VII.
The Resting-Place amid Changes.
8,8,7,8,8,7
Alles ist an Gottes Segen
Anon. in a Nuremburg Hymnbook of 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. | 190 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 look dim; All that earth has fleets and changes As a river onward ranges, But I rest in peace on Him. | |