II. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.

1. PENITENCE 107-113
2. PRAYER 114-122
3. PRAISE, see INTRODUCTION.
4. CHRISTIAN FAITH AND RESOLVE 123-132
5. SONGS OF THE CROSS AND CONSOLATION 133-148
6. LOVE TO THE SAVIOUR 149-153

Penitence

[324]107. Alas! my God! my sins are great
[325]108. My God, behold me lying
[326]109. Jesus, pitying Saviour, hear me
[327]110. What shall I, a sinner, do?
[328]111. Thou, who breakest ev'ry chain
[329]112. Lord Jesu Christ, in Thee alone
[330]113. Pure essence! Spotless Fount of Light

[331]Penitence
(II.--"Ach Gott und Herr.")
107.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Ach Gott und Herr
[332]Rutilius, 1604
Alas! my God! my sins are great,
My conscience doth upbraid me;
And now I find that at my strait
No man hath pow'r to aid me.
And fled I hence, In my despair,
In some lone spot to hide me,
My griefs would still be with me there,
Thy hand still hold and guide me.
Nay, Thee I seek;--I merit nought,
Yet pity and restore me;
Be not Thy wrath, just God, my lot,
Thy Son hath suffer'd for me.
If pain and woe must follow sin,
Then be my path still rougher,
Here spare me not; if heaven I win,
On earth I gladly suffer.
But curb my heart, forgive my guilt,
Make Thou my patience firmer,
For they must miss the good Thou wilt,
Who at Thy teachings murmur.
Then deal with me as seems Thee hest,
Thy grace will help me bear it,
If but at last I see Thy rest,
And with my Saviour share it.
[333]Penitence
(Index of Tunes, XL.)
108.
Tune.--"Ah wounded Head!"
Sheet Music
Hier lieg' ich, Herr, im Staube
[334]Drewes, 1797
My God, behold me lying
Before Thee in the dust;
Where are my hopes undying?
Where is my joyous trust?
Bright hours I spend gladhearted
Ere of Thy light bereft;
Ah, all hath now departed,
My pain alone is left.
I see the threatening danger,
And shrink in sore alarm,
As were I yet a stranger
To Thy protecting arm
As though the woes that grieve me
To Thee were all unknown;
Nor Thou wouldst then relieve me
When other aid is gone.
O Father, look upon me,
So tried within, without;
With pitying grace look on me,
Forgive my faithless doubt;
My heart for grief doth languish,
Thou seest it, my God!
O soothe my conscience' anguish,
Lift off my sorrows' load.
I know Thy thoughts are ever
Of peace and love towards me,
Thy purpose changes never,
Could I but build on Thee:
That Thou fulfillest surely
Thy promises, dear Lord,
Here I tall stand securely,
My life is in Thy Word.
Then let thy faith be stronger,
My soul, shake off thy fears;
Thou soon shalt weep no longer
Though bitter now thy tears;
Thy Saviour's love hath found thee,
He comes, He comes at last;
His light is breaking round thee,
The clouds and storms are past!
[335]Penitence
(Index of Tunes, LXXXVIII.)
109.

Tune.--"Come, my soul, awake, 'tis morning." Sheet Music

Jesu mein Erbarmer höre
[336]Tersteegen, 1731
Jesus, pitying Saviour, hear me,
Draw Thou near me,
Turn Thee, Lord, in grace to me;
For Thou knowst all my sorrow,
Night and morrow
Doth my cry go up to Thee.
Sin of courage hath bereft me,
And hath left me
Scarce a spark of faith or hope;
Bitter tears my heart oft sheddeth
As it dreadeth
I am past Thy mercy's scope.
Peace I cannot find, oh take me,
Lord, and make me
From the yoke of evil free;
Calm this longing never-sleeping,
Still my weeping,
Grant me hope once more in Thee.
Lord, wilt Thou be wroth for ever?
Oh deliver
Me from all I most deserved;
'Tis Thyself, dear Lord, hast sought me,
Thou hast taught me
Thee to seek from whom I swerved.
Thou, my God and King, hast known me,
Yet hast shown me
True and loving is Thy will;
Though my heart from Thee oft ranges,
Through its changes,
Lord, Thy love is faithful still.
Bless my trials thus to sever
Me for ever
From the love of self and sin;
Let me through them see Thee clearer,
Find Thee nearer,
Grow more like to Thee within.
In the patience that Thou lendest
All Thou sendest
I embrace, I will be still;
Bend this stubborn heart, I pray Thee,
To obey Thee,
Calmly waiting on Thy will.
Here I bring my will, oh take it,
Thine, Lord, make it,
Calm this troubled heart of mine;
In Thy strength I too may conquer,
Wait no longer,
Show in me Thy grace Divine.
[337]Penitence

(IV.--"Ach was soll ich Sünder machen.")

110.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Ach was soll ich Sünder machen
[338]Flittner, 1661
What shall I, a sinner, do?
Whither shall I turn for aid?
Conscience waking brings to view
Sins that make me sore afraid.
This my confidence shall be,
Jesus, I will cleave to Thee.
True, I have transgress'd Thy will,
Oft have grieved Thee by my sin,
Yet I know Thou lov'st me still,
For I hear Thy voice within;
Then, though sin accuses me,
Jesus, I will cleave to Thee.
Here the Christians oft must bear
Many a cross and bitter smart
If their lot in this I share,
Shall I waver or depart?
Loyal still my heart shall be,
Jesus, still I cleave to Thee.
Well I know this life of ours
Is but as a fleeting dream;
Round us darkness ever lowers,
Death is nearer than we deem;
Who knows what to-day may see?
Jesus, I will cleave to Thee.
If I die, I do but cease
Sooner from this toil and care,
And I rest in perfect peace
In the grave, since Thou wert there;
There Thy light shall comfort me,
There too I will cleave to Thee.
Then, Lord Jesu, Thou art mine,
Till Thou bring me to that place
Where I shall for ever shine
In Thy light, and see Thy face:
Blessed will that haven be!
Jesus, I will cleave to Thee.
[339]Penitence
(Index of Tunes, LXXX.)
111.

Tune.--"Heart and heart together bound." Sheet Music

O Durchbrecher aller Bande
[340]G. Arnold, 1697
Thou, who breakest ev'ry chain,
Thou who still art ever near,
Thou with whom disgrace and pain
Turn to joy and heav'n e'en here;
Let Thy further judgments fall
An the Adam strong within,
Till Thy grace hath freed us all
From the prison-house of sin.
'Tis Thy Father's will towards us
Thou shouldst end Thy work at length;
Hence in Thee are centred thus
Perfect wisdom, love, and strength,
That Thou none shouldst lose of those
Whom He gave Thee, though they roam
'Wilder'd here amid their foes,
Thou shouldst bring them safely home,
Look upon our bonds, and see
How doth all creation groan
'Neath the yoke of vanity,
Make Thy full redemption known.
Still we wrestle, cry, and pray,
Held in bitter bondage fast,
Though the soul would break away
Into higher things at last.
Lord, we do not ask for rest
For the flesh, we only pray
Thou wouldA do as seems Thee best,
Ere yet comes our parting day;
But our spirit clings to Thee,
Will not, dare not, let Thee go,
Until Thou have set her free
From the bonds that cause her woe.
Ours the fault it is, we own,
We are slaves to self and sloth,
Yet oh leave us not alone
In the living death we loathe!
Crush'd beneath our burden's weight,
Crying at Thy feet we fall,
Point the path, though steep and strait,
Thou didst open once for all.
Ah how dearly were we bought
Not to serve the world or sin;
By the work that Thou hast wrought
Must Thou make us pure within,
Wholly pure and free,--in us
Be Thine image now restored:
Fill'd from out Thy fulness thus
Grace for grace on us is pour'd.
Draw us to Thy cross, O Love,
Crucify with Thee whate'er
Cannot dwell with Thee above;
Lead us to those regions fair!
Courage! long the time may seem,
Yet His day is coming fast;
We shall be like them that dream
When our freedom dawns at last.
[341]Penitence

(VI.--"Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ.")

112.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ
[342]Schneesing, 1522
Lord Jesu Christ, in Thee alone
My only hope on earth I place,
For other comforter is none,
No help have I but in Thy grace.
There is no man nor creature here,
No angel in the heav'nly sphere,
Who at my need can succour me;
I cry to Thee,
For Thou canst end my misery.
My sin is very sore and great,
I weep and mourn its load beneath;
O free me from this heavy weight,
My Saviour, through Thy precious death;
And with my Father for me plead
That Thou hast suffer'd in my stead;
From me the burden then is roll'd,
And I lay hold
On Thy dear promises of old.
And of Thy mercy now bestow
True Christian faith on me, O Lord!
That all the sweetness I may know
That in Thy holy cross is stored;
Love Thee o'er earthly pride or pelf,
And love my neighbour as myself;
And when at last is come my end,
Be Thou my Friend,
From all assaults my soul defend.
Glory to God in highest heaven,
The Father of eternal love;
To His clear Son, for sinners given,
Whose watchful grace we daily prove;
To God the Holy Ghost on high;
Oh ever be His comfort nigh,
And teach us, free from sin and fear,
To please Him here,
And serve Him in the sinless sphere!
[343]Penitence
(Index of Tunes, LXV.)
113.
Tune.--"My Jesus, if the Seraphim."
Sheet Music
O reines Wesen, lautre Quelle
[344]Freylinghausen, 1713
Pure essence! Spotless Fount of Light,
That fadeth never into dark!
O Thou, whose eyes, more clear and bright
Than noonday sun, are quick to mark
Our sins; lo, bare before Thy face
Lies all the desert of my heart,
My once fair soul in ev'ry part
Now stain'd with evil foul and base.
Since but the pure in heart are blest
With promised vision of their God,
Sore fear and anguish fill my breast,
Rememb'ring all the ways I trod;
Mourning I see my lost estate,
And yet in faith I dare to cry,
Oh let my evil nature die,
Another heart in me create!
Enough, Lord, that my foe too well
Hath lured me once away from Thee;
Henceforth I know his craft how fell,
And all his deep-laid snares I flee.
Lord, through the Spirit whom Thy Son
Hath bidden us in prayer to ask,
Arm us with might that every task,
Whate'er we do, in Thee be done.
Unworthy am I of Thy grace,
So deep are my transgressions, Lord,
And yet once more I seek Thy face;
My God, have mercy, nor reward
My sins and follies, dark and vain;
Reject, reject me not in wrath,
But let Thy sunshine now beam forth,
And quicken me with hope again.
The Holy Spirit Thou hast given,
The wondrous pledge of love divine,
Who fills our hearts with joys of heaven,
And bids us earthly toys resign;
Oh let His seal be on my heart,
Oh take Him nevermore away,
Until this fleshly house decay,
And Thou shalt bid me hence depart.
But ah! my coward spirit droops,
Sick with the fear that enters in
Whene'er a soul to bondage stoops,
And wears the shameful yoke of sin;
Oh quicken with the strength that flows
From out the Eternal Fount of Life,
My soul half-fainting in the strife,
And make an end of all my woes.
I cling unto Thy grace alone,
Thy steadfast oath my only rest;
To Thee, Heart-searcher, all is known
That lieth hidden in my breast;
Thy Joy, O Spirit, on me pour,
Thy servent will my sloth inspire,
So shall I have my heart's desire,
And serve and praise Thee evermore.
Prayer

[345]114. Our Father, Thou in heav'n above
[346]115. O God, Thou faithful God
[347]116. Lord, hear the voice of my complaint
[348]117. Jehovah, let me now adore Thee
[349]118. O God, I long Thy Light to see
[350]119. Lord, all my heart is fix'd on Thee
[351]120. In Thee, Lord, have I put my trust
[352]121. I know, my God, and I rejoice
[353]122. Here behold me as I cast me

[354]Prayer
(C.--"Vater unser im Himmelreich.")
114.
Sheet Music
Vater unser im Himmelreich
[355]Luther, 1539
Our Father, Thou in heav'n above,
Who biddest us to dwell in love,
As brethren of one family,
And cry for all we need to Thee;
Teach us to mean the words we say,
And from the inmost heart to pray.
All hallow'd be Thy name, O Lord!
Oh let us firmly keep Thy Word,
And lead, according to Thy name,
A holy life, untouch'd by blame;
Let no false teachings do us hurt--
All poor deluded souls convert.
Thy kingdom come! Thine let it be
In time, and through eternity!
Oh let Thy Holy Spirit dwell
With us, to rule and guide us well;
From Satan's mighty power and rage
Preserve Thy Church from age to age.
Thy will be done on earth, O Lord,
As where in heaven Thou art adored!
Patience in time of grief below,
Obedience true through weal and woe;
Strength, tempting wishes to control
That thwart Thy will within the soul.
Give us to-day our daily bread,
Let us be duly clothed and fed,
And keep Thou from our homes afar
Famine and pestilence and war,
That we may live in godly peace,
Unvex'd by cares and avarice.
Forgive our sins, that they no more
May grieve and haunt us as before,
As we forgive their trespasses
Who unto us have done amiss;
Thus let us dwell in charity,
And serve each other willingly.
Into temptation lead us not,
And when the foe doth war and plot
Against our souls on every hand,
Then, arm'd with faith, oh may we stand
Against him as a valiant host,
Through comfort of the Holy Ghost
Deliver us from evil, Lord,
The days are dark and foes abroad;
Redeem us from the second death,
And when we yield our dying breath,
Console us, grant us calm release,
And take our souls to Thee in peace.
Amen! that is, so let it be!
Strengthen our faith and trust in Thee,
That we may doubt not, but believe
That what we ask, we shall receive;
Thus in Thy name and at Thy word
We say Amen, now hear us, Lord!
[356]Prayer
(LXXXI.--"O Gott, du frommer Gott.")
115.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
O Gott, du frommer Gott
[357]J. Heermann, 1630
O God, Thou faithful God,
Thou Fountain ever flowing,
Without whom nothing is,
All perfect gifts bestowing;
A pure and healthy fram
O give me, and within
A conscience free from blame,
A soul unhurt by sin.
And grant me, Lord, to do,
With ready heart and willing,
Whate'er Thou shalt command,
My calling here fulfilling,
And do it when I ought,
With all my strength, and bless
The work I thus have wrought,
For Thou must give success.
And let me promise nought
But I can keep it truly,
Abstain from idle words,
And guard my lips still duly;
And grant, when in my place
I must and ought to speak,
My words due power and grace,
Nor let me wound the weak.
If dangers gather round,
Still keep me calm and fearless;
Help me to bear the cross
When life is dark and cheerless;
To overcome my foe
With words and actions kind;
When counsel I would know,
Good counsel let me find.
And let me be with all
In peace and friendship living,
As far as Christians may.
And if Thou aught art giving
Of wealth and honours fair,
Oh this refuse me not,
That nought be mingled there
Of goods unjustly got.
And if a longer life
Be here on earth decreed me,
And Thou through many a strife
To age at last wilt lead me,
Thy patience in me shed,
Avert all sin and shame,
And crown my hoary head
With pure untarnish'd fame.
Let nothing that may chance,
Me from my Saviour sever;
And dying with Him, take
My soul to Thee for ever;
And let my body have
A little apace to sleep
Beside my fathers' grave,
And friends that o'er it weep.
And when the Day is come,
And all the dead are waking,
Oh reach me down Thy hand,
Thyself my slumbers breaking;
Then let me hear Thy voices
And change this earthly frame,
And bid me aye rejoice
With those who love Thy name.
[358]Prayer

(XLVI.--"Ich ruf' zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ.")

116.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Ich ruf' zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ
[359]Anon., 1529
Lord, hear the voice of my complaint,
To Thee I now commend me,
Let not my heart and hope grow faint,
But deign Thy grace to send me;
True faith from Thee, my God, I seek,
The faith that loves Thee solely,
Keeps me lowly,
And prompt to aid the weak,
And mark each word that Thou dost speak.
Yet more from Thee I dare to claim,
Whose goodness is unbounded;
Oh let me ne'er be put to shame,
My hope be ne'er confounded;
But e'en in death still find Thee true,
And in that hour, else lonely,
Trust Thee only,
Not aught that I can do,
For such false trust I sore should rue.
Oh grant that from my very heart
My foes be all forgiven,
Forgive my sins and heal their smart,
And grant new life from heaven;
Thy word, that blessed food, bestow,
Which best the soul canst nourish;
Make it flourish
Through all the storms of woe
That else my faith might overthrow.
Then be the world my foe or friend,
Keep me to her a stranger,
Thy steadfast soldier to the end,
Through pleasure and through danger;
From Thee alone comes such high grace,
No works of ours obtain it,
Or can gain it;
Our pride hath here no place,
'Tis Thy free promise we embrace.
Help me, for I am weak; I fight,
Yet scarce can battle longer;
I cling but to Thy grace and might,
'Tis Thou must make me stronger;
When sore temptations are my lot,
And tempests round me lower,
Break their power.
So, through deliverance wrought,
I know that Thou forsak'st me not!
[360]Prayer

(XXIII.--"Dir, dir, Jehovah, will ich singen.")

117.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Dir, dir, Jehovah, will ich singen
[361]Crasselius, 1697
Jehovah, let me now adore Thee,
For where is there a God such, Lord, as Thou?
With songs I fain would come before Thee;
Oh let Thy Spirit deign to touch me now
To praise Thee in His name, through whome alone

Our songs can please Thee, through Thy blessed Son.

Yes, draw me to the Son, O Father,
That so the Son may draw me up to Thee.
Let every power within me gather,
To own Thy sway, O Spirit,--rule in me,
That so the peace of God may in me dwell,
And I may sing for joy and praise Thee well.
Grant me Thy Spirit; then my praises
Will sound aright, no jarring tone or word;
Sweet are the songs the heart then raises,
Then I can pray in truth and spirit, Lord;
Thy Spirit bears mine up on eagles' wing,
To join the psalms the heavenly choirs now sing.
For He can plead for me with sighings
That are unutterable to lips like mine;
He bids me pray with earnest cryings,
Bears witness with my soul that I am Thine,
Co-heir with Christ, and thus may dare to say,
O Abba, Father, hear me when I pray.
When thus Thy Spirit in me burneth,
And makes this cry to break from out my heart,
Thy heart, O Father, toward me yearneth,
And longs all precious blessings to impart,
Thy ready love rejoiceth to fulfil
The prayer breathed out according to Thy will.
And what Thy Spirit thus hath taught me
To seek from Thee, must needs be such a prayer
As Thou wilt grant, through Him who bought me,
And raised me up to be Thy child and heir;
In Jesu's name fearless I seek Thy face,
And take from Thee, my Father, grace for grace.
O joy! our hope and trust are founded
On His sure Word, and witness in the heart;
I know Thy mercies are unbounded,
And all good gifts Thou freely wilt impart,
Nay, more is lavish'd by Thy bounteous hand,
Than we can ask or seek or understand.
O joy! In His name we draw near Thee,
Who ever pleadeth for the sons of men;
I ask in faith and Thou wilt hear me,
In Him Thy promises are all Amen.
O joy for me! and praise be ever Thine,
Whose wondrous love has made such blessings mine!
[362]Prayer
(Index of Tunes, XXXVII.)
118.

Tune.--"Lord Jesus Christ, be present now." Sheet Music

Nach dir, O Gott, verlanget mich
[363]A. Unrich of Brunswick, 1667
O God, I long Thy Light to see,
My God, I hourly think on Thee;
Oh draw me up, nor hide Thy face,
But help me from Thy holy place.
As toward her sun the sunflower turns,
Towards Thee, my Sun, my spirit yearns!
Oh would that free from sin I might
Thus follow evermore Thy light!
But sin hath so within me wrought,
Such deadly sickness on me brought,
My languid soul sits drooping here
And cannot reach the heavenly sphere.
Ah how shall I my freedom win?
How break this heavy yoke of sin?
My fainting spirit thirsts for Thee,
Come, Lord, to help and set me free.
My heart is set to do Thy will,
But all my deeds are faulty still;
My best attempts are nothing worth.
But soil'd with cleaving taint of earth.
Remember that I am Thy child,
Forgive whate'er my soul defiled,
Blot out my sins, that I may rise
Freely to Thee beyond the skies.
Help me to love the world no more,
Be Master of my house and store,
The shield of faith around me throw,
And break the arrows of my foe.
Fain would my heart henceforward be
Fix'd, O my God, alone on Thee,
That heart and foul, by Thee possest,
May find in Thee their perfect rest.
Begone, ye pleasures false and vain,
Untasted, undesired remain!
In heaven alone those joys abound,
Where aII my true delight is found.
Oh take away whate'er has stood
Between me and the Highest Good!
I ask no better boon than this,
To find in God my only bliss.
[364]Prayer

(XXXIX.--"Herzlich lieb hab' ich dich.")

119.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Herzlich lieb hab' ich dich, O Herr
[365]Schalling, 1594
Lord, all my heart is fix'd on Thee,
I pray Thee, be not far from me,
With tender grace uphold me.
The whole wide world delights me not,
Of heaven or earth, Lord, ask I not,
If but Thy love enfold me.
Yea, though my heart be like to break,
Thou art my trust that nought can shake,
My portion and my hidden joy,
Whose cross could all my bonds destroy;
Lord Jesus Christ!
My God and Lord! My God and Lord!
Forsake me not who trust Thy word!
Rich are Thy gifts! 'Twas God that gave
Body and soul, and all I have
In this poor life of labour;
Oh grant that I may through Thy grace
We all my powers to show Thy praise,
And serve and help my neighbour;
From all false doctrine keep me, Lord;
All lies and malice from me ward;
In every cross uphold Thou me,
That I may beir it patiently;
Lord Jesus Christ!
My God and Lord! My God and Lord!
In death Thy comfort still afford.
Ah Lord, let Thy dear angels come
At my last end, to bear me home,
That I may die unfearing;
And in its narrow chamber keep
My body safe in painless sleep
Until my Lord's appearing;
And then from death awaken me,
That there mine eyes with joy may see,
O Son of God, Thy glorious face,
My Saviour, and my Fount of Grace!
Lord Jesus Christ!
Receive my prayer, receive my prayer,
Thy love will I for aye declare.
[366]Prayer

(XLIX.--"In dich hab' ich gehoffet, Herr.")

120.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
In dich hab' ich gehoffet, Herr
[367]Reisner, 1533
In Thee, Lord, have I put my trust,
Leave me not helpless in the dust,
Let not my hope be brought to shame,
But still sustain,
Through want and pain,
My faith that Thou art aye the same.
Incline a gracious ear to me,
And hear the prayers I raise to Thee,
Show forth Thy power and haste to save!
For woes and fear
Surround me here,
Oh swiftly send the help I crave!
My God and Shield, now let Thy power
Be unto me a mighty tower,
Whence I may freely, bravely, fight
Against the foes
That round me close,
For fierce are they and great their might.
Thy word hath said, Thou art my Rock,
The Stronghold that can fear no shock,
My help, my safety, and my life,
Howe'er distress
And dangers press,
What then shall daunt me in the strife?
The world for me hath falsely set
Full many a secret snare and net,
Dark lies, delusions sweet and vain;
Lord, hear my prayers,
And break these snares,
And make my path before me plain.
With Thee, Lord, would I cast my lot;
My God, my God, forsake me not,
O Faithful God, for I commend
My soul to Thee;
Deliver me
Both now, and when this life must end.
[368]Prayer
(Index of Tunes, XVII.)
121.

Tune.--"When on the cross the Savious hung." Sheet Music

Ich weiss, mein Gott, dass all mein Thun
[369]P. Gerhardt, 1656
I know, my God, and I rejoice
That on Thy righteous will and choice
All human works and schemes must rest;
Success and blessing are of Thee,
What Thou shalt send is surely best!
It stands not in the power of man
To bring to pass the wisest plan
So surely that it cannot fail;
Thy counsel, Highest, must ensure
That our poor wisdom shall avail.
A man oft thinks within his breast
That lot for him were surely best,
This, that his Father may ordain,
Were hurtful;--yet, behold, it proves
This is his blessing, that his bane.
Then, O my Father, hear my cry,
Grant me true judgment from on high,
On my own will I would not build;
Be Thou my Friend and Counsellor,
So what is best shall be fulfilled.
And if this work be Thine, oh bless
Our poor weak efforts with success;
If not, deny it, change our mind,--
Whate'er Thou workest not will soon
Disperse like sand before the wind.
Grant us what is our truest good,
And not what pleases flesh and blood;
Our inmost spirits do Thou prove,
Our highest aim, our best delight,
Shall be Thy glory and Thy love.
[370]Prayer

(XCVI.--"Sieh hier bin ich, Ehren-könig.")

122.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Sieh hier bin ich, Ehrenkönig
[371]J. Neander, 1679
Here behold me as I cast me
At Thy throne, O glorious King!
Tears fast thronging, child-like longing,
Son of Man, to Thee I bring,
Let me find Thee--let me find Thee!
Me a poor and worthless thing.
Look upon me, Lord, I pray Thee,
Let Thy Spirit dwell in mine;
Thou hast sought me, Thou hast bought me,
Only Thee to know I pine;
Let me find Thee--let me find Thee!
Take my heart and grant me Thine.
Nought I ask for, nought I strive for,
But Thy grace so rich and free,
That Thou givest whom Thou lovest,
And who truly cleave to Thee;
Let me find Thee--let me find Thee!
He hath all things who hath Thee.
Earthly treasure, mirth and pleasure,
Glorious name, or richest hoard,
Are but weary, void and dreary,
To the heart that longs for God;
Let me find Thee--let me find Thee!
I am ready, mighty Lord.
Christian Faith and Resolve

[372]123. Faith is a living powr from heav'n
[373]124. A sure stronghold our God is He
[374]125. Rise, my soul, to watch and pray
[375]126. Courage, my sorely-tempted heart
[376]127. My cause is God's, and I am His
[377]128. Strive aright when God doth call thee
[378]129. Great High-priest, who deign'dst to be
[379]130. All things hang on our possessing
[380]131. Now at last I end this strife
[381]132. Well for him who all things losing

[382]Christian Faith and Resolve
(Index of Tunes, XXVII.)
123.

Tune.--"Lord, keep us steadfast in Thy Word." Sheet Music

Der Glaub' ist eine' lebendige' Kraft [383]B. Brethren

Faith is a living powr from heav'n
That grasps the promise God hath given,
A trust that cannot be o'erthrown,
Fix'd heartily on Christ alone.
Faith finds in Christ whate'er we need
To save or strengthen us indeed,
Receives the grace He sends us down,
And makes us share His cross and crown.
Faith in the conscience worketh peace,
And bids the mourner's weeping cease;
By Faith the children's place we claim,
And give all honour to One Name.
Faith feels the Spirit's kindling breath
In love and hope that conquer death;
Faith worketh hourly joy in God,
And trusts and blesses e'en the rod.
We thank Thee then, O God of heaven,
That Thou to us this faith hast given
In Jesus Christ Thy Son, who is
Our only Fount and Source of bliss.
Now from His fulness grant each soul
The rightful faith's true end and goal,
The blessedness no foes destroy,
Eternal love and light and joy.
[384]Christian Faith and Resolve

(XXVI.--"Ein' feste Burg is unser Gott.")

124.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Ein' feste Burg is unser Gott
[385]Luther, 1529
A sure stronghold our God is He,
A trusty shield and weapon;
Our help He'll be and set us free
From ev'ry ill can happen.
That old malicious foe
Means us deadly woe;
Arm'd with might from hell
And deepest craft as well,
On earth is not his fellow.
Through our own force we nothing can,
Straight were we lost for ever;
But for us fights the proper Man,
By God sent to deliver.
Ask ye who this may be?
Jesus Christ is He,
Of Sabaoth Lord,
Sole God to be adored--
'T is He must win the battle.
And were the world with devils fill'd,
All eager to devour us,
Our souls to fear should little yield,
They cannot overpower us.
Their dreaded Prince no more
Harms us as of yore;
Look grim as he may,
Doom'd is his ancient sway,
A word can overthrow him.
Still shall they leave that Word His might,
And yet no thanks shall merit;
Still is He with us in the fight
By His good gifts and Spirit.
E'en should they take our life,
Wealth, name, child, or wife--
Though all these be gone,
Yet nothing have they won,
God's kingdom ours abideth!
[386]Christian Faith and Resolve
(Index of Tunes, XCVII.)
125.
Tune.--"Not in anger, Mighty God."
Sheet Music
Mache dich, mein Geist, bereit
[387]Freystein, 1697
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray,
From thy sleep awake thee,
Lest at last the evil day
Suddenly o'ertake thee;
For the foe,
Well we know,
Oft his harvest reapeth
While the Christian sleepeth.
Wake and watch, or else thy night
Christ can ne'er enlighten;
For off still will seem the light
That thy path should brighten;
God demands
Willing hands,
Hearts His love confessing,--
Such He fills with blessing.
Watch against the world that frowns
Darkly to dismay thee;
Watch, when she thy wishes crowns,
Smiling to betray thee;
Watch and see
Thou art free
From false friends that charm thee,
While they seek to harm thee.
Watch against thyself, my soul,
See thou do not stifle
Grace that should thy thoughts control,
Nor with mercy trifle
Pride and sin
Lurk within,
All thy hopes to scatter;
List not, when they flatter.
But while watching, also see
That thou pray unceasing,
For the Lord must make thee free,
Strength and faith increasing,
So to do
Service true;
Let not sloth enslave thee,
Pray, and He will save thee.
Courage then, for He will give
All that we are needing,
Through the Son, in whom we live,
Who for us is pleading.
Day by day
Watch and pray,
While the tempests lower,
Till He comes with power.
[388]Christian Faith and Resolve
(Index of Tunes, XXVIII.)
126.

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

Brich durch, mein angefochtnes Herz
[389]Böhmer, 1704
Courage, my sorely-tempted heart!
Break through thy woes, forget their smart;
Come forth and on thy Bridegroom gaze,
The Lamb of God, the Fount of grace;
Here is thy place!
His arms are open, thither flee!
There rest and peace are waiting thee,
The deathless crown of righteousness,
The entrance to eternal bliss;
He gives thee this!
Then combat well, of nought afraid,
For thus His follower thou art made,
Each battle teaches thee to fight,
Each foe to be a braver knight,
Arm'd with His might.
If storms of fierce temptation rise,
Unmoved I'll face the frowning skies;
If but the heart is true indeed,
Christ will be with me in my need,--
His own could bleed.
I flee away to Thy dear Cross,
For hope is there for every loss,
Healing for every wound and woe,
There all the strength of love I know,
And feel its glow.
Before the Holy One I fall,
The Eternal Sacrifice for all;
His death has freed us from our load,
Peace on the anguish'd soul bestow'd,
Brought us to God.
How then thould I go mourning on?
I look to Thee,--my fears are gone,
With Thee is rest that cannot cease,
For Thou hast wrought us full release,
And made our peace.
Thy word hath still its glorious powers,
The noblest cbivalry is ours;
O Thou, for whom to die is gain,
Bring Thee here my all, oh deign
T'accept and reign!
[390]Christian Faith and Resolve

(XLV.--"Ich' hab' mein' Sach' Gott heimgestellt.")

127.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music

Ich' hab' mein' Sach' Gott heimgestellt

[391]Pappus, 1598
My cause is God's, and I am His,
Let Him do with me as He will;
Whether for me the race is run,
Or scarce begun,
I ask no more--His will be done!
My sins are more than I can bear,
Yet not for this will I despair,
I know to death and to the grave
The Father gave
His dearest Son, that He might save.
To Him I live and die alone,
Death cannot part Him from His own;
Living or dying, I am His
Who only is
Our comfort, and our gate of bliss.
This is my solace, day by days
When snares and death beset my way,
I know that at the morn of doom
From out the tomb
With joy to meet Him I shall come.
Then I shall see God face to face,
I doubt it not, through Jesu's grace,
Amid the joys prepared for me
Thanks be to Thee
Who givest us the victory!
Amen, dear God! now send us faith,
And at the last a happy death;
And grant us all ere long to be
In heaven with Thee,
To praise Thee there eternally.
[392]Christian Faith and Resolve

(XCIII.--"Ringe recht wenn Gottes Gnade.")

128.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Ringe recht wenn Gottes Gnade
[393]Winkler, 1703
Strive aright when God doth call thee,
When he draws the by His grace,
Cast off all that would enthrall thee,
And deter thee from the race.
Wrestle, till thy zeal is burning
And thy love is glowing warm,
All that earth can give thee spurning;--
Half love will not bide the storm.
Combat, though thy life thou givest,
Storm the kingdom, but prevail;
Let not him with whom thou strivest
Ever make thee faint or quail.
Perfect truth will never waver,
Wars with evil day and night,
Changes not for fear or favour,
Only cares to win the fight.
Perfect truth will love to follow
Watchfully our Master's ways;
Seeks not comfort poor and hollow,
Looks not for reward or praise.
Perfect truth from worldly pleaaure,
Worldly turmoil, stands apart;
For in heaven is hid our treasure,
There must also be the heart.
Soldiers of the Cross, take courage!
Watch and war 'mid fear and pain;
Daily conquering sin and sorrow,
Till our King o'er earth shall reign.
[394]Christian Faith and Resolve

(XLIII.--"Höchster Priester, der du dich.")

129.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Höchster Priester, der du dich
[395]Scheffler, 1657
Great High-priest, who deign'dst to be
Once the sacrifice for me,
Take this living heart of mine,
Lay it on Thy holy shrine.
Love I know accepteth nought,
Save what Thou, O Love, hast wrought;
Offer Thou my sacrifice,
Else to God it cannot rise.
Slay in me the wayward will,
Earthly sense and passion kill,
Tear self-love from out my heart,
Though it cost me bitter smart.
Kindle, Mighty Love, the pyre,
Quick consume me in Thy fire,
Fain were I of self bereft,
Nought but Thee within me left.
So may God, the Righteous, brook
On my sacrifice to look,
In whose sight no gift has worth
Save a Christ-like life on earth.
[396]Christian Faith and Resolve
(VIII.--"Alles ist an Gottes Segen.")
130.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Alles ist an Gottes Segen
[397]Anon., about 1676
All things hang on our possessing
God's free love and grace and blessing,
Though all earthly wealth depart;
He who God for his hath taken,
'Mid the changing world unshaken
Keeps a free heroic heart.
He who hitherto hath fed me,
And to many a joy hath led me,
Is and shall be ever mine;
He who did so gently school me,
He who still doth guide and rule me,
Will not leave me now to pine.
Shall I weary me with fretting
O'er vain trifles, and regretting
Things that never can remain?
I will strive but that to win me
That can shed true rest within me,
Rest the world must seek in vain.
When my heart with longing sickens,
Hope again my courage quickens,
For my wish shall be fulfill'd,
If it please His love most tender;
Life and soul I all surrender
Unto Him on whom I build.
Well He knows how best to grant me
All the longing hopes that haunt me;
All things have their proper day;
I would dictate to Him never,
As God wills so be it ever,
When He wills I will obey.
If on earth He bids me linger,
He will guide me with His finger
Through the years that now took dim;
All that earth has fleets and changes
As a river onward ranges,
But I rest in peace on Him.
[398]Christian Faith and Resolve
(Index of Tunes, IV.)
131.
Tune.--"What shall I, a sinner, do?"
Sheet Music
Nun so will ich denn mein Leben
[399]Tersteegen, 1731
Now at last I end this strife,
To my God I give my life
Wholly, with a steadfast mind;
Sin I will not hearken more,
World, I turn from thee, 'tis o'er;
Not a look I'll cast behind.
Hath my heart been wavering long,
Have I dallied oft with wrong,
Now at last I firmly say,--
All my will to this I give,
Only to my God to live,
And to serve Him night and day.
Lord, I offer at Thy feet
All I have most dear and sweet,
Lo! I keep no secret hoard;
Try my heart, and lurks there aught
False within its inmost thought,
Take it hence this moment, Lord!
I will shun no toil or wo,
Where Thou leadest I will go,
Be my pathway plain or rough;
If but every hour may be
Spent in work that pleases Thee,
Ah, dear Lord, it is enough!
Thee I make my choice alone,
Make for ever, Lord, Thine own
All my powers of soul and mind;
Here I give myself away,
Let the cov'nant stand for aye
That my hand to-day hath sign'd.
[400]Christian Faith and Resolve

(LXXIX.--"O der alles hält' verloren.")

132.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
O der alles hält' verloren
[401]G. Arnold, 1697
Well for him who all things losing,
E'en himself doth count as nought,
Still the one thing needful choosing,
That with all true bliss is fraught!
Well for him who nothing knoweth
But his God, whose boundless love
Makes the heart wherein it gloweth
Calm and pure as saints above!
Well for him who all forsaking
Walketh not in shadows vain,
But the path of peace is taking
Through this vale of tears and pain!
Oh that we our hearts might sever
From earth's tempting vanities,
Fixing them on Him for ever
In whom all our fulness lies!
Oh that ne'er our eyes might wander
From our God, so might we ask
Ever o'er our sins to ponder,
And our conscience be at peace!
Thou abyss of love and goodness,
Draw us by Thy cross to Thee,
That our senses, soul, and spirit,
Ever one with Christ may be!
Songs of the Cross and Consolation

[402]133. My God, in Thee all fulness lies
[403]134. If thou but suffer God to guide thee
[404]135. Whate'er my God ordains is right
[405]136. Ah God, my days are dark indeed
[406]137. Farewell I gladly bid Thee
[407]138. In Thy heart and hands, my God
[408]139. What within me and without
[409]140. From God shall nought divide me
[410]141. When in the hour of utmost need
[411]142. When anguish'd and perplex'd I lift my weary eyes
[412]143. Why art thou thus cast down, my heart?
[413]144. O Christ, Thou bright and Morning Star
[414]145. Who puts his trust in God most just
[415]146. Seems it in my anguish lone
[416]147. In God, my faithful God
[417]148. A pilgrim here I wander

[418]Songs of the Cross and Consolation
(Index of Tunes, LXIII.)
133.

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

Mein Gott bei dir ist alle Fülle
[419]Anon.
My God, in Thee all fulness lies,
All want in me, from Thee apart;
In Thee my soul hath endless joys,
In me is but an aching heart;
Poor as the poorest here I pine,
In Thee a heav'nly kingdom's mine.
Thou seest whatsoe'er I need,
Thou seest it, and pitiest me;
Thy swift compassions hither speed,
Ere yet my woes are told to Thee;
Thou hearest, Father, ere we cry,
Shall I not still before Thee lie?
I leave to Thee whate'er is mine,
And in Thy will I calmly rest;
I know that richest gifts are Thine,
Thou canst and Thou wilt make me blest,
For Thou hath promised, and our Lord
Will never break His promised word.
Thou lov'st me, Father, with the love
Wherewith Thou lovedst Christ Thy Son,
And so a brightness from above
Still glads me though my tears may run,
For in Thy love I find and know
What all the world could ne'er bestow.
Then I can let the world go by,
And yet be still and rest in Thee,
I sit, I walk, I stand, I lie,
Thou ever watchest over me,
And when the yoke is pressing sore
I think, my God lives evermore!
[420]Songs of the Cross and Consolation

(CXV.--"Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten.")

134.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten
[421]Neumarck, 1653
If thou but suffer God to guide thee,
And hope in Him through all thy ways,

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

And bear the through the evil days.
Who trust in God's unchanging love
Builds on the rock that nought can move.
What can these anxious cares avail thee,
These never-ceasing moans and sighs?
What can it help, if thou bewail thee
O'er each dark moment as it flies?
Our cross and trials do but press
The heavier for our bitterness.
Only be still and wait His leisure
In cheerful hope, with heart content
To take whate'er thy Father's pleasure
And all-deserving love hath sent,
Nor doubt our inmost wants are known
To Him who chose us for His own.
He knows the time for joy, and truly
Will send it when He sees it meet,
When He has tried and purged thee throughly
And finds thee free from all deceit,
He comes to thee all unaware
And makes thee own His loving care.
Nor think amid the heat of trial
That God hath cast thee off unheard,
That he whose hopes meet no denial
Must surely be of God preferred;
Time passes and much change doth bring,
And sets a bound to everything.
All are alike before the Highest.
'Tis easy to our God, we know,
To raise thee up though low thou liest,
To make the rich man poor and low;
True wonders still by Him are wrought
Who setteth up and brings to nought.
Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving,
So do thine own part faithfully,
And trust His Word, though undeserving,
Thou yet shalt find it true for thee!
God never yet forsook at need
The soul that trusted Him indeed.
[422]Songs of the Cross and Consolation

(CIX.--"Was Gott thut das ist wohlgetan.")

135.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Was Gott thut das ist wohlgetan
[423]Rodigast, 1675
Whate'er my God ordains is right,
Holy His will abideth;
I will be still whate'er He doth,
And follow where He guideth.
He is my God,
Though dark my road,
He holds me that I shall not fall,
Wherefore to Him I leave it all.
Whate'er my God ordains is right,
He never will deceive me;
He leads me by the proper path,
I know He will not leave me,
And take content
What He hath sent;
His hand can turn my griefs away,
And patiently I wait His day.
Whate'er my God ordains is right,
His loving thought attends me;
No poison'd draught the cup can be
That my Physician sends me,
But medicine due
For God is true,
And on that changeless truth I build,
And all my heart with hope is fill'd.
Whate'er my God ordains is right,
Though now this cup in drinking
May bitter seem to my faint heart,
I take it all unshrinking;
Tears pass away
With dawn of day,
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart,
And pain and sorrow shall depart.
Whate'er my God ordains is right,
Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet am I not forsaken,
My Father's care
Is around me there,
He holds me that I shall not fall,
And so to Him I leave it all.
[424]Songs of the Cross and Consolation
(Index of Tunes, C.)
136.

Tune.--"Our Father, Thou in heaven above." Sheet Music

Ach Gott, wie manches Herzelied
[425]Hojer, 1584
Ah God, my days are dark indeed,
How oft this aching heart must bleed;
The narrow way, how fill'd with pain,
That I must pass ere heav'n I gain!
How hard to teach this flesh and blood
To seek alone th'Eternal Good!
Ah whither now for comfort turn?
For Thee, my Jesus, do I yearn,
In Thee have I, howe'er distrest,
Found ever counsel, aid, and rest;
I cannot all forsaken be
While still my heart can trust in Thee.
Jesus, my only God and Lord,
What sweetness in Thy name is stored!
So dark and hopeless is no grief
But Thy sweet Name can bring relief,
So keen no sorrows' rankling dart
But Thy sweet Name can heal my heart.
The world can show no truth like Thine,
And therefore will I not repine;
I know Thou wilt forsake me not,
Thy truth is fix'd, though dark my lot;
Thou art my Shepherd, and Thy sheep
From every real harm Thou wilt keep.
Jesus, my boast, my light, my joy,
The treasure nought can e'er destroy,
No words, no song that I can frame
Speak half the sweetness of Thy name!
They only all its power shall prove
Whose hearts have learnt Thy faith and love.
How many a time I've sadly said,
Far better were it I were dead,
Far better ne'er the light to see
If I had not this joy in Thee;
For he who hath not Thee in faith,
His very life is merely death.
Jesus, my Bridegroom and my crown,
If Thou but smile, the world may frown,
In Thee lie depths ofjoy untold,
Far richer than her richest gold;
Whene'er I do but think of Thee,
Thy dews drop down and solace me;
Whene'er I hope in Thee, my Friend
Thy comfort and Thy peace descend;
Whene'er in grief I pray and sing,
I feel new courage in me spring;
Thy Spirit witnesses that this
Is foretaste of the eternal bliss.
Then while I live this life of care
The cross for Thee I'll gladly bear
Grant me a patient, willing mood,
I know that it shall work my good;
Help me to do my task aright,
That it may stand before Thy sight.
Let me this flesh and blood control,
From sin and shame preserve my soul,
And keep me steadfast in the faith,
Then I am Thine in life and death;
Jesys, Consoler, bend to me,
Ah would I were e'en now with Thee!
[426]Songs of the Cross and Consolation
(XCIX.--"Valet will ich Dir geben.")
137.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Valet will ich dir geben
[427]V. Herberger, 1613
Farewell I gladly bid Thee,
False, evil world, farewell!
Thy life is dark and sinful,
With thee I would not dwell:
In heav'n are joys untroubled,
I long for that bright sphere
Where God rewards them doubled,
Who serv'd Him truly here.
Do with me as it pleases
Thy heart, O Son of God;
When anguish on me seizes,
Help me to bear my load;
Nor then my sorrows lengthen,
But take me hence on high;
My fearful heart, oh strengthen,
And let me calmly die.
When all around is darkling,
Thy name and cross, still bright,
Deep in my heart are sparkling,
Like stars in blackest night;
Appear Thou in Thy sorrow,
For Thine was woe indeed,
And from Thy cross I borrow
All comfort heart can need.
Thou diedst for me,--oh hide me
When tempests round me roll;
Through all my foes, oh guide me,
Receive my trembling soul:
If I but grasp Thee firmer,
What matters pain when past?
Hath he a cause to murmur
Who reaches heaven at last?
Oh write my name, I pray Thee,
Now in the book of life;
So let me here obey Thee,
And there, where joys are rife,
For ever bloom before Thee,
Thy perfect freedom prove,
And tell, as I adore Thee,
How faithful was Thy love.
[428]Songs of the Cross and Consolation
(Index of Tunes, LV.)
138.
Tune.--"Jesus Christ, my sure Defence."
Sheet Music
Meine Seele senket sich
[429]Winkler, 1713
In Thy heart and hands, my God,
Calmly now my soul reposes,
Waiting patiently the end
That Thy aim in all discloses;
Stripp'd of self, how sweet her rest
On her loving Father's breast.
And my soul repineth not,
Well content whate'er befall her;
Murmurs, wishes, of self-will,
Doom'd to death, no more enthrall her;
Restless thoughts, that fret and crave,
Slumber in her Saviour's grave.
And my soul doth cease from cares,
From the thoughts that sore perplex us,
That destroy the inner peace,
For like sharpest thorns they vex us;
He who made her careth well,
She but seeks in peace to dwell.
And my soul despaireth not,
Loves Him most when sad and lonely;
Grief that wrings and breaks the heart
Comes to those who hate Him only;
They who love Him still possess
Comfort in their worst distress.
And my soul complaineth not,
For no pain or fears dismay her,
Still she clings to God in faith,
Trusts Him though He seem to slay her.
'T is when flesh and blood repine,
Sun of joy, Thou canst not thine.
Thus my soul is still and waits,
Every murmuring word she hushes,
Conquering thus the pain or wrong
That the restless spirit crushes;
Like a silent ocean, bright
With her Maker's praise and light.
[430]Songs of the Cross and Consolation
(Index of Tunes, LXXX.)
139.

Tune.--"Heart and heart together bound." Sheet Music

Was von aussen und von innen
[431]A. H. Francke, died 1727
What within me and without,
Hourly on my spirit weighs,
Burd'ning heart and soul with doubt,
Dark'ning all my weary days:
In it I behold Thy will,
God, who givest rest and peace,
And my heart is calm and still,
Waiting till Thou send release.
God! Thou art my rock of strength,
And my home is in Thine arms,
Thou wilt send me help at length,
And I feel no wild alarms.
Sin nor Death can pierce the shield
Thy defence has o'er me thrown,
Up to Thee myself I yield,
And my sorrows are Thine own.
Thou my shelter from the blast,
Thou my strong defence art ever;
Though my sorrows thicken fast,
Yet I know Thou leav'st me never;
When my foe puts forth his might,
And would tread me in the dust,
To this rock I take my flight,
And I conquer him through trust.
When my trials tarry long,
Unto Thee I look and wait,
Knowing none, though keen and strong,
Can my faith in Thee abate,
And this faith I long have nurst,
Comes alone, O God, from Thee;
Thou my heart didst open first,
Thou didst set this hope in me.
Christians! cast on Him your load,
To your tower of refuge fly!
Know He is the Living God,
Ever to His creatures nigh.
Seek His ever-open door
In your hours of utmost need;
All your hearts before Him pour,
He will send you help with speed.
But hast thou some darling plan,
Cleaving to the things of earth?
Leanest thou for aid on man?
Thou wilt find him nothing worth.
Rather trust the One alone
Whose is endless power and love,
And the help He gives His own
Thou in very deed shalt prove.
Yea, on Thee, my God, I rest,
Letting life float calmly on,
For I know the last is best,
When the crown of joy is won.
In Thy might all things I bear,
In Thy love find bitters sweet,
And with all my grief and care
Sit in patience at Thy feet.
O my soul, why art thou vex'd?
Let things go as e'en they will;
Though to thee they seem perplex'd,
Yet His order they fulfil.
Here He is Thy strength and guard,
Power to harm thee here has none;
Yonder will He each reward
For the works he here has done.
Let Thy mercy's wings be spread
O'er me, keep me close to Thee,
In the peace Thy love doth shed,
Let me dwell eternally;
Be my All; in all I do
Let me only seek Thy will,
Where the heart to Thee is true,
All is peaceful, calm, and still.
[432]Songs of the Cross and Consolation

(CII.--"Von Gott will ich nicht lassen.")

140.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Von Gott will ich nicht lassen
[433]Helmbold, 1563
From God shall nought divide me,
For He is true for aye,
And on my path will guide me,
Who else should often stray;
His ever-bounteous hand
By night and day is heedful,
And gives me what is needful,
Where'er I go or stand.
If sorrow comes, He sent it,
In Him I put my trust;
I never shall repent it,
For He is true and just,
And loves to bless us still;
My life and soul, I owe them
To Him who doth bestow them,
Let Him do as He will.
Whate'er shall be His pleasure
Is surely best for me;
He gave His dearest treasure
That our weak hearts might see
How good His will t'ward us;
And in His Son He gave us
Whate'er could bless and save us;--
Praise Him who loveth thus!
Oh praise Him, for He never
Forgets our daily need;
Oh blest the hour whenever
To Him our thoughts can speed;
Yes, all the time we spend
Without Him is but wasted,
Till we His joy have tasted,
The joy that hath no end.
For when the'world is passing
With all its pomp and pride,
All we were here amassing
No longer may abide;
But in our earthy bed,
Where softly we are sleeping,
God hath us in His keeping,
To wake us from the dead.
Then though on earth I suffer
Much trial, well I know
I merit ways still rougher,
And 'tis to heaven I go;
For Christ I know and love,
To Him I now am hasting,
And gladness everlasting
With Him this heart shall prove.
For such His will who made us,
The Father seeks our good;
The Son hath grace to aid us,
And save us by His blood;
His Spirit rules our ways,
By faith in us abiding,
To heaven our footsteps guiding;
To Him be thanks and praise.
[434]Songs of the Cross and Consolation

(XCI. Psalm 140, Gaudimel. "Wenn wir in höchsten Nöthen sein.")

141.
Sheet Music
Wenn wir in höchsten Nöthen sein
[435]Paul Eber, 1567
When in the hour of utmost need
We know not where to look for aid,
When days and nights of anxious thought
Nor help nor counsel yet have brought,--
Then this our comfort is alone,
That we may meet before Thy throne,
And cry, O faithful God, to Thee
For rescue from our misery:
To Thee may raise our hearts and eyes,
Repenting sore with bitter sighs,
And seek Thy pardon for our sin,
And respite from our griefs within:
For Thou hast promised graciously
To hear all those who cry to Thee,
Through Him whose Name alone is great,
Our Saviour and our Advocate.
And thus we come, O God, to-day,
And all our woes before Thee lay,
For tried, forsaken, lo! we stand,
Perils and foes on every hand.
Ah! hide not for our sins Thy face,
Absolve us through Thy boundless grace,
Be with us in our anguish still,
Free us at last from every ill,
That so with all our hearts we may
Once more our glad thanksgivings pay,
And walk obedient to Thy word,
And now and ever praise the Lord.
[436]Songs of the Cross and Consolation
(CXI.--"Wenn ich in Angst und Noth.")
142.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Wenn ich in Angst und Noth
[437]Löwenstern, died 1648

When anguish'd and perplex'd I lift my weary eyes

Up to Thy hills, O Lord, and tell Thee all that grieves me,

Thou hearken'st to my sighs,

And never comfortless Thy inner presence leaves me.

My help and my defence come, faithful God, from Thee,

By whom were fix'd the heavens, and laid the earth's foundation;

Man cannot succour me,
Before Thy throne alone is refuge and salvation.

Thou watchest that my foot should neither slip nor stray,

Thou guidest me Thyself, though dark the course I travel;

Thou pointest me the way,

The snares of sin and earth for me Thou dost unravel.

Guardian of Israel, Thou no rest or sleep dost know,

Thy watchful eye beholds in earth's obscurest regions

Who bravely meets Thy foe,

And bears the Cross on high, still true to our allegiance.

And when Thou bidd'st me leave this world of strife and pain,

A steadfast hope in Thee, a quick release, oh grant me,

And let me rise again,

To dwell where death and war no more shall vex and haunt me.

[438]Songs of the Cross and Consolation
(CVII.--"Warum betrübst du dich.")
143.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz
[439]Hans Sachs, 1552
Why art thou thus cast down, my heart?
Why troubled, why dost mourn apart,
O'er nought but earthly wealth?
Trust in thy God, be not afraid,
He is thy Friend who all things made.
Dost think thy prayers He doth not heed?
He knows full well what thou dost need,
And heaven and earth are His;
My Father and my God, who still
Is with my soul in every ill.
Since Thou my God and Father art,
I know Thy faithful loving heart
Will ne'er forget Thy child;
See I am poor, I am but dust,
On earth is none whom I can trust.
The rich man in his wealth confides,
But in my God my trust abides;
Then laugh ye as ye will,
I hold this fast that He hath taught,--
Who trusts in God shall want for nought.
Yes, Lord, Thou art as rich to-day
As Thou hast been and shalt be aye,
I rest on Thee alone;
Thy riches to my soul be given,
And 't is enough for earth and heaven.
What here may shine I all resign,
If the eternal crown be mine,
That through Thy bitter death
Thou gainedst, O Lord Christ, for me--
For this, for this, I cry to Thee!
All wealth, all glories, here below,
The best that this world can bestow,
Silver or gold or lands,
But for a little time is given,
And helps us not to enter heaven.
I thank Thee, Christ, Eternal Lord,
That Thou hast taught me by Thy word
To know this truth and Thee;
O grant me also steadfastness
Thy heavenly kingdom not to miss.
Praise, honour, thanks, to Thee be brought,
For all things in and for me wrought
By Thy great mercy, Christ.
This one thing only still I pray,
Oh cast me ne'er from Thee away.
[440]Songs of the Cross and Consolation
(LXXVII.--"O Christe Morgensterne.")
144.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
O Christe Morgensterne
[441]Anon., Thirty Years' War
O Christ, Thou bright and Morning Star,
Now shed Thy light abroad;
Shine on us from Thy throne afar
In this dark place, dear Lord,
With Thy pure glorious word.
O Jesus, Comfort of the poor,
I lift my heart to Thee,
I know Thy mercies still endure
And Thou wilt pity me;
I trust alone to Thee.
I cannot rest, I may not sleep,
No joy or peace I know,
My soul is torn with anguish deep
And fears a deeper woe;
O Christ, Thy pity show!
For Thou didst suffer for my soul,
Her burdens to remove;
Oh make me through Thy sorrows whole,
Refresh me with Thy love;
Lord, help me from above.
Then, Jesus, glory, honour, praise,
I'll ever sing to Thee;
Increase my faith that Thou wilt raise
Me once where I shall see
Eternal joys with Thee!
[442]Songs of the Cross and Consolation

(CXIV.--"Wer Gott vertraut hat wohlgebaut.")

145.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Wer Gott vertraut hat wohlgebaut
[443]Anon., 1571
Who puts his trust in God most just
Hath built his house securely;
He who relies on Jesus Christ,
Shall reach His heav'n most surely;
Then fix'd on Thee my trust shall be,
For Thy truth cannot alter;
While mine Thou art,
Not death's worst smart
Shal make my courage falter.
Though fiercest foes my course oppose,
A dauntless front I'll show them;
My champion Thou, Lord Christ, art now,
Who soon shalt overthrow them!
And if but Thee I have in me
With Thy good gifts and Spirit,
Nor death nor hell, I know full well,
Shall hurt me, through Thy merit.
I rest me here without a fear,
By Thee shall all be given
That I can need, O Friend indeed,
For this life or for heaven.
O make me true, my heart renew,
My soul and flesh deliver!
Lord, hear my prayer, and in Thy care
Keep me in peace for ever.
[444]Songs of the Cross and Consolation
(Index of Tunes, LXXII.)
146.
Tune.--"Christ will gather in His own."
Sheet Music
Sollt' es auch bisweilen scheinen
[445]Titius, died 1703
Seems it in my anguish lone,
As though God forsook His own,
Yet I hold this knowledge fast,
God will surely help at last.
Though awhile it be delay'd,
He denieth not His aid;
Though it come not oft with speed,
It will surely come at need.
As a father not too soon
Grants his child the long'd-for boon,
So our God gives when He will;
Wait His leisure and be still.
I can rest in thoughts of Him,
When all courage else grows dim,
For I know my soul shall prove
His is more than father's love.
Would the powers of ill affright,
I can smile at all their might;
Or the cross be pressing sore,
God, my God, lives evermore!
Man may hate me causelessly,
Man may plot to ruin me,
Foes my heart may pierce and rend;
God in heaven is still my Friend.
Earth may all her gifts deny,
Safe my treasure still on high,
And if heaven at last be mine,
All things else I can resign.
I renounce thee willingly,
World, I hate what pleases thee,
Baneful every gift of thine,
Only be my God still mine.
Ah Lord, if but Thee I have,
Nought of other good I crave,
Bright is even death's dark road,
If but Thou art there, my God.
[446]Songs of the Cross and Consolation
(XI.--"Auf meinen lieben Gott.")
147.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Auf meinen lieben Gott
[447]Weingärtner, 1609
In God, my faithful God,
I trust when dark my road;
Though many woes o'ertake me,
Yet He will not forsake me;
His love it is doth send them,
And when 'tis best will end them.
My sins assail me sore,
But I despair no more;
I build on Christ who loves me,
From this Rock nothing moves me,
Since I can all surrender
To Him, my soul's Defender.
If death my portion be,
Then death is gain to me,
And Christ my life for ever,
From whom death cannot sever;
Come when it may, He'll shield me,
To Him I wholly yield me.
Ah, Jesus Christ, my Lord,
So meek in deed and word,
Thou diedst once to save us,
Because Thou fain wouldst have us
After earth's life of sadness
Heirs of Thy heavenly gladness.
'So be It,' then I say,
With all my heart each day;
Guide us while here we wander,
Till safely landed yonder,
We too, dear Lord, adore Thee,
And sing for joy before Thee.
[448]Love to the Saviour
(Index of Tunes, XLIV.)
148.
Tune.--"Lord Jesus, King of Glory."
Sheet Music
Ich bin ein Gast auf Erden
[449]Gerhardt, 1650
A pilgrim here I wander,
On earth have no abode,
My fatherland is yonder,
My home is with my God,
For here I journey to and fro,
There in eternal rest
Will God His gracious gift bestow
On all the toil-oppress'd.
For what hath life been giving,
From youth up till this day,
But constant toil and striving?
Far back as thought can stray,
How many a day of toil and care,
How many a night of tears,
Hath pass'd in grief that none could share,
In lonely anxious fears!
How many a storm hath lighten'd
And thunder'd round my path!
And winds and rains have frighten'd
My heart with fiercest wrath:
And cruel envy, hatred, scorn,
Have darken'd oft my lot,
And patiently reproach I've born,
Though I deserved it not.
Then through this life of dangers
I onward take my way;
But in this land of strangers
I do not think to stay.
Still forward on the road I fare
That leads me to my home,
My Father's comfort waits me there,
When I have overcome.
Ah yes, my home is yonder,
Where all the angelic bands
Praise Him with awe and wonder,
In whose Almighty hands
All things that are and shall be, lie,
By Him upholden still,
Who casteth down and lifts on high
At His most holy will.
That home have I desired,
'Tis there I would be gone;
Till I am well-nigh tired,
O'er earth I've journey'd on;
The longer here I roam, I find
The less of real joy
That e'er could please or fill my mind,
For all hath some alloy.
The lodging is too cheerless,
The sorrow is too much;
Ah come, my heart is fearless,
Release it with Thy touch,
When Thy heart wills, and make an end
Of all this pilgrimage,
And with Thine arm and strength defend,
When foes against me rage.
Where now my spirit stayeth
Is not her true abode;
This earthly house decayeth,
And she will drop its load,
When comes the hour to leave beneath
What now I use and have;
And when I've yielded up my breath
Earth gives me but a grave,
But Thou, my Joy and Gladness,
O Thou, my Life and Light,
Wilt raise me from this sadness,
This long tempestuous night,
Into the perfect gladsome day,
Where bathed in joy divine,
Among Thy saints, and bright as they,
I too shall ever thine.
There shall I dwell for ever,
Not as a guest alone,
With those who cease there never
To worship at Thy throne;
There in my heritage I rest,
From baser things set free,
And join the chorus of the blest
For ever, Lord, to Thee!
Love to the Saviour

[450]149. O Morning Star! how fair and bright
[451]150. Thee will I love, my Strength, my Tower
[452]151. Jesu, priceless treasure
[453]152. Loving Shepherd, kind and true
[454]153. Wherefore dost Thou longer tarry
[455]154. O Thou Essential Word
[456]155. O Thou, of God the Father
[457]156. In Thee is gladness
[458]157. Up, yes, upward to thy gladness
[459]158. Nothing fair on earth I see

[460]Love to the Saviour

(CXVII.--"Wie schön leucht' uns der Morgenstern.")

149.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Wie schön leucht' uns der Morgenstern
[461]Nicolai, 1598
O Morning Star! how fair and bright
Thou beamest forth in truth and light!
O Sov'reign meek and lowly,
Thou Root of Jesse, David's Son,
My Lord and Bridegroom, Thou hast won
My heart to serve Thee solely!
Holy art Thou, Fair and Glorious,
All victorious,
Rich in blessing,
Rule and might o'er all possessing.
Thou Heavenly Brightness! Light Divine!
O deep within my heart now shine,
And make Thee there an altar!
Fill me with joy and strength to be
Thy member, ever join'd to Thee
In love that cannot falter;
Toward Thee longing Doth possess me,
Turn and bless me,
For Thy gladness
Eye and heart here pine in sadness.
But if Thou look on me in love,
There straightways falls from God above
A ray of purest pleasure;
Thy word and Spirit, flesh and blood,
Refresh my soul with heavenly food,
Thou art my hidden treasure;
Let Thy grace, Lord, Warm and cheer me.
O draw near me;
Thou hast taught us
Thee to seek since Thou hast sought us!
Here will I rest, and hold it fast,
The Lord I love is First and Last,
The End as the Beginning!
Here I can calmly die, for Thou
Wilt raise me where Thou dwellest now,
Above all tears, all sinning:
Amen! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus,
Soon release us,
With deep yearning,
Lord, we look for Thy returning!
[462]Love to the Saviour

(XLVIII.--"Ich will Dich lieben, meine Stärke.")

150.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Ich will Dich lieben, meine Stärke
[463]Scheffler, 1657
Thee will I love, my Strength, my Tower,
Thee will I love, my Hope, my Joy,
Thee in Thy works, with all my power,
With ardour Time shall n'er destroy.
Thee will I love, O Light Divine,
So long as life is mine!
Alas! that I so late have known Thee,
Who art the Fairest and the Best;
Nor sooner for my Lord could own Thee,
Our highest Good, our only Rest!
Now bitter shame and grief I prove
O'er this my tardy love.
I wander'd long in willing blindness,
I sought Thee, but I found Thee not,
For still I shunn'd Thy beams of kindness,
The creature light fill'd all my thought;
And if at last I see Thee now,
'T was Thou to me didst bow!
I thank Thee, then, true Sun of heaven,
Whofe shining hath brought light to me;
I thank Thee, who hast richly given
All that could make us glad and free;
I thank Thee that my soul is heal'd
By what Thy lips reveal'd.
Oh keep me watchful, then, and humble,
And suffer me no more to stray,
Uphold me when my feet would stumble,
Nor let me loiter by the way;
Fill all my nature with Thy light,
O Radiance strong and bright!
Thee will I love, my Crown of gladness,
Thee will I love, my God and Lord,
Amid the darkest depths of sadness,
Not for the hope of high reward,
For Thine own sake, O Light Divine,
So long as life is mine.
[464]Love to the Saviour
(LIII.--"Jesu, meine Freude.")
151.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Jesu, meine Freude
[465]J. Franck, 1659
Jesu, priceless treasure,
Source of purest pleasure,
Truest Friend to me;
Ah! how long I've panted,
And my heart hath fainted,
Thirsting, Lord, for Thee!
Thine I am, O spotless Lamb,
I will suffer nought to hide Thee,
Nought I ask beside Thee.
In Thine arm I rest me,
Foes who would molest me
Cannot reach me here;
Though the earth be shaking,
Every heart be quaking,
Jesus calms my fear;
Sin and hell in conflict fell
With their bitter storms assail me,
Jesus will not fail me.
Wealth, I will not heed thee,
For I do not need thee,
Jesus is my choice;
Honours, ye may glisten,
But I will not listen
To your tempting voice;
Pain or loss, nor shame nor cross,
E'er to leave my Lord shall move me,
Since He deigns to love me.
Farewell, thou who choosest
Earth, and heaven refusest,
Thou wilt tempt in vain;
Farewell, sins, nor blind me,
Get ye all behind me,
Come not forth again:
Past your hour, O Pride and Power;
Worldly life, thy bonds I sever,
Farewell now for ever!
Hence, all fears and sadness,
For the Lord of gladness,
Jesus, enters in;
They who love the Father,
Though the storms may gather,
Still have peace within;
Yea, whate'er I here must bear,
Still in Thee lies purest pleasure,
Jesu, priceless treasure!
[466]Love to the Saviour
(Index of Tunes, LXVII.)
152.
Tune.--"Light of Light, enlighten me."
Sheet Music
Guter Hirte, willst du nicht
[467]Scheffler, 1657
Loving Shepherd, kind and true,
Wilt Thou not in pity hear me?
Seek Thy Lamb as shepherds to,
In Thy bosom gently bear me;
Take me hence from earth's annoy
To Thy home of endless joy.
See how in this wilderness
Lost amid its wastes I wander;
Take me hence to dwell in bliss
With the flock who, gather'd yonder,
Now Thy glory, Lord, behold,
Safe within the heavenly fold.
For I fain would gaze on Thee,
With the lambs, to whom 't is given
That they feed from danger free
In the happy field of heaven,
Praising Thee, all terrors o'er,
Never can they leave Thee more.
Here I live in sore distress,
Watching, fearing hour by hour,
For my foes around me press,
And I know their craft and power;
Lord, Thy lamb can never be
Safe one moment but with Thee.
Then, Lord Jesus, let me not
Fall amid the wolves, but bear me,
As the faithful shepherd ought;
Help me, keep me ever near Thee,
Till Thou bear me in Thy breast
Homeward to my endless rest.
[468]Love to the Saviour
(Index of Tunes, LXXXIX.)
153.

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

Warum willst du drauszen stehen
[469]Gerhardt, 1653
Wherefore dost Thou longer tarry,
Blessed of the Lord, afar?
Whoud it were Thy will to enter
To my heart, O Thou my Star,
Thou my Jesus, Fount of pow'r,
Helper in the needful hour!
Sharpest wounds my heart is feeling,
Touch them, Saviour, with Thy healing!
For I shrink beneath the terrors
Of the law's tremendous sway;
All my countless crimes and errors
Stand before me night and day.
Oh the heavy, fearful load
Of the righteous wrath of God!
Oh the awful voice of thunder
Cleaving heart and soul asunder!
Would I then, to soothe my sorrow,
And my pain awhile forget,
From the world a comfort borrow,
I but sink the deeper yet,
She hath comforts that but grieve,
Joys that stinging memories leave,
Helpers that my heart are breaking,
Friends that do but mock its aching.
All delight, all consolation
Lies in Thee, Lord Jesus Christ,
Feed my soul with Thy salvation,
O Thou Bread of Life unpric'd.
Blessed Light, within me glow,
Ere my heart breaks in its woe;
Oh refresh me and uphold me,
Jesu, come, let me behold Thee.
Joy, my soul, for He hath heard thee,
He will come and enter in;
Lo! He turns and draweth toward thee,
Let thy welcome-song begin!
Oh prepare thee for such guest,
Give thee wholly to thy rest,
With an open'd heart adore Him,
Pour thy griefs and fears before Him.
What would seem to hurt or shame thee
Shall but work thy good at last;

Since that Christ hath deign'd to claim thee,

And His truth stands ever fast;
And if thine can but endure,
There is nought so fixed and sure,
As that thou shalt hymn His praises
In the happy heavenly places.
[470]Love to the Saviour
(Index of Tunes, LXXXI.)
154.
Tune.--"O God, Thou faithful God."
Sheet Music
Du wesentliches Wort
[471]Laurenti, 1700
O Thou Essential Word,
Who wast from the beginning
With God, for Thou wast God;
Thou hope of all the sinning,
Chosen to save our race,
Welcome indeed Thou art,
Redeemer, Fount of Grace,
To this my longng heart
Come, self-existent Word,
And speak Thou in my spirit!
The soul where Thou art heard
Doth endless peace inherit.
Thou Light that lightenest all,
Abide through faith in me,
Nor let me from Thee fall,
And seek no guide but Thee.
Ah! what hath stirred Thy heart,
What cry hath mounted thither,
And reached Thy heavenly throne,
And drawn Thee, Saviour, hither?
It was Thy wondrous love,
And my most utter need,
Made Thy compassions move,
Stronger than Death indeed.
Then let me give my heart
To Him who loved me, wholly;
And live, while here I dwell,
To show His praises solely;
Yes, Jesus, form anew
This stony heart of mine,
Make it till death still true
To Thee, for ever Thine.
Let nought be left within
But what Thy hand hath planted;
Root out the weeds of sin,
And quell the foe who haunted
My soul, and set the tares;
From Thee comes nothing ill,
O save me from his snares,
Make plain my pathway still.
Thou art the Life, O Lord,
And Thou its Light art only!
Let not Thy blessed rays
Still leave me dark and lonely.
Star of the East, arise!
Drive all my clouds away,
Till earth's dim twilight dies
Into the perfect day!
[472]Love to the Saviour

(XXXV.--"Herr Christ, der einig' Gott's Sohn.")

155.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Herr Christ, der einig' Gotts Sohn
[473]Eliz. Creutziger, 1524
O Thou, of God the Father
The true Eternal Son,
Of thom 'tis surely written
That Thou with Him art one;
Thou art the bright and Morning Star,
Behond all other radiance
Thy glory streams afar.
O let us in Thy knowledge
And in Thy love increase,
That we in faith be steadfast
And serve Thee here in peace;
That so Thy sweetness may be known
To these cold hearts, and teach them
To thirst for Thee alone.
Maker of all! Who showest
The Father's love and might,
In heaven and earth Thou reignest
Of Thine own power and right;
So rule our hearts and minds, that we
Be wholly Thine, and never
May turn aside from Thee!
[474]Love to the Saviour
(L.--"In dir ist Freud.")
156.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
In dir ist Freud
[475]Lindemann, died 1630
In Thee is gladness
Amid all sadness,
Jesus, Sunshine of my heart!
By Thee are given
The gifts of heaven,
Thou the true Redeemer art!
Our souls Thou wakest, Our bonds Thou breakest,
Who trusts Thee surely Hath built securely,
He stands forever: Hallelujah!
Our hearts are pining To see Thy shining,
Dying or living To Thee are cleaving,
Nought can us sever: Hallelujah!
If He is ours
We fear no powers,
Nor of earth, nor sin, nor death;
He sees and blesses
In worst distresses,
He can change them with a breath!
Wherefore the story tell of His glory
With heart and voices; all heaven rejoices
In Him for ever: Hallelujah!
We shout for gladness, triumph o'er sadness,

Love Thee and praise Thee, and still shall raise Thee

Glad hymns for ever: Hallelujah!
[476]Love to the Saviour
(X.--"Auf, hinauf zu deiner Freude.")
157.
Original Tune.
Sheet Music
Auf, hinauf zu deiner Freude
[477]Schade, 1699
Up, yes, upward to thy gladness
Rise, my heart, and soul, and mind!
Cast, oh cast away thy sadness,
Rise where thou thy Lord canst find.
He is thy home,
And thy life alone is He;
Hath the world no place for thee,
With Him is room.
On, still onward, mounting nigher
On the wings of faith to Him;
On, still onward, ever higher,
Till the mournful earth grows dim!
God is thy Rock;
Christ thy Champion cannot fail,
Though thy foes thy life assail,
Fear not their shock.
Hide thee, in His chamber bide thee,
Christ hath open'd now the door;
Tell Him all that doth betide thee,
All thy sorrows there outpour;
He hears thy cry;
Men may hate thee and deceive,
Christ His own will never leave,
He still is nigh.
High, oh high, o'er all things earthy,
Raise thy thoughts, my soul, to heaven;
One alone of thee is worthy,
All thou hast to Him be given,
Thy Lord He is
Who so truly pleads for thee,
Who in love hath died for thee;
Then thou art His.
Up then, upwards! seek thou only
For the things that are above;
Sin thou hatest, earth is lonely,
Rise to Him whom thou dost love,--
There art thou blest;
All things here must change and die,
Only with our Lord on high
Is perfect rest.
[478]Love to the Saviour
(Index of Tunes, XXXIII.)
158.

Tune.--"Let the earth now praise the Lord." Sheet Music

Keine Schönheit hat die Welt
[479]Scheffler, 1657
Nothing fair on earth I see
But I straightway think on Thee;
Thou art fairest in mine eyes,
Source in whom all beauty lies!
On Thy light I think at morn,
With the earliest break of dawn;
Think what glories lie in Thee,
Light of all Eternity!
When I watch the moon arise
'Mid heaven's thousand golden eyes,
Then I think, more glorious far
Is the Maker of yon star.
Or I cry in spring's sweet hours,
When the fields are gay with flowers,
As their varied hues I see,--
What must their Creator be!
When I wander by the stream,
Or beside the fountain dream,
Straight my thoughts take wing and mount
Up to Thee, the purest Fount.
Sweetly all the air is stirr'd
When the Echo's call is heard;
But no sounds my heart rejoice
Like to my Beloved's voice.
Take away then what could blind
Unto Thee my soul and mind;
Henceforth ever let my heart
See Thee, Saviour, as Thou art!