to heaven the voice of praise.

William Cullen Bryant, 1840, a.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7

May God bestow on us His grace,

With blessings rich provide us,

And may the brightness of His face,

To life eternal guide us,

That we His gracious work may know

And what is His good pleasure,

And also to the heathen show

Christ’s riches without measure

And unto God convert them.

2. Thine over all shall be the praise

And thanks of every nation,

And all the world with joy shall raise

The voice of exultation;

For Thou shalt judge the earth, O Lord,

Nor suffer sin to flourish;

Thy people’s pasture is Thy Word

Their souls to feed and nourish,

In righteous paths to keep them.

3. O let the people praise Thy worth,

In all good works increasing;

The land shall plenteous fruit bring forth,

Thy Word is rich in blessing.

May God the Father, God the Son,

And God the Spirit bless us!

Let all the world praise Him alone,

Let solemn awe possess us.

Now let our hearts say, Amen.

Martin Luther, 1524.

L. M. 6 l

Awake, Thou Spirit, who didst fire

The watchmen of the Church’s youth,

Who faced the foe’s envenomed ire,

Who witnessed day and night Thy truth,

Whose voices loud are ringing still

And bringing hosts to know Thy will.

2. Lord, let our earnest prayer be heard,

The prayer Thy Son hath bid us pray;

For, lo, Thy children’s hearts are stirred

In every land in this our day

To cry with fervent soul to Thee,

O help us, Lord! So let it be!

3. O haste to help ere we are lost!

Send preachers forth, in spirit strong,

Armed with Thy Word, a dauntless host,

Bold to attack the rule of wrong;

Let them the earth for Thee reclaim,

Thy heritage, to know Thy name.

4. Would there were help within our walls!

O let Thy Spirit come again,

Before whom every barrier falls;

And now once more shine forth as then.

O rend the heavens and make us free!

Come, Lord, and bring us back to Thee!

5. And let Thy Word have speedy course,

Through every land be glorified,

Till all the heathen know its force

And fill Thy churches far and wide.

Spread Thou the conquest of Thy Word

And let Thy kingdom come, O Lord!

6. The Church’s desert paths restore;

Let stumbling-blocks that in them lie

Hinder Thy Word henceforth no more;

Error destroy, and heresy,

And let Thy Church, from hirelings free,

Bloom as a garden fair to Thee.

C. H. Bogatzky, 1750; C. Winkworth, tr., a., 1855.

7s

Soldiers of the Cross, arise,

Gird you with your armor bright;

Mighty are your enemies,

Hard the battle ye must fight.

2. O’er a faithless, fallen world

Raise your banner in the sky;

Let it float there wide unfurled;

Bear it onward, lift it high.

3. Mid the homes of want and woe,

Strangers to the living Word,

Let the Savior’s heralds go,

Let the voice of hope be heard.

4. Where the shadows deepest lie,

Carry truth’s unsullied ray;

Where are crimes of blackest dye,

There the saving sign display.

5. To the weary and the worn

Tell of realms where sorrows cease;

To the outcast and forlorn

Speak of mercy and of peace.

6. Guard the helpless; seek the strayed;

Comfort troubles; banish grief;

In the might of God arrayed,

Scatter sin and unbelief.

7. Be the banner still unfurled,

Still unsheathed the Spirit’s Sword,

Till the kingdoms of the world

Are the kingdom of the Lord.

W. W. How, 1854.

L. M.

Jesus shall reign where’er the sun

Does his successive journeys run;

His kingdom stretch from shore to shore

Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

2. To Him shall endless prayer be made

And endless praises crown His head;

His name, like sweet perfume, shall rise

With every morning sacrifice.

3. People and realms of every tongue

Dwell on His love with sweetest song;

And infant voices shall proclaim

Their early blessings on His name.

4. Blessings abound where’er He reigns;

The prisoner leaps to loose his chains,

The weary find eternal rest,

And all the sons of want are blest.

5. Where He displays His healing power,

Death and the curse are known no more;

In Him the tribes of Adam boast

More blessings than their father lost.

6. Let every creature rise and bring

Peculiar honors to our King;

Angels descend with songs again,

And earth repeat the loud Amen.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

8, 8, 8, 6

Send Thou, O Lord, to every place

Swift messengers before Thy face,

The heralds of Thy wondrous grace,

Where Thou Thyself wilt come.

2. Send men whose eyes have seen the King,

Men in whose ears His sweet words ring;

Send such Thy lost ones home to bring;

Send them where Thou wilt come,—

3. To bring good news to souls in sin,

The bruised and broken hearts to win;

In every place to bring them in

Where Thou Thyself wilt come.

4. Thou who hast died, Thy victory claim;

Assert, O Christ, Thy glory’s name

And far to lands of pagan shame

Send men where Thou wilt come.

5. Gird each one with the Spirit’s Sword,

The sword of Thine own deathless Word,

And make them conquerors, conquering Lord,

Where Thou Thyself wilt come.

6. Raise up, O Lord the Holy Ghost,

From this broad land a mighty host,

Their war-cry, “We will seek the lost

Where Thou, O Christ, wilt come!”

Mrs. M. E. Gates, 1889.

8, 8, 6, 8, 8, 6 (C. P. M.)

Lord of the Church, we humbly pray

For those who guide us in Thy way

And speak Thy holy Word;

With love divine their hearts inspire

And touch their lips with hallowed fire

And needful strength afford.

2. Help them to preach the Truth of God,

Redemption through the Savior’s blood,

Nor let the Spirit cease

On all the Church His gifts to shower,—

To them a messenger of power;

To us, of life and peace.

3. So may they live to Thee alone;

Then hear the welcome word, “Well done!”

And take their crown above;

Enter into their Master’s joy

And all eternity employ

In praise and bliss and love.

E. Osler, 1836.

10s

God of the prophets, bless the prophets’ sons;

Elijah’s mantle o’er Elisha cast;

Each age its solemn task may claim but once;

Make each a nobler, stronger than the last!

2. Anoint them prophets! Make their ears attent

To Thy divinest speech; their hearts awake

To human need; their lips make eloquent

T’assure the right and every evil break.

3. Anoint them priests! Strong intercessors they

For pardon and for charity and peace!

Ah, if with them the world might pass, astray,

Into the dear Christ’s life of sacrifice!

4. Anoint them kings; aye, kindly kings, O Lord!

Anoint them with the Spirit of Thy Son!

Theirs not a jeweled crown, a blood-stained sword;

Theirs, by sweet love, for Christ a kingdom won!

5. Make them apostles, heralds of Thy Cross!

Forth may they go to tell all realms Thy grace.

Inspired of Thee, may they count all but loss

And stand at last with joy before Thy face.

6. O mighty age of prophet-kings, return!

O truth, O faith, enrich our urgent time!

Lord Jesus Christ, again with us sojourn;

A weary world awaits Thy reign sublime!

D. Wortman, 1884.

S. M. 8 l

Lord, when at Thy command

The Word of Life we sow,

Watered by Thy almighty hand,

The seed shall surely grow;

The virtue of Thy grace

A large increase shall give

And multiply the faithful race

Who to Thy glory live.

2. Now, then, the ceaseless shower

Of Gospel-blessings send

And let the soul-converting power

Thy ministers attend;

On multitudes confer

The heart-renewing love

And by the joy of grace prepare

For fuller joys above.

Charles Wesley.

L. M.

Lord, pour Thy Spirit from on high

And Thine ordainèd servants bless;

Graces and gifts to each supply

And clothe Thy priests with righteousness.

2. Within Thy temple when they stand

To teach the truth as taught by Thee,

Savior, like stars in Thy right hand,

Let all Thy Church’s pastors be.

3. Wisdom and zeal and faith impart,

Firmness and meekness from above,

To bear Thy people in their heart

And love the souls whom Thou dost love;

4. To watch and pray and never faint

By day and night strict guard to keep,

To warn the sinner, cheer the saint,

To feed Thy lambs, and fold Thy sheep.

5. So, when their work is finished here,

They may in hope their charge resign;

So, when their Master shall appear,

They may with crowns of glory shine.

James Montgomery, 1833.

L. M.

We bid thee welcome in the name

Of Jesus, our exalted Head.

Come as a servant,—so He came,—

And we receive thee in His stead.

2. Come as a shepherd; guard and keep

This fold from hell and earth and sin;

Nourish the lambs and feed the sheep;

The wounded heal, the lost bring in.

3. Come as a teacher sent from God,

Charged His whole counsel to declare;

Lift o’er our ranks the prophet’s rod

While we uphold thy hands with prayer.

4. Come as a messenger of peace,

Filled with the Spirit, fired with love;

Live to behold our large increase

And die to meet us all above.

James Montgomery.

S. M.

How beauteous are their feet

Who stand on Zion’s hill;

Who bring salvation on their tongues

And words of peace reveal!

2. How charming is their voice!

How sweet their tidings are!

“Zion, behold thy Savior-King!

He reigns and triumphs here.”

3. How happy are our ears

That hear this joyful sound

Which kings and prophets waited for

And sought, but never found!

4. How blessed are our eyes

That see this heavenly light!

Prophets and kings desired it long,

But died without the sight.

5. The watchmen join their voice

And tuneful notes employ;

Jerusalem breaks forth in songs,

And deserts learn the joy.

6. The Lord makes bare His arm

Through all the earth abroad.

Let every nation now behold

Their Savior and their God.

Isaac Watts, 1707.

S. M.

Lord of the harvest, hear

Thy needy servants cry;

Answer our faith’s effectual prayer

And all our wants supply.

2. On Thee we humbly wait,

Our wants are in Thy view.

The harvest, truly, Lord, is great,

The laborers are few.

3. Convert and send forth more

Into Thy Church abroad

And let them speak Thy Word of Power

As workers with their God.

4. Oh, let them spread Thy name,

Their mission fully prove,

Thy universal grace proclaim,

Thine all-redeeming love!

Charles Wesley, 1742.

L. M. 6 l

Thou who the night in prayer didst spend

And then didst Thine apostles send,

And bidd’st us pray the harvest’s Lord

To send forth sowers of Thy Word,—

Hear and Thy chosen servants bless

With sevenfold gifts of holiness.

2. Oh, may Thy pastors faithful be,

Not laboring for themselves, but Thee!

Give grace to feed with wholesome food

The sheep and lambs bought by Thy blood,

To tend Thy flock, and thus to prove

How dearly they the Shepherd love.

3. Oh, may Thy people faithful be,

And in Thy pastors honor Thee,

And with them work, and for them pray,

And gladly Thee in them obey;

Receive the prophet of the Lord

And gain the prophet’s own reward!

4. So may we, when our work is done,

Together stand before Thy throne

And joyful hearts and voices raise

In one united song of praise,

With all the bright celestial host,

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

C. Wordsworth.

L. M.

Bow down Thine ear, almighty Lord,

And hear Thy Church’s suppliant cry

For all who preach Thy saving Word

And wait upon Thy ministry.

2. In mercy, Father, now give heed

And pour Thy quickening Spirit’s breath

On those whom Thou dost call to feed

Thy flock redeemed by Jesus’ death.

3. O Savior, from Thy piercèd hand

Shed o’er them all Thy gifts divine

That those who in Thy presence stand

May do Thy will with love like Thine.

4. Blest Spirit, in their hearts abide

And give them grace to watch and pray,

That, as they seek Thy flock to guide,

Themselves may keep the narrow way.

5. O God, Thy strength and mercy send

To shield them in their strife with sin;

Grant them, enduring to the end,

The crown of life at last to win.

T. E. Powell, 1864.

CROSS AND COMFORT. — 494 — 495 — 496 — 497 — 498 — 499 — 500 — 501 — 502 — 503 — 504 — 505 — 506 — 507 — 508 — 509 — 510 — 511 — 512 — 513 — 514 — 515 — 516 — 517 — 518 — 519 — 520 — 521 — 522 — 523 — 524 — 525 — 526

8, 7, 8 l

Whate’er God will, let that be done;

His will is ever wisest;

His grace will all thy hope outrun

Who to that faith arisest.

The gracious Lord Will help afford,

He chastens with forbearing;

Who God believes And to Him cleaves,

Shall not be left despairing.

2. My God is my sure Confidence,

My Hope, and my Existence;

His counsel is beyond my sense,

Yet I’ll not make resistance.

His Word declares The very hairs

Upon my head are numbered;

His mercy large Holds me in charge,

With care that never slumbered.

3. The time has come when at His will

My life in this world ceases;

I think upon it and am still,

Let come whate’er He pleases.

To Him I trust My soul, my dust,

When flesh and spirit sever;

The Christ we sing Has plucked the sting

Away from death forever.

4. Yet one thing, Lord, I ask of Thee,

O grant my supplication:

When Satan sorely tempteth me,

Save me from desperation.

O God, my Lord, True to Thy Word,

Do Thou my soul deliver!

Who doth believe, He shall receive.

Thy name be praised forever!

Anon., 1554; N. L. Frothingham, tr., a.

8, 8, 7, 8, 7

In Thee, Lord, have I put my trust,

Leave me not helpless in the dust,

Let me not be confounded;

Let in Thy Word My faith, O Lord,

Be always firmly grounded.

2. Bow down Thy gracious ear to me

And hear my prayers, Lord, speedily,

O grant me Thy protection!

For woes and fear Surround me here;

Help me in my affliction.

3. My God and Shield, now let Thy power

Be unto me a mighty tower,

Whence bravely I defend me

Against the foes That round me close;

O Lord, assistance lend me!

4. Thy Word hath said, Thou art my Rock,

The Fortress that can fear no shock,

My Help, my Life, my Treasure;

Howe’er distress And dangers press,

All must perform Thy pleasure.

5. The world for me has falsely set

Full many a secret snare and net,

Dark lies, and sore temptations.

Lord, hear my prayers And break these snares

And hellish machinations.

6. With Thee, Lord, would I cast my lot;

My God, my God, forsake me not;

For, Lord, I am commending

My soul to Thee; Deliver me

Now and when life is ending.

7. All honor, praise, and majesty

To Father, Son, and Spirit be,

Our God forever glorious,

In whose rich grace We’ll run our race

Till we depart victorious.

Ps. 31. Adam Reusner, 1533; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

C. M.

Lord, it belongs not to my care,

Whether I die or live;

To love and serve Thee is my share,

And this Thy grace must give.

2. If life be long, I will be glad

That I may long obey;

If short, yet why should I be sad

To soar to endless day?

3. Christ leads me through no darker rooms

Than He went through before;

He that into God’s kingdom comes

Must enter by this door.

4. Come, Lord, when grace has made me meet

Thy blessed face to see;

For if Thy work on earth is sweet,

What will Thy glory be?

5. Then shall I end my sad complaints

And weary, sinful days

And join with the triumphant saints

That sing Jehovah’s praise.

6. My knowledge of that life is small,

The eye of faith is dim;

But ’tis enough that Christ knows all

And I shall be with Him.

Richard Baxter, 1681, a.

C. M.

O Thou, from whom all goodness flows,

I lift my heart to Thee;

In all my sorrows, conflicts, woes,

Dear Lord, remember me!

2. When on my aching, burdened heart

My sins lie heavily,

My pardon speak, new peace impart;

In love remember me.

3. Temptations sore obstruct my way,

And ills I cannot flee.

O give me strength, Lord, as my day;

For good remember me.

4. Distressed with pain, disease, and grief,

This feeble body see;

Grant patience, rest, and kind relief;

Hear and remember me!

5. When in the solemn hour of death

I wait Thy just decree,

Be this the prayer of my last breath,

Good Lord, remember me!

6. And when before Thy throne I stand

And lift my soul to Thee,

Then with the saints at Thy right hand,

Good Lord, remember me!

Thomas Haweis and Thomas Cotterill, 1792, a.

9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8

If thou but suffer God to guide thee

And hope in Him through all thy ways,

He’ll give thee strength, whate’er betide thee,

And bear thee through the evil days.

Who trusts in God’s unchanging love

Builds on the Rock that naught can move.

2. What can these anxious cares avail thee,

These never-ceasing moans and sighs?

What can it help if thou bewail thee

O’er each dark moment as it flies?

Our cross and trials do but press

The heavier for our bitterness.

3. Be patient and await His leisure

In cheerful hope, with heart content,

To take whate’er thy Father’s pleasure

And His discerning love hath sent,

Nor doubt our inmost wants are known

To Him who chose us for His own.

4. He knows the time for joy and, truly,

Will send it when He sees it meet;

When He has tried and purged thee duly

And finds thee free from all deceit,

He comes to thee all unaware

And makes thee own His loving care.

5. Nor think amid the heat of trial

That God hath cast thee off unheard;

That he whose hopes meet no denial

Must surely be of God preferred;

Time passes and much change doth bring

And sets a bound to everything.

6. All are alike before the Highest;

’Tis easy to our God, we know,

To raise thee up, though low thou liest,

To make the rich man poor and low.

True wonders still by Him are wrought

Who setteth up and brings to naught.

7. Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving;

So do thine own part faithfully

And trust His Word, though undeserving,

Thou yet shalt find it true for thee.

God never will forsake in need

The soul that trusts in Him indeed.

Ps. 55, 23. George Neumark, 1657; C. Winkworth, tr.

9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8

I leave all things to God’s direction,

He loveth me in weal and woe;

His will is good, true His affection,

With tender love His heart doth glow.

My Fortress and my Rock is He:

What pleaseth God, that pleaseth me.

2. My God hath all things in His keeping,

He is the ever faithful Friend;

He grants me laughter after weeping,

And all His ways in blessings end.

His love endures eternally:

What pleaseth God, that pleaseth me.

3. The will of God shall be my pleasure

While here on earth is mine abode;

My will is wrong beyond all measure,

It doth not will what pleaseth God.

The Christian’s maxim e’er must be:

What pleaseth God, that pleaseth me.

4. God knows what must be done to save me,

His love for me will never cease;

For He upon His palms did grave me

With purest gold of loving grace.

Away, my own will, off with thee!

What pleaseth God, that pleaseth me.

5. My God desires the soul’s salvation,

Me also He desires to save;

Therefore, with Christian resignation,

All earthly troubles I will brave.

His will be done eternally:

What pleaseth God, that pleaseth me.

Anon., 17th cent.; A. Crull, tr.

7s

Oft in sorrow, oft in woe,

Onward, Christians, onward go!

Bear the toil, maintain the strife,

Strengthened with the Bread of Life.

2. Let not sorrow dim your eye;

Soon shall every tear be dry.

Let not woe your course impede;

Great your help if great your need.

3. Let your drooping hearts be glad;

March, in heavenly armor clad.

Fight, nor think the battle long;

Victory soon shall tune your song.

4. Onward, then, to battle move!

More than conquerors you shall prove;

Though begirt with many a foe,

Onward, Christians, onward go!

H. K. White, 1806, a.

8, 6, 6, 8, 6, 6

Why should sorrow ever grieve me;

Christ is near, What can here

E’er of Him deprive me?

Who can rob me of my heaven

That God’s Son As my own

To my faith hath given?

2. Naked was I and unswathèd

When on earth At my birth

My first breath I breathèd.

Naked hence shall I betake me

When I go From earth’s woe

And my breath forsakes me.

3. Naught—not e’en the life I’m living—

Is my own, God alone

All to me is giving.

Must I, then, His own restore Him?

Though bereft Of each gift,

Still shall I adore Him.

4. Though a heavy cross I’m bearing

And my heart Feels the smart,

Shall I be despairing?

God can help me, who doth send it;

He doth know All my woe

And how best to end it.

5. God oft gives me days of gladness;

Shall I grieve If He give

Seasons, too, of sadness?

God is good and tempers ever

Every hurt; Me desert

Wholly can He never.

6. Though united world and devil,

All their power Can no more

Do than mock and cavil.

Let derision now employ them,

Christ e’en here Will appear

And ’fore all destroy them.

7. True believers, shrinking never,

Where they dwell, Should reveal

Their true colors ever.

When approaching death would scare them,

Still should they Patient stay

And with courage bear them.

8. Death can never kill us even,

But relief From all grief

To us then is given.

It doth close life’s mournful story,

Makes a way That we may

Pass to heavenly glory.

9. There I’ll reap enduring pleasure,

After woe Here below

Suffered in large measure.

Lasting good we find here never,

All the earth Deemeth worth

Vanisheth forever.

10. What is all this life possesseth?

But a hand Full of sand

That the heart distresseth.

Noble gifts that pall me never

Christ so free There gives me

To enjoy forever.

11. Lord, Thou Fount of joy forever,

Thou art mine, I am Thine,

No one can us sever.

I am Thine, because Thou gavest

Life and blood For my good,

By Thy death me savest.

12. Thou art mine, I love and own Thee,

Ne’er shall I, Light of joy,

From my heart dethrone Thee.

Let me, let me, soon behold Thee

Face to face,—Thy embrace,

May it soon enfold me!

Paul Gerhardt, 1653; J. Kelly, tr., a.

C. M.

Dear Refuge of my weary soul,

On Thee, when sorrows rise,

On Thee, when waves of trouble roll,

My fainting hope relies.

2. To Thee I tell each rising grief,

For Thou alone canst heal;

Thy Word can bring a sweet relief

For every pain I feel.

3. Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face?

And shall I seek in vain?

And can the ear of pardoning grace

Be deaf when I complain?

4. No, still the ear of saving grace

Attends the mourner’s prayer;

O may I ever find access

To breathe my sorrows there!

Anne Steele, 1760.

L. M.

O God, my days are dark indeed,

How oft this aching heart must bleed;

The narrow way,—how filled with pain,

That I must pass, ere heaven I gain!

2. How hard to teach this flesh and blood

To seek alone th’ eternal God!

Ah! whither now for comfort turn?

For Thee, my Jesus, do I yearn.

3. In Thee have I, howe’er distrest,

Found ever counsel, aid, and rest!

I cannot all forsaken be

While still my heart can trust in Thee.

4. Thine office and Thy person show

That Thou great miracles canst do;

Miraculous was, Lord, Thy birth

When Thou wert born a child on earth.

5. And by Thy death Thou mak’st me free

So strangely from all misery.

Jesus, my only God and Lord,

What sweetness in Thy name is stored!

6. No grief can ever be so sore

But Thy sweet name can cheer me more;

So keen no sorrow’s rankling dart

But Thy sweet name can heal my heart.

7. Although my flesh and heart may fail,

I’ll heed it not, I shall not quail;

My Savior, if I have but Thee,

I shall be blest eternally.

8. With heart and soul I’m Thine fore’er;

Sin, death, and hell I need not fear;

The world can show no truth like Thine,

And therefore will I not repine.

9. I know Thou wilt forsake me not,

Thy truth is fixed, though dark my lot;

Thou art my Shepherd, and Thy sheep

From harm forever Thou wilt keep.

10. Jesus, my Boast, my Light, my Joy,

The Treasure naught can e’er destroy,

No words, no song that I can frame

Speak half the sweetness of Thy name.

11. They only all its power shall prove

Whose hearts have learned Thy faith and love;

How many a time I’ve sadly said,

Far better were it I were dead;

12. Far better ne’er the light to see

If I had not this joy in Thee;

For he who hath not Thee in faith,

His very life is merely death.

13. Jesus, my Bridegroom and my Crown,

If Thou but smile, the world may frown;

In Thee lie depths of joy untold,

Far richer than the richest gold.

14. Whenever I but think of Thee,

Thy dews drop down and solace me;

Whene’er I hope in Thee, my Friend,

Thy comfort and Thy peace descend.

15. Whene’er in grief I pray and sing,

I feel new courage in me spring;

Thy Spirit witnesses that this

Is foretaste of eternal bliss.

16. Therefore, while life remains in me,

I’ll bear Thy cross and follow Thee.

Grant me a patient, willing mood;

I know that it shall work my good.

17. Help me to do my task aright,

That it may stand before Thy sight;

Let me this flesh and blood control,

From sin and shame preserve my soul.

18. O keep me steadfast in the faith,

Then I am Thine in life and death.

Jesus, my Comfort, bend to me;

Ah, would I were e’en now with Thee!

Conrad Hojer, 1597.

S. M.

In weariness and pain,

By sins and fears opprest,

I turn me to my Rest again,

My soul’s eternal Rest.

2. The Lamb that died for me

And still my load doth bear;

To Jesus’ streaming wounds I flee

And find my quiet there.

3. Jesus, was ever grief,

Was ever love, like Thine?

Thy sorrow, Lord, is my relief,

Thy life hath ransomed mine.

4. O may I rise with Thee

And soar to things above

And spend a blest eternity

In praise of dying love!

Charles Wesley, 1749, a.

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8

Zion mourns in fear and anguish,

Zion, city of our God.

“Ah!” she saith, “how sore I languish,

Bowed beneath so hard a load!

God hath now forsook me quite

And forgot my evil plight.”

Nay, the Lord, who chose thee, spares thee,

For within His heart He bears thee.

2. “Once,” she mourns, “He promised plainly

That His help should aye be near,

Yet I now must seek Him vainly

In my days of woe and fear.

Will He, then, forevermore

Keep His anger and no more

Help His chosen generation

In its present tribulation?”

3. “Zion, surely I have loved thee!”

Thus to her the Highest saith.

“Although many woes have proved thee

And thy soul is sad to death,

Yet now cast thy griefs behind;

Where wilt thou a mother find

For her own child not providing

Or in hatred with it chiding?

4. “And if thou couldst find a mother

Who forgot her infant’s claim

Or whose wrath her love could smother,

Yet would I be still the same;

For My truth is pledged to thee,

Zion, thou art dear to Me;

I within My heart have set thee,

And I never can forget thee.

5. “Let not Satan make thee craven;

He can fight, but cannot harm.

On My hands thy name is graven,

And thy shield is still My arm.

How, then, could it ever be

That I failed to think of thee,

Build the wall of My own city

And look down on thee with pity?

6. “Thou before My eyes art ever,

In My bosom thou art laid

As a nursing child, and never

Shalt thou lack My timely aid.

Me and thee no time nor stress,

War, nor danger, nor distress,

No, nor Satan’s self shall sever,—

Only be thou faithful ever.”

J. Heermann, 1636; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8

Let not such a thought e’er pain thee

As that thou art cast away,

But within God’s Word restrain thee,

That far otherwise doth say.

E’en though thou unrighteous art,

True and faithful is God’s heart.

Hast thou death deserved forever?

God’s appeased, despond thou never!

2. Thou art, as is every other,

Tainted by the poison sin,

That the Serpent and our father

Adam, by the Fall, brought in.

But if God’s voice thou dost hear,

“Turn to Me, do good,” ne’er fear,

Be of good cheer, He thy yearning

Will regard, thy prayer ne’er spurning.

3. He is not a bear or lion

Thirsting only for thy blood,

Faithful is thy God in Zion,

Gentle ever is His mood.

God aye as a Father feels,

He’s afflicted by our ills;

Our misfortune sorrow gives Him,

And our dying ever grieves Him.

4. “Truly,” saith He, “as I’m living,

I the death of none desire,

But that men, themselves upgiving,

May be rescued from sin’s mire.”

When a prodigal returns,

God’s heart then with rapture burns,

Wills that not the least one even

Ever from His flock be driven.

5. Shepherd was so faithful never,

Seeking sheep that go astray.

Couldest thou God’s heart see ever

How He cares for them alway,

How it thirsts and sighs and burns

After him who from Him turns,

From His people’s midst doth wander,

Love would make thee weep and ponder.

6. God the good not only loveth,

Those who in His house now dwell,

But His heart compassion moveth

For those whom the Prince of hell

Hath enslaved, the cruel foe,

Who men’s hearts with hate to glow

Makes ’gainst Him, who when He ever

Moves His foot, can make earth quiver.

7. Deep His love and most enduring,

His desire is ever great;

He is calling and alluring

Us to enter heaven’s gate.

When they come, whoe’er they be,

Seeking now that liberty

From the devil’s fangs be given,

Glad are all the hosts of heaven.

8. God and all those with Him dwelling,

’Fore whom heaven must hush its voice

When their Maker’s praise forth telling,

O’er our penitence rejoice;

But what has been done amiss

Covered now and buried is,

All offense to Him we’ve given,—

All, yea all, is now forgiven.

9. From no lake so much is gushing,

No depth is so deep at all,

With such force no stream is rushing,

All compared with God is small;

Naught is like His grace so great,

That remits our mighty debt,

That He ever throweth over

All our lives e’en as a cover.

10. Soul, why art thou sad and dreary?

Rest now and contented be!

Why wilt thou thyself so weary

When there is no need for thee?

Though thy sins appear to thee

Like a vast and shoreless sea,

If with God’s heart thou compare them,

’Twill a trifle seem to bear them.

11. Could we myriad worlds discover,

All sunk in apostasy,

Had the sins there o’er and over

Every one been done by thee,

Oh! still there were less by far

Than the light of grace so clear

Could on earth extinguish ever,

God from greater could deliver.

12. Of such wondrous love and favor

Open wide the door to me;

Everywhere and aye, my Savior,

Tasted be Thy grace by me.

Love me, Lord, and let me be

Nearer ever drawn to Thee

That I may embrace and love Thee,

Nevermore to anger move Thee.

Paul Gerhardt, 1653; J. Kelly, tr.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7

Whatever God ordains is good!

His righteous will abideth;

I will be still whate’er He doth

And follow where He guideth.

He is my God; Though dark my road,

He knoweth how to shield me,

Wherefore to Him I yield me.

2. Whatever God ordains is good!

He never will deceive me;

He leads me by the proper path,

I know He will not leave me,

And take content What He hath sent;

His hand that sends my sadness

Will turn my tears to gladness.

3. Whatever God ordains is good!

His loving thought attends me;

No poisoned draught the cup can be

That my Physician sends me,

But medicine; God true has been.

Of doubt, then, I’ll divest me

And on His goodness rest me.

4. Whatever God ordains is good!

My Life, my Light, can never

Intend me harm; then, to His care

I give myself forever

In weal or woe; For well I know

Some day I shall see clearly

That God did love me dearly.

5. Whatever God ordains is good!

Though now this cup in drinking

May bitter to my taste appear

I take it all unshrinking;

For to my heart God will impart

A timely balm of healing

And end each painful feeling.

6. Whatever God ordains is good!

Here shall my stand be taken;

Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,

Yet am I not forsaken;

My Father’s care Is round me there,

His arms embrace and shield me;

Then to my God I yield me.

Samuel Rodigast, 1675; C. Winkworth, 1863, a.

6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7

In God, my faithful God,

I trust when dark my road;

Though many woes o’ertake me,

Yet He will not forsake me;

His love it is doth send them

And, when ’tis best, will end them.

2. My sins assail me sore,

But I despair no more.

I build on Christ, who loves me;

From this Rock nothing moves me.

To Him I all surrender,

To Him, my soul’s Defender.

3. If death my portion be,

Then death is gain to me,

And Christ my Life forever,

From whom death cannot sever;

Come when it may, He’ll shield me,

To Him I wholly yield me.

4. O Jesus Christ, my Lord,

So meek in deed and word,

Thou once didst die to save us,

Because Thou fain wouldst have us

After this life of sadness

The heirs of heavenly gladness.

5. “So be it,” then I say

With all my heart each day.

We, too, dear Lord, adore Thee,

We sing for joy before Thee.

Guide us while here we wander

Till safely landed yonder.

S. Weingaertner, 1607; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 7, 7, 6

From God shall naught divide me,

For He is true for aye

And on my path will guide me,

Who else should often stray;

His ever-bounteous hand

By night and day is heedful

And gives me what is needful,

Where’er I go or stand.

2. When man’s help and affection

Shall unavailing prove,

God grants me His protection

And proves His power and love;

He helps me in my need,

Delivers me from evil,

From sin and death and devil;

He is my Friend indeed.

3. If sorrow comes, He sent it,

In Him I put my trust;

I never shall repent it,

For He is true and just

And endeth every ill;

My life and soul I render

To God, my strong Defender;

Let Him do as He will.

4. Whate’er shall be His pleasure

Is surely best for me;

He sent His dearest Treasure

That our weak hearts may see

His good and gracious will.

In His own Son He gave us

Whate’er can bless and save us;

Praise Him who loves us still!

5. O praise Him, for He never

Forgets our daily need;

O blest the hour whenever

Our thoughts to Him can speed;

Yea, all the time we spend

Without Him is but wasted,

Till we His joy have tasted,

The joy that hath no end.

6. The world away is passing

With all its pomp and pride;

All we have been amassing

No longer may abide.

But in our earthly bed,

When safely we are sleeping,

God hath us in His keeping,

To wake us from the dead.

7. Our soul shall never perish,

But in yon paradise

The joys of heaven shall cherish.

Our body shall arise

Pure, holy, new-born, free

From every sin and evil;

The tempting of the devil

We then no more shall see.

8. Then, though on earth I suffer

Much trial, well I know

I merit ways still rougher,

And ’tis to heaven I go.

For Christ I know and love,

To Him I now am hasting,

And gladness everlasting

With Him my heart shall prove.

9. Such is His will that made us.

The Father seeks our good;

The Son of sin doth rid us,

And saves us by His blood;

His Spirit rules our ways,

Through faith in us abiding,

To heaven our footsteps guiding.

To Him be thanks and praise!

L. Helmbold, 1563.

8, 7, 8, 7

God is Love; His mercy brightens

All the path in which we rove;

Bliss He wakes, and woe He lightens:

God is Wisdom, God is Love.

2. Chance and change are busy ever,

Man decays, and ages move,

But His mercy waneth never:

God is Wisdom, God is Love.

3. E’en the hour that darkest seemeth

Will His changeless goodness prove;

From the gloom His brightness streameth:

God is Wisdom, God is Love.

4. He with earthly cares entwineth

Hope and comfort from above;

Everywhere His glory shineth:

God is Wisdom, God is Love.

J. Bowring, 1825.

8, 7, 8 l

Who puts his trust In God most just

Hath built his house securely;

He who relies On Jesus Christ,

Heaven shall be his most surely.

Then fixed on Thee My trust shall be,

For Thy truth cannot alter;

While mine Thou art Not death’s worst smart

Shall make my courage falter.

2. Though fiercest foes My course oppose,

A dauntless front I’ll show them;

My Champion Thou, Lord Christ, art now,

Who soon shalt overthrow them;

And if but Thee I have in me

With Thy good gifts and Spirit,

Nor death nor hell, I know full well,

Shall hurt me, through Thy merit.

3. I rest me here Without a fear;

By Thee shall all be given

That I can need, O Friend indeed,

For this life or for heaven.

O keep me true, My heart renew,

My soul and flesh deliver!

Lord, hear my prayer And in Thy care

Keep me in peace forever.

J. Magdeburg, 1572; C. Winkworth, tr.

11, 10, 11, 10

Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye languish,

Come to the mercy-seat, fervently kneel;

Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish;

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.

2. Joy of the desolate, light of the straying,

Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure,

Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure.

3. Here see the Bread of Life, see water flowing

Forth from the throne of God, pure from above.

Come to the feast of love; come, ever knowing

Earth has no sorrow but Heaven can remove.

T. Moore, 1816. Stanza 3 a.

4, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 7

God liveth still!

Soul, despair not, fear no ill!

God is good; from His compassion

Earthly help and comfort flow;

Strong is His right hand to fashion

All things well for man below.

Trial, oft the most distressing,

In the end has proved a blessing.

Wherefore, then, my soul, despair?

God still lives, who heareth prayer.

2. God liveth still!

Soul, despair not, fear no ill!

He who gave the eye its vision,

Shall He slumber once or sleep?

He who gave the ear its mission,

Hears He not His children weep?

God is God; His ear attendeth

When the sigh our bosom rendeth.

Wherefore, then, my soul, despair?

God still lives, who heareth prayer.

3. God liveth still!

Soul, despair not, fear no ill!

He who gives the clouds their measure,

Stretching out the heavens alone;

He who stores the earth with treasure,

Is not far from every one.

God in the hour of need defendeth

Him whose heart in love ascendeth.

Wherefore, then, my soul, despair?

God still lives, who heareth prayer.

4. God liveth still!

Soul, despair not, fear no ill!

Is thy cross too great and pond’rous,

Cast on Him thy grievous load;

God is great, His love is wondrous,

He will speed thee on the road.

For His truth endureth ever,

And His mercy ceaseth never.

Wherefore, then, my soul, despair?

God still lives, who heareth prayer.

5. God liveth still!

Soul, despair not, fear no ill!

Is the yoke of sin too galling?

Christ Himself has set thee free,

Borne for thee their weight appalling,

Cast them in oblivion’s sea!

In thy deepest grief and sadness

He can grant thee joy and gladness.

Wherefore, then, my soul, despair?

God still lives, who heareth prayer.

6. God liveth still!

Soul, despair not, fear no ill!

When the world would let thee perish,

Pathless all thy tangled way,

God the nearer draws to cherish

Him who makes the Lord his Stay.

Children oft that most He loveth

Thus with strictest rod He proveth.

Wherefore, then, my soul, despair?

God still lives, who heareth prayer.

7. God liveth still!

Soul, despair not, fear no ill!

Heaven’s huge vault may cleave asunder,

Earth’s round globe in ruins burst,

Satan’s fellest rage may thunder,

Death and hell may spend their worst;

Yet will God keep safe and surely

Those who trust in Him securely.

Wherefore, then, my soul, despair?

God still lives, who heareth prayer.

8. God liveth still!

Soul, despair not, fear no ill!

Be thy life until its ending

Full of thorns, of grief, or need,

God, in love the trial sending,

Thus His child would heavenwards lead.

For this life’s long night of sadness

He will give thee peace and gladness.

Wherefore, then, my soul, despair?

God still lives, who heareth prayer.

J. F. Zihn, 1782; F. E. Cox, tr., a.

L. M.

Thy ways, O Lord, with wise design

Are framed upon Thy throne above,

And every dark and bending line

Meets in the center of Thy love.

2. With feeble light and half obscure,

Poor mortals Thine arrangements view,

Not knowing that the least are sure

And the mysterious just and true.

3. Thy flock, Thine own peculiar care,

Though now they seem to roam uneyed,

Are led or driven only where

They best and safest may abide.

4. They neither know nor trace the way;

But whilst they trust Thy guardian eye,

Their feet shall ne’er to ruin stray,

Nor shall the weakest fail or die.

5. My favored soul shall meekly learn

To lay her reason at Thy throne;

Too weak Thy secrets to discern,

I’ll trust Thee for my guide alone.

Ambrose Serle, 1786.

L. M.

When in the hour of utmost need

We know not where to look for aid;

When days and nights of anxious thought

Nor help nor counsel yet have brought,

2. Then this our comfort is alone,

That we may meet before Thy throne

And cry, O faithful God, to Thee

For rescue from our misery;

3. To Thee may raise our hearts and eyes,

Repenting sore with bitter sighs,

And seek Thy pardon for our sin

And respite from our griefs within.

4. For Thou hast promised graciously

To hear all those who cry to Thee,

Through Him whose name alone is great,

Our Savior and our Advocate.

5. And thus we come, O God, to-day

And all our woes before Thee lay;

For tried, afflicted, lo! we stand,

Perils and foes on every hand.

6. Ah! hide not for our sins Thy face,

Absolve us through Thy boundless grace,

Be with us in our anguish still,

Free us at last from every ill,

7. That so with all our hearts we may

Once more our glad thanksgivings pay

And walk obedient to Thy Word

And now and ever praise Thee, Lord.

Paul Eber, 1547; C. Winkworth, tr.

7s

Seems it in my anguish lone

As if God forsook His own,

Yet I hold the knowledge fast

God will surely help at last.

2. Though awhile it be delayed,

He denieth not His aid;

Though it come not oft with speed,

It will surely come at need.

3. As a father not too soon

Grants his child the longed-for boon,

So our God gives when He will;

Wait His pleasure and be still.

4. I can rest in thoughts of Him

When all courage else grows dim,

For I know my soul shall prove

His is more than father’s love.

5. Would the powers of ill affright,

I can smile at all their might;

Or the cross be pressing sore,

God, my God, lives evermore.

6. Man may hate me causelessly,

Man may plot to ruin me,

Foes my heart may pierce and rend;

God in heaven is still my Friend.

7. Earth against me may declare,

For her love I do not care;

Though the world bear me a grudge,

God, my Father, is my Judge.

8. Earth may all her gifts deny,

Safe my treasure is on high;

And if heaven at last be mine,

All things else I can resign.

9. I renounce thee willingly,

World, I hate what pleases thee.

Baneful every gift of thine;

Only be, my God, still mine.

10. Ah! Lord, if but Thee I have,

Naught of other good I crave;

Bright is even death’s dark road

If but Thou art there, my God.

C. Titius, † 1703; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

L. M.

Lord God, who art my Father dear,

I pray in Jesus’ name: O hear

What, trusting in His promised Word,

I humbly ask of Thee, good Lord.

2. Grant us Thy Word, Thy Spirit give,

That by His grace we godly live;

Give shelter, peace, good friends, and food,

Protect our native land, O God.

3. Save us from sin and Satan’s fraud,

Deliver us from evil, God,

Be with us in our dying hour;

Thine is the kingdom, glory, power.

4. Lord, at Thy word Amen I say;

Increase my feeble faith, I pray.

Thou lead’st me with a father’s care;

Oh, let me be Thy child and heir!

J. Mathesius, † 1565; A. Crull, tr.

S. M.

Beloved, “It is well!”

God’s ways are always right;

And perfect love is o’er them all

Though far above our sight.

2. Beloved, “It is well!”

Though deep and sore the smart,

The hand that wounds knows how to bind

And heal the broken heart.

3. Beloved, “It is well!”

Though sorrow clouds our way,

’Twill only make the joy more dear

That ushers in the day.

4. Beloved, “It is well!”

The path that Jesus trod,

Though rough and strait and dark it be,

Leads home to heaven and God.

G. W. Doane, 1833.

S. M.

My Father! cheering name!

O may I call Thee mine!

Give me with humble hope to claim

A portion so divine.

2. Whate’er Thy will denies

I calmly would resign;

For Thou art just and good and wise,—

Oh, bend my will to Thine!

3. Whate’er Thy will ordains,

Oh, give me strength to bear!

Still let me know a Father reigns

And trust a Father’s care.

4. Thy ways are little known

To my weak, erring sight;

Yet shall my soul, believing, own

That all Thy ways are right.

Anne Steele, 1760, a.

6, 4, 6, 4, 6, 6, 6, 4

Nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee!

E’en though it be a cross

That raiseth me,

Still all my song shall be,

Nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee!

2. Nearer, my Lord, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee!

Who to Thy cross didst come

Dying for me.

Strengthen my willing feet,

Hold me in service sweet

Nearer, O Christ, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee!

3. Nearer, O Comforter,

Nearer to Thee!

Who with my loving Lord

Dwellest with me.

Grant me Thy fellowship,

Help me each day to keep

Nearer, my Guide, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee!

4. But to be nearer still,

Bring me, O God,

Not by the visioned steeps

Angels have trod.

Here where Thy cross I see,

Jesus, I wait for Thee,

Then evermore to be

Nearer to Thee!

Sarah F. Adams, 1841; a. by H. D. Ganse, † 1891.

C. M. 8 l

And let this feeble body fail

And let it faint or die;

My soul shall quit the mournful vale

And soar to worlds on high;

Shall join the disembodied saints

And find its long-sought rest,

That only bliss for which it pants,

In my Redeemer’s breast.

2. In hope of that immortal crown

I now the cross sustain

And gladly wander up and down

And smile at toil and pain.

I suffer on my threescore years

Till my Deliverer come

And wipe away His servant’s tears

And take His exile home.

3. Oh, what hath Jesus bought for me!

Before my ravished eyes

Rivers of life divine I see

And trees of paradise!

I see a world of spirits bright

Who reap the pleasures there;

They all are robed in spotless white,

And conquering palms they bear.

4. Oh, what are all my sufferings here

If, Lord, Thou count me meet

With that enraptured host t’appear

And worship at Thy feet!

Give joy or grief, give ease or pain,

Take life or friends away,

But let me find them all again

In that eternal day.

Charles Wesley, 1759, a.

L. M.

God of my life, to Thee I call;

Afflicted, at Thy feet I fall:

When the great water-floods prevail,

Leave not my trembling heart to fail.

2. Friend of the friendless and the faint,

Where should I lodge my deep complaint?

Where but with Thee, whose open door

Invites the helpless and the poor?

3. Did ever mourner plead with Thee,

And Thou refuse that mourner’s plea?

Does not the word still fixed remain,

That none shall seek Thy face in vain?

4. That were a grief I could not bear,

Didst Thou not hear and answer prayer;

But a prayer-hearing, answering God

Supports me under every load.

5. Fair is the lot that’s cast for me;

I have an Advocate with Thee;

They whom the world caresses most

Have no such privilege to boast.

6. Poor though I be, despised, forgot,

Yet God, my God, forgets me not;

And he is safe and must succeed

For whom the Lord Himself does plead.

W. Cowper, 1779, a.

L. M.

Help me, O Lord, in fear and need,

Have mercy, to my prayer give heed!

I know Thou lov’st me still as Thine,

Though world and hell ’gainst me combine.

2. My God and Lord, I trust in Thee;

What need I if Thou art with me?

And Thou, Lord Jesus Christ, art mine;

My God and Savior, I am Thine.

3. Therefore my happiness is great;

I am content, for Thee I wait,

Trust wholly in Thy name, and then

I know Thy help is sure. Amen.

Martin Moller, 1598.

C. M.

God moves in a mysterious way

His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea

And rides upon the storm.

2. Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never-failing skill

He treasures up His bright designs

And works His sovereign will.

3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy and shall break

In blessings on your head.

4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.

5. His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.

6. Blind unbelief is sure to err

And scan His work in vain;

God is His own interpreter,

And He will make it plain.

W. Cowper, 1772.

7, 6, 8 l

Commit whatever grieves thee

At heart, and all thy ways,

To Him who never leaves thee,

On whom creation stays,

Who freest courses maketh

For clouds and air and wind,

Who care and counsel taketh

A path for thee to find.

2. On God repose forever

If thou wouldst prosper sure;

On his work gaze thou ever,

If thine is to endure.

By anxious care and grieving,

By self-consuming pain,

God is not moved to giving;

By prayer must thou obtain.

3. Thy grace, that ever floweth,

O Father, what is good

Or evil, ever knoweth,

To mortal flesh and blood.

What to Thine eye all-seeing,

And to Thy counsel wise

Seems good must into being,

O mighty Prince, arise.

4. For means it fails Thee never,

Thou always find’st a way,

Thy deeds are blessing ever,

Thy path like brightest day.

Thy work no one can hinder,

Thy labor cannot rest,

If Thou design’st Thy tender

Children should all be blessed.

5. Though all the power of evil

Should rise up to resist,

Without a doubt or cavil

God never will desist;

His undertakings ever

At length He carries through;

What He designs He never

Can fail at all to do.

6. Hope on, thou heart, grief-riven,

In hope courageous be;

Where anguish thee had driven

Thou shalt deliverance see.

God from thy pit of sadness

Shall raise thee graciously;

Wait, and the sun of gladness

Thine eyes shall early see.

7. Arise, to pain and anguish

A long good night now say;

Drive all that makes thee languish

In grief and woe away.

Not thine ’tis to endeavor

The ruler’s part to play;

God sits as Ruler ever,

Guides all things well each day.

8. Let Him alone and tarry,

He is a Prince all-wise,

He shall Himself so carry

’Twill strange seem in thine eyes,

When He, as Him beseemeth,

In wonderful decree,

Shall as Himself good deemeth,

O’errule what grieveth thee.

9. He may, a while still staying,

His comforts keep from thee

And, on His part delaying,

Seem to have utterly

Forgotten and forsaken

And put thee out of mind,

Though grief hath thee o’ertaken,

No time for thee to find.

10. But if thou never shrinkest

And true dost still remain,

He’ll come when least thou thinkest

And set thee free again,

Thee from the load deliver,

That burdeneth thy heart,

That thou hast carried never

For any evil part.

11. Hail! child of faith, who gainest

The victory alway,

Who honor’s crown obtainest,

That never fades away.

God in thy hand will give thee

One day the glorious palm;

Who ne’er in grief did leave thee,

To Him thou’lt sing thy psalm.

12. O Lord, no longer lengthen

Our time of misery;

Our hands and feet do strengthen;

And until death may we

By Thee be watched and cared for,

In faithfulness and love.

So come we where prepared for

Us is our blessed abode.

Paul Gerhardt, 1656; J. Kelly, tr., a.

7, 6, 8 l

If God Himself be for me,

I may a host defy,

For when I pray, before me

My foes confounded fly.

If Christ, my Head and Master,

Befriend me from above,

What foe or what disaster

Can drive me from His love?

2. This I believe—yea, rather,

Of this I make my boast,

That God is my dear Father,

The Friend who loves me most;

And that, whate’er betide me,

My Savior is at hand

Through stormy seas to guide me

And bring me safe to land.

3. I build on this foundation,

That Jesus and His blood

Alone are my salvation,

The true, eternal good;

Without Him all that pleases

Is valueless on earth;

The gifts I owe to Jesus

Alone my love are worth.

4. My Jesus is my Splendor,

My soul’s bright-beaming Sun;

Were He not my Defender

Before God’s awful throne,

I never should find favor

And mercy in His sight,

But be destroyed forever,

As darkness by the light.

5. He canceled my offenses

And saved my soul from death;

’Tis He who ever cleanses

Me from my sins through faith.

In Him I can be cheerful,

Bold, and undaunted aye;

In Him I am not fearful

Of God’s great Judgment Day.

6. Naught, naught can e’er condemn me

Nor set my hope aside;

Now hell no more can claim me,

Its fury I deride.

No sentence e’er reproves me,

No ill destroys my peace,

For Christ, my Savior, loves me

And screens me with His grace.

7. His Spirit in me dwelleth,

And o’er my mind He reigns.

All sorrow He dispelleth

And soothes away all pains.

He crowns His work with blessing

And helpeth me to cry,

“My Father!” without ceasing,

To Him who dwells on high.

8. To mine His Spirit speaketh

Sweet words of holy cheer,

How God, to Him that seeketh

For rest, is always near,

And how He hath erected

A city fair and new,

Where what our faith expected

We evermore shall view.

9. In yonder home doth flourish

My heritage, my lot;

Though here I die and perish,

My heaven shall fail me not.

Though care my life oft saddens

And causeth tears to flow,

The light of Jesus gladdens

And sweetens every woe.

10. Who clings with resolution

To Him whom Satan hates

Must look for persecution;

For him the burden waits

Of mockery, shame, and losses,

Heaped on his guiltless head;

A thousand plagues and crosses

Shall be his daily bread.

11. All this I am prepared for,

Yet am I not afraid;

By Thee shall all be cared for,

To whom my vows were paid.

Though life and limb it cost me

And everything I have,

Unshaken shall I trust Thee,

Thee never shall I leave.

12. Though earth be rent asunder,

Thou’rt mine eternally;

Not fire nor sword nor thunder

Shall sever me from Thee;

Not hunger, thirst, nor danger,

Not pain nor poverty,

Nor mighty princes’ anger,

Shall ever hinder me.

13. No angel and no gladness,

No throne, no pomp, no show,

No love, no hate, no sadness,

No pain, no depth of woe,

No scheme of man’s contrivance,

However small or great,

Shall draw me from Thy guidance

Nor from Thee separate.

14. My heart for joy is springing

And can no more be sad,

’Tis full of mirth and singing,

Sees naught but sunshine glad.

The Sun that cheers my spirit

Is Jesus Christ, my King;

That which I shall inherit

Hereafter, makes me sing.

Rom. 8, 31-39. Paul Gerhardt, 1664; R. Massie, tr., a.

DEATH AND BURIAL. — 527 — 528 — 529 — 530 — 531 — 532 — 533 — 534 — 535 — 536 — 537 — 538 — 539 — 540 — 541 — 542 — 543 — 544 — 545 — 546 — 547

L. M.

Lord Jesus Christ, true man and God,

Who borest anguish, scorn, the rod,

And diedst at last upon the tree

To gain Thy Father’s grace for me:

2. I pray Thee, through that bitter woe,

Let me, a sinner, mercy know

When comes the hour of failing breath

And I must wrestle, Lord, with death;

3. When from my sight all fades away,

And when my tongue no more can say,

And when mine ears no more can hear,

And when my heart is racked with fear;

4. When all my mind is darkened o’er,

And human help can do no more;—

Then come, Lord Jesus, come with speed,

And help me in the hour of need.

5. Lead me from this dark vale beneath

And shorten then the pangs of death;

All evil spirits drive away,

But let Thy Spirit with me stay,

6. Until my soul the body leave;

Then in Thy hands my soul receive

And let the earth the body keep

Till the Last Day shall break its sleep.

7. Joyful my resurrection be,

Thou in the Judgment plead for me

And hide my sins, Lord, from Thy face

And give me life, of Thy dear grace!

8. Implicitly I trust Thee, Lord,

For Thou hast promised in Thy Word:

“In truth I tell you, who receives

My Word, and keeps it, and believes,

9. “Shall never fall God’s wrath beneath,

Shall never taste eternal death;

Though here he must return to dust,

He still is noways therefore lost;

10. “For I will with a mighty hand

Deliver him from death’s strong band

And lift him hence that he shall be

Forever in My realm with Me,

11. “Forever living there in bliss.”

Oh, let us not that glory miss!

Dear Lord, forgive us all our guilt,

Help us to wait until Thou wilt

12. That we depart; and let our faith

Be brave and conquer e’en in death,

Firm resting in Thy sacred Word

Until we sleep in Thee, our Lord.

Paul Eber, 1565; C. Winkworth, tr., 1855.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

When my last hour is close at hand

And I must hence betake me,

Lord Jesus Christ, beside me stand,

Nor let Thy help forsake me;

To Thy blest hands I now commend

My soul, at this my earthly end,

And Thou wilt safely keep it.

2. My sins, dear Lord, disturb me sore,

My conscience cannot slumber;

But though as sands upon the shore

My sins may be in number,

I will not quail, but think of Thee;

Thy death, Thy sorrow, borne for me,

Thy sufferings, shall uphold me.

3. I have been grafted in the Vine

And hence my comfort borrow,

For Thou wilt surely keep me Thine

Through fear and pain and sorrow;

Yea, though I die, I die to Thee,

Who through Thy death hast won for me

The right to life eternal.

4. Since Thou from death didst rise again,

In death Thou wilt not leave me;

Lord, Thy ascension soothes my pain,

No fear of death shall grieve me;

For Thou wilt have me where Thou art,

And so with joy I can depart

To be with Thee forever.

5. And so I stretch mine arms to Thee

And gladly hence betake me;

Peaceful and calm my sleep shall be,

No human voice can wake me.

But Christ is with me through the strife,

And He will bear me into life

And open heaven before me.

Nikolaus Herman, 1560; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

7, 6, 7, 6

For me to live is Jesus,

To die is gain for me,

To Him I gladly yield me

And die right cheerfully.

2. From hence I go with gladness

To Christ my Brother’s side

That I may soon be with Him

And e’er with Him abide.

3. I have o’ercome life’s crosses;

Grief, pain, and sorrow cease;

Through His five wounds most holy

With God I am at peace.

4. When all my powers are breaking,

My breath comes heavily,

Nor word more I can utter,

Lord, hear my sighs to Thee!

5. When reason, sense, and thinking

Fail like a flickering light,

That to and fro doth waver

Ere ’tis extinguished quite,

6. Then let me softly, gently,

Lord, fall asleep in Thee,

When by Thy will and counsel

My last hour comes to me.

7. As to the oak the ivy,

So let me cleave to Thee

And live in heavenly glory

With Thee eternally.

8. Amen! This wilt Thou, Jesus,

Grant graciously to me;

Endow me with Thy Spirit

That I die happily.

Anon., 1609; E. Cronenwett, tr., 1880.

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 7

Hark! a voice saith, “All are mortal.”

Yea, all flesh must fade as grass,

Only through death’s gloomy portal

To a better land we pass;

This frail body here must perish

Ere the heavenly joys it cherish,

Ere it gain the free reward

For the ransomed of the Lord.

2. Therefore, when my God doth choose it,

Willingly I’ll yield my life,

Nor will grieve that I should lose it,

For with sorrows it was rife;

In my dear Redeemer’s merit

Peace hath found my troubled spirit,

And in death my comfort is

Jesus’ death—sweet comfort this!

3. For my sake He went before me,

And His death is now my gain;

Peace and hope He conquered for me;

So without regret or pain,

Yea, with joy I’ll quit earth’s sadness

For the beauteous heaven of gladness,

Where I shall eternally

See the holy Trinity.

4. There is joy beyond our telling,

Where so many saints have gone;

Thousands, thousands, there are dwelling,

Worshiping before the throne;

There the seraphim are shining,

Evermore in chorus joining:

“Holy, holy, holy, Lord!

Triune God, for aye adored!”

5. There great men, of sacred story,

Prophets, patriarchs, are met;

There apostles, too, in glory

Fill twelve thrones by Jesus set;

All the saints that have ascended

Age on age, through time extended,

There in blissful concert sing

Hallelujahs to their King.

6. O Jerusalem, how glorious

Dost thou shine, thou city fair!

Lo! I hear the tones victorious

Ever sweetly sounding there!

O the bliss that there surprises!

Lo! the sun of morn now rises,

And the breaking day I see

That shall never end for me!

7. Yea, I see what here was told me,

See that wondrous glory shine;

Feel the spotless robes enfold me,

Know a golden crown is mine.

Thus before the throne so glorious

Now I stand, a soul victorious,

Gazing on that joy for aye

That shall never pass away.

J. G. Albinus, 1652; C. Winkworth, 1863, a.

S. M.

One sweetly solemn thought

Comes to me o’er and o’er,—

Nearer my home to-day am I

Than e’er I’ve been before;

2. Nearer my Father’s house,

Where many mansions be;

Nearer to-day the great white throne;

Nearer the crystal sea;

3. Nearer the bound of life

Where burdens are laid down;

Nearer to leave the heavy cross;

Nearer to gain the crown.

4. But, lying dark between,

Winding down through the night,

There rolls the silent, unknown stream

That leads at last to light.

5. E’en now, perchance, my feet

Are slipping on the brink,

And I to-day am nearer home,

Nearer than now I think.

6. Father, perfect my trust;

Strengthen my spirit’s faith;

Nor let me stand at last alone

Upon the shore of death.

Phoebe Cary, 1852.

7, 6, 8 l

Farewell! I say with gladness,

False, evil world, farewell!

Thy life is sin and sadness,

With thee I would not dwell;

In heaven are better pleasures,

I long for that bright sphere

Where God grants endless treasures

To those that served Him here.

2. Do with me as it pleases

Thy heart, O Son of God!

When anguish on me seizes,

Help me to bear my load;

Nor then my sorrows lengthen,

But take me hence on high;

My fearful spirit strengthen

And let me calmly die.

3. When all around is darkling,

Thy name and cross, still bright,

Deep in my heart are sparkling

Like stars in blackest night.

Appear Thou in Thy sorrow,

For Thine was woe indeed,

And from Thy cross I borrow

All comfort heart can need.

4. Thou diedst for me,—O hide me

When tempests round me roll;

Through all my foes, O guide me,

Receive my trembling soul.

If I but grasp Thee firmer,

What matters pain when past?

Hath he a cause to murmur

Who reaches heaven at last?

5. O write my name, I pray Thee,

Now in the book of life;

So let me here obey Thee

And there, where joys are rife,

Forever bloom before Thee,

Thy perfect freedom prove,

And tell, as I adore Thee,

How faithful was Thy love.

V. Herberger, 1613; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

S. M.

It is not death to die,

To leave this weary road,

And midst the brotherhood on high

To be at home with God.

2. It is not death to close

The eye long dimmed by tears

And wake in glorious repose

To spend eternal years.

3. It is not death to bear

The wrench that sets us free

From dungeon chain, to breathe the air

Of boundless liberty.

4. It is not death to fling

Aside this sinful dust

And rise, on strong, exulting wing,

To live among the just.

5. Jesus, Thou Prince of Life,

Thy chosen cannot die;

Like Thee, they conquer in the strife

To reign with Thee on high.

M. A. C. Malan, 1832; G. W. Bethune, tr., 1847.

S. M.

And must this body die,

This mortal frame decay?

And must these active limbs of mine

Lie moldering in the clay?

2. God, my Redeemer, lives

And ever from the skies

Looks down and watches all my dust

Till He shall bid it rise.

3. Arrayed in glorious grace

Shall these vile bodies shine

And every shape and every face

Look heavenly and divine.

4. These lively hopes we owe

To Jesus’ dying love;

We would adore His grace below

And sing His power above.

5. Dear Lord, accept the praise

Of these our humble songs

Till tunes of nobler sound we raise

With our immortal tongues.

Isaac Watts, 1709.

11s

I would not live alway; I ask not to stay

Where storm after storm rises dark o’er the way;

The few lurid mornings that dawn on us here

Are enough for life’s woes, full enough for its cheer.

2. I would not live alway; thus fettered by sin,

Temptation without and corruption within;

E’en the rapture of pardon is mingled with fears

And the cup of thanksgiving with penitent tears.

3. I would not live alway; no, welcome the tomb;

Since Jesus hath lain there, I dread not its gloom.

There sweet be my rest till He bid me arise

To hail Him in triumph descending the skies.

4. Who, who would live alway, away from his God?

Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode,

Where the rivers of pleasure flow o’er the bright plains,

And the noontide of glory eternally reigns;

5. Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet,

Their Savior and brethren transported to greet,

While the anthems of rapture unceasingly roll

And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul?

W. A. Muehlenberg, 1826.

7s

Hark! a voice divides the sky:

Happy are the faithful dead,

In the Lord who sweetly die;

They from all their toils are freed.

2. Them the Spirit hath declared

Blest, unutterably blest;

Jesus is their great Reward,

Jesus is their endless Rest.

3. Followed by their works, they go

Where their Head had gone before;

Reconciled by grace below,

Grace hath opened mercy’s door.

4. Justified through faith alone,

Here they knew their sins forgiven;

Here they laid their burden down,

Hallowed and made meet for heaven.

5. When from flesh the spirit freed,

Hastens homeward to return,

Mortals cry, “A man is dead!”

Angels sing, “A child is born!”

Charles Wesley, 1742.

7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7

Gentle Shepherd, Thou hast stilled

Now Thy little lamb’s brief weeping;

Ah! how peaceful, pale, and mild,

In its narrow bed ’tis sleeping,

And no sigh of anguish sore

Heaves that little bosom more.

2. In this world of care and pain,

Lord, Thou wouldst no longer leave it;

To the sunny, heavenly plain

Dost Thou now with joy receive it;

Clothed in robes of spotless white,

Now it dwells with Thee in light.

3. Ah, Lord Jesus, grant that we

Where it lives may soon be living,

And the lovely pastures see

That its heavenly food are giving;

Then the gain of death we prove

Though Thou take what most we love.

J. W. Meinhold, 1835; C. Winkworth, tr., 1853.

L. M.

Now lay we calmly in the grave

This form, whereof no doubt we have

That it shall rise again that day

In glorious triumph o’er decay.

2. And so to earth again we trust

What came from dust and turns to dust

And from the dust shall surely rise

When the last trumpet fills the skies.

3. His soul forever lives in God,

Whose grace his pardon hath bestowed,

Who through His Son redeemed him here

From bondage unto sin and fear.

4. His trials and his griefs are past;

A blessed end is his at last;

He bore Christ’s yoke and did His will;

And though he died, he liveth still.

5. He lives where none do mourn and weep,

And calmly shall his body sleep.

’Tis God shall death Himself destroy

And raise it into glorious joy.

6. He suffered pain and grief below,

Christ heals him now from all his woe.

For him hath endless joy begun;

He shines in glory like the sun.

7. Then let us leave him to his rest

And homeward turn, for he is blest;

And we must well our souls prepare,

For death may seize us everywhere.

8. So help us, Christ, our Hope in loss;

Thou hast redeemed us by Thy cross

From endless death and misery;

We praise, we bless, we worship Thee.

M. Weiss, 1531; Stanza 8, Martin Luther; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

L. M.

Now hush your cries and shed no tear,

On such death none should look with fear;

He died a faithful Christian man,

And with his death true life began.

2. Coffin and grave we deck with care,

His body reverently bear;

It is not dead, but rests in God

And softly sleeps beneath the sod.

3. It seems as all were over now,—

The heavy limbs, the soulless brow,—

Yet through these rigid limbs once more

A noble life ere long shall pour.

4. These bones, now dead, again shall feel

New warmth and vigor through them steal,

And reunited they shall soar

On high to live forevermore.

5. This body, lying stiff and stark,

Shall soon rise upward from the dark

And swiftly mount up to the skies,

E’en as the spirit heavenward flies.

6. The buried grain of wheat must die,

Withered and worthless long must lie,

Yet springs to light all sweet and fair

And proper fruits shall rightly bear.

7. E’en so this body, made of dust,

To earth we once again entrust,

Where it shall slumber free from pain

Till from the dead it rise again.

8. God breathed into this house of clay

The spirit that hath passed away;

The righteous mind, the noble heart,

The living faith, did Christ impart.

9. Now earth has hid it from our eyes

Till God shall bid it wake and rise,

Who ne’er the creature will forget,

On whom His image He hath set.

10. Ah, would that promised day were here

When Christ will once again appear

And bring them to their heavenly home

Who have been buried in the tomb!

“Deus, ignee fons animarum.” Tr. from the German, C. Winkworth, 1856.

L. M.

Asleep in Jesus! Blessed sleep,

From which none ever wakes to weep;

A calm and undisturbed repose,

Unbroken by the last of foes.

2. Asleep in Jesus! Oh, how sweet

To be for such a slumber meet,

With holy confidence to sing

That death has lost his venomed sting.

3. Asleep in Jesus! Peaceful rest,

Whose waking is supremely blest;

No fear, no woe, shall dim that hour

That manifests the Savior’s power.

4. Asleep in Jesus! Oh, for me

May such a blissful refuge be!

Securely shall my ashes lie

And wait the summons from on high.

Margaret Mackay, 1832, abr.

S. M.

Jesus, I live to Thee,

The Loveliest and Best;

My life in Thee, Thy life in me,

In Thy blest love I rest.

2. Jesus, I die to Thee

Whenever death shall come;

To die in Thee is life to me

In my eternal home.

3. Whether to live or die,

I know not which is best;

To live in Thee is bliss to me,

To die is endless rest.

4. Living or dying, Lord;

I ask but to be Thine;

My life in Thee, Thy life in me,

Make heaven forever mine!

H. Harbaugh, 1850.

C. M.

Why do we mourn departing friends

Or shake at death’s alarms?

’Tis but the voice that Jesus sends

To call them to His arms.

2. Are we not tending upward, too,

As fast as time can move?

Nor would we wish the hours more slow

To keep us from our love.

3. Why should we tremble to convey

Their bodies to the tomb?

There the dear flesh of Jesus lay

And scattered all the gloom.

4. The graves of all the saints He blessed

And softened every bed;

Where should the dying members rest

But with their dying Head?

5. Thence He arose, ascending high,

And showed our feet the way.

Up to the Lord we, too, shall fly

At the great rising-day.

6. Then let the last loud trumpet sound

And bid our kindred rise;

Awake, ye nations under ground!

Ye saints, ascend the skies!

Isaac Watts, 1709.

L. M. 6 l

O Lord, my God, I cry to Thee,

In my distress Thou helpest me.

My soul and body I commend

Into Thy hands; Thine angel send

To guide me home and cheer my heart

Since Thou dost call me to depart.

2. O Jesus Christ, Thou Lamb of God,

Once slain to take away our load,

Now let Thy cross, Thine agony,

Avail to save and solace me;

Thy death to open heaven and there

Bid me the joy of angels share.

3. O Holy Spirit, at the end,

Sweet Comforter, be Thou my Friend,

When death and hell assail me sore,

Leave me, O leave me nevermore,

But bear me safely through the strife,

As Thou hast promised, into life.

N. Selnecker, † 1592; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

8s 6 l

Who knows how near my end may be?

Time speeds away, and death comes on;

How swiftly, ah, how suddenly,

May death be here and life be gone!

My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray