I. THE CHURCH.

1. HOLY SEASONS.
ADVENT 20-28
CHRISTMAS 29-35
EPIPHANY 36-39
LENT 40-45
PASSION WEEK 46-50
GOOD FRIDAY 51-53
EASTER EVE 54-56
EASTER 57-62
ASCENSION 63-68
WHITSUNTIDE 69-74
TRINITY 75, 76
SAINTS' DAYS 77-85
EMBER WEEKS 86-88
2. SERVICES.
FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP, see INTRODUCTION.
BAPTISM 89, 90
CONFIRMATION 91, 92
HOLY COMMUNION 93-95
BURIAL OF THE DEAD 96-99

Advent

[62]20. Ye heav'ns, oh haste your dews to shed
[63]21. Ah! Lord, how shall I meet Thee
[64]22. Arise, the kingdom is at hand
[65]23. Redeemer of the nations, come
[66]24. Let the earth now praise the Lord
[67]25. Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates
[68]26. Once he came in blessing
[69]27. Awake, thou careless world, awake
[70]28. A dread hath come on me

[71]Advent
(Index of Tunes, CIV.)
20.

Tune.--"From heaven above to earth I come." Sheet Music

Ihr Himmel tröpfelt Tau in Eil'
[72]J. Franck, 1653
Ye heav'ns, oh haste your dews to shed,
Ye clouds, rain gladness on our head,
Thou earth, behold the time of grace,
And blossom forth in righteousness!
O living Sun, with joy break forth,
And pierce the gloomy clefts of earth;
Behold, the mountains melt away
Like wax beneath Thine ardent ray!
O Life-dew of the Churches, come,
And bid this arid desert bloom!
The sorrows of Thy people see,
And take our human flesh on Thee.
Refresh the parch'd and drooping mind,
The broken limb in mercy bind,
Us sinners from our guilt release,
And fill us with Thy heavenly peace.
O wonder! night no more is night!
Comes then at last the long'd-for light?
Ah yes, Thou shinest, O true Sun,
In whom are God and man made one!
[73]Advent

(CXVIII.--"Wie soll ich dich empfangen.")

21.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Wie soll ich dich empfangen
[74]Gerhardt, 1653
Ah! Lord, how shall I meet Thee,
How welcome Thee aright?
All nations long to greet Thee,
My hope, my sole delight!
Brighten the lamp that burneth
But dimly in my breast,
And teach my soul, that yearneth
To honour such high guest.
Thy Zion strews before Thce
Her fairest buds and palms,
And I too will adore Thee
With sweetest songs and psalms;
My soul breaks forth in flowers
Rejoicing in Thy fame,
And summons all her powers
To honour Jesus' name.
Nought, nought, 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!
O ye sad hearts that sicken
With hope deferred, and see
The gloom around you thicken,
The joys ye hoped for flee,--
Despair not, He is near you,
Yea, at the very door,
Who best can help and cheer you,
He will not linger more.
Nor sin shall make you fearful,
Ashamed to see His face,
The contrite heart and tearful
He covers with His grace;
He comes to heal the spirit
That mourneth sin-oppressed,
And raise us to inherit
With Him our proper rest.
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 of cheering
And guide us safely home!
[75]Advent
(Index of Tunes, XII.)
22.
Tune.--"My inmost heart now raises."
Sheet Music
Auf, auf, ihr Reichsgenossen
[76]Rist, 1651
Arise, the kingdom is at hand,
The king is drawing nigh;
Arise with joy, ye faithful band,
To greet the Lord most High!
Ye Christians, hasten forth,
With holy ardours greet your King,
And glad Hosannas to Him sing,
Nought else your love is worth.
Look up, ye drooping hearts, to-day!
The King is very near,
Oh cast your griefs and fears away,
For lo! your Help is here;
And comfort rich and sweet
In many a place for us is stored,
Where in His sacraments and word
Our Saviour we can meet.
Look up, ye souls weigh'd down with care!
The Sovereign is not far;
Look up, faint heart, from your despair,
Behold the Morning Star!
The Lord is with us now,
Who shall the sinking spirit feed
With strength and comfort at its need,
To whom e'en Death shall bow.
Hope, O ye broken hearts, at last!
The King comes on in might,
He loved us in the ages past
When we sat wrapp'd in night;
Now are our sorrows o'er,
And fear and wrath to joy give place,
Since God hath made us in His grace
His children evermore.
O rich the gifts Thou bringest us,
Thyself made poor and weak;
O love beyond compare that thus
Can foes and sinners seek!
For this to Thee alone
We raise on high a gladsome voice,
And evermore with thanks rejoice
Before Thy glorious throne.
[77]Advent

(LVI.--"Komm, Heiden Heiland, Lösegeld.")

23.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Komm Heiden Heiland, Lösegeld
[78]after St. Ambrose
[79]J. Franck
Redeemer of the nations, come!
Ransom of earth, here make Thy home!
Bright Sun, oh dart Thy flame to earth,
For so shall God in Christ have birth!
Thou comest from Thy kingly throne,
O Son of God, the Virgin's Son!
Thou Hero of a twofold race,
Dost walk in might earth's darkest place.
Thou stoopest once to suffer here,
And risest o'er the starry sphere;
Hell's gates at thy descent were riven,
Thy ascent is to highest Heaven.
One with the Father! Prince of might!
O'er nature's realm assert Thy right,
Our sickly bodies pine to know
Thy heavenly strength, Thy living glow,
How bright Thy lowly manger beams!
Down earth's dark vale its glory streams,
The splendour of Thy natal night
Shines through all time in deathless light.
[80]Advent

(XXXIII.--"Gott sei Dank durch alle Welt.")

24.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Gott sei Dank durch alle Welt
[81]H. Held, 1643
Let the earth now praise the Lord,
Who hath truly kept His word,
And the sinner's help and Friend
Now at last to us doth send.
What the fathers most desired,
What the prophets' heart inspired,
What they long'd for many a year,
Stands fulfill'd in glory here.
Abram's promised great reward,
Zion's Helper, Jacob's Lord;
Him of twofold race behold,
Truly come, as long foretold.
Welcome, O my Saviour, now!
Hail! my portion, Lord, art Thou!
Here too in my heart, I pray,
Oh prepare Thyself a way.
Enter, King of Glory, in!
Purify the wastes of sin
As Thou hast so often done;
It belongs to Thee alone.
As Thy coming was in peace,
Noiseless, full of gentleness,
Let the same mind dwell in me
That was ever found in Thee.
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!
And when Thou dost come again
As a glorious King to reign,
I with joy may see Thy face,
Freely ransom'd by Thy grace.
[82]Advent

(LXIV.--"Macht hoch die Thür, die Thor' macht weit.")

25.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Macht hoch die Thür, die Thor macht weit
[83]Weiszel, 1635
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates,
Behold the King of glory waits;
The King of kings is drawing near,
The Saviour of the world is here;
Life and salvation doth He bring,
Wherefore rejoice and gladly sing:
We praise Thee, Father, now!
Creator, wise art Thou!
The Lord is just, a Helper tried,
Mercy is ever at His ride,
His kingly crown is holiness,
His sceptre, pity in distress,
The end of all our woe He brings;
Wherefore the earth is glad and sings:
We praise Thee, Saviour, now,
Mighty in deed art Thou!
Oh blest the land, the city blest,
Where Christ the Ruler is confest!
Oh 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:
O Comforter Divine,
What boundless grace is Thine!
Fling wide the portals of your heart,
Make it a temple set apart
From earthly use for Heaven's employ,
Adorn'd 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!
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 is won!
Eternal praise and fame
We offer to Thy name.
[84]Advent
(XXXVIII.--"Herr nun lass in Friede.")
26.
Sheet Music
Gottes Sohn ist kommen
[85]M. Weiss, 1531
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.
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.
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.
But through many a trial,
Deepest self-denial,
Long and brave endurance,
Must thou win assurance
That His own He makes thee,
And no more forsakes thee.
He who thus 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.
[86]Advent

(CV.--"Wach auf, wach auf, du sich're Welt.")

27.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Wach auf, wach auf, du sich're Welt
[87]Rist, 1651
Awake, thou careless world, awake!
That final Judgment day will surely come;

What Heav'n hath fix'd no Time can shake,

Time never more shall sweep away thy doom.
Know what the Lord Himself hath spoken
Shall come at last and not delay:
Though heav'n and earth shall pass away,
His steadfast Word can ne'er be broken.
Awake! thou careless world, awake!
For none can tell how soon our God may please
That suddenly that day should break,
No human wisdom fathoms depths like these:
O flee earth's base delights and pride,
For as the bird is in the snare,
Or ever of its foe aware,
So comes that day so long denied.
Yet He in love delayeth long
That awful day, and grants the sinner space
To turn away from sin and wrong,
And mourning seek in time His love and grace.
He holdeth back that best of days
Until the righteous shall approve
Their faith and hope, their constant love;
So gentle us-ward are His ways!
And those found faithful then shall see
That glorious morning dawn in love and joy,
Their Saviour comes to set them free,

Their Judge Himself shall all their bonds destroy;

He the true Joshua then shall bring
His people with a mighty hand
Into their promised fatherland,
Where songs of victory they thall sing.
Arise, and let us night and day
Watch for our Lord, and study o'er His word,
And in the Spirit ever pray,
That we be ready when His call is heard;
Arise, and let us haste to meet
The Bridegroom standing at the door,
That with the angels evermore
We too may worship at His feet.
[88]Advent

(XLVII.--"Ich steh' in Angst und Pein.")

28.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Ich steh' in Angst und Pein
[89]S. Dach, 1640
A dread hath come on me,
I know not where to flee,
My pow'rs can nought avail me;
My trembling limbs grow weak,
My lips refuse to speak,
My heart and senses fail me:
For thinking on that sound
That once shall pierce the ground
And make its slumb'rers tremble,--
"Arise! the Day of Doom
Is come at last,--is come!
Before the judge assemble!
Ah God! no tempest's shock
That cleaves the solid rock
Could make my spirit shiver
As doth that awful tone;
Were my heart steel or stone
'T would hear that voice and quiver.
I eat, or wake, or sleep,
I talk, or smile, or weep,
Yet still that voice of thunder
Is sounding through my heart,--
"Forget not what thou art,
The doom thou liest under!
For daily do I see
How many deaths there be,
How swiftly all things wither;
How sickness fills the grave,
Or fire, or sword, or wave
Is sweeping thousands thither.
My turn will soon be here,
The end is drawing near,
I hear its warning plainly;
Death knocketh at my door
And tells me all is o'er,
And I would fly him vainly.
Ah! who in this my strait
Will be mine Advocate?
Will all things leave me friendless?
My wealth and power are dust,
This Judge is ever just,
His righteous doom is endless.
Lord Jesus Christ! 't is Thou
Alone canst help me now,
But 't was for this Thou camest,
To save us in this hour;--
Then show Thy mercy's power,
For they are safe Thou claimest.
Speak Thou for me! Thou art
The refuge of my heart;
With gladness let me hear Thee;
Bid me to Thee ascend,
Where praise shall never end,
And love shall aye be near Thee.
Christmas

[90]29. Let us all with gladsome voice
[91]30. From heaven above to earth I come
[92]31. All my heart this night rejoices
[93]32. Rejoice, rejoice, ye Christians
[94]33. O rejoice, ye Christians, loudly
[95]34. We Christians may rejoice to-day
[96]35. Thee, O Immanuel, we praise

[97]Christmas
(LIX.--"Lasst uns alle fröhlich sein.")
29.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Lasst uns alle fröhlich sein
[98]Anon., appears 1682
||:Let us all with gladsome voice
Praise the God of heaven,:||
Who to bid our hearts rejoice
His own Son hath given.
||:Down to this sad earth He comes,
Here to serve us deigning,:||
That with Him in yon fair homes
We may once be reigning.
||:We are rich, for He was poor,
Gaze upon this wonder!:||
Let us praise God evermore,
Here on earth, and yonder!
.
||:Look on all who sorrow here,
Lord, in pity bending,:||
Grant us now a glad New Year,
And a blessed ending!
[99]Christmas

(CIV.--"Vom Himmel hoch da komm' ich her.")

30.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Vom Himmel hoch da komm' ich her
[100]Luther, 1538
From heaven above to earth I come
To hear good news to ev'ry home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
Whereov I now will say and sing:
To you this night in born a child
of Mary, chosen mother mild;
This little child, of lowly birth,
Shall be the joy of all your earth.
'Tis Christ, our God, who far on high
Hath heard your sad and bitter cry
Himself will your Salvation be,
Himself from sin will make you free.
He brings those blessings, long ago
Prepared by God for all below;
Henceforth His kingdom open stands
To you, as to the angel bands.
There 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.
Now let us all with gladsome cheer
Follow the shepherds, and draw near
To see this wondrous gift of God,
Who hath His only Son bestow'd.
Give heed, my heart, lift up thine eyes!
Who is it in yon manger lies?
Who is this child, so young and fair?
The blessed Christ-child lieth there.
Welcome to earth, Thou noble guest,
Through whom e'en wicked men are blest!
Thou com'st to share our misery,
What can we render, Lord, to Thee!
Ah Lord, who hast created all,
How hast Thou made Thee weak and small,
That Thou must choose Thy infant bed
Where ass and ox but lately fed!
Were earth a thousand times as fair,
Beset with gold and jewels rare,
She yet were far too poor to be
A narrow cradle, Lord, for Thee.
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.
Thus hath it pleased Thee to make plain
The truth to us poor fools and vain,
That this world's honour, wealth, and might
Are nought and worthless in Thy fight.
Ah! dearest Jesus, Holy Child,
Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be
A quiet chamber kept for Thee.
My heart for very joy doth leap,
My lips no more can silence keep;
I too must raise with joyful tongue
That sweetest ancient cradle-song--
Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given!
While angels sing with pious mirth
A glad New Year to all the earth.
[101]Christmas

(CVIII.--"Warum sollt' ich mich denn grämen.")

31.
Sheet Music
Frölich soll mein Herze springen,
[102]Gerhardt, 1656
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
Ev'rywhere
Now with joy is ringing.
Hark! a voice from yonder manger,
Soft and sweet,
Doth entreat,
"Flee from woe and danger;
Brethren, come, from all doth grieve you,
You are freed,
All you need
I will surely give you.";
Come then, let us hasten yonder;
Here let all,
Great and small,
Kneel in awe and wonder,
Love Him who with love is yearning;
Hail the Star
That from far
Bright with hope is burning!
Ye who pine in weary sadness,
Weep no more,
For the door
Now is found of gladness.
Cling to Him, for He will guide you
Where no cross,
Pain or loss
Can again betide you.
Hither come, ye heavy-hearted,
Who for sin
Deep within,
Long and sore have smarted;
For the poison'd wounds you're feeling
Help is near,
One is here
Mighty for their healing!
Hither come, ye poor and wretched!
Know His will
Is to fill
Every hand outstretched;
Here are riches without measure,
Here forget
All regret,
Fill your hearts with treasure.
Thee, dear Lord, with heed I'll cherish,
Live to Thee,
And with Thee
Dying, shall not perish;
But shall dwell with Thee for ever,
Far on high,
In the joy
That can alter never.
[103]Christmas

(XXX.--"Freut euch, ihr lieben Christen.")

32.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Freut euch, ihr lieben Christen
[104]Anon., early
Rejoice, rejoice, ye Christians,
With all your hearts this morn!
O hear the blessed tidings,
"The Lord, the Christ, is born,"
Now brought us by the angels
That stand about God's throne;
Oh lovely are the voices
||:That make such tidings known.:||
Oh hearken to their singing,
"This Child shall be your Friend,
The Father so hath will'd it,
That thus your woes should end;
The Son is freely given,
That in Him ye may have
The Father's grace and blessing,
||:And know He loves to save.:||
Nor deem the form too lowly
That clothes Him at this hour;
For know ye what it hideth?
'Tis God's almighty power.
Though now within the manger
So poor and weak He lies,
He is the Lord of all things,
||:He reigns above the skies.:||
Sin, Death, and Hell, and Satan
Have lost the victory;
This Child shall overthrow them,
As ye shall surely see;
Their wrath shall nought avail them,
Fear not, their reign is o'er;
This Child shall overthrow them,--
||:Oh hear and doubt no more.":||
[105]Christmas

(XXXI.--"Freuet euch, ihr Christen alle.")

33.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music

To be sung only at the beginning and end of the hymn.

Freuet euch, ihr Christen alle
[106]Keimann, 1656
||:Hallelujah:||
Oh rejoice, ye Christians, loudly,
For your joy is now begun;
Wondrous things our God hath done;
Tell abroad His goodness proudly,
Who our race hath honour'd 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 Son of grace is shining.
See, my soul, thy Saviour 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, then, joy beyond all gladness!
Christ hath done away with sadness!
Hence, all sorrow and repining,
For the Sun of grace is shining.
Lord, how thall I thank Thee rightly?
I acknowledge that from Thee
Every blessing flows to me.
Let me not forget it lightly,
But to Thee through all things cleave;
So shall heart and mind receive
Joy, yea, joy beyond all gladness!
Christ hath done away with sadness!
Hence, all sorrow, all repining,
For the Sun of grace is shining!
Jesu, 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, all repining,
For the Sun of grace is shining!
[107]Christmas
(CXIX.--"Wir Christenleut'.")
34.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Wir Christenleut' han jetzund Freud'
[108]Anon., Appears 1645
[109]? Author Gaspar Fugger, +1617
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.
O wondrous joy, that God most high

Should take our flesh, and thus our race should honour;

A virgin mild hath borne this Child,
Such grace and glory God hath put upon her.
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?

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.
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.
[110]Christmas
(Index of Tunes, XXVIII.)
35.

Tune.--"Ere yet the dawn hath fill'd the skies." Sheet Music

Wir singen dir, Immanuel
[111]Gerhardt, 1653
Thee, O Immanuel, we praise,
The Prince of Life and Fount of Grace,
The Morning Star, the Heav'nly Flower,
The Virgin's Son, the Lord of Power.
Hallelujah.
With all Thy saints, Thee, Lord, we sing,
Praise, honour, thanks to Thee we bring,
That Thou, O long-expected guest,
Hast come at last to make us blest!
Hallelujah.
Since first the world began to be,
How many a heart hath long'd for Thee;
Long years our fathers hoped of old
Their eyes might yet Thy Light behold:
Hallelujah.
The prophets cried; "Ah, would He came
To break the fetters of our shame:
That help from Zion came to men,
Israel were glad, and prosper'd then!"
Hallelujah.
Now art Thou here; we know Thee now,
In lowly manger lieth Thou;
A child, yet makest all things great,
Poor, yet is earth Thy robe of state.
Hallelujah.
From Thee alone all gladness flows,
Who yet shalt bear such bitter woes
Earth's light and comfort Thou shalt be,
Yet none shall watch to comfort Thee.
Hallelujah.
All heavens are Thine, yet Thou dost come
To sojourn in a stranger's home;
Thou hangest on Thy mother's breast
Who art the joy of spirits blest.
Hallelujah.
Now fearless I can look on Thee,
From sin and grief Thou sett'st me free;
Thou bearest wrath, Thou conquerest Death,
Fear turns to joy Thy glance beneath.
Hallelujah.
Thou art my Head, my Lord Divine,
I am Thy member, wholly Thine,
And in Thy Spirit's strength would still
Serve Thee according to Thy will.
Hallelujah.
Thus will I sing Thy praises here
With joyful spirit year by year;
And they shall sound before Thy throne,
Where time nor number more are known.
Hallelujah.
Epiphany

[112]36. How brightly beams the Morning Star
[113]37. O Jesu, King of Glory
[114]38. Rise, O Salem, rise and shine
[115]39. Is thy heart athirst to know

[116]Epiphany
(Index of Tunes, CXVII.)
36.

Tune.--"O Morning Star! how fair and bright." Sheet Music

Wie herrlich strahlt der Morgenstern
[117]J. A. Schlegel, 1765
How brightly beams the Morning Star!
What sudden radiance from afar
Doth glad us with its shining,
Brightness of God that breaks our night
And fills the darken'd souls with light
Who long for truth were pining!
Thy Word, Jesu, Inly feeds us,
Rightly leads us,
Life bestowing;
Praise, oh praise such love o'erflowing.
Thou here my Comfort, there my Crown,
Thou King of Heaven, who camest down
To dwell as man beside me;

My heart doth praise Thee o'er and o'er,

If Thou art mine I ask no more,
Be wealth or fame denied me;
Thee I seek now; None who proves Thee,
None who loves Thee
Finds Thee fail him;
Lord of life, Thy powers avail him!
Through Thee alone can I be blest,
Then deep be on my heart imprest
The love that Thou hast borne me;
So make it ready to fulfil
With burning zeal Thy holy will,
Though men may vex or scorn me;
Saviour, let me Never lose Thee,
For I choose Thee,
Thirst to know Thee;
All I am and have I owe Thee!
O God, our Father far above,
Thee too I Praise, for all the love
Thou in Thy Son dost give me!
In Him am I made one with Thee,
My Brother and my Friend is He;
Shall aught affright or grieve me?
He is Greatest, Best, and Highest,
Ever nighest
To the weakest;
Fear no foes, if Him thou seekest!
O praise to Him who come to save,
Who conquer'd death and burst the grave;
Each day new praise resoundeth
To Him the Lamb who once was slain,
The Friend whom none shall trust in vain,
Whose grace for aye aboundeth;
Sing, ye Heavens, Tell the story
Of His glory,
Till His praises
Flood with light Earth's darkest places.
[118]Epiphany

(XLIV.--"Ich dank' Dir lieber Herre.")

37.
Sheet Music
O König aller Ehren
[119]M. Behemb, 1606
O Jesu, King of Glory!
Our Sov'reign and our Friend!
Thy throne is fix'd in Heaven,
Thy kingdom hath no end:
Oh now to all men, far and near,
Lord, make it known, we pray,
That as in Heaven all creatures here
May know Thee and obey.
The Eastern sages bringing
Their tribute-gifts to Thee,
Bear witness to Thy Kingdom,
And humbly how the knee;
To Thee the Morning Star doth lead,
To Thee th' inspired Word,
We hail Thee, Saviour in our need,
We worship Thee, the Lord.
Ah, look on me with pity,
Though I am weak and poor,
Admit me to Thy kingdom
To dwell there blest and sure.
Oh rescue me from all my woes,
And shield me with Thine arm
From Sin and Death, the mighty foes
That daily seek our harm.
And bid Thy Word within us
Shine as the fairest Star;
Keep sin and all false doctrine
From all Thy people far:
Let us Thy name aright confess,
And with Thy Christendom,
Our King and Saviour own and bless
Through all the world to come.
[120]Epiphany
(Index of Tunes, LV.)
38.
Tune.--"Jesus Christ, my sure Defence."
Sheet Music
Werde Licht, du Stadt der Heiden
[121]Rist, 1655
Rise, O Salem, rise and shine!
Lo! the Gentiles hail thy waking;
Herald of a morn divine,
See the dayspring o'er us breaking,
Telling God has call'd to mind
Those who long in darkness pined.
Ah, how blindly did we stray,
Ere this sun our earth had brightened,
Heaven we sought not, for no ray

Had our 'wilder'd eyes enlighten'd!

All our looks were earthward bent,
All our strength on earth was spent.
But, the day-spring from on high
Hath arisen with beams unclouded,
And we aee before it fly
All the heavy gloom that shrouded
This sad earth, where sin and woe
Seem'd to reign o'er all below.
Thy appearing, Lord, shall fill
All my thoughts in sorrow's hour;
Thy appearing, Lord, shall still
All my dread of death's dark power;
Whether joy or tears be mine,
Through them still Thy light shall shine.
Let me, when my course is run,
Calmly leave a world of sadness
For the place that needs no sun,
For Thou art its light and gladness,
For the mansions fair and bright,
Where Thy saints are crown'd with light.
[122]Epiphany
(Index of Tunes, IV.)
39.
Tune.--"What shall I, a sinner, do?"
Sheet Music
Wer im Herzen will erfahren
[123]Laurenti, 1700
Is thy heart athirst to know
That the King of heav'n and earth
Deigns to dwell with man below,
Yea, hath stoop'd to mortal birth?
Search the Word with ceaseless care
Till thou find this treasure there.
With the sages from afar
Journey on o'er sea and land,
Till thou see the Morning Star
O'er thy heart unchanging stand,
Then shalt thou behold His face
Full of mercy, truth, and grace.
For if Christ be born within,
Soon that likeness shall appear
Which the heart had lost through sin,
God's own image fair and clear,
And the soul serene and bright
Mirrors back His heavenly light.
Jesus, let me seek for nought
But that Thou shouldst dwell in me
Let this only fill my thought,
How I may grow liker Thee,
Through this earthly care and strife,
Through the calm eternal life.
With the wise who know Thee right,
Thongh the world accounts them fools,
I will praise Thee day and night;
I will order by Thy rules
All my life, that it may be
Fill'd with praise and love of Thee.
Lent

[124]40. Out of the depths I cry to Thee
[125]41. Not in anger, mighty God
[126]42. Against Thee only have I sinn'd, I own it
[127]43. Am I on earth alone and friendless stranger?
[128]44. Lord, to Thee I make confession
[129]45. Hear, O my God, low at Thy feet I bend me

[130]Lent

(XIII.--"Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu Dir.")

40.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu Dir
[131]Luther, 1524
Out of the depths I cry to Thee,
Lord, hear me, I implore Thee!
Bend down Thy gracious ear to me,
Let my prayer come before Thee!
If Thou rememb'rest each misdeed,
If each should have its rightful meed,
Who may abide Thy presence?
Our pardon is Thy gift, Thy love
And grace alone avail us;
Our works could ne'er our guilt remove,
The strictest life must fail us,
That none may boast himself of aught,
But own in fear Thy grace hath wrought
What in him seemeth righteous.
And thus my hope is in the Lord,
And not in mine own merit;
I rest upon His faithful word
To them of contrite spirit;
That He is merciful and just--
Here is my comfort and my trust,
His help I wait with patience.
And though it tarry till the night,
And round till morning waken,
My heart shall ne'er mistrust His might,
Nor count itself forsaken.
Do thus, O ye of Israel's aeed,
Ye of the Spirit born indeed,
Wait for our God's appearing.
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 kind and faithful Shepherd, He
Who shall at last set Israel free
From all their sin and sorrow.
[132]Lent

(XCVII.--"Straf' mich nicht in deinem Zorn.")

41.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Straf' mich nicht in deinem Zorn
[133]Albinus, 1652
Not in anger, mighty God,
Not in anger smite us;
We must perish if Thy rod
Justly should requite us.
We are nought,
Sin hath brought,
Lord, thy wrath upon us,
Yet have mercy on us!
Show me now a Father's love,
And His tender patience,
Heal my wounded soul, remove
These too sore temptations!
I am weak,
Father, speak
Thou of peace and gladness,
Comfort Thou my sadness.
Weary am I of my pain,
Weary with my sorrow,
Sighing still for help in vain,
Longing for the morrow;
Why wilt Thou
Tarry now?
Wilt Thou friendless leave me,
And of hope bereave me?
Hence, ye foes! He comes in grace,
God hath deign'd to hear me;
I may come before His face,
He is inly near me;
He o'erthrows
All my foes,
Death and hell are vanquish'd
In Whose bonds I languish'd.
Father, hymns to Thee we raise,
Here and once in heaven!
And the Son and spirit praise,
Who our bonds have riven;
Evermore
We adore
Thee whose grace hath stirr'd us,
And whose pity heard us.
[134]Lent

(IX.--"An dir allein, an dir hab' ich gefündigt.")

42.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
An dir allein, an dir hab' ich gefündigt
[135]Gellert, 1757
Against Thee only have I sinn'd, I own it,
And done this evil in Thy sight;

My guilt deserves Thy wrath, and Thou hast shown it,--

Ah! see my grief, my wretched plight.
My secret prayers and sighs Thou hearest plainly,
My tears are ever known to Thee;
Ah God, my God, and shall I seek Thee vainly?
How long wilt Thou be far from me?
Lord, not according to my guilt requite me,
But deal with me in tender grace;
Thy patience and long-suffering still invite me,
I come! Ah hide Thou not thy face!
Make me to sing once more of joy and gladness,
Father of mercies, hear my voice!

For Thy name's sake, oh raise me from this sadness,

Thou, God, dost love that we rejoice.
Teach me Thy law, with spirit glad and fervent
Let me go forth upon my way;
Thou art my God, I am Thy willing servant
To do Thy pleasure day by day.
Oh haste Thou, my Defence, be now beside me!
Behold, the Lord hath heard my prayer!
Now on a plainer path His hand shall guide me,
My soul is safe beneath His care.
[136]Lent
(LXXXVII.--Psalm 8, Goudimel.)
43.
Sheet Music

Hier lieg' ich nun, mein Gott, zu deinen Füssen

[137]Raiszner, 1678
Am I on earth alone and friendless stranger?
When shall these days be past of fear and danger,
When shall I find some respite, some relief,
From this unsleeping pain, this haunting grief?
The joyful sun may bring another morning,

I wake to care, to conscience' voice of warning;

The soft moon comes with silent night and sleep,
And bringeth nought to me but time to weep.
My heart and soul faint, smitten by Thine arrow,
Keen as a fire that pierceth to the marrow;
From morn to eventide where'er I flee
I find no hiding-place, great God, from Thee.
Vain are my prayers, vainly I weep my errors,

While Thou dost strive against me with Thy terrors;

The zeal of Thy just anger and Thy might
Have plunged my soul in blackest depths of night.

Oh that I had a dove's swift wings, I'd hie me

To some far mountain-top where none came nigh me!
Yet could I not escape His mighty hand
Before whom all things bare and open stand.
Nay, all He sends me let me suffer rather,
Though still His angry storms around me gather;
A willing heart and patient mind, O God,
I bring to Thy severe but righteous rod.
Much have I sinn'd, and utterly I perish,
If memory of my sin Thou still will cherish;
Yet, Lord of Hosts, doth not Thy Word proclaim
The Merciful is Thy most glorious name!
[138]Lent

(XXXVI.--"Herr, ich habe missgehandelt.")

44.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Herr, ich habe missgehandelt
[139]J. Franck, 1653
Lord, to Thee I make confession,
I have sinn'd and gone astray,
I have multiplied transgression,
Chosen for myself my way;
Forced at last to see my errors,
Lord, I tremble at Thy terrors.
But from Thee how can I hide me,
Thou, O God, art everywhere;
Refuge from Thee is denied me,
Or by land or sea or air;
Nor death's darkness can enfold me
So that Thou shouldst not behold me.
Yet though conscience' voice appall me,
Father, I will seek Thy face;
Though Thy child I dare not call me,
Yet accept me to Thy grace;
Do not for my sins forsake me,
Let not yet Thy wrath o'ertake me.
For Thy Son hath suffer'd 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.
Then on Him I cast my burden,
Sink it in the depths below!
Let me feel Thy inner pardon,
Wash me, make me white as snow.
Let Thy Spirit leave me never,
Make me only Thine for ever!
[140]Lent
(Index of Tunes, LXXXVII.)
45.

Tune.--"Am I on earth alone, a friendless stranger?" Sheet Music

Bin ich allein ein Fremdling auf der Erden
[141]Anon., 18th century
Hear, O my God, low at Thy feet I bend me,
Ready to suffer whatsoe'er Thou send me,
Yet look on me, great God, with pitying eyes,
Reward me not for mine iniquities.

My heart hath cherish'd sin, and fear'd no morrow,

Loved the broad, easy road that ends in sorrow;
Till now I learn, O sin, how keen thy smart,
O wrath of God, how terrible thou art!
Can I escape no I more? will no one find me
Some help to break the heavy chains that bind me?
Will man nor creature show me any place

Where I may flee and hide me from God's face?

Nay, I must flee to Him who can deliver,
In whom our life and hope are hid for ever;

What all the world must unaccomplish'd leave,

Thou, for Thou art Almighty, canst achieve.
Think on the covenant Thou hast never broken,
Think on the steadfast word Thyself hast spoken,
Know that I am a God, Thy promise saith,
Who hath no pleasure in a sinner's death.
Then let the arms of love be thrown around me
Have pity on me, Thou who thus hast found me,
Call back Thy sheep that, wandering far astray,
Was lost in sin, nor knew the homeward way.
O God, most merciful! my thankful spirit
Adores the goodness that I did not merit;
'T is meet in praising Thee my time I spend,
Here, and above, where praise shall never end.
Passion Week

[142]46. O Lamb of God most stainless
[143]47. O Love, who formedst me to wear
[144]48. When o'er my sins I sorrow
[145]49. Christ the Life of all the living
[146]50. Ah Jesus, the merit

[147]Passion Week

(LXXXIII.--"O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig.")

46.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig
[148]N. von Hofe, 1534
O Lamb of God most stainless!
Who on the cross didst languish,
Patient through all Thy sorrows,
Though mock'd amid Thine anguish;
Our sins Thou barest for us,
Else had despair reign'd o'er us:
Have mercy upon us, O Jesu!
O Lamb of God most stainless!
Who on the cross didst languish,
Patient through all Thy sorrows,
Though mock'd amid Thine anguish;
Our sins Thou barest for us,
Else had despair reign'd o'er us:
Have mercy upon us, O Jesu!
O Lamb of God, most stainless!
Who on the cross didst languish,
Patient through all Thy sorrows,
Though mock'd amid Thine anguish;
Our sins Thou barest for us,
Else had despair reign'd o'er us:
Grant us Thy peace to-day, O Jesu!
[149]Passion Week
(Index of Tunes, LXIII.)
47.

Tune.--"Deal with me, God, in mercy now." Sheet Music

Liebe, die du mich zum Bilde
[150]Scheffler, 1657
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.
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.
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.
O Love, of whom is 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.
O Love, who thus hast bound me fast,
Beneath that gentle yoke of Thine;
Love, who hast conquer'd me at last
And rapt away this heart of mine;
O Love, I give myself to Thee,
Thine ever, only Thine to be.
O Love, who lovest me for aye,
Who for my soul dost ever plead;
O Love, who didst my ransom pay,
Whore power sufficeth in my stead;
O Love, I give myself to Thee,
Thine ever, only Thine to be.
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.
[151]Passion Week
(Index of Tunes, XXXV.)
48.
Tune.--"O Thou, of God the Father."
Sheet Music
Wenn meine Sünd' mich kränken
[152]Gesenius, 1646
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.
Then let Thy woes, Thy patience,
My heart with strength inspire
To vanquish all temptations,
And spurn all low desire;
This thought I fain would cherish most--
What pain my soul's redemption
To Thee, O Saviour, cost!
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.
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 help'd us,
From purest love alone.
And let Thy cross upbear me
With strength, when I depart;
Tell me that nought can tear me
From my Redeemer's heart,
But since my trust is in Thy grace
Thou wilt accept me yonder,
Where I shall see Thy face!
[153]Passion Week
(LIV.--"Jesu, meines Lebens Leben.")
49.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Jesu, meines Lebens Leben
[154]Homburg, 1659
Christ the Life of all the living,
Christ the Death of death our foe,
Who Thyself for us once giving
To the darkest depths of woe,
Patiently didst yield Thy breath
But to save my soul from death;
Thousand, thousand thanks shall be,
Blessed Jesus, brought to Thee.
Thou, ah Thou, hast taken on Thee
Bitter strokes, a cruel rod,
Pain and scorn were heap'd upon Thee
O Thou sinless Son of God,
Only thus for me to win
Rescue from the bonds of sin;
Thousand, thousand thanks shall be,
Blessed Jesus, brought to Thee.
Thou didst bear the smiting only
That it might not fall on me;
Stoodest falsely charged and lonely,
That I might be safe and free;
Comfortless that I might know
Comfort from Thy boundless woe;
Thousand, thousand thanks shall be,
Blessed Jesus, brought to Thee.
That Thou wast so meek and stainless
Doth atone for my proud mood;
And Thy death makes dying painless,
All Thy ills have wrought our good;
Yea, the shame Thou didst endure
Is my honour and my cure;
Thousand, thousand thanks shall be,
Blessed Jesus, brought to Thee.
Then for all that wrought our pardon,
For Thy sorrows deep and sore,
For Thine anguish in the garden,
I will thank Thee evermore;
Thank Thee with my latest breath
For Thy sad and cruel death,
For that last most bitter cry,
And shall praise Thee, Lord, on high.
[155]Passion Week
(III.--"Ach Jesu, dein Sterben.")
50.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Ach Jesu, dein Sterben
Layritz, 1854?
Ah Jesus, the merit
Of all that Thou hast borne
Maketh me inherit
The crown that hath no thorn!
Ah then, teach me duly
To worship at Thy crossv
Owning inly, truly,
The Love that bore our loss.
To sin, there, oh let me
From henceforth daily die;
Nor in death forget me,
Then grant me life on high.
Good Friday

[156]51. Ah wounded Head that bearest
[157]52. Alas, dear Lord, what law then hast Thou broken
[158]53. When on the cross the Saviour hung

[159]Good Friday
(XL.--"Herzlich thut mich verlangen."
"O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden.")
51.
Sheet Music
O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden
[160]Gerhardt, 1659
Ah wounded Head that bearest
Such bitter shame and scorn,
That now so meekly wearest
The mocking crown of thorn!
Erst reigning in the highest
In light and majesty,
Dishonour'd here Thou diest,
Yet here I worship Thee.
Thou noble Face, whose anger
Shall make a world to quail,
That glance is quench'd in languor
To which the sun were pale;
How hath its brightness vanish'd!
Those gracious eyes how dim!
What foe their light hath banish'd,
Who dared to scoff at Him?
All lovely hues have faded
That glow'd with warmth and life
As He endures unaided
The last and mortal strife;
The Mighty One of valour
Must yield Him as a prey,
Death triumphs in his pallour
O'er all His strength to-day.
Ah Lord, this cruel burden
Of right belongs to me;
Of my misdeeds the guerdon
Hath all been laid on Thee;
I cast me down before Thee,
Wrath were my rightful lot,
Yet hear me, I implore Thee,
Redeemer, spurn me not!
My Guardian, deign to own me,
My Shepherd, I am Thine;
What goodness hast Thou shewn me,
O Fount of Love Divine!
How oft Thy lips have fed me
On earth with angels' food!
How oft Thy Spirit led me
To stores of heavenly good!
Ah would that I were bidden
To share Thy cross and woes!
There all true joy lies hidden,
Thence all true comfort flows.
Ah well for me, if lying
Here at Thy feet, my Life,
I too with Thee were dying,
And thus might end my strife!
My soul doth melt within me,
O Jesus, dearest Friend,
That Thou shiouldst bear to win me
Such woes, for such an end!
Ah make me cling the firmer
To One so true to me,
And sink without a murmur
To sleep at last in Thee.
Yes, when I hence betake me,
Lord, do not Thou depart;
Oh I never more forsake me
When death is at my heart,
And faith and hope are sinking,
O'erwhelm'd with dread dismay;
Thou barest all unshrinking,--
Oh chase my fears away!
Appear then, my Defender,
My Comfort, ere I die!
This life I can surrender
If but I see Thee nigh;
My dim eyes shall behold Thee,
Upon Thy cross thall dwell,
My heart by faith enfold Thee
Who dieth thus, dies well!
[161]Good Friday

(XLI.--"Herzliebster Jesu, was hast Du verbrochen.")

52.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Herzliebster Jesu, was hast Du verbrochen
[162]J. Heerman, 1630
Alas, dear Lord, what law then hast Thou broken,
That suck sharp sentence should on The be spoken?

Of what great crime hast Thou to make confession--

What dark transgression?

They crown His head with thorns, they smite, they scourge Him,

With cruel mockings to the cross they urge Him,

They give Him gall to drink, they still decry Him,--

They crucify Him.

Whence come these sorrows, whence this mortal anguish

It is my sins for which my Lord must languish;
Yes, all the wrath, the woe He doth inherit,
'T is I do merit!

What strangest punishmnent is suffer'd yonder!--

The Shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander!
The Master pays the debts His servants owe Him,
Who would not know Him.
There was no spot in me by sin untainted,
Sick with its venom all my heart had fainted;
My heavy guilt to hell had well-nigh brought me,
Such woe it wrought me.

O wondrous love! whose depths no heart hath sounded,

That brought Thee here by foes and thieves surrounded;

All worldly pleasures, heedless, I was trying,
While Thou wert dying!
O mighty King! no time can dim Thy glory!
How shall I spread abroad Thy wondrous story?
How shall I find some worthy gift to proffer?
What dare we offer?
For vainly doth our human wisdom ponder--
Thy woes, Thy mercy still transcend our wonder.
Oh how should I do aught that could delight Thee!
Can I requite Thee?
Yet unrequited, Lord, I would not leave Thee,

I can renounce whate'er doth vex or grieve Thee,

And quench with thoughts of Thee and prayers most lowly,

All fires unholy.

But since my strength alone will ne'er suffice me

To crucify desires that still entice me,
To all good deeds, oh let Thy Spirit win me,
And reign within me!
I'll think upon Thy mercy hour by hour,

I'll love Thee so that earth must lose her power;

To do Thy will shall be my foic endeavour
Henceforth for ever.

Whate'er of earthly good this life may grant me

I'll rlsk for Thee,--no shame, no cross shall daunt me;

I shall not fear what man can do to harm me,
Nor death alarm me.
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.
And when, dear Lord, before Thy throne in heaven
To me the crown of joy at last is given,

Where sweetest hymns Thy saints for ever raise Thee,

I too shall praise Thee!
[163]Good Friday

(XVII.--"Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund.")

53.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund
[164]Ancient
When on the cross the Saviour hung,
And that sore load that on Him weigh'd
With bitter pangs his nature wrung,
Seven words amid His pain He said:
Oh let them well to heart be laid!
"Father, forgive these men;" He spake;
"For lo! they know not what they do,
Nor of my sufferings vengeance take!"
And when we sin in error too,
For us, dear Lord, this prayer renew!
He thought upon the thief, and said,--
"Thou shalt behold my Paradise
With me, ere yet this day be fled."
Lord, see us too with pitying eyes,
And raise us from our miseries!
His mother stood beside Him there;
"Behold thy son! Oh let her find
A son, O John, in thy true care,"
Lord, care for those we leave behind,
Nor let the world prove all unkind!

Once more He saith,--"I thirst, I thirst!"

O Prince of Life! that we might be
Rescued from death, Thou dar'st the worst.
So dost Thou long to set us free!
Not fruitless be that thirst in Thee!
Again, "My God, My God," He cried,
Ah why dost Thou forsake me thus?"
Thou art forsaken at this tide,
To win acceptance, Lord, for us;
Oh comfort deep and marvellous!

He saith,--"Lo! it is finish'd now!"

Saviour, Thy perfect work is done!
O make us faithful, Lord, as Thou,
No trial and no cross to shun
Till all Thou lay'st on us be done.
And last,--"My Father, to Thine hands
My parting soul I now commend."
Lord, when my spirit trembling stands
Upon life's verge, this cry I send
To Thee, and with Thy words I end.
Whoso shall ponder oft these words
When long-past sins his soul alarm,
Shall find the hope Thy cross accords,
And in Thy grace a healing balm
That brings the wounded conscience calm.
Lord Jesu Christ, who diedst for us,
This one thing grant us evermore;
To ponder o'er Thy passion thus,
Till truer, deeper than before
We learn to love Thee and adore!
Easter Eve

[165]54. O darkest woe
[166]55. Lord Jesus, who, our souls to save
[167]56. Thou sore-oppress'd

[168]Easter Eve

(LXXXIV.--"O Trauerigkeit, O Herzeleid.")

54.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
O Trauerigkeit, O Herzeleid
[169]Rist, 1637
O darkest woe!
Ye tears forth flow!
Has earth so sad a wonder,
That the Father's only Son
Now lies buried yonder!
O son 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.
Behold thy Lord,
The Lamb of God,
Blood-sprinkled lies before thee,
Pouring out His life that He
May to life restore thee.
O Ground of faith
Laid low in death!
Sweet lips now silent sleeping!
Surely all that live must mourn
Here with bitter weeping.
Yea, blest is he
Whose heart shall be
Fix'd here, and apprehendeth
Why the Lord of glory thus
To the grave descendeth.
O Jesu blest!
My help and rest!
With tears I pray--Lord, hear me;
Make me love Thee to the last,
In the grave be near me!
[170]Easter Eve
(XX.--"Der Du Herr Jesu Ruh und Rast.")
55.
Sheet Music
Der du, Herr Jesu, Ruh und Rast
[171]G. Werner, 1638
Lord Jesus, who, our souls to save,
Didst rest and slumber in the grave,
Now grnt us all in Thee to rest,
And here to live as seems Thee best.
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.
O Lamb of God! who once wast slain,
We thank Thee for that bitter pain!
Let us partake Thy death, that we
May enter into life with Thee!
[172]Easter Eve
(Index of Tunes, LXXXIV.)
56.

Tune.--"O darkest woe! Ye tears, forth flow!" Sheet Music

Nun gingst auch du
[173]Viktor Strauss, modern
Thou sore-oppress'd,
The Sabbath rest
In yon still grave art keeping!
All thy labour now is done,
Past is all Thy weeping!
The strife is o'er,
Nought hurts Thee more,
The heart at last hath slumber'd,
That in conflict sore for us
Bore our sins unnumber'd.
Thou awful tomb,
Once fill'd with gloom!
How blessed and how holy
Art thou now, since in the grave
Slept the Saviour lowly!
How calm and blest
The dead now rest
Who in the Lord departed!
All their works do follow them,
Yes, they sleep glad-hearted.
O lead us Thou
To rest e'en now,
With all who, sorely anguish'd
'Neath the burden of their sins,
Long in woe have languish'd.
O Blessed Rock!
Soon grant Thy flock
To see Thy Sabbath morning!
Strife and pain will all be past
When that day is dawning.
Easter

[174]57. Ere yet the dawn hath fill'd the skies
[175]58. Christ the Lord is risen again
[176]59. Jesus Christ, my sure Defence
[177]60. In Death's strong grasp the Saviour lay
[178]61. Welcome, Thou victor in the strife
[179]62. O risen Lord! O conqu'ring King

[180]Easter

(XXVIII.--"Erschienen ist der herrlich' Tag.")

57.
Sheet Music
Frühmorgens da sie Sonn' aufgeht
[181]J. Heermann, 1630
Ere yet the dawn hath fill'd the skies
Behold my Saviour Christ arise,
He chaseth from us sin and night,
And brings us joy and life and light.
Hallelujah.
O stronger Thou than Death and Hell,
Where is the foe Thou canst not quell?
What heavy stone Thou canst not roll
From off the prison'd anguish'd soul?
Hallelujah.
If Jesus lives, can I be sad?
I know He loves me, and am glad;
Though all the world were dead to me,
Enough, O Christ, if I have Thee!
Hallelujah.
He feeds me, comforts and defends,
And when I die His angel sends
To bear me whither He is gone,
For of His own He loseth none.
Hallelujah.
No more to fear or grief I bow,
God and the angels love me now;
The joys prepared for me to-day
Drive fear and mourning far away;
Hallelujah.
Strong Champion! For this comfort see
The whole world brings her thanks to Thee;
And once we too shall raise above
More sweet and loud the song we love!
Hallelujah.
[182]Easter
(XVI.--"Christus ist erstanden.")
58.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Christus ist erstanden
[183]B. Brethren, 1531
Christ the Lord is risen again!
Christ has broken ev'ry chain!
Hark, the angels shout for joy,
Singing evermore on high,
Hallelujah.
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.
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.
He whose path no records tell,
Who descended into hell,
Who the strong man arm'd hath bound,
Now in highest heaven is crown'd:
Hallelujah.
He who slumber'd in the grave
Is exalted now to save;
Now through Christendom it rings
That the Lamb is King of kings!
Hallelujah.
Now He bids us tell abroad
How the lost may be restored,
How the penitent forgiven,
How we too may enter heaven.
Hallelujah.
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.
[184]Easter
(LV.--"Jesus, meine Zuversicht.")
59.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Jesus, meine Zuversicht
[185]Louisa Henrietta of Brandenburgh, 1653
Jesus Christ, my sure Defence
And my Saviour, ever liveth;
Knowing this, my confidence
Rests upon the hope it giveth,
Though the night of death be fraught
Still with many an anxious thought.
Jesus, my Redeemer, lives!
I too unto life must waken;
He will have me where He is,
Shall my courage then be shaken?
Shall I fear? Or could the Head
Rise and leave its members dead?
Nay, too closely am I bound
Unto Him by hope for ever;
Faith's strong hand the Rock hath found,
Grasped it, and will leave it never;
Not the ban of death can part
From its Lord the trusting heart.
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.
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.
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.
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 heart beyond the skies,
Whither ye yourselves would rise!
[186]Easter
(XIV.--"Christ lag in Todesbanden.")
60.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Christ lag in Todesbanden
[187]Luther, 1524
In Death's strong grasp the Saviour lay,
For our offences given;
But now the Lord is risen to-day,
And brings us life from heaven;
Wherefore let us all rejoice
And praise our God with cheerful voice,
And sing loud Hallelujahs.--Hallelujah!
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,
His shadow lay athwart us.--Hallelujah!
But Jesus Christ, God's only Son,
Hath come to conquer for us,
Hath put away our sins, and won
Death's power and title o'er us.
Now 'tis but his form is left,
For of his sting he is bereft
Since Jesus will restore us.--Hallelujah!
It was a wondrous war, I trow,
When Life and Death contended;
But Life hath triumphed o'er the foe,
The reign of Death is ended;
Yea, 'tis as the Scripture saith,
That Christ in dying conquered Death,
And from his realm ascended.--Hallelujah!
Then let us keep the feast to-day
That God Himself hath given;
And His pure Word shall do away
The old and evil leaven;
Christ to-day will meet His own,
And faith will feed on Him alone,
The Living Bread from heaven.--Hallelujah!
[188]Easter
(XCII.--Psalm 33, Ravenscroft.)
61.
Sheet Music
Willkommen, Held im Streite
[189]Schmolck, 1712
Welcome, Thou victor in the strife,
Now welcome from the cave!
Today we triumph in Thy life
Around Thine empty grave.
The dwellings of the just resound
With songs of victory;
For in their midst, Lord, Thou art found,
And bringest peace with Thee.
Oh share with us the spoils, we pray,
Thou diedst to achieve;
We meet within Thy house to-day
Our portion to receive!
We die with Thee; oh let us live
Henceforth to Thee aright;
The blessings Thou hast died to give,
Be daily in our sight,
Fearless we lay us in the tombs
And sleep the night away,
if Thou art there to break the gloom,
And call us back to day.
Death hurts us not; his power is gone,
And pointless all his darts;
Now hath God's favour on us shone,
And joy fills all our hearts.
[190]Easter
(Index of Tunes, CIX.)
62.

Tune.--"Whate'er my God ordains is right." Sheet Music

O auferstandner Siegesfürst
[191]Böhmer, 1706
O risen Lord! O conqu'ring King!
O Life of all the living!
To-day that peace of Easter bring
Which comes but of Thy giving!
Once Death, our foe,
Had laid Thee low,
Now hast Thou rent his bonds in twain,
Now art Thou risen who once wast slain!
Oh that to know Thy victory
To us were inly granted,
And there cold hearts might catch from Thee
The glow of faith undaunted!
Thy quenchless light,
Thy glorious might
Still comfortless and lonely leave
The soul that cannot yet believe.
Then break through our hard hearts Thy way,
O Jesus, Lord of glory!
Kindle the lamp of faith to-day,
Teach us to sing before Thee
For joy at length,
That in Thy strength
We too may rise whom sin had slain,
And Thine eternal rest attain.
And when our tears for sin o'erflow,
Do Thou in love draw near us,
Thy precious gift of peace bestow,
Let Thy bright presence cheer us,
That so may we,
O Christ, from Thee
Drink in the life that cannot die,
And keep true Easter feasts on high.
Ascension

[192]63. Conqu'ring Prince and Lord of Glory
[193]64. Since Christ has gone to heav'n His home
[194]65. Heavenward doth our journey tend
[195]66. Lord, on earth I dwell sad-hearted
[196]67. My Jesus, if the Seraphim
[197]68. Draw us to Thee, Lord Jesus

[198]Ascension
(Index of Tunes, VII.)
63.

Tune.--"Hark! a voice saith, All are mortal." Sheet Music

Siegesfürst und Ehrenkönig
[199]Tersteegen, 1731
Conqu'ring Prince and Lord of Glory,
Majestly enthroned in light;
All the heav'ns are bow'd before Thee,
Far beyond them spreads Thy might;
Shall I fall not at Thy feet,
And my heart with rapture beat,
Now Thy glory is display'd,
Thine ere yet the worlds were made?
As I watch Thee far ascending
To the right hand of the throne,
See the host before Thee bending,
Praising Thee in sweetest tone,
Shall not I too at Thy feet
Here the angels' strain repeat,
And rejoice that heaven doth ring
With the triumph of my King?
Power and Spirit are o'erflowing,
On me also be they pour'd;
Every hindrance overthrowing,
Make Thy foes Thy footstool, Lord!
Yea, let earth's remotest end
To Thy righteous sceptre bend,
Make Thy way before Thee plain,
O*er all hearts and spirits reign.
Lo! Thy presence now is filling
All Thy Church in every place;
Fill my heart too, make me willing
In this season of Thy grace;
Come, Thou King of glory, come,
Deign to make my heart Thy home,
There abide and rule alone,
As upon Thy heavenly throne!
Thou art leaving me, yet bringing
God and heaven most inly near;
From this earthly life upspringing,
As though still I saw Thee here,
Let my heart, transplanted hence,
Strange to earth and time and sense,
Dwell with Thee in heaven e'en now,
Where our only joy art Thou!
[200]Ascension
(Index of Tunes, XXIX.)
64.
Tune.--"All praise and thanks."
Sheet Music
Auf Christ Himmelfahrt allein
[201]Wegelin, 1636
Since Christ has gone to heav'n 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 hath left below
In time He surely gathers there.
Since Christ hath reached His glorious throne,
And mighty gifts henceforth are His,
My heart can rest in heaven alone,
On earth my Lord I daily miss;
I long to be with Him on high,
And heart and thoughts would hourly fly
Where now my only treasure is.
From Thy ascension let such grace,
Dear Lord, be ever found in me,
That steadfast faith may guide my ways
With step unfault'ring up to Thee,
And at Thy voice I may depart
With joy to dwell where Thou, Lord, art:
O Saviour, grant this prayer to me!
[202]Ascension
(Index of Tunes, LV.)
65.
Tune.--"Jesus Christ, my sure defence."
Sheet Music
Himmelan geht unsre Bahn
[203]Schmolck, 1731
Heavenward doth our journey tend,
Here on earth we are but strangers,
Towards our Promised Land we wend,
Through a wilderness of dangers;
Here we roam, a pilgrim band,
Yonder is our native land.
Heavenward stretch, my soul, thy wings,
Thou canst claim a heavenly nature;
Cleave not to these earthly things,
Thou canst rest not in the creature.
Every soul that God inspires,
Back to Him, its Source, aspires.
Heavenward! doth His Spirit cry,
Oft as in His word I hear Him;
Pointing to the rest on high
Where I shall be ever near Him.
When His word fills all my thought,
Oft to heaven my soul is caught.
Heavenward still I long to haste,
When Thy supper, Lord, is given;
Heavenly strength on earth I taste,
Feeding on the Bread of Heaven;
Such is e'en on earth our fare,
Who Thy marriage feast will share.
Heavenward! To that blessed home
Death at last will surely lead me;
All my trials overcome,
Christ with life and joy will feed me;
Who Himself hath gone before
That we too might heavenward soar.
Heavenward! This thall be my cry
While a pilgrim here I wander,
Passing earth's allurements by
For the love of what is yonder;
Heavenward all my being tends,
Till in Heaven my journey ends.
[204]Ascension
(Index of Tunes, LIV.)
66.

Tune.--"Christ the Life of all the living." Sheet Music

Herr! auf Erden muss ich leiden
[205]Neumann, 1700
Lord, on earth I dwell sad-hearted,
Here I oft must mourn and sigh;
Wherefore hast Thou then departed,
Why ascendest Thou on high?
Take me, take me hence with Thee,
Or abide, Lord, still in me;
Let Thy love and gifts be left,
That I be not all bereft.
Leave Thy heart still inly near me,
Take mine hence where Thou art gone,
Open heaven to me, and hear me
When to Thee I cry alone;
When I cannot pray, oh plead
With Thy Father in my stead;
Seated now at God's right hand,
Help us here, Thy faithful band.
Worldly joys I cast behind me,
Let me choose the better part,
And though mortal chains yet bind me,
Heavenly be my thoughts and heart;
That my time through faith may be
Order'd for eternity;
Till we rise, all perils oer,
Whither Thou hast gone before.
Then return, the promise keeping
That was made to us of old;
Raise the members that are sleeping
Gnaw'd of death beneath the mould.
Judge the evil world that deems
Thy sure words but empty dreams;
And for all our sorrows past
Let us know Thy joy at last.
[206]Ascension

(LXV.--"Mein Jesu, dem die Seraphinen.")

67.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Mein Jesu, dem die Seraphinen
[207]Dessler, 1692
My Jesus, if the Seraphim,
The burning host that near Thee stand,
Before Thy Majesty are dim,
And veil their face at Thy command,
How shall these mortal eyes, now clouded
And dim with evil's hateful night,
Endure to meet the bliss of light
In which Thy throne is aye enshrouded?
Yet grant the eye of faith, O Lord,
To pierce within the Holy Place,
For I am saved and Thou adored,
If I am quicken'd by Thy grace.
Behold, O King, my soul is bending
In lowly love before Thy throne,
Oh say, "I choose thee for mine own,
With faithful love thy course befriending."
Have mercy, Lord of love, for long
My spirit for Thy mercy sighs,
My inmost soul hath found a tongue,
"Be merciful, O God," she cries!
I know Thou wilt not bid me leave Thee.
Thou canst not show Thyself a foe
To one for whom Thou bar'st such woe,
Whore lost estate so sore could grieve Thee.
Then let Thy wisdom, be my guide,
Nor take Thy light from me away,
Thy grace be ever at my side,
That from Thy path I may not stray;
But feeling that Thy hand is o'er me,
In steadfast faith my course fulfil,
And keep Thy word, and do Thy will,
Thy love within, Thy heaven before me!
Reach down and arm me with Thy hand,
And strengthen me with inner might,
That I through faith may strive and stand
Though craft and force against me fight;
That so may through me and within me
The kingdom of Thy love be spread,
That honours Thee, our glorious Head,
And once a crown of light shall win me.
To Thee I rise in faith on high,
O bend Thou down in love to me!
Let nothing rob me of this joy,
That all my soul is fill'd with Thee;
As long as here I live, yea longer,
Thee will I honour, fear, and love,
For when this heart hath ceas'd to move
Than Death itself Thy Love is stronger.
[208]Ascension
(Index of Tunes, XV.)
68.
Tune.--"My life is hid in Jesus."
Sheet Music
Zeuch uns nach dir

[209]Ludämilia Elisabeth, Countess of Schwarzburg Rudolstadt7, 1687

Draw us to Thee, Lord Jesus,
And we will hasten on;
For strong desire doth seize us
To go where Thou art gone.
Draw us to Thee; enlighten
These hearts to find Thy way,
That else the tempests frighten,
Or pleasures lure astray.
Draw us to Thee; and teach us
Even now that rest to find,
Where turmoils cannot reach us,
Nor cares weigh down the mind.
Draw us to Thee; nor leave us
Till all our path is trod,
Then in Thine arms receive us,
And bear us home to God.
Whitsuntide

[210]69. Holy Ghost! my Comforter
[211]70. O Holy Spirit, enter in
[212]71. O enter, Lord, Thy temple
[213]72. Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord
[214]73. Sweetest Fount of holy gladness
[215]74. Holy Spirit, once again

[216]Whitsuntide

(XXXIV.--"Heil'ger Geist, du Tröster mein.")

69.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Heil'ger Geist, du Tröster mein
[217]Anon., Tr. of the 17th century
Holy Ghost! my Comforter!
Now from highest heav'n appear,
Shed Thy gracious radiance here.
Come to them who suffer dearth,
With Thy gifts of priceless worth,
Lighten all who dwell on earth!
Thou the heart's most precious guest,
Thou of comforters the best,
Give to us, th' o'er-laden, rest!
Come, in Thee our toll is sweet,
Shelter from the noon-day heat,
From whom sorrow flieth fleet!
Blessed Sun! Oh let Thy rays
Fill with joy and warmth and grace
Every heart that truly prays.
What without Thy aid is wrought,
Skilful deed or wisest thought,
God will count but vain and nought.
Cleanse us, Lord, from sinful stain,
O'er the parchèd heart oh rain,
Heal the wounded from its pain.
Bend the stubborn will to Thine,
Melt the cold with fire divine,
Erring hearts aright incline.
Grant us, Lord, who cry to Thee,
Steadfast in the faith to be,
Give Thy gifts of charity:
May we live in holiness,
And in death find happiness,
And abide with Thee in bliss!
[218]Whitsuntide
(Index of Tunes, CXVII.)
70.

Tune.--"O Morning Star! how fair and bright." Sheet Music

O Heil'ger Geist, kehr bei uns ein
[219]M. Schirmer, 1650
O Holy Spirit, enter in,
Among these hearts Thy work begin,
Thy temple deign to make us;
Sun of the soul, Thou Light Divine
Around and in us brightly shine,
To strength and gladness wake us.
Where Thou shinest Life from heaven
There is given,
We before Thee
For that precious gift implore Thee.
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 henceforth truly follow Thee,
Whatever woes betide us;
Heal Thou gently Hearts now broken,
Give some token
Thou art near us,
Whom we trust to light and cheer us.
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;
Lord, Thy graces On us shower,
By Thy power
Christ confessing,
Let us win His grace and blessing.
O gentle Dew, from heaven now fall
With power upon the hearts of all,
Thy tenderness instilling;
That heart to heart more closely bound,
Fruitful in kindly deeds be found,
The law of love fulfilling;
No wrath, no strife Here thall grieve thee,
We receive Thee,
Where Thou livest
Peace and love and joy Thou givest.
Grant that our days, while life shall last,
In purest holiness be past;
Our minds so rule and strengthen
That they may rise o'er things of earth,
The hopes and joys that here have birth;
And if our course Thou lengthen,
Keep Thou pure, Lord, From offences,
Heart and senses,
Blessed Spirit,
Bid us thus true life inherit!
[220]Whitsuntide

(CIII.--Crüger's tune: "Von Gott will ich nicht lassen.")

71.
Sheet Music
Zeuch ein zu deinem Thoren
[221]Gerhardt, 1653
O enter, Lord, Thy temple,
Be Thou my spirit's guest!
Who at my birth didst give me
A second birth more blest.
Thou in the Godhead, Lord,
Though here to dwell Thou deignest,
For ever equal reignest,
Art equally adored.
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 honour duly
With perfect heart to Thee.
'Tis Thou, O Spirit, teachest
The soul to pray aright;
Thy songs have sweetest mufic,
Thy prayers have wondrous might;
Unheard they cannot fall,
They pierce the highest heaven,
Till He His help hath given
Who surely helpeth all.
Joy is Thy gift, O Spirit!
Thou wouldst not have us pine;
In darkest hours Thy comfort
Doth aye most brightly shine;
Ah then how oft thy voice
Hath shed its sweetness o'er me,
And open'd heaven before me,
And bid my heart rejoice!
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.
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
To tears the heart of stone.
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 that foe to flee
Who in us with Thee striveth
From out our heart he driveth
Whate'er delighteth Thee.
Order our path in all things
According to Thy mind,
And when this life is over,
And must be all resign'd,
Oh grant us then to die
With calm and fearless spirit,
And after death inherit
Eternal life on high.
[222]Whitsuntide

(LVII.--"Komm, Heil'ger Geist, Herre Gott.")

72.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Komm, Heil'ger Geist, Herre Gott
[223]Luther, 1524
Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord,
Be all Thy graces now outpour'd
On the believer's mind and soul,
And touch our hearts with living coal.
Thy Light this day shone forth so clear,
All tongues and nations gather'd near
To learn that faith, for which we bring
Glad praise to Thee, and loudly, loudly sing,
||:Hallelujah, Hallelujah!:||
Thou Strong Defence, Thou Holy Light,
Teach us to know our God aright,
And call Him Father from the heart:
The Word of life and truth impart,
That we may love not doctrines strange,
Nor e'er to other teachers range,
But Jesus for our Master own,
And put our trust in Him, in Him alone.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah!
Thou Sacred Ardour, Comfort Sweet,
Help us to wait with ready feet
And willing heart at Thy command,
Nor trial fright us from Thy band.
Lord, make us ready with Thy powers,
Strengthen the flesh in weaker hours,
That as good warriors we may force

Through life and death to Thee, to Thee our course.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah!
[224]Whitsuntide
(Index of Tunes, LIV.)
73.

Tune.--"Christ the Life of all the living." Sheet Music

O du allersüsste Freude
[225]Gerhardt, 1653
Sweetest Fount of holy gladness,
Fairest light was ever shed,
Who alike in joy and sadness
Leavest none unvisited;
Spirit of the Highest God,
Lord, from whom is life bestow'd,
Who upholdest ev'rything,
Hear me, hear me, while I sing.
Thou art shed like gentlest showers
From the Father and the Son,
Bringing to us quicken'd powers,
Purest blessing from their throne;
Suffer then, O noble Guest,
That rich gift by Thee possest,
That Thou givest at Thy will,
All my being now to fill.
Thou art ever true and holy,
Sin and falsehood Thou dost hate;
But Thou comest where the lowly
And the pure Thy presence wait;
Wash me then, O well of grace,
Every stain and spot efface,
Let me flee what Thou dost flee,
Grant me what Thou lov'st to see.
Well content am I if only
Thou wilt deign to dwell with me;
With Thee I am never lonely,
Never comfortless with Thee;
Thine for ever make me now,
And to Thee, my Lord, I vow
Here and yonder to employ
Every power for Thee with joy,
When I cry for help, oh hear me
When I sink, oh haste to save;
When I die, be inly near me,
Be my hope e'en in the grave;
Bring me when I rise again
To the land that knows no pain,
Where Thy followers from Thy stream
Drink for ever joys supreme!
[226]Whitsuntide

(LVIII.--"Komm, O Komm, du Geist des Lebens.")

74.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Komm, O Komm, du Geist des Lebens
[227]J. Neander, 1679
Holy Spirit, once again
Come, Thou true Eternal God!
Nor Thy pow'r descend in vain,
Make us ever Thine abode;
So shall Spirit, joy, and light
Dwell in us, where all was night.
Guide us, Lord, from day to day,
Keep us in the paths of grace,
Clear all hindrances away
That might foil us in the race!
When we stumble hear our call,
Work repentance for our fall.
Witness our hearts that God
Counts us children through His Son,
That our Father's gentle rod
Smites us for our good alone;
So when tried, perplex'd, distrest,
In His love we still may rest.
Quicken us to seek His face
Freely, with a trusting heart,
In our prayers oh breathe Thy grace,
Go with us when we depart;
So shall our requests be heard,
And our faith to joy be stirr'd.
Lord, preserve us in the faith,
Suffer nought to drive us thence,
Neither Satan, scorn, nor death;
Be our God and our defence;
Though the flesh resist Thy will,
Let Thy word be stronger still,
And at last when we must die,
Oh assure the sinking heart
Of the glorious realm on high
Where Thou healest every smart,
Of the joys unsieakable
Where our God would have us dwell.
Trinity
[228]75. We all believe in One true God
[229]76. Most Hight and Holy Trinity
[230]Trinity

(CXX.--"Wir glauben all an einen Gott, Vater.")

75.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Wir glauben all an einen Gott, Vater
[231]Clausnitzer, 1671
We all believe in One true God,
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Strong Deliv'rer in our need,
Praised by all the heav'nly host,
By whose mighty power alone
All is made, and wrought, and done.
And we believe In Jesus Christ,
Son of man and Son of God;
Who, to raise us up to heaven,
Left His throne, and bore our load;
By wbore cross and death are we
Rescued from our misery.
And we confess the Holy Ghost,
Who from both for ever flows;
Who upholds and comforts us
In the midst of fears and woes.
Blest and holy Trinity,
Praise shall aye be brought to Thee!
[232]Trinity
(XLII.--"Hochheilige Dreieinigkeit.")
76.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Hochheilige Dreieinigkeit
[233]Scheffler, 1657
Most Hight and Holy Trinity!
O Thou, who of Thy mercy mild
Hast form'd me here in time to be
Thy image and Thy loving child,
Oh let me love Thee day and night,
With all my soul, with all my might;
O come, Thyself my sould prepare,
And make Thy dwelling ever there.
Father! replenish with Thy grace
This longing heart that would be Thine,
Make it Thy quiet dwelling-place,
Thy inner consecrated shrine!
Forgive that oft my spirit wears
Her time and strength in trivial cares,
Enfold her in Thy changeless peace,
So she from all but Thee may cease!
O God the Son! Thy wisdom's light
Now on my darken'd reason pour;
Forgive that things of sense and sight
Have been her only joy of yore;
Henceforth let every thought and deed
On Thee be fix'd, from Thee proceed;
Draw me to Thee, for I would rise
Above these earthly vanities!
O Holy Ghost! Thou fire of love!
Enkindle with Thy flame my will;
Come with Thy strength, Lord, from above,
Help me Thy bidding to fulfil:
Forgive that I so oft have done
What I as sinful ought to shun;
Let me with pure and quenchless fire
Thy favour and Thyself desire.
Most High and Holy Trinity!
O draw me now away far hence,
And fix upon eternity
All powers alike of soul and sense!
Make me at one within; at One
With Thee on earth; when life is done
Take me to dwell in light with Thee,
Most High and Holy Trinity!
Saints' Days

[234]77. Who are those that, fare before me
[235]78. Rise, follow Me! our Master saith
[236]79. True Shepherd, who in love most deep
[237]80. Light of the Gentile nations
[238]81. In peace and joy I now depart
[239]82. Thou virgin soul! O thou
[240]83. Comfort, comfort ye my people
[241]84. Ye sons of men, in earnest
[242]85. Praise and thanks to Thee be sung

[243]Saints' Days
(Index of Tunes, XCVIII.)
77.
Tune.--"Open now Thy gates of beauty."
Sheet Music
Wer sind die vor Gottes Throne
[244]Schenck, died 1727
Who are those that, fare before me,
Round the throne of God I see,
Shining as the stars in glory,
Crown'd with light and purity?
Hallelujahs, hark! they sing,
Solemn praise to God they bring.
Who are those array'd in brightness,
Clothed in righteousness divine,
Wearing robes of dazzling whiteness,
That unstain'd shall ever shine,
And can never more decay,--
Whence came all this fair array?
They are those whose hearts were riven
Here with sorrow, grief, and care,
Who by day and night have striven
With the mighty God in prayer;
Now their warfare finds its close,
God hath ended all their woes.
They are those who, daily serving
Here as priests before their Lord,
Offer'd up with faith unswerving
Soul and body at His word;
Now within the Holy place
They behold Him face to face.
As the hunted hart hath panted
For the river fresh and clear,
So their hearts with longing fainted
For the Living Fountain here.
Now their thirst is quench'd, they dwell
With the Lord they loved so well.
I too stretch my hands with longing
Thither, Jesus, day by day,
While my foes are round me thronging,
In Thy house on earth I pray,--
Let me sink not in the war,
Drive for me my foes afar.
Thus, O Lord, in earth and heaven
With Thy servants cast my lot,
Let my sins be all forgiven,
In my need forsake me not;
Near the throne where Thou dost shine
May a place at last be mine!
[245]Saints' Days
(Index of Tunes, LXIII.)
78.

Tune.--"Deal with me, God, in mercy now." Sheet Music

Mir nach, spricht Christus, unser Held
[246]Scheffler, 1653
Rise, follow Me! our Master saith,
All ye who make My yoke your choice;
Deny yourselves, be true to death,
Follow where'er ye hear My voice;
Forsake the world, nor count it loss,
Tread in My steps, and bear My cross.
Though heavy it may seem, yet think
I went before, I still am near,
I fought the fight, and did not shrink,
I trod the path of suffering here;
My banner still is in the field,
Would ye, faint hearts, then fly or yield?
For he who seeks to save his life
Shall find his care without Me vain;
Who seems to lose it in the strife
Shall find it in his God again;
Who follows not My cross tbrough all,
He is not worthy of My call.
Then let us follow Thee, dear Lord,
As Thy true servants did of old,
Forsaking all things at Thy word,
In suffering calm, in danger bold
'T is only he who wins the fight
May hope to wear their crown of light.
[247]Saints' Days
(Index of Tunes, XC.)
79.

Tune.--".Ye servants of the Lord, who stand" Sheet Music

Mein Jesu, wie so gross die Lieb'
[248]Hesenthaler
True Shepherd, who in love most deep
Did watch and suffer for Thy sheep,
And didst appoint Thy saints of old
To Teach and rule and serve Thy fold;
We thank Thee for that gracious care,
And pray that now and everywhere
Thy servants call'd to preach Thy Word
Be faithful shepherds, like their Lord.
Yea, all who own Thee for their Head,
Oh let them in Thy footsteps tread,
Owning and loving more Thy cross
Through persecution, shame, or loss.
No better trophy hath this day
Than hearts new-kindled to obey
The call, for Thee that bids them live,
And gladly yield all earth can give.
Nor for ourselves we pray alone,
In Thee Thy Church is ever one.
Unite us here in faith and love
Until we worship Thee above.
[249]Saints' Days
(Index of Tunes, XCIX.)
80.
Tune.--"Farewell I gladly bid Thee."
Sheet Music
Herr Jesu, Licht der Heiden
[250]J. Franck, 1653
Light of the Gentile nations,
Thy people's joy and love,
Dawn by Thy Spirit hither,
We gladly come to prove
Thy presence in Thy temple,
And wait with earnest mind,
As Simeon once had waited
His Saviour God to find.
Yes, Lord, Thy servants meet Thee,
Ev'n nuw, in ev'ry place,
Where Thy true word hath promised
That they should see Thy face.
Thou yet wilt gently grant us,
Who gather round Thee here,
In faith's strong arms to bear Thee,
As once that aged seer.
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.
Let us, O Lord, be faithful
With Simeon to the end,
That so his dying song may
From all our hearts ascend;
"O Lord, now let Thy servant
Depart in peace for aye,
Since I have seen my Saviour,
Have here beheld His day."
My Saviour, 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!
[251]Saints' Days

(LXVIII.--"Mit Fried' und Freud' fahr' ich dahin.")

81.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music

Mit Fried' und Freud' fahr' ich dahin

[252]Luther, 1525
In peace and joy I now depart,
According to God's will,
For full of comfort is my heart,
So calm and sweet and still;
So doth God His promise keep,
And death for me is but a sleep.
'T is Christ hath wrought this work for me,
Thy dear and only son,
Whom Thou hast suffer'd me to see,
And made Him surely known
As my Help when trouble's rife,
And even in death itself my Life.
For Thou In mercy unto all
Hast set this Saviour forth;
And to His kingdom Thou dost call
The nations of the earth
Through His blessed wholesome Word,
That now in every place is heard.
He is the hcathens' saving Light,
And He will gently lead
Those who now know Thee not aright,
And in His pastures feed;
While His people's joy He is,
Their Sun, their glory, and thtir bliss.
[253]Saints' Days
(XXV.--"Du keusche Seele du.")
82.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Du keusche Seele du
[254]Buhrmeister, died 1688
Thou virgin soul! O thou
The crown of woman's story,
Thy Joseph's bliss and glory,
Thy kinswoman thou seekest now,
There thy faith to cheer and stir
Through what God hath wrought for her.
My faith, alas! is weak,
And where it sees not plainly
It strives to grasp but vainly,
And scarcely cares new strength to seek;
Seeing now what God can do,
May my faith grow stronger too!
Thou Pearl of women, here
Hast to His will resign'd thee,
Thou wilt not look behind thee;
Thy tender heart, towards one so dear
To thy friends, doth warmly glow,
Loving service fain would show.
-
God! I lament to Thee,
My will towards good is idle,
And yet I scarce can bridle
Its sinful impulses in me;
May my course hereafter prove
Rich in good works and in love!
At last thou goest forth,
Most loving soul and fairest,
With thee thy Lord thou bearest;
The Father's Word come down to earth.
Happy thou! that He will be
Thus companion unto thee.
The world is such a place,
Where we are pilgrims only,
And we must fear, if lonely
We meet the end that comes apace.
Jesus! let me then by faith
Walk with Thee through life and death!
[255]Saints' Days
(Index of Tunes, LXXXIX.)
83.

Tune.--"When the Lord recalls the banished." Sheet Music

Tröstet, tröstet meine Lieben
[256]D. J. Olearius, 1671
Comfort, comfort ye my people,
Speak ye peace, thus saith our God;
Comfort those who sit in darkness,
Mourning 'neath their sorrows' 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.
Yea, her sins our God will pardon,
Blotting out each dark misdeed;
All that well deserved His anger
He will no more see nor heed.
She hath suffer'd many a day,
Now her griefs have passed away,
God will change her pining sadness
Into ever-springing gladness.
For Elijah'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.
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.
[257]Saints' Days
(Index of Tunes, CII.)
84.

Tune.--"From God shall nought divide me." Sheet Music

Mit Ernst, O Menschenkinder
[258]Thilo, 1642
Ye sons of men, in earnest
Prepare your hearts within,
The wondrous Conqu'ror cometh,
Whose power can save from sin,
Whom God in grace alone
Hath promised long to send us,
To lighten and befriend us,
And make His mercy known.
Oh set your ways in order
When such a guest is nigh;
Make plain the paths before Him
That now deserted lie.
Forsake what He doth hate,
Exalt the lowly valleys,
Bring down all pride and malice,
And make the crooked straight.
The heart that's meek and lowly
Is highest with our God;
The heart now proud and lofty
He humbles with His rod;
The heart that's unenticed
By sin, and fears to grieve Him,
Is ready to receive Him,
To such comes Jesus Christ.
'Twas thus St. John hath taught ws,
'Twas thus he preacb'd of yore;
And they will feel God's anger
Who list not to his lore.
Ah God! now let his voice
To Thy true service win us,
That Christ may come within us,
And we in Him rejoice!
[259]Saints' Days
(Index of Tunes, LX.)
85.

Tune.--"Shall I not sing praise to Thee." Sheet Music

Ehr und Dank sei dir gesungen
[260]Rist, 1655
Praise and thanks to Thee be sung,
Mighty God, in sweetest tone!
Lo! from ev'ry land and tongue
Nations gather round Thy throne,
Praising Thee that Thou dost send,
Daily from Thy heav'n above,
Angel-messengers of love,
Who Thy threaten'd Church defend.
Who can offer worthily,
Lord of angels, praise to Thee!
'T is your office, Spirits bright,
Still to guard us night and day,
And before your heavenly might
Powers of darkness flee away;
Ever doth your unseen host
Camp around us, and avert
All that feeks to do us hurt,
Curbing Satan's malice most.
Lord, who then can worthily
For such goodness honour Thee!
And ye come on ready wing,
When we drift toward sheer despair,
Seeing nought where we might cling,
Suddenly, lo, ye are there!
And the wearied heart grows strong,
As an angel strengthen'd Him,
Fainting in the garden dim
'Neath the world's vast woe and wrong.
Lord, who then can worthily
For such mercy honour Thee!
Right and seemly is it then
We should glory, that our God
Hath such honour put on men,
That He sends o'er earth abroad
Princes of the realm above,
Champions, who by day and night
Shield us with His holy might;
Come, behold how great His love!
Lord, who then can worthily
For such favour honour Thee!
Praise and thanks to Thee be sung,
Mighty God, in sweetest tone!
Lo! from ev'ry land and tongue
Nations gather round Thy throne,
Praising Thee that Thou dost send,
Hourly from Thy glorious sphere,
Angels down to help us here,
And Thy threaten'd Church defend.
Let us henceforth worthily,
Lord of angels, honour Thee.
Ember Weeks

[261]86. Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come
[262]87. Wake, Spirit, who in times now olden
[263]88. Ye servants of the Lord, who stand

[264]Ember Weeks
(CI.--"Veni Creator Spiritus.")
86.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Veni Creator Spiritus
Komm, Gott Schöpfer, Heil'ger Geist
[265]Anon.
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come,
And visit all the souls of Thine:
Thou hast inspired our hearts with life;
Inspire them now with life divine.
Thou art the Comforter, the gift
Of God most high; the fire of love,
The everlasting spring ofjoy,
And holy unction from above.
Thy gifts are manifold; Thou writ'st
God's laws in every faithful heart;
The promise of the Father, Thou
Dost heavenly eloquence impart.
Enlighten our dark souls, till they
Thy love, Thy heavenly love embrace;
And since we are by nature frail
Assist us with Thy saving grace.
Drive far from us the mortal foe,
And grant us to have peace within;
That, with Thy light and guidance blest,
We may escape the snares of sin.
Teach us the Father to confess,
And Son, who from the grave revived;
And, with the Father and the Son,
Thee, Holy Ghost, from both derived.
With Thee, O Father, therefore may
The Son, who was from death restor'd,
And sacred Comforter, One God,
To endless ages be adored!
[266]Ember Weeks
(Index of Tunes, XXIII.)
87.

Tune.--"Jehovah, let me now adore Thee." Sheet Music

Wach auf, du Geist der ersten Zeugen
[267]Bogatsky, 1727
Wake, Spirit, who in times now olden

Didst fire the watchmen of the Church's youth,

And against ev'ry foe embolden,
To witness day and night th'eternal truth,
Whose voices through the world are ringing still,
And bringing hosts to know and do Thy will:
Soon may that fire from heaven be lent us,
That swift from land to land its flame may leap!
Soon, Lord, that, priceless boon be sent us
Of faithful servants, fit for Thee to reap
The hnrvest of tho soul,--look down nnd view
How great the harvest, but the labourers few.
Lord, to our earnest prayer now hearken,
The prayer we offer at Thy Son's command,
For, lo! while storms around us darken,

Thy children's hearts are stirr'd in every land,

To cry for help, with fervent soul, to Thee;

O hear us, Lord, and speak: "Thus let it be!"

Oh speedily that help be granted!
Send forth evangelists, in spirit strong,
Arm'd with Thy Word, a host undaunted,
Bold to attack the rule of ancient wrong,
And let them all the earth for Thee reclaim,
To be Thy kingdom and to know Thy name!
Grant that for which Thy people calleth!
Send down Thy promised Spirit, Lord, in might,
Before whom every barrier falleth,
And let it thus at evening-time be light;
Oh rend the heavens, and make Thy presence felt,
The chains that bind us at Thy touch would melt.
Let Zion's paths lie waste no longer,
Remove the hindrances that there have lain,
And let Thy Word go forth to conquer;
Destroy false doctrine, root out notions vain,

Set free from hirelings, let the Church and school

Bloom as a garden 'neath thy prospering rule.

[268]Ember Weeks
(XC.--Psalm 134, Goudimel.)
88.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Ihr Knecht' des Herren allegleich
[269]Lobwasser, 1573
Ye servants of the Lord, who stand
Within His temple night and day,
To wait and watch for His command,
Oh praise the Lord whom ye obey.
Lift up your hands in praise and prayer,
And thank Him in His holy place;
Let heart and voice alike declare
His wondrous glory and His grace.
And God who earth and heaven hath made,
And holds in being by His power,
Be now from Zion your constant aid,
And richest blessings o'er you shower!
Baptism
[270]89. Thy parents' arms now yield thee
[271]90. Blessed Jesus, here we stand
[272]Baptism
(Index of Tunes, CIII.)
89.
Tune.--"O enter, Lord, Thy temple."
Sheet Music
Aus diener Eltern Armen
[273]A. Knapp, modern
Thy parents' arms now yield thee,
With lover all glowing warm,
To Him who best can shield thee,
To that Eternal Arm
That bids the dead arise,
And earth and heav'n upholdeth,
That tender babes enfoldeth,
And leads them to the skies.
Wash'd in the blood that gushes
From out His wounded heart,
Wrapp'd in the peace that hushes
All earthly woe and smart,
Begin thy pilgrimage,
And seek, as more thou learnest,
With wisdom glad yet earnest,
Thy proper heritage.
Oh sweet shall sound the voices
That hail thee from above,
Where heaven's bright host rejoices
Before the Eternal Love:
"Now past is all thy strife,
And thou canst wander never,
Then bless the hour for ever
That call'd thee into life!
[274]Baptism
(Index of Tunes, LXI.)
90.
Tune.--"Blessed Jesus, at Thy word."
Sheet Music
Liebster Jesu, hier sind wir
[275]Schmolck, 1704
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 His Heaven.
Yes, Thy warning voice is plain,
And we fain would keep 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."
Therefore hasten we to Thee,
Take the pledge we bring, oh 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 for ever.
Turn the darkness into light,
To Thy grace receive and save it;
Heal the serpent's venom'd bite,
In the font where now we lave it;
Let Thy Spirit pure and lowly
Banish thought or taint unholy.
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 oh lead it,
Vine, this branch may nothing sever,
Grafted firm in Thee for ever.
Now upon Thy heart it lies,
What our hearts so dearly treasure,
Heavenward lead our burden'd sighs,
Pour Thy blessing without measure,
Write the name we now have given,
Write it in the book of Heaven.
Confirmation
[276]91. From Thy heav'nly home
[277]92. Baptized into Thy name most holy
[278]Confirmation
(Index of Tunes, XCV.)
91.
Tune.--"Jesu, day by day."
Sheet Music
Von des Himmels Thron
[279]Marot, modern
From Thy heav'nly home,
Son of God, make known
Now Thy pow'r, Thy Spirit send us,
Strength for this great work to lend us,
That we all may be
Wholly giv'n to Thee.
Thou our hearts prepare,
Shed Thy gladness there,
That we boldly may confess Thee
As our only Lord, and bless Thee
Whose most precious blood
Flow'd to work our good.
Draw our hearts above,
Fill them with Thy love,
So to keep the vows we offer,
Scorning all that earth can proffer,
Truly day by day
Walking in Thy way.
And as we draw near
For Thy blessing here,
May Thy grace in heavenly showers
Quicken all our inner powers,
And Thy light and peace
In our hearts increase.
Let Thy Spirit, Lord,
Promised in Thy Word,
Keep us steadfastly in union
With Thy faithful saints' communion,
Till in yon blest place
We behold Thy face!
[280]Confirmation
(Index of Tunes, CXV.)
92.

Tune.--"If thou but suffer God to guide thee." Sheet Music

Ich bin getauft auf deinen Namen
[281]Rambach, 1723
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.
My loving Father here doth take me
To be henceforth His child and heir;
My faithful Saviour now doth make me
The fruit of all His sorrows share;
My Comforter will comfort me
When darkest clouds around I see.
And I have vowed to fear and love Thee,
And to obey Thee, Lord, alone;
I felt Thy Spirit inly move me,
And dared to pledge myself Thy own,
Renouncing sin to keep the faith,
And war with evil to the death.
My faithful God, Thou failest never,
Thy covenant surely will abide;
Oh cast me not away for ever,
Should I transgress it on my side,
If I have sore my soul defiled,
Yet still forgive, restore Thy child.
Yea, all I am and love most dearly
To Thee I offer now the whole;
Oh let me make my vows sincerely,
Take full possession of my soul,
Let nought within me, nought I own,
Serve any will but Thine alone.
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 live and die,
And praise Thee evermore on high.
Holy Communion

[282]93. Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness
[283]94. O Living Bread from heaven
[284]95. Oh how could I forget Him

[285]Holy Communion

(XCIV.--"Schmücke dich, O liebe Seele.")

93.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Schmücke dich, O liebe Seele
[286]J. Frank, 1653
Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,
Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness,
Come into the daylight's splendour,
There with joy thy praises render
Unto Him whose grace unbounded
Hath this wondrous banquet founded,
High o'er all the heav'ns he reigneth,
Yet to dwell with thee He deigneth.
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 never more will leave Thee."
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.
Now I sink before Thee lowly,
Fill'd with joy most deep and holy,
As with trembling awe and wonder
On Thy mighty works I ponder,
Now, by mystery surrounded,
Depths no man hath ever sounded,
None may dare to pierce unbidden
Secrets that with Thee art hidden.
Sun, who all my life dost 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.
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 its treasure;
Through the gifts Thou here dost give me
As Thy guest in heaven receive me.
[287]Holy Communion
(Index of Tunes, LXXIV.)
94.
Tune.--"My soul, now praise thy Maker."
Sheet Music
Wie wohl hast du gelabet
[288]Rist, 1651
O Living Bread from heaven,
How richly hast Thou fed Thy guest!
The gifts Thou now hast given
Have fill'd my heart with joy and rest.
O wondrous food of blessing,
O cup that heals our woes,
My heart this gift possessing
In thankful songs o'erflows;
For while the life and strength in me
Were quicken'd by this food,
My soul hath gaz'd awhile on Thee,
My highest, only Good!
My God, Thou here hast led me
Within Thy temple's holiest place,
And there Thyself hast fed me
With all the treasures of Thy grace;
Oh boundless is Thy kindness,
And righteous is Thy power,
While I in sinful blindness
Am erring hour by hour;
And yet Thou comest, dost not spurn
A sinner, Lord, like me!
Ah how can I Thy love return,
What gift have I for Thee?
A heart that hath repented,
And mourns for sin with bitter sighs,--
Thou, Lord, art well-contented
With this my only sacrifice.
I know that in my weakness
Thou wilt despise me not,
But grant me in Thy meekness
The favour I have sought!
Yes, Thou wilt deign in grace to heed
The song that now I raise,
For meet and right is it indeed
That I should sing Thy praise.
Grant what I have partaken
May through Thy grace so work in me,
That sin be all forsaken,
And I may cleave alone to Thee,
And all my soul be heedful
How she Thy love may know:
For this alone is needful,
Thy love should in me glow;
Then let no beauty please mine eyes,
No joy allure my heart,
But what in Thee, my Saviour, lies,
What Thou dost here impart.
O well for me that, strengthen'd
With heavenly food and comfort here,
Howe'er my course be lengthen'd,
I now may serve Thee free from fear.
Away then earthly pleasure,
All earthly gifts are vain,
I seek a heavenly treasure,
My home I long to gain,
Where I shall live and praise my God,
And none my peace destroy,
Where all the soul is overflow'd
With pure eternal joy.
[289]Holy Communion
(Index of Tunes, XCIX.)
95.
Tune.--"Farewell I gladly bid Thee."
Sheet Music
Wie könnt' ich Sein vergessen
[290]Kern, died 1835
Oh how could I forget Him,
Who ne'er forgetteth me?
Or tell the love that let Him
Descend to set me free?
Have I not seen Him dying
For us on yonder tree?
Have I not heard him crying,
Arise and follow me?
For ever will I love Him
Who saw my hopeless plight,
Who felt my sorrows move Him,
And brought me life and light;
Whose arm shall be around me
When my last hour is come,
And suffer none to wound me,
Though dark the passage home.
He gives me pledges holy,
His body and His blood,
He lifts the scorn'd, the lowly,
He makes my courage good,
For He will reign within me,
And shed His graces there;
The heaven He died to win me
Can I then fail to share?
In joy and sorrow ever
Shine through me, Blessed Heart,
Who bleeding for us, never
Didst shrink from sorest smart!
Whate'er I've lov'd, or striven,
Or borne, I bring to Thee,
Now let Thy heart and heaven
Stand open, Lord, to me.
Burial of the Dead

[291]96. Now lay we calmly in the grave
[292]97. Now hush your cries, and shed no tear
[293]98. The precious seed of weeping
[294]99. Christ will gather in His own

[295]Burial of the Dead

(LXXIII.--"Nun lass't uns den Leib begraben.")

96.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Nun lasst uns den Leib begraben
[296]M. Weiss, 1531
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.
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.
His soul is living now in God
Whose grace his pardon hath bestow'd,
Who through His Son redeem'd him here
From bondage unto sin and fear.
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.
He lives where none can mourn and weep,
And calmly shall this body sleep
Till God shall Death himself destroy
And raise it into glorious joy.
He suffer'd 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.
Then let us leave him to his rest,
And homeward turn, for he is blest,
And we must well our souls prepare,
When death shall come, to meet him there.
So help us, Christ, our Hope in loss!
Thou hast redeem'd us by Thy cross
From endless death and misery;
We praise, we bless, we worship Thee!
[297]Burial of the Dead
(Index of Tunes, LXXIII.)
97.

Tune.--"Now lay we calmly in the grave." Sheet Music

Hört auf mit Trauern und mit Klag'
[298]N. Hermann, 1560
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.
Coffin and grave we deck with care,
His body reverently we bear,
It is not dead but rests in God,
And softly sleeps beneath the sod.
It seems as all were over now,--
The heavy limbs, the soulless brow,--
Yet through these rigid limbs once more
A nobler life, ere long, shall pour.
These dead dry bones again shall feel
New warmth and vigour through them steal
Reknit and living they shall soar
On high where Christ lives evermore.
This body, lying stiff and stark,
Shall rise unharm'd from out the dark,
And swiftly mount up through the skies
Even as the spirit heavenwards flies.
The buried grain of wheat must die,
Wither'd and worthless long must lie,
Yet springs to light all sweet and fair,
And proper fruits shall richly bear:
Even so this body made of dust,
To earth we once again entrust,
And painless it shall slumber here,
Until the Last Great Day appear.
God breathed into this house of clay
The spirit that hath pass'd away,
Christ gave the true courageous mind,
The noble heart, ye no more find.
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.
Ah would that promised Day were here,
When Christ shall once again appear;
When He shall call, nor one be lost,
To endless life earth's buried host!
[299]Burial of the Dead
(Index of Tunes, XL.)
98.
Tune.--"Ah wounded Head!"
Sheet Music
Am Grabe steh'n wir stille
[300]Spitta, modern
The precious seed of weeping
Today we sow once more,
The form of one now sleeping,
Whose pilgrimage is o'er.
Ah! death but safely lands him
Where we too would attain;
Our Father's voice demands him,
And death to him is gain.
He has what we are wanting,
He sees what we believes,
The sins on earth so haunting
Have there no power to grieve;
Safe in His Saviour's keepings
Who sent him calm release,--
'Tis only we are weeping,
He dwells in perfect peace.
The crown of life he weareth.
He bears the shining palm,
The "Holy, holy," heareth,
And joins the angels' psalm;
But we poor pilgrims wander
Still through this land of woe,
Till we shall meet him yonder,
And all his joy shall know.
[301]Burial of the Dead

(LXXII.--"Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland.")

99.
Sheet Music
Aller Glaubigen Sammelplatz
[302]Chr. Gregor, 1778
Christ will gather in His own
To the place where He is gone,
Where their heart and treasure lie,
Where our life is hid on high.
Day by day the voice saith, "Come,
Enter thine eternal home;"
Asking not if we can spare
This dear soul it summons there.
Had he ask'd us, well we know
We should cry, oh spare this blow!
Yes, with streaming tears should pray,
"Lord, we love him, let him stay!"
But the Lord doth nought amiss,
And since He hath order'd this,
We have nought to do but still
Rest in silence on His will.
Many a heart no longer here,
Ah! was all too inly dear;
Yet, O Love, 't is Thou doat call,
Thou wilt be our All in all.
The Word of God

[303]100. O Christ, our true and only Light
[304]101. Ah God, from heav'n look down and see
[305]102. Thy Word, O Lord, is gentle dew
[306]103. Lord, keep us steadfast in Thy word

[307]The Word of God
(Index of Tunes, LXXXII.)
100.

Tune.--"Lord Jesus Christ, my Life, my Light." Sheet Music

O Jesu Christe, wahres Licht
[308]J. Heermann, 1630
O Christ, our true and only Light,
Illumine those who sit in night;
Let those afar now hear Thy voice,
And in Thy fold with us rejoice.
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 hurts and blinds.
And all who else have stray'd from Thee,
Oh gently seek! Thy healing be
To every wounded conscience given,
And let them also share Thy heaven.
Oh make the deaf to bear Thy word,
And teach the dumb to speak, dear Lord,
Who dare not yet the faith avow,
Though secretly they hold it now.
Shine on the darken'd and the cold,
Recall the wand'rers from Thy fold,
Unite those now who walk apart,
Confirm the weak and doubting heart.
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.
[309]The Word of God

(LXXI.--"Nun freut euch lieben Christeng'mein.")

101.
Sheet Music
Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein
[310]Luther, 1523
Ah God, from heav'n look down and see,
And let compassion move Thee,
How few, alas! Thy servants be,
How helpless those who love Thee.
Thy Word is suffer'd not to stand,
And Faith seems quench'd on ev'ry hand
In this dark time of trouble.
False teachings now men spread abroad,
Mere schemes of men's invention,
Not grounded on God's own true Word,
And so they breed dissension;
Their outward seeming may be fair,
But one goes here, another there,
And tends the Church asunder.
Therefore, saith God, I will arise,
These men my poor are wronging,
I hear my people's bitter sighs,
And I will grant their longing;
My striving Word shall take the field,
Shall be the poor man's strength and shield,
And all my foes shall conquer.
As silver that through fire hath passed
Is pure from all its drosses,
So shall God's Word shine forth at last
The brighter for these crosses;
Through trial is its power made known,
Till all men far and near shall own
How pure and strong its glory.
Therefore, O God, preserve it pure
From all that would abuse it,
And in the Faith our hearts secure,
That we may never lose it;
For trouble and rebuke shall be
Among the people,--when we see
Ungodly men exalted.
[311]The Word of God
(Index of Tunes, CIX.)
102.

Tune.--"Whate'er my God ordains is right." Sheet Music

Dein Wort, O Herr, ist milder Tau
[312]Anon.
Thy Word, O Lord, is gentle dew
To suff'ring hearts that want it;
O shed that heav'nly balm anew,
To all Thy garden grant it.
Refreshed by Thee,
May ev'ry tree
Bud forth and blossom to Thy praise,
And bear much fruit in after days.
Thy Word is like a flaming sword,
A sharp and mighty arrow,
A wedge that cleaves the rock, that Word
Can pierce through heart and marrow;
O send it forth
O'er all the earth,
The darken'd heart to cleanse and win,
And shatter all the might of sin.
Thy Word, a wondrous Star, supplies
True guidance when we need it,
It points to Christ, it maketh wise
All simple hearts that heed it;
Let not its light
E'er sink in night,
But still in every spirit shine,
That none may miss that light divine.
[313]The Word of God

(XXVII.--"Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort.")

103.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort
[314]Luther, 1542
Lord, keep us steadfast in Thy word;
Curb those who fain by craft or sword
Would wrest the kingdom from Thy Son,
And set at nought all He hath done.
Lord Jesu Christ, Thy power make known,
For Thou art Lord of lords alone;
Defend Thy Christendom, that we
May evermore sing praise to Thee.
O Comforter, of priceless worth,
Send peace and unity on earth,
Support us in our final strife,
And lead us out of death to life.
The Church on Earth

[315]104. Hark! the Church proclaims here honour
[316]105. Heart and heart together bound
[317]106. Jesus, whom Thy Church doth own

[318]The Church on Earth
(Index of Tunes, XCIII.)
104.

Tune.--"Strive aright when God doth call thee." Sheet Music

Dies ist der Gemeine Stärke
[319]Preiswerk, modern
Hark! the Church proclaims here honour,
And her strength is only this:
God hath laid His choice upon her,
And the work she doth is His.
He His Church hath firmly founded,
He will guard what He began;
We, by sin and foes surrounded,
Build her bulwarks as we can.
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.
Onward then! for nought despairing,
Calm we follow at His word,
Thus through joy and sorrow bearing
Faithful witness to our Lord.
Though we here must strive with weakness,
Though in tears we often bend,
What His might began in meekness
Shall achieve a glorious end.
[320]The Church on Earth
(LXXX.--"O gesegnetes Regieren.")
105.
Sheet Music
Herz und Herz vereint zusammen
[321]Zinzendorf, 1731
Heart and heart together bound,
Seek in God your true repose,
In your love the price be found
Of your Saviour's love and woes;
We the members, He the Head,
We the rays and He the Sun,
Brethren by our Master led,
In our Lord we all are one.
Children of His realm, draw near,
Make your covenant stronger still,
From your hearts allegiance swear
Unto Him who conquer'd ill.
If your bonds are yet too weak,
If but fragile yet they prove,
Help from His good Spirit seek
Who can steel the chains of love.
Only such love will suffice,
As the love that dwells in Him,
Love that from the cross ne'er flies,
Love that spares not life or limb:
'T was for sinners He was slain,
'T was for foes He shed His blood,
That His death for all might gain
Endless life,--the Highest Good.
Thus, O truest Friend, unite
All Thy consecrated band,
That their hearts be set aright
To fulfil Thy last command.
Each must onward urge his friend,
Helping him in word and deed,
Love's blest pathway to ascend,
Following where Thou dost lead.
Thou who dost command that all
Practice love who bear Thy name,
Wake the dead, new followers call,
Touch the slothful with Thy flame.
Let us live, O Lord, at one,
As Thou with the Father art,
That through all the world be none
Of Thy members left apart.
Then were given what Thou hast sought,
In the Son were all men freed,
And the world at last were taught
That Thy rule is blest indeed.
Father of all souls, we praise
Thee who shinest in the Son;
Lord, to Thee our hymns we raise,
Who hast all men to Thee drawn!
[322]The Church on Earth
(Index of Tunes, IV.)
106.
Tune.--"What shall I, a sinner, do?"
Sheet Music
Jesu, der du bist allein
[323]P. Flemming, 1631
Jesus, whom Thy Church doth own
As her Head and King alone,
Bless me Thy poor member too;
And Thy Spirit's influence give
That to Thee henceforth I live,
Daily Thou my strength renew.
Let Thy living Spirit flow
Through Thy members all below,
With its warmth and power divine;
Scatter'd far apart they dwell,
Yet in every land, full well,
Lord, Thou knowest who is Thine.
Those who serve Thee I would serve,
Never from their union swerve,
Here I cry before Thy face,--
"Zion, God give thee good speed,
Christ thy footsteps ever lead,
Make thee steadfast in His ways!"
Those o'er whom Thy billows roll
Strengthen Thou to leave their soul
In Thy hands, for Thou art Love;
Make them through their bitter pain
Pure from pride and sinful stain,
Fix their hopes and hearts above.
And from those I love, I pray,
Turn not, Lord, Thy face away,
Hear me while for them I plead;
Be Thou their Eternal Friend,
Unto each due blessing send,
For Thou knowest all they need.
Ah Lord, at this gracious hour
Visit all our fouls with power;
Let Thy gladness in them shine;
Draw them with Thy love away
From vain pleasures of a day,
Make them wholly ever Thine.
Dearly were we purchased, Lord,
When Thy blood for us was pour'd;
Think, O Christ, we are Thine own:
Hold me, guide me, as a child,
Through the battle, through the wild,
Leave me never more alone,
Till at last I meet on high
With the faithful host who cry
Hallelujah night and day;
Pure from stain we there shall see
Thee in us, and us in Thee,
And be one in Thee for aye.