24 (XXXIII.--"Gott sei Dank durch alle Welt.")
24.
Original Tune.
Gott sei Dank durch alle Welt
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. | |