SUMMER SONG.

Nun ruhen alle Waelder
7,7,6,7,7,8
Now spread are evening's shadows,
O'er forests, towns, and meadows,
And sleepeth ev'ry eye;
Awake my pow'rs and sing ye,
And pray'r and praises bring ye,
That your Creator please on high!
O Sun! where art thou vanish'd?
The night thy light hath banish'd,
The night of day the foe;
Go then, for now appeareth
Another Sun and cheereth
My heart--'tis Jesus Christ, my joy!
We've seen the day's declining,
The golden stars are shining
In yonder dark-blue sky.
There shall I be for ever
When God doth me deliver,
From this low vale of misery.
To rest the body hasteth,
Itself of clothes divesteth,
Type of mortality!
I'll put it off, and o'er me
Christ will the robe of glory
Throw, and of immortality!
Head, hands, and feet so tirèd
Are glad the day's expirèd,
That work comes to an end;
My heart be fill'd with gladness
That God from all earth's sadness,
And from sin's toil relief will send.
Lie down, my members tirèd
Upon your couch desirèd,
Lie down my wearied head!
A day and hour is nearing
They'll be for you preparing
Beneath the sod, a quiet bed.
Mine eyes scarce ope are keeping,
A moment--I'll be sleeping,
Where's body then and soul?
In grace Thy care then make me,
May evil ne'er o'ertake me,
Thou Shepherd Lord of Israel!
O Jesus, be my cover!
And spread both Thy wings over
Thy child, and shield Thou me!
Though Satan would devour me,
Let angels ever o'er me

Sing, "This child shall uninjur'd be!"

And you, my well belovèd!
Shall by no ill be movèd,
No danger shall betide.
God peaceful slumbers send you,
With golden arms defend you,
Send guardian angels to your side!
Geh aus, mein Herz, und suche Freud
8,8,7,8,8,7
Go forth, my heart, and seek delight
In this summer time so bright,
The bounties God displayeth,
The garden's splendour go and see,
Behold how God for me and thee
Them gorgeously arrayeth.
The trees with leaves are cover'd o'er,
The earth with carpet spreads her floor
Of green, all fresh and tender,
The tulip and narcissus wear
Attire of finer texture fair
Than Solomon in splendour.
The lark aspiring soars on high,
Flies from her cleft the dove so shy,
And seeks the woodland shadow;
The nightingale with song so rare
Delights and fills the ev'ning air
O'er mountain, vale, and meadow.
Leads forth her little brood the hen,
The stork builds near the haunts of men,
And feed their young the swallows;
The stag so swift, the roe so light
Of foot, come bounding from the height
Into the grassy hollows.
The brooklets murmur in the sand,
And fringe the edge on either hand
With myrtle rich in shadow;
The shepherds and the sheep rejoice,
In joy and mirth you hear their voice
Sound from the neighb'ring meadow.
The bee through all the live-long hours,
Unwearied roams among the flow'rs,
Its precious stores to gather;
The strong juice of the vine each hour
Is ever gaining strength and pow'r
This glorious summer weather.
While springeth fast the precious grain,
The young and old exult again,
Praise Him with all their powers,
Whose benefits unceasing are,
With gifts so manifold and rare
Who human nature dowers.
I cannot rest, I never dare,
In my Creator's gracious care
My inmost soul rejoices,
To God most High, when all things raise
A song of universal praise,
My voice shall join their voices.
Methinks it is so pleasant here,
All things so beautiful appear
In this our poor world even;
What will it be when earth we leave,
And at its golden gates receive
Glad welcome into Heaven?
What purest light, what ecstasy,
Will in the Saviour's garden be!
How will it sound when 'fore Thee,
All with united heart and voice,
Ten thousand seraphins rejoice
And rev'rently adore Thee.
Ah! blessèd God, oh! were I there
Before Thy throne, and did I bear
My branch of palm victorious,
As angels do, my voice I'd raise
Thine ever blessèd name to praise,
In songs of triumph glorious.
But though I still am dwelling here,
And still the body's burden bear,
Can I be silent?--Never!
My heart, no matter where I be,
Or here or there, shall bend to Thee,
In adoration ever.
Help! Lord, my soul with blessings crown,
With blessings that from Heav'n flow down,
That I may blossom ever!
And may the summer of Thy grace
Cause fruits of faith to grow apace,
Fruits that shall wither never.
And may Thy Spirit dwell in me,
May I a good branch ever be
Ingrafted in the Saviour!
In Thine own garden may I be
To Thy name's praise a goodly tree,
Implanted by Thy favour!
Grant me Thy paradise to share,
And more fruit may I ever bear
While I am going thither.
Thine honour, Lord, to me is dear,
Thee and Thee only shall I here
And yonder serve for ever.