viiPreface
The following hymns are selected from the Chevalier Bunsen's "Versuch eines allgemeinen Gesang und Gebetbuchs," published in 1833. From the large number there given, about nine hundred, little more than one hundred have been chosen. This selection contains many of those best known and loved in Germany; but in a work of this size it is impossible to include all that have become classical in that home of Christian poetry. In reading them it must be remembered that they are hymns, not sacred poems, though from their length and the intricacy of their metres, many of them may seem to English readers adapted rather to purposes of private than of public devotion. But the singing of hymns forms a much larger and more viii important part of public worship in the German Reformed Churches than in our own services. It is the mode by which the whole congregation is enabled to bear its part in the worship of God, answering in this respect to the chanting of our own liturgy.
Ever since the Reformation, the German Church has been remarkable for the number and excellence of its hymns and hymn-tunes. Before that time it was not so. There was no place for congregational singing in public worship, and therefore the spiritual songs of the latter part of the middle ages assumed for the most part an artificial and unpopular form. Yet there were not wanting germs of a national Church poetry in the verses rather than hymns which were sung in German on pilgrimages and at some of the high festivals, many of which verses were again derived from more ancient Latin hymns. Several of Luther's hymns are amplifications of verses of this class, such as the Pentecostal hymn here given, "Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord," which is founded on a German version of the "Veni Sancte Spiritus, Reple." By adopting these verses, and retaining their well-known melodies, Luther enabled his hymns to spread rapidly among the common people. He also composed metrical versions of several of the Psalms, the Te Deum, the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, the Nunc Dimittis, the Da nobis Pacem, &c., thus enriching the people, to whom he had already given the Holy Scriptures in their own language, with a treasure of that sacred poetry which is the precious inheritance of every Christian church.
ixThe hymn, "In the midst of life," is one of those founded on a more ancient hymn, the "Media in vita" of Notker, a learned Benedictine of St. Gall, who died in 912. He is said to have composed it while watching some workmen, who were building the bridge of Martinsbruck at the peril of their lives. It was soon set to music, and became universally known; indeed it was used as a battle song, until the custom was forbidden on account of its being supposed to exercise magical influences. In a German version it formed part of the service for the burial of the dead, as early as the thirteenth century, and is still preserved in an unmetrical form in the Burial Service of our own Church.
The carol, "From Heaven above to earth I come," is called by Luther himself, "A Christmas child's song concerning the child Jesus." He wrote it for his little boy Hans, when the latter was five years old, and it is still sung from the dome of the Kreuzkirche in Dresden before day-break on the morning of Christmas Day. It refers to the custom, then and long afterwards prevalent in Germany, of making at Christmas-time representations of the manger with the infant Jesus. But the most famous of his hymns is the noble version of the 46th Psalm, "A sure stronghold our God is He," which may be called the national hymn of his Protestant countrymen. Luther's hymns are wanting in harmony and correctness of metre to a degree which often makes them jarring to our modern ears, but they are always full of fire and strength, of clear Christian faith, and brave joyful trust in God.
xFrom his time there has been a constant succession of hymn writers in the German Church. Paul Eber, an intimate friend of Melancthon, wrote for his children the hymn, "Lord Jesus Christ, true Man and God," which soon became a favorite hymn for the dying. Hugo Grotius asked that it might be repeated to him in his last moments, and expired ere its conclusion. Another hymn of the same class is, "Now hush your cries, and shed no tear," the "Jam moesta quiesce querela" of Prudentius II. translated by Nicholas Hermann, the pious precentor of Joachimsthal, a hymn long sung at every festival.
The terrible times of the Thirty years' War were rich in sacred poetry. Rist, a clergyman in North Germany, who suffered much in his youth from mental conflicts, and in after years from plunder, pestilence, and all the horrors of war, used to say, "the dear cross hath pressed many songs out of me," and this seems to have been equally true of many of his contemporaries. It certainly was true of Johann Hermann, the author of some of the most touching hymns for Passion Week, who wrote his sweet songs under great physical sufferings from ill health, and amidst the perils of war, during which he more than once esaped murder as by a miracle. So too the hymns of Simon Dach, professor of poetry in the University of Koningsberg, speak of the sufferings of the Christian, and his longing to escape from the strife of earth to the peace of heaven.
But the Christians of those days had often not only to suffer, but to fight for their faith, and in the hymns of xi Altenburg and von Löwenstern we have two that may be called battle songs of the Church. The former published his hymn, "Fear not, O little flock, the foe," in 1631, with this title: "A heart-cheering song of comfort on the watch word of the Evangelical Army in the battle of Leipsic, September 5th, 1631, God with us." It was called Gustavus Adolphus's battle song, because the pious hero often sang it with his army; and he sang it for the last time immediately before the battle of Lützen. The latter, von Löwenstern, was the son of a saddler, but was ennobled by the Emporer, Ferdinand III. for his public services: he was at once a statesman, poet, and musician. His hymn, "Christ, Thou the champion of the band," was a favorite of Niebuhr.
Another favorite hymn of Niebuhr was the hymn to Eternity, the greater part of which is of very ancient but uncertain date. It received its present form about the middle of the 17th century.
Many of the hymns of Paul Gerhardt belong to this period, though he lived until 1676, long after the conclusion of peace. He is without doubt the greatest of the German hymn writers, possessing loftier poetical genius, and a richer variety of thought and feeling than any other. His beautiful hymn, "Commit thou all thy [griefs and] ways," is already well known to us through Wesley's translation, and many others of his are not inferior to it. He was a zealous preacher for several years at the Nicolai-Kirch in Berlin; whence he retired because he had not sufficient freedom xii in preaching the truth, and became Archdeacon of Lübben. With him culminated the elder school of German sacred poetry, a school distinguished by its depth and simplicity. Most of its hymns are either written for the high festivals and services of the Church, or are expressive of a simple Christian faith, ready to dare or suffer all things for God's sake. To this school we must refer, from their spirit, two hymns written a little later; the first is "Jesus my Redeemer Lives," one of the most favorite Easter hymns, written by the pious Electress of Brandenburgh, who founded the Orphan House at Oranienburg. The other, "Leave God to order all thy ways," was written by George Neumarck, Secretary to the Archives at Weimar. It spread rapidly among the common people, at first without the author's name. A baker's boy in New Brandenburgh used to sing it over his work, and soon the whole town and neighbourhood flocked to him to learn this beautiful new song.
In the latter half of the seventeenth century a new school was founded by Johann Franck, and Johann Scheffler, commonly called Angelus. The former was burgomaster of Guben in Lusatia; the latter physician to Ferdinand III., but in 1663 he became a Roman Catholic, and afterwards a priest. The pervading idea of this school is the longing of the soul for that intimate union with the Redeemer of the world, which begins with the birth of Christ in the heart, and is perfected after death. This longing breathes through the hymns of Franck given in this collection; one of them, "Redeemer of the nations, come," is a translation of the "Veni, Redemptor gentium" of St. Ambrose. xiii Angelus dwells rather on the means of attaining this union by the sacrifice of the Self to God through the great High-priest of mankind, an idea expressed in his hymns with peculiar tenderness and sweetness. We find much of his spirit and sweetness lingering in modern times about the few hymns of the gifted Novalis.
The greatest poet of this school is however Gerhard Tersteegen, who lived during the early part of the eighteenth century as a ribbon manufacturer at Mühlheim. His hymns have great beauty, and bespeak a tranquil and childlike soul filled and blessed with the contemplation of God. The well-known hymn of Wesley's, "Lo God is here! let us adore," belongs to him, and in its original shape is one of the most beautiful he ever wrote, but is frequently met with only in a disfigured and mutilated form. To this school belong a large number of the hymns in this collection, among which those of Deszler, an excellent philologist of Nuremburgh, and of Anton Ulrich, the pious and learned Duke of Brunswick, are particularly good. Those of Schmolck, the pastor of Schweidnitz, who exercised great influence over the hymn-writing of his day, have more simplicity than most of the rest, but are characterized by a curious mixture of real poetry and deep feeling with occasional vulgarities of expression. The defects of this school, which showed themselves strongly in the course of the eighteenth century, were a tendancy that the feeling should degenerate into sentimentality, and the devout dwelling of the heart on Christ's great sacrifice into compassion and gratitude for His physical sufferings,--defects which greatly disfigure many xiv of the Moravian hymns. In some of the hymns here translated the expression "Christi Wundenhöhle" occurs, which has been rendered by the blood or cross of Christ, as being phrases at once more scriptural and more consonant to our feelings. There were not wanting, however, even at this period, many hymns fit for good soldiers of Jesus Christ, such as "Who seeks in weakness an excuse," and others of the same kind.
Germany is rich in Morning and Evening Hymns, and Hymns for the Dying, of which a few are given in these translations. Among these is the morning hymn of Baron von Canitz: I was not aware until after translating it that it had been already published at the close of one volume of Dr. Arnold's sermons.
The hymn "How blest to all Thy followers, Lord, the road," was the favourite hymn of Schelling.
In translating these hymns the original form has been retained, with the exception, that single rhymes are generally substituted for the double rhymes which the structure of the language renders so common in German poetry, but which become cloying to an English ear when constantly repeated; and that English double common or short metre is used instead of what may be called the German common metre, the same that we call Gay's stanza, to which it approximates closely in the number of syllables, while its associations in our minds are somewhat more solemn. In a few instances slight alterations have been made in the metre, when, as is xv the case with some excellent hymns in our own language, it is hardly grave and dignified enough for the poetry. These alterations are but slight, and seemed justifiable, since these hymns have been translated, not so much as specimens of German hymn-writing, as in the hope that these utterances of German piety which have comforted and strengthened the hearts of many true Christians in their native country, may speak to the hearts of some among us, to help and cheer those who must strive and suffer, and to make us feel afresh what a deep and true Communion of Saints exists among all the children of God in different Churches and lands.
Alderley Edge,
July 16th,
1855
In the second edition a few corrections have been made
and additional verses given in some of the hymns: a few
among them are however still given in an abbreviated
form, where the omitted verses appeared to be
decidedly inferior in merit, or to contain no
new thought. I have also exchanged the
former version of "Ein feste Burg"
for one, as it seems to me, much
superior, which I owe to
the kindness of the
Rev. William
Gaskell.11The electronic edition includes the original in an appendix.
Nov.
30,
1855.
1 First sunday in Advent
The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light
From the Epistle. [Rom. 13:12]
8,4,10,10,4,10
Hüter, wird die Nacht der Sünden
Richter. 1704.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| O Watchman, will the night of sin Be never past? O watchman, doth the tarrying day begin To dawn upon thy straining sight at last? Will it dispel Ere long the mists of sin wherein I dwell? | | Now all the earth is bright and glad With the fresh morn; But all my heart is cold and dark and sad; Sun of the soul, let me behold Thy dawn! Come, Jesus, Lord! Oh quickly come, according to Thy word! | | 2 Do we not live in those blest days So long foretold, When Thou shouldst come to bring us light and grace? And yet I sit in darkness as of old, Pining to see Thy glory; but Thou still art far from me. | | Long since Thou camest for the light Of all men here; And still in me is nought but blackest night, Yet I am thine, Oh hasten to appear, Shine forth and bless My soul with vision of Thy righteousness! | | If thus in darkness ever left, Can I fulfil The works of light, while yet of light bereft? Or how discern in love and meekness still To follow Thee, And all the sinful works of darkness flee? | | The light of reason cannot give Light to my soul; Jesus alone can make me truly live, One glance of His can make my spirit whole, Arise and shine, O Jesus, on this longing heart of mine! | | Single and clear, not weak or blind, The eye must be, To which Thy glory shall and entrance find; For if Thy chosen ones would gaze on Thee, No earthly screen Between their souls and Thee must intervene. | | 3 Jesus, do Thou mine eyes unseal, And let them grow Quick to discern whate'er thou dost reveal, So shall I be deliver'd from that woe, Blindly to stray Through hopeless night, while all around is day. | |
4 Second Sunday in Advent
Behold the fig-tree and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
From the Gospel. [Mk 13:28-29]
8,8,8,8,9,8,8,9
Wach' auf, wach' auf du sich're Welt
Rist. 1651.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Awake, thou careless world, awake! The final day shall surely come; What Heaven hath fixed Time cannot shake, It cannot sweep away thy doom. Know, what the Lord Himself hath spoken Shall come at last and not delay; Though heaven and earth shall pass away, His steadfast word can ne'er be broken. | | 5 Awake! He comes to judgment, wake! Sinners, behold His countanance In beauty terrible, and quake Condemned beneath His piercing glance. Lo! He to whom all power is given, Who sits at God's right hand on high, In fire and thunder draweth nigh, To judge all nations under heaven. | | Awake, thou careless world, awake! Who knows how soon our God shall please That suddenly that day should break? We fathom not such depths as these. Oh guard thee well from lust and greed; For as the bird is in the snare, Or ever of its foe aware, So comes that day with silent speed. | | The Lord in love delayeth long The final day, and grants us space To turn away from sin and wrong, And mourning seek His help 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! | | But ye, O faithful souls, shall see That morning rise in love and joy; Your Saviour comes to set you free, Your Judge shall all your bonds destroy: He, the true Joshua, then shall bring His people with a mighty hand Into their promised father-land, Where songs of victory they shall sing. | | 6 Rejoice! The fig-tree shows her green, The sprining year is in its prime, The little flowers afresh are seen, We gather strength in this great time; The glorious summer draweth near, When all this body's earthly load, In light that morning sheds abroad, Shall wax as sunshine pure and clear. | | Arise, and let us day and night Pray in the Spirit ceaselessly, That we may heed our Lord aright, And ever in His presence be; 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. | |
7 Third Sunday in Advent
And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.
From the Lesson. [Is. 25:9]
8,6,8,6
Wie soll ich dich empfangen
Paul Gerhardt. 1653.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| How shall I meet Thee? How my heart Receive her Lord aright? Desire of all the earth Thou art! My hope, my sole delight! Kindle the Lamp, Thou Lord, alone, Half-dying in my breast, And make thy gracious pleasure known How I may greet Thee best. | | Her budding boughs and fairest palms Thy Zion strews around; And songs of praise and sweetest psalms From my glad heart shall sound. My desert soul breaks forth in flowers, Rejoicing in Thy fame; And puts forth all her sleeping powers, To honour Jesus' name. | | 8 In heavy bonds I languished long, Thou com'st to set me free; The scorn of every mocking tongue-- Thou com'st to honour me. A heavenly crown wilt Thou bestow, And gifts of priceless worth, That vanish not as here below, The fading wealth of earth. | | Nought, nought, dear Lord, had power to move Thee from Thy rightful place, Save that most strange and blessed Love Wherewith Thou dost embrace This weary world and all her woe, Her load of grief and ill And sorrow, more than man can know;-- Thy love is deeper still. | | Oh write this promise in your hearts, Ye sorrowful, on whom Fall thickening cares, while joy departs And darker grows your gloom. Despair not, for your help is near, He standeth at the door Who best can comfort you and cheer, He comes, nor stayeth more. | | Nor vex your souls with care, nor grieve And labour longer thus, As though your arm could ought achieve, And bring Him down to us. He comes, He comes with ready will, By pity moved alone, To soothe our every grief and ill, For all to Him is known. | | 9 Nor ye, O sinners, shrink aside, Afraid to see His face, Your darkest sins our Lord will hide Beneath His pitying grace. He comes, He comes to save from sin, And all its pangs assuage, And for the sons of God to win Their proper heritage. | | Why heed ye then the craft and noise, The fury of His foes? Lo, in a breath the Lord destroys All who His rule oppose. He comes, He comes, as King to reign! All earthly powers may band Against Him, yet they strive in vain, His might may none withstand. | | He comes to judge the earth, and ye Who mocked Him, feel His wrath; But they who loved and sought Him see His light o'er all their path. O Sun of Righteousness! arise, And guide us on our way To yon fair mansion in the skies Of joyous cloudless day. | |
10 Fourth Sunday in Advent
Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, Rejoice. The Lord is at hand.
From the epistle. [Philip. 4:4]
8,8,8,8,8,8,6,8
Macht hoch die Thür, die Thor macht
Weiszel. 1635.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| 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 Praise, O my God, to Thee! Creator, wise is Thy decree! | | The Lord is just, a helper tried, Mercy is ever at His side, 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 Praise, O my God, to Thee! O Saviour, great Thy deeds shall be! | | Oh, blest the land, the city blest, Where Christ the ruler is confessed! 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; Praise, O my God, to Thee! Comforter, for Thy comfort free! | | 11 Fling wide the portals of your heart, Make it a temple set apart From earthly use for Heaven's employ, Adorned with prayer, and love, and joy; So shall your Sovereign enter in, And new and nobler life begin. Praise, O my God, be Thine, For word, and deed, and grace divine. | | 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, Be offered, Saviour, to Thy Name! | |
12 Christmas Eve
Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luke 2:10.
8,8,8,8
Von Himmel hoch da komm ich her
Luther
Written for his little son Hans.
1540
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| From Heaven above to earth I come To bear good news to every home; Glad tidings of great joy I bring Whereof I now will say and sing: | | To you this night is 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. | | 13 He brings those blessings, long ago Prepared by God for all below; Henceforth His kingdom open stands To you, as to the angel bands. | | These 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 bestowed. | | 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! | | 14 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. | | 15 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 sight. | | 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 sing 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. | |
16 Xmas Day
And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.
From the Gospel. [Jn. 1:14]
6,6,8,6
Du wesentliches Wort
Laurenti. 1700.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| O Thou essential Word, Who from eternity Didst dwell with God, for thou wast God, Who art ordained to be The Saviour of our race; Welcome indeed Thou art, Blessed Redeemer, Fount of Grace, To this my longing heart! | | Come, self-existant Word, And speak within my heart, That from the soul where Thou art heard Thy peace may ne'er depart. Thou Light that lightenest all, Abide through faith in me, And let me never from Thee fall, And seek no guide but Thee. | | Why didst Thou leave Thy throne, O Jesus, what could bring Thee to a world where e'en Thine own Knew not their rightful King? Thy love beyond all thought Stronger than Death or Hell, And my deep woe, this wonder wrought, That Thou on earth dost dwell. | | 17 Then help me, Lord, to give My whole heart unto Thee, That all my life while here I live One song of praise may be. Yes, Jesus, form anew This stony heart of mine, And let it e'en in death be true To Thee, for ever Thine. | | Let nought be left within But cometh of Thy hand; Root quickly out the weeds of sin, My cunning foe withstand. From Thee comes nothing ill, 'Tis he doth sow the tares; Make plain my path before me still, And save me from his snares. | | Thou art the Life, O Lord! Sole Light of Life Thou art! Let not Thy glorious rays be poured In vain on my dark heart. Star of the East, arise! Drive all my clouds away, Guide me till earth's dim twilight dies Into the perfect day! | |
18 St. Stephen's Day
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. . . . Then they stirred up the people. . . . and caught him, and set up false witnesses against him.
From the Lesson. [Acts 7:8-11]
8,8,6,8,8,6
Verzage nicht du Haüflein klein
Altenburg
Gustavus Adolphus' Battle-song. 1631.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Fear not, O little flock, the foe Who madly seeks your overthrow, Dread not his rage and power: What though your courage sometimes faints, His seeming triumph o'er God's saints Lasts but one little hour. | | Be of good cheer; your cause belongs To Him who can avenge your wrongs, Leave it to Him our Lord. Though hidden yet from all our eyes, He sees the Gideon who shall rise To save us, and His word. | | As true as God's own word is true, Nor earth nor hell with all their crew Against us shall prevail. A jest and by-word are they grown; God is with us, we are His own, Our victory cannot fail. | | 19 Amen, Lord Jesus, grant our prayer! Great Captain, now Thine arm make bare; Fight for us once again! So shall Thy saints and martyrs raise A mighty chorus to Thy praise, World without end. Amen. | |
20 Saint John the Evangelist
If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me.
From the Gospel. [Jn. 21:22]
8,8,8,8,9,9,8,8,8,8
Lebst du in mir o wahres Leben
Sinold. 1710.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| If Thou, True Life, wilt in me live, Consume whate'er is not of Thee; One look of Thine more joy can give Than all the world can offer me. O Jesus, be Thou mine for ever, Nought from thy love my heart can sever, As Thou hast promised in Thy Word; Oh deep the joy whereof I drink, Whene'er my soul in Thee can sink, And own her Bridegroom and her Lord! | | 21 O Heart, that glowed with love and died, Kindle my soul with fire divine; Lord, in the heart Thou'st won, abide, And all in it that is not Thine Oh let me conquer and destroy, Strong in Thy love, Thou Fount of Joy, Nay, be Thou conqueror, Lord, in me; So shall I triumph o'er despair, O'er death itself Thy victory share, Thus suffer, live, and die in Thee. | | And let the fire within me move My heart to serve Thy members here; Let me their need and trials prove, That I may know my love sincere And like to Thine, Lord, pure and warm; For when my soul hath won that form Is likest to Thy holy mind, Then I shall love both friends and foes, And learn to grieve o'er others' woes, Like Thee, my Pattern, true and kind. | | The light and strength of Faith, oh grant, That I may bring forth holy fruit, A living branch, a blooming plant, Fast clinging to my vine--my root: Thou art my Saviour, whom I trust, My Rock,--I build not on the dust,-- The ground of faith, eternal, sure. When hours of doubt o'ercloud my mind, Thy ready help then let me find, Thy strength my sickening spirit cure! | | 22 And grant that Hope may never fail, But anchored safely on Thy cross, Through Thee who art mine All, prevail O'er every anguish, dread, and loss. The world may build on what decays, O Christ, my Sun of Hope, my gaze Cares not o'er lesser lights to range; To Thee in love I ever cleave, For well I know Thou ne'er wilt leave My soul,--Thy love can never change. | | Wouldst Thou that I should tarry here, I live because Thou willest it; Or Death should suddenly appear, I shall not fear him, Lord, one whit, If but Thy life still in me live, If but Thy death my strength shall give, When earthly life draws near its end; To Thee I give away my will, In life and death remembering still Thou wilt my good, O truest Friend. | |
23 Innocents Day
Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
Matt. 18:3
8,8,8,8
O liebe Seele könnt'st du werden
Gerhard Tersteegen. 1731.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Dear Soul, couldst thou become a child While yet on earth, meek, undefiled, Then God Himself were ever near, And Paradise around thee here. | | A child cares nought for gold or treasure, Nor fame nor glory yield him pleasure; In perfect trust, he asketh not If rich or poor shall be his lot. | | Little he recks of dignity, Nor prince nor monarch feareth he; Strange that a child so weak and small Is oft the boldest of us all! | | He hath not skill to utter lies, His very soul is in his eyes; Single his aim in all, and true, And apt to praise what others do. | | 24 No questions dark his spirit vex, No faithless doubts his soul perplex, Simply from day to day he lives, Content with that the present gives. | | Scarce can he stand alone, far less Would roam abroad in loneliness; Fast clinging to his mother still, She bears and leads him at her will. | | He will not stay to pause and choose, His father's guidance e'er refuse, Thinks not of danger, fears no harm, Wrapt in obedience' holy calm. | | For strange concerns he careth nought; What others do, although were wrought Before his eyes the worst offence, Stains not his tranquil innocence. | | His dearest work, his best delight, Is, lying in his mother's sight, To gaze for ever on her face, And nestle in her fond embrace. | | O childhood's innocence! the voice Of thy deep wisdom is my choice! Who hath thy lore is truly wise, And precious in our Father's eyes. | | 25 Spirit of childhood! loved of God, By Jesu's Spirit now bestowed! How often have I longed for thee; O Jesus, form Thyself in me! | | And help me to become a child While yet on earth, meek, undefiled, That I may find God always near, And Paradise around me here. | |
26 Emmanuel
Sunday after Christmas-day.
Behold, a Virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
From the Gospel. [Matt. 1:23]
8,8,8,8
Wir singen dir Immanuel
Paul Gerhardt. 1650.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Thee, O Immanuel, we praise, The Prince of Life, and Fount of Grace, The Morning Star, the Heavenly Flower, The Virgin's Son, the Lord of Power. | | 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! | | Since first the world began to be, How many a heart hath longed for Thee; Long years our fathers hoped of old Their eyes might yet Thy Light behold: | | 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 prospered then!" | | 27 Now art Thou here; we know Thee now, In lowly manger liest Thou; A child, yet makest all things great, Poor, yet is earth Thy robe of state. | | 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. | | All heavens are Thine, yet Thou didst come To sojourn in a stranger's home; Thou hangest on Thy mother's breast Who art the joy of spirits blest. | | 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. | | 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. | | 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. | |
28 The Circumcision of Christ:
A Hymn for New Year's Day.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Psalm 90:12.
8,8,8,8,8,8,8
O Ewigkeit, o Ewigkeit
Wülffer. 1648.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Eternity! Eternity! How long art thou, Eternity! And yet to thee Time hastes away, Like as the warhorse to the fray, Or swift as couriers homeward go, Or ship to port, or shaft from bow. Ponder, O Man, Eternity! | | Eternity! Eternity! How long art thou, Eternity! For ever as on a perfect sphere End nor beginning can appear, Even so, Eternity, in thee Entrance nor exit can there be. Ponder, O Man, Eternity! | | Eternity! Eternity! How long art thou, Eternity! A circle infinite art thou, Thy centre an Eternal Now, Never, we name thy outer bound, For never end therein is found. Ponder, O Man, Eternity! | | 29 Eternity! Eternity! How long art thou, Eternity! A little bird with fretting beak Might wear to nought the loftiest peak, Though but each thousand years it came, Yet thou wert then, as now, the same. Ponder, O Man, Eternity! | | 30 Eternity! Eternity! How long art thou, Eternity! As long as God is God, so long Endure the pains of sin and wrong, So long the joys of heaven remain; Oh lasting joy, Oh lasting pain! Ponder, O Man, Eternity! | | Eternity! Eternity! How long art thou, Eternity! O man, full oft thy thoughts should dwell Upon the pains of sin and hell, And on the glories of the pure, That both beyond all time endure. Ponder, O Man, Eternity! | | Eternity! Eternity! How long art thou, Eternity! How terrible art thou in woe, How fair where joys for ever glow! God's goodness sheddeth gladness here, His justice there wakes bitter fear. Ponder, O Man, Eternity! | | Eternity! Eternity! How long art thou, Eternity! They who lived poor and naked rest With God, for ever rich and blest, And love and praise the Highest Good, In perfect bliss and gladsome mood. Ponder, O Man, Eternity! | | 31 Eternity! Eternity! How long art thou, Eternity! A moment lasts all joy below, Whereby man sinks to endless woe, A moment lasts all earthly pain, Whereby an endless joy we gain. Ponder, O Man, Eternity! | | Eternity! Eternity! How long art thou, Eternity! Who ponders oft on thee, is wise, All fleshly lusts will he despise, The world finds place with him no more; The love of vain delights is o'er. Ponder, O Man, Eternity! | | Eternity! Eternity! How long art thou, Eternity! Who marks thee well would say to God, Here judge, burn, smite me with Thy rod, Here let me all Thy justice bear, When time of grace is past, then spare! Ponder, O Man, Eternity! | | Eternity! Eternity! How long art thou, Eternity! Lo, I, Eternity, warn thee, O Man, that oft thou think on me, The sinner's punishment and pain, To them who love their God, rich gain! Ponder, O Man, Eternity! | |
32 The Adoration of the Magi.
Epiphany.
Arise, shine, for thy light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee!
From the Lesson. [Is. 60:1]
7,7,7,7,7,7
Werde Licht du Stadt der Heiden
Rist. 1655.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| All ye Gentile lands awake! Thou, O Salem, rise and shine! See the day spring o'er you break, Heralding a morn divine, Telling, God hath called to mind Those who long in darkness pined. | | Lo! the shadows flee away, For our Light is come at length, Brighter than all earthly day, Source of being, life, and strength! Whoso on this Light would gaze Must forsake all evil ways. | | 33 Ah how blindly did we stray Ere shone forth this glorious Sun, Seeking each his separate way, Leaving Heaven, unsought, unwon; All our looks were earthward bent, All our strength on earth was spent. | | Earthly were our thoughts and low, In the toils of Folly caught, Tossed of Satan to and fro, Counting goodness all for nought! By the world and flesh deceived, Heaven's true joys we disbelieved. | | Then were hidden from our eyes All the law and grace of God; Rich and poor, the fools and wise, Wanting light to find the road Leading to the heavenly life, Wandered lost in care and strife. | | But the glory of the Lord Hath arisen on us today, We have seen the light outpoured That must surely drive away All things that to night belong, All the sad earth's woe and wrong. | | 34 Thy arising, Lord, shall fill All my thoughts in sorrow's hour; Thy arising, Lord, shall still All my dread of Death's dark power: Through my smiles and through my tears Still Thy light, O Lord, appears. | | Let me, Lord, in peace depart From this evil world to Thee; Where Thyself sole Brightness art, Thou hast kept a place for me: In the shining city there Crowns of light Thy saints shall wear. | |
35 First Sunday After Epiphany.
I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
From the Epistle. [Rom. 12:1]
7,7,7,7
Höchster Priester, der du dich
Angelus. 1657.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| 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 passions 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. | |
36 Second Sunday after Epiphany.
Lift up your eyes unto the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and the people that dwell therein shall die in like manner; but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
From the Lesson. [Is. 51:6]
5,8,8,8,8,8,7,7,7,7
Gott lebet noch
Zihn. 1682.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! Our God is good, in every place His love is known, His help is found, His mighty arm, and tender grace Bring good from ills that hem us round, Easier than we think can He Turn to joy our agony; Soul, remember 'mid thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. | | God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! Say, shall He slumber, shall He sleep, Who gave the eye its power to see? Shall He not hear His children weep Who made the ear so wondrously? God is God; He sees and hears All their troubles, all their tears. Soul, forget not 'mid thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. | | 37 God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! He who can earth and heaven control, Who spreads the clouds o'er sea and land, Whose presence fills the mighty Whole, In each true heart is close at hand; Love Him, He will surely send Help and joy that never end. Soul, remember in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. | | God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! Scarce canst thou bear thy cross? Then fly To Him where only rest is sweet; Thy God is great, His mercy nigh, His strength upholds the tottering feet; Trust Him, for His grace is sure, Ever doth His truth endure; Soul, forget not in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. | | God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! When sins and follies long forgot Upon thy tortured conscience prey, Oh come to God, and fear Him not, His love shall sweep them all away; Pains of hell at look of His, Change to calm content and bliss. Soul, remember in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. | | 38 God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! Those whom the thoughtless world forsakes, Who stand bewildered with their woe, God gently to his bosom takes, And bids them all His fulness know; In thy sorrows' swelling flood Own his hand who seeks thy good. Soul, forget not in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. | | God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! Let earth and heaven outworn with age, Sink to the chaos whence they came; Let angry foes against us rage, Let hell shoot forth his fiercest flame; Fear not Death, nor Satan's thrusts, God defends who in Him trusts; Soul, remember in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. | | God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! What though thou tread with bleeding feet A thorny path of grief and gloom, Thy God will choose the way most meet To lead thee heavenwards, lead thee home. For this life's long night of sadness He will give thee peace and gladness; Soul, remember in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. | |
39 Third Sunday after Epiphany.
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven; and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
From the Lesson. [Is. 55:10]
8,8,8,6,4,4,8,8
Dein Wort, O Herr, ist milder Thau
Anon.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Thy Word, O Lord, like gentle dews, Falls soft on hearts that pine; Lord, to Thy garden ne'er refuse This heavenly balm of Thine. Watered from Thee Let every tree Bud forth and blossom to Thy praise, And bear much fruit in after days. | | 40 Thy word is like a flaming sword, A wedge that cleaveth stone; Keen as a fire so burns Thy Word, And pierceth flesh and bone. Oh send it forth O'er all the earth, To shatter all the might of sin, The darkened heart to cleanse and win. | | Thy word a wondrous guiding star, On pilgrim hearts doth rise, Leads to their Lord who dwell afar, And makes the simple wise. Let not its light E'er sink in night, But still in every spirit shine, That none may miss Thy light divine. | |
41 Fourth Sunday After Epiphany.
And he said unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
From the Gospel. [Matt. 8:26]
8,6,8,6
Hier lieg' ich, Herr, im Staube
Drewes. 1797.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| My god, lo, here before Thy face I cast me in the dust; Where is the hope of happier days, Where is my wonted trust? Where are the sunny hours I had Ere of Thy light bereft? Vanished is all that made me glad, My pain alone is left. | | I shrink with fear and sore alarm When threatening ills I see, As though in time of need Thine arm No more could shelter me; As though Thou couldst not see the grief That makes my courage quail, As thou Thou wouldst not send relief, When human helpers fail. | | 42 Cannot Thy might avert e'en now What seems my certain doom, And still with light and succour bow To him who weeps in gloom? Art Thou not evermore the same? And hast not Thou revealed That Thou wilt be our strength, Thy Name Our tower of hope, our shield? | | O Father, compass me about With love, for I am weak; Forgive, forgive my sinful doubt, Thy pitying glance I seek; For torn and anguished is my heart, Thou seest it, my God, Oh soothe my conscience' bitter smart, Lift off my sorrows' load. | | I know that I am in Thy hands, Whose thoughts are peace toward me, That ever sure thy counsel stands,-- Could I but build on Thee! I know that Thou wilt give me all That Thou has promised, Lord, Here will I cling, nor yield, nor fall, I live but by Thy Word. | | 43 Though mountains crumble into dust, Thy covenant standeth fast; Who follows Thee in pious trust Shall reach the goal at last. Though strange and winding seem the way While yet on earth I dwell, In heaven my heart shall gladly say, Thou, God, dost all things well! | | Take courage then, my soul, nor steep Thy days and nights in tears, That soon shalt cease to mourn and weep, Thou dark are now thy fears. He comes, He comes, the Strong to save, He comes nor tarries more, His light is breaking o'er the wave, The clouds and storms are o'er! | |
44 Fifth Sunday After Epiphany
Oh that Thou wouldst rend the heavens, that Thou wouldst come down, that the mountains might flow down at Thy presence . . . To make Thy name known to Thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Thy presence.
From the Lesson. [Is. 64:1-2]
8,10,8,10,10,10
Wach auf, du Geist der ersten Zeugen
Bogatsky. 1727.
after A. H. Franke (1663-1727).
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Awake, Thou Spirit, who of old Didst fire the watchmen of the Church's youth, Who faced the foe, unshrinking, bold, Who witnessed day and night the eternal truth, Whose voices through the world are ringing still, And bringing hosts to know and do Thy will! | | Oh that thy fire were kindled soon, That swift from land to land its flame might leap! Lord, give us but this priceless boon Of faithful servants, fit for Thee to reap The harvest of the soul; look down and view How great the harvest, yet the labourers few. | | Lord, let our earnest prayer be heard, The prayer Thy son Himself hath bid us pray; For, lo! Thy children's hearts are stirred In every land in this our darkening day, To cry for help with fervent soul to Thee; Oh hear us, Lord, and speak, Thus let it be! | | 45 O haste to help ere we are lost! Send forth evangelist, in spirit strong, Armed with Thy Word, a dauntless host, 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. | | Would there were help within our walls! Oh let thy promised Spirit come again, Before whom every barrier falls, And ere the night once more shine forth as then! Oh rend the heavens and make Thy presence felt, The chains tha tbind us at Thy touch would melt! | | And let Thy Word have speedy course, Through every land the truth be glorified, Till all the heathen know its force, And gather to Thy churches far and wide; And waken Israel from her sleep, O Lord! Thus bless and spread the conquests of Thy Word! | | The Church's deserts paths restore, That stumbling blocks which long in them have lain, May hinder now Thy Word no more; Destroy false doctrine, root out notions vain, Set free from hirelings, let the Church and school Bloom as a garden 'neath Thy prospering rule! | |
46 Sixth Sunday after Epiphany.
Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure.
From the Epistle. [1 Jn. 3:3]
8,8,8,8
O reines Wesen, lautre Quelle
Freylinghausen. 1713.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| 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 every part Now stained 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. | | 47 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. | | 48 The Holy Spirit Thou hast given, The wondrous pledge of love divine, Who fills our hearts with joys of heaven, And bids us earthly joys resign; Oh let His seal be on my heart, Oh take Him nevermore away, Until this fleshly house decay, And Thou shlt 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 fervent will my sloth inspire, So shall I have my heart's desire, And serve and praise Thee evermore. | |
49 Septuagesima Sunday.
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air.
From the Epistle. [1 Cor. 9:26]
7,7,7,7
Ringe recht wenn Gottes Gnade
Winkler. 1703.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Strive when thou art called of God, When He draws thee by his grace, Strive to cast away the load That would clog thee in the race! | | Fight, though it may cost thy life; Storm the kingdom, but prevail; Let not Satan's fiercest strife Make thee, warrior, faint or quail. | | Wrestle, till through every vein Love and strength are glowing warm, Love that can the world disdain, Half-love will not abide the storm. | | Wrestle with strong prayers and cries, Think no time too much to spend, Though the night be passed in sighs. Though all day thy voice ascend. | | 50 Hast thou won the pearl of price, Think not thou hast reached the goal, Conquered every sin and vice That had power to harm thy soul. | | Gaze with mingled joy and fear, On the refuge thou hast found; Know, while yet we linger here Perils ever hem us round. | | Art thou faithful? then oppose Sin and wrong with all thy might; Care not how the tempest blows, Only care to win the fight. | | Art thou faithful? Wake and watch, Love with all thy heart Christ's ways, Seek not transient ease to snatch, Look not for reward or praise. | | Art thou faithful? Stand apart From all all worldly hope and pleasure, Yonder fix thy hopes and heart, On the heaven where lies our treasure. | | Soldiers of the Cross, be strong, Watch and war 'mid fear and pain, Daily conquering woe and wrong, Till our King o'er earth shall reign! | |
51 Sexagesima Sunday
Let them praise the name of the Lord for His name alone is excellent; His glory is above the earth and heaven.
Psalm 148:13
7,7,7,7
Keine Schönheit hat die Welt
Angelus. 1657.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Nothing fair on earth I see But I straightway think on Thee; Thou art fairest in mine eyes, Source in whom all beauty lies! | | When the golden sun forth goes, And the east before him glows, Quickly turns this heart of mine To Thy heavenly form divine. | | On Thy light I think at morn, With the earliest break of dawn; Ah, 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. | | 52 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 along the brook I wander, Or beside the fountain ponder, Straight my thoughts take wing and mount Up to Thee, the purest fount! | | Sweetly sings the nightingale, Sweet the flute's soft plaintive tale, Sweeter than their richest tone, Is the name of Mary's Son. | | Sweetly all the air is stirred When the Echo's call is heard; But no sounds my heart rejoice Like to my Beloved's voice. | | Come then, fairest Lord, appear, Come, let me behold Thee here, I would see Thee face to face, On Thy proper light would gaze. | | Take away these veils that blind, Jesus, all my soul and mind; Henceforth ever let my heart See Thee truly as Thou art! | |
53 Quinquagesima Sunday.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
From the Epistle. [1 Cor. 13:13]
8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8
Unter jenen grossen Gütern
Ernst Lange. 1711.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Many a gift did Christ impart, Noblest of them all is Love, Love, a balm within the heart That can all its pains remove; Love, a star most bright and pure; Love, a gem of priceless worth, Richer than man knows on earth; Love, like beauty, strong to lure; Love, like joy, makes man her thrall, Strong to please and conquer all. | | Love can give us all things; here Use and beauty cannot sever; Love can raise us to that sphere Whence the soul tends heavenwards ever; Though one speak with angel tongues Bravest words of strength and fire, If no love his heart inspire, They are but as fleeting songs; All his eloquence shall pass, As the noise of sounding brass. | | 54 Science with her keen-eyed glance, All the wisdom of the world, Mysteries that the soul entrance, Faith that mighty hills had hurled From their ancient seats;--all this, Wherein man takes most his pride, Valueless is cast aside, If the spirit there we miss, That can work from love alone, Not from pride in what is known. | | Though I lavished all I have On the poor in charity; Though I shrank not from the grave, Or unmoved the stake could see; Though my body here were given To the all-consuming flame; If my mind were still the same, Meeter were I not for heaven, Till by Love my works were crowned, Till in Love my strength were found. | | Faith must conquer, Hope must bloom, As our onward path we wend, Else we came not through the gloom, But with earth they also end: Thou, O Love, doth stretch afar Through the wide eternity, And the soul arrayed in Thee Shines for ever as a star. Faith and hope must pass away, Thou, O Love, endurest aye. | | 55 Come, thou Spirit of pure Love, Who dost forth from God proceed, Never from my heart remove, Let me all Thy impulse heed; All that seeks self-profit first, Rather than another's good, Whether foe or linked in blood, Let me hold such thought accurst; And my heart henceforward be Ruled, inspired, O Love, by thee! | |
56 Quinquagesima Sunday.
And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight; thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God.
From the Gospel. [Luke 18:42-43]
8,6,8,6
Was du vor tausend Jahren
De la Mothe Foqué.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
I am the light of the world.
[Jn. 8:12]
God said, let there be light: and there was light.
[Gen. 1:3]
| My Saviour, what Thou didst of old, When thou wast dwelling here, Thou doest yet for them, who bold In faith to Thee draw near. As thou hadst pity on the blind, According to Thy Word, Thou sufferedst me Thy grace to find, Thy Light hast on me poured. | | Mourning I sat beside the way, In sightless gloom apart, And sadness heavy on me lay, And longing gnawed my heart; I heard the music of the psalms Thy people sang to Thee, I felt the waving of their palms, And yet I could not see. | | My pain grew more than I could bear, Too keen my grief became, Then I took heart in my despair To call upon Thy name; "O Son of David, save and heal, As Thou so oft hast done! O dearest Jesus, let me feel My load of darkness gone." | | 57 And ever weeping as I spoke With bitter prayers and sighs, My stony heart grew soft and broke, More earnest yet my cries. A sudden answer stilled my fear, For it was said to me, "O poor blind man, be of good cheer, Rejoice, He calleth thee." | | 58 I felt, Lord, that Thou stoodest still, Groping Thy feet I sought, From off me fell my old self-will, A change came o'er my thought. Thou saidst, "What is it thou wouldst have?" "Lord, that I might have sight; To see Thy countenance I crave:" "So be it, have thou Light." | | And words of Thine can never fail, My fears are past and o'er; My soul is glad with light, the veil Is on my heart no more. Thou blessest me, and forth I fare Free from my old discrace, And follow on with joy where'er Thy footsteps, Lord, I trace. | |
59 Ash Wednesday.
Gather the people . . and let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the alter, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O Lord.
From the Passage for the Epistle. [Joel 2:17]
7,5,7,5,3,4,7,7
Straf mich nicht in deinem Zorn
Albinus. 1652.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Not in anger smite us, Lord, Spare Thy people, spare! If Thou mete us due reward We must all despair. Let the flood Of Jesus' blood Quench the flaming of Thy wrath, That our sin enkindled hath. | | Father! Thou hast patience long With the sick and weak; Heal us, make us brave and strong, Words of comfort speak. Touch my soul, And make me whole With Thy healing precious balm; Ward off all would bring me harm. | | Weary am I, Lord, and worn With my ceaseless pain; Sad the heart that night and morn Sighs for help in vain. Wilt Thou yet My soul forget, Waiting anxiously for Thee In the cave of misery? | | 60 Hence, ye foes! God hears my prayer From His holy place; Once again with hope I dare Come before His face. Satan flee, Hell touch not me; God hath given me power o'er all, Who once mocked and sought my fall. | |
61 First Sunday in Lent.
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And he fasted forty days and forty nights.
From the Gospel. [Matt. 4:1-2]
10,10,10,10
Bin ich allein ein Fremdling auf
Raisner. 1678.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Am I a stranger here, on earth alone, When shall my weary days be past and gone? When shall I find some respite, some relief From this unsleeping pain, this haunting grief? | | The joyful sun another morning brings, I only wake to see care's piercing stings; The soft moon comes with silent night and sleep, And bringeth nought to me but time to weep. | | My heart and conscience sorely wounded lie, Struck by the arrows of Thy wrath, Most High! From morn to eventide where'er I flee, I find no hiding-place, great God, from Thee! | | O Lord, be not so strict to mark my crimes! Great God, dost thou remember yet those times Of foolish thoughtlessness, when blind and young My heart to vain delights of earth still clung? | | Wilt Thou then always bear my sins in mind? What offering, what atonement can I find! Nought have I of mine own but sin and wrong, But love and mercy, Lord, to Thee belong! | | 6263 Oh therefore leave me not the wretched prey Of those who seek to take my life away! Yet though with streaming eyes to Thee I cry, No answering voice comes from Thy throne on high. | | Vain are my tears and prayers, vain all my woe, While Thou dost fight against me as a foe; The zeal of Thy just anger and Thy might Have plunged my soul in blackest depths of night. | | I sit alone; with tears I bathe my cheeks, With bitter sighs and groans my spirit seeks, For Him, who veils behind the clouds His face, And hears not, as of old in happier days. | | O that I had a dove's swift wings! I'd fly Away to some far mountain lone and high,-- Yet could I not escape His mighty hand Before whom all things bare and open stand. | | Nay, rather let me suffer all His will, Though His fierce anger beat upon me still, A willing heart and patient mind, O God! I bring to Thy sever but righteous rod. | | Much have I sinned, I perish utterly If my misdeeds be all avenged of Thee; Yet, Lord of Hosts, doth not thy Word proclaim, The Merciful is Thy most glorious name! | |
64 Second Sunday in Lent.
And the disciples said, Send her away, for she crieth after us; . . . But He said, Great is thy faith, be it unto thee even as thou wilt.
From the Gospel. [Matt. 15:23-28]
12,4,4,12,6,6,10,6
Ich lass dich nicht, du Hülf' in
Wolfgang C. Deszler. 1692.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| I will not let Thee go; Thou Help in time of need! Heap ill on ill I trust Thee still, E'en when it seems that thou wouldst slay indeed! Do as Thou wilt with me, I yet will cling to Thee, Hide Thou Thy face, yet, Help in time of need, I will not let Thee go! | | I will not let Thee go; should I forsake my bliss? No, Lord, Thou'rt mine, And I am Thine, Thee will I hold when all things else I miss. Though dark and sad the night, Joy cometh with Thy light, O Thou my Sun; should I forsake my bliss? I will not let Thee go! | | I will not let Thee go, my God, my Life, my Lord! Not Death can tear Me from His care, Who for my sake His soul in death outpoured. Thou diedst for love to me, I say in love to Thee, E'en when my heart shall break, my God, my Life, my Lord, I will not let Thee go! | |
65 Third Sunday in Lent.
Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.--
From the Epistle. [Eph. 5:14]
8,6,8,6,8,8,10,10
Erwach, o Mensch, erwache
Crasselius. 1697.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Awake, O man, and from thee shake This heavy sleep of sin! Soon shall the Highest vengeance take, Soon shall His wrath begin To smite the wretched sinner home; In awful terrors He shall come, To mete to all on earth their due reward, Only the righteous spares our angry Lord. | | 66 Come then, ye sinners, great and small, Weeping and mourning sore, Low down before his footstool fall, And vow to sin no more. In faith and godliness array Your souls against that final day, So shall ye 'scape His wrath, and blessed die, Heirs of the kingdom with your Lord on high. | | Oh lay to heart this wondrous thought, Through what sore agony And death was your redemption bought, And to your Saviour flee Ere yet to late; the world disown, And fix your love on Christ alone, And do His will; for at the final doom, Those who dishonoured Him shall wrath consume. | | Turn Thou us, and we shall be turned, Thou broughtest back of old Thy straying people, when they yearned After their proper fold; Even so forgive what we have done, Accept us in Thy blessed Son, And let Thy Holy Spirit be our guide, That we may spread Thy praises far and wide! | |
67 Fourth Sunday in Lent.
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
From the Collect.
10,10,10,10
Hier lieg ich nun mein Gott zu deinen
Anon.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Here, O my God, I cast me at Thy feet, Ready to suffer what Thou thinkest meet; Yet look on me, great God, with pitying eyes, Reward me not for mine iniquities! | | To oft, alas! my heart hath loved to stray Downward along Sin's broad and easy way; And worldly pride and carnal lusts most foul Were shameless cherished in my inmost soul. | | Thy Majesty have I offended, Lord, And set at nought Thy law, Thy holy Word; I had not learnt Thy righteous wrath to dread, Nor saw the vengeance gathering o'er my head. | | O wretched man, what evil have I wrought! Who may these heavy chains of sin unbind? Can man nor creature show me any place, Where I may flee and hide me from God's face! | | 68 Nay, I must flee to God Himself, from whom Our life and help, our hope and safety come; What all the world must unaccomplished leave, Thou, for Thou art Almighty, canst achieve. | | Think on the covenant Thou hast never broken, Think on the steadfast oath 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 round me thrown, Have pity on me, hear my bitter moan, Call back Thy sheep, that wandering far astray, Was lost in sin, nor knew its homeward way. | | Grant me to rule my inner life aright, And act and speak as ever in Thy sight, A friend to all true virtue, but a foe To all Thou hatest, sins and follies low. | | Thou Merciful! what thanks and praise shall be For Thy great goodness offered unto Thee, As is most meet, while here my days I spend, And yonder in the world that shall not end! | |
69 Fifth Sunday in Lent.
Out of the depths have I called unto Thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice. If Thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss, O Lord, who may abide it?--
Ps. 130:1,3.
8,6,8,6,8,8,9
Aus tiefer Noth schrei ich zu dir
Luther. 1524.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Out of the depths I cry to thee, Lord God! oh hear my prayer! Incline a gracious ear to me, And bid me not despair: If Thou rememberest each misdeed, If each should have its righteous meed, Lord, who shall stand before Thee? | | 'Tis through Thy love alone we gain The pardon of our sin; The strictest life is but in vain, Our works can nothing win, That none should boast himself of aught, But own in fear Thy grace hath wrought What in him seemeth righteous. | | 70 Wherefore my hope is in the Lord, My works I count but dust, I build not there, but on His word, And in His goodness trust. Up to His care myself I yield, He is my tower, my rock, my shield, And for His help I tarry. | | And though it linger till the night, And round again till morn, My heart shall ne'er mistrust Thy might, Nor count itself forlorn. Do thus, O ye of Israel's seed, Ye of the Spirit born indeed, Wait for your God's appearing. | | Though great our sins and sore our wounds, And deep and dark our fall, His helping mercy hath no bounds, His love surpasseth all. Our trusty loving Shepherd He, Who shall at last set Israel free From all their sin and sorrow. | |
71 Palm Sunday.
And the multitude that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
Matt. 21:9.
10,8,6,10,10,10
Hosianna! Davids Sohn
Schmolck. 1704.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Hosanna to the Son of David! Raise Triumphal arches to His praise, For Him prepare a throne Who comes at last to Zion--to His own! Strew palms around, make plain and straight the way For Him who His triumphal entry holds today! | | 72 Hosanna! Welcome above all Thou art! Make ready each to lay his heart Low down before His feet! Come, let us hasten forth our Lord to meet, And bid him enter in Zion's gates, Where thousand-voiced welcome on His coming waits. | | Hosanna! Prince of Peace and Lord of Might! We hail Thee Conqueror in the fight! All Thou with toil hast won, Shall be our booty when the battle's done. Thy right hand ever hath the rule and sway, Thy kingdom standeth fast when all things else decay. | | Hosanna! best-beloved and noble Guest! Who makest us by thy behest Heirs of Thy realm with Thee. Oh let us therefore never weary be To stand and serve before Thy righteous throne, We know no king but Thee, rule Thou o'er us alone! | | Hosanna! Come, the time draws on apace, We long Thy mercy to embrace, This servant's form can ne'er Conceal the majesty Thy acts declare: Too well art Thou here in Thy Zion known, Who art the Son of God, and yet art David's Son. | | 73 Hosanna! Lord, be Thou our help and friend, Thy aid to us in mercy send, That each may bring his soul An offering unto Thee, unstained and whole. Thou wilt have none for Thy disciples, Lord, But those who truly keep, not only hear Thy word. | | Hosanna! Let us in Thy footsteps tread, Not that sad Mount of Olives dread Where we must weep and watch, Until the far-off song of joy we catch From Heaven our Bethphage, where we shall sing Hosanna in the highest to our God and King! | | Hosanna! Let us sound it far and wide! Enter Thou in and here abide, Thou Blessed of the Lord! Why standest Thou without, why roam'st abroad! Hosanna! Make Thy home with us for ever! Thou comest, Lord! and nought us from Thy love shall sever. | |
74 Monday in Passion Week.
And when He was come near, He beheld the city and wept over it.
Luke 19:14
8,6,8,10,4,10,12,10
Du weinest für Jerusalem
Heermann. 1630.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Thou weepest o'er Jerusalem, Lord Jesus, bitter tears; But deepest comfort lies in them For us, whose sins have filled our soul with tears: Since they that tell, When sinners turn to Thee Thou lov'st it well, And surely wilt efface, of Thy unbounded grace, All the misdeeds that on our conscience dwell. | | 75 When God's just wrath and anger burn Against me for my sin, To these sad tears of Thine I turn, And watching them fresh hope and courage win; For God doth prize These drops so greatly, that before His eyes Who sprinkles o'er his soul with them is clean and whole, And from his sorrows' depth new joy shall rise. | | Earth is the home of tears and woe, Where we must often weep, Fighting the world our mighty foe, Whose enmity to Thee doth never sleep; My heart is torn Afresh each day by her fierce rage and scorn, But in my saddest hours, I think upon those showers That tell how Thou hast all our sorrows borne. | | Thou countest up my tears and sighs, E'en were they numberless; Not one is hidden from thy eyes, Thou ne'er forgettest me in my distress, But when they rain Before Thee, Thou dost quickly turn again, Hast pity on my woe, and makest me to know What sweetest joy lies hid in sorest pain. | | We sow in tears; but let us keep Our faith in God, and trust Him still, Yonder our harvest we shall reap, Where gladness every heart and voice shall fill. Such joy is there No mortal tongue its glory can declare, A joy that shall endure, unchanging deep and pure, That shall be ours, if here the cross we bear. | | 76 O Christ, I thank Thee for Thy tears; Those tears have won for me That I shall wear, through endless years, A crown of joy before my God and Thee. All weeping o'er, Up to Thy chosen saints I once shall soar, And there Thy pity praise, in more befitting lays, Thou glory of Thy Church, for evermore. | |
For these things I weep, Mine eye runneth down with water, because the comfort that should relieve my soul, is for ever from me; my children are desolate because the enemy prevailed.
Lament. 1:16
77 Tuesday in Passion Week.
By the which will we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Heb. 10:10
7,7,7,7
Jesu deine tiefen Wunden
Heermann. 1644.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Lord! Thy death and passion give Strength and comfort at my need, Every hour while here I live On Thy love my soul shall feed. Doth some evil thought upstart? Lo, Thy cross defends my heart, Shows the peril, and I shrink Back from loitering on the brink. | | Doth my carnal nature yearn After wanton joys? again Quickly to Thy cross I turn, And her voice is heard in vain. Cometh strong temptation's hour, When my foe puts forth his power? Sheltered by this holy shield, Soon I drive him from the field. | | Would the world my steps entice To yon wide and level road, Filled with mirth and pleasant vice? Lord, I think upon the load Thou didst once for me endure, And I fly all thoughts impure; Thinking on Thy bitter pains, Hushed in prayer my heart remains. | | 78 Yes, Thy cross hath power to heal All the wounds of sin and strife, Lost in Thee my heart doth feel Sudden warmth and nobler life. In my saddest, darkest grief, Let Thy sweetness bring relief, Thou who camest but to save, Thou who fearedst not the grave! | | Lord, in Thee I place my trust, Thou art my defence and tower; Death Thou treadest in the dust, O'er my soul he hath no power. That I may have part in Thee, Help and save and comfort me, Give me of Thy grace and might, Resurrection, life and light. | | Fount of Good, within me dwell, For the peace Thy presence sheds Keeps us safe in conflict fell, Charms the pain from dying beds. Hide me close within Thine arm, Where no foe can hurt or harm; Whoso, Lord, in Thee doth rest, He hath conquered, he is blest. | |
79 Wednesday in Passion Week.
Now once in the end of the world hath He appeared, to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
From the Epistle. [Heb. 9:26]
6,6,8,4,8,7,6
Wenn meine Sünd' mich kränken
Gesenius. 1646.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| When sorrow and remorse Prey at my heart, to Thee I look, who on the holy cross Was slain for me. Ah Lord, Thy precious blood was spilt For me, O most unworthy, To take away my guilt. | | Oh wonder past belief! Behold the Master spares His servants, and sore pain and grief For them He bears. God stoopeth from His throne on high, For me His guilty creature, He deigns as man to die. | | Thou countless were the sins That weighed me to the dust, Christ's death for me the favour wins Of God most just. His precious blood my debts hath paid, Of hell and all its torments I am no more afraid. | | My heart is filled with ruth, Thinking on all Thou'st borne, How mighty love and tender truth Were crowned with thorn. In songs of thanks I'll spend my breath For Thy sad cry, Thy sufferings, Thy wrongs, Thy guiltless death. | | 80 Thy Passion, Lord, inspires My spirit day by day, With strength from all low dark desires To flee away. This thought I fain would cherish most, What pain my soul's redemption To Thee, O Saviour, cost. | | Whate'er the burden be, The cross upon me laid, Or want or shame, I look to Thee, Be Thou mine aid. Give patience, give me strength to take Thee for my bright example, And all the world forsake. | | Let me to others do, As thou hast done to me, Love them with love unfeigned and true, Their servant be Of willing heart, nor seek my own, But as Thou, Lord, hast helped us, From purest love alone. | | And let Thy sorrows cheer My soul when I depart; Give strength to cast away all fear, And tell my heart That since my trust is in Thy grace, Thou wilt accept me yonder, Where I shall see Thy face. | |
81 Thursday in Passion Week
Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried saying, Crucify Him, crucify Him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath He done?
From the Gospel. [Lk. 23:20-22]
10,10,10,4
Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du
Heermann. 1630.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Alas dear Lord, what evil hast Thou done, That such sharp sentence from Thy judge hath won? What are His crimes, and what the guilt, oh, tell Wherein He fell! | | They scourge Him, crown Him with a crown of thorn, They smite His face with bitter mock and scorn, They give Him gall to drink, they pierce His side, The Crucified! | | From head to foot was there no spot in me Unscarred by sin, from taint of evil free; My sins had weighed me down that I should dwell For aye in Hell. | | 82 Whence come these sorrows, whence this cruel woe? It was my sins that struck the fatal blow; Mine were the wrath and anguish, dearest Lord, On Thee outpoured. | | What strangest punishment! The Shepherd good For erring sheep here pours His own heart's blood, The servants' debts are on the Master laid, Who all hath paid. | | Oh wondrous love, love that no measure knows, That brought Thee, Christ, to drink this cup of woes! Full of the world's vain joys and hopes was I, While Thou must die! | | O mighty King! mighty beyond all time! Fain would I sound Thy praise through every clime! A gift were meet for Thee, my anxious thought Long time hath sought. | | But human wisdom searches, Lord, in vain To find aught like Thy pity, or Thy pain. How shall my works, though toiling day and night, Thy love requite? | | Yet have I somewhat that my Lord can please; I can renounce sweet sins and selfish ease, And quinch the unhallowed fires that back would lure To thoughts impure. | | 83 But since my strength, alas, will ne'er prevail My strong desires upon the cross to nail, Oh let Thy Spirit rule my heart, who leads To all good deeds. | | Then shall Thy mercy fill my every thought, I love Thee so, the world to me is nought; My sole endeavour, Lord, is to fulfil Thy holy will. | | My all I risk to magnify Thy name, No cross shall daunt me, no reproach or shame; Man's fiercest threats I will not lay to heart, Nor Death's worst smart. | | In truth my sacrifice is nothing worth, Yet Thou in mercy wilt not cast it forth; Thou'lt put me not to shame but for love's sake My offering take. | | Lord Jesus, once on high amongst Thine own, Shall I stand crowned with light before Thy throne! Where sweetest hymns are ever ringing round, My voice shall sound. | |
84 Good Friday. Morning.
He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.
From the Lesson. [Is. 53:5]
6,6,8,6
O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden
Paul Gerhardt. 1659.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Ah wounded Head! Must Thou Endure such shame and scorn! The blood is trickling from Thy brow Pierced by the crown of thorn. Thou who wast crowned on high With light and majesty, In deep dishonour here must die, Yet here I welcome Thee! | | Thou noble countenance! All earthly lights are pale Before the brightness of that glance, At which a world shall quail. How is it quenched and gone! Those gracious eyes how dim! Whence grew that cheek so pale and wan? Who dared to scoff at Him? | | 85 All lovely hues of life, That glowed on lip and cheek, Have vanished in that awful strife; The Mighty One is weak. Pale Death has won the day, He triumphs in this hour When Strength and Beauty fade away, And yield them to his power. | | Ah Lord, Thy woes belong, Thy cruel pains, to me, The burden of my sin and wrong Hath all been laid on Thee. Behold me where I kneel, Wrath were my rightful lot, One glance of love yet let me feel! Redeemer, spurn me not! | | My Guardian, own me Thine; My Shepherd, bear me home: O Fount of mercy, Source Divine, From Thee what blessings come! How oft Thy mouth has fed My soul with angels' food, How oft Thy Spirit o'er me shed His stores of Heavenly good! | | Ah would that I could share Thy cross, Thy bitter woes! All true delight lies hidden there, Thence all true comfort flows. Ah well were it for me That I could end my strife, And die upon the cross with Thee, Who art my Life of life! | | 86 My soul is all o'erfraught, O Jesus, dearest Friend, With thankful love to Him who sought Such woe for such an end. Grant me as true a faith, As Thou art true to me, That so the icy sleep of death Be but a rest in Thee. | | Yes, when I must depart, Depart Thou not from me; When Death is creeping to my heart, Bear Thou mine agony. When faith and courage sink, O'erwhelmed with dread dismay, Come Thou who ne'er from pain didst shrink, And chase my fears away. | | Come to me ere I die, My comfort and my shield; Then gazing on Thy cross can I Calmly my spirit yield. On Thee, when life is past, My darkening eyes shall dwell, My heart in faith shall hold Thee fast; Who dieth thus, dies well. | |
87 Good Friday. Evening.
But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 5:8
8,8,8,8
O du Liebe meiner Liebe
Angelus. 1657.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Thou Holiest Love, whom most I love, Who art my longed-for only bliss, Whom tenderest pity erst did move To fathom woe and death's abyss Who once didst suffer for my good, And die my guilty debts to pay, Thou Lamb of God, whose precious blood Can take a world's misdeeds away; | | Thou Love, who didst such anguish bear Upon the Mount of agony, And yet with ceaseless watchful care Dost yearn o'er us so tenderly; Thou camest not Thy will to seek, But all Thy Father's will obey, Bearing the cross in patience meek, That Thou might'st take our curse away. | | O Love, who with unflinching heart Enduredst all disgrace and shame; O Love, who mid the keenest smart Of dying pangs wert still the same; Who didst Thy changeless virtue prove E'en with Thy latest parting breath, And spakest words of gentlest love When soul and body sank in death; | | 88 O Love, through sorrows manifold Hast Thou betrothed me as a bride, By ceaseless gifts, by love untold, Hast bound me ever to Thy side; Oh let the weary ache, the smart, Of life's long tale of pain and loss, Be gently stilled within my heart At thought of Thee, and of Thy cross! | | O Love, who dying thus for me, Hast won me an eternal good Through sorest anguish on the tree, I ever think upon Thy blood; I ever thank Thy sacred wounds, Thou wounded Love, Thou Holiest, But most when life is near its bounds, And in Thy bosom safe I rest. | | O Love, who unto death hast grieved For this cold heart, unworthy Thine, Whom once the chill dark grave received, I thank Thee for that grief divine; I give Thee thanks that Thou didst die To win eternal life for me, To bring salvation from on high; Oh draw me up through love to Thee! | |
89 Easter Even.
And Joseph wrapped the body in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock.
From the Gospel. [Matt. 27:59-60]
6,6,11,6,6,11
Su ruhest du, o meine Ruh
Salomo Franck (1659-1725). 1711.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Rest of the weary! Thou Thyself art resting now, Where lowly in Thy sepulchre Thou liest: From out her deathly sleep My soul doth start, to weep So sad a wonder, that Thou Saviour diest! | | Thy bitter anguish o'er, To this dark tomb they bore Thee, Life of Life--Thee, Lord of all creation! The hollow rocky cave Must serve Thee for a grave, Who wast Thyself the Rock of our Salvation! | | O Prince of Life! I know That when I too lie low, Thou wilt at last my soul from death awaken; And thus I will not shrink From the grave's awful brink; The heart that trusts in Thee shall ne'er be shaken. | | To me the darksome tomb Is but a narrow room, Where I may rest in peace from sorrow free; Thy death shall give me power To cry in that dark hour, O Death, O Grave, where is your victory? | | The grave can nought destroy, Only the flesh can die, And e'en the body triumphs o'er decay: Clothed by Thy wondrous might In robes of dazzling light, This flesh shall burst the grave at that last Day. | | 90 My Jesus, day by day, Help me to watch and pray, Beside the tomb where in my heart Thou'rt laid. Thy bitter death shall be My constant memory, My guide at last into Death's awful shade. | |
91 Easter Day. Morning.
Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more: death hath no more dominion over Him.
From the Anthem [Rom. 6:9]
7,7,7,7,7,7,4
Christ lag in Todesbanden
Luther. 1524.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| In the bonds of Death He lay, Who for our offense was slain, But the Lord is risen today, Christ hath brought us life again. Wherefore let us all rejoice, Singing loud with a cheerful voice Hallelujah! | | Of the sons of men was none Who could break the bonds of Death, Sin this mischief dire had done, Innocent was none on earth; Wherefore Death grew strong and bold, Death would all men captive hold. Hallelujah! | | Jesus Christ, God's only Son, Came at last our foe to smite, All our sins away hath done, Done away Death's power and right, Only the form of Death is left, Of his sting he is bereft; Hallelujah. | | 92 'Twas a wondrous war, I trow, When Life and Death together fought; But life hath triumphed o'er his foe, Death is mocked and set at nought; Yea, 'tis as the Scripture saith, Christ through death has conquered Death. Hallelujah. | | Now our Paschal Lamb is He, And by Him alone we live, Who to death upon the tree, For our sake Himself did give. Faith His blood strikes on our door, Death dares never harm us more. Hallelujah. | | On this day most blest of days, Let us keep high festival, For our God hath showed His grace, And our Sun hath risen on us all, And our hearts rejoice to see Sin and night before Him flee. Hallelujah. | | To the supper of the Lord, Gladly we will come today, The word of peace is now restored, The old leaven is put away; Christ will be our food alone, Faith no life but His doth own. Hallelujah. | |
93 Easter Day. Evening.
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
From the Epistle. [Col. 3:1]
7,7,7,7,10,10
Verklärtes Haupt nun lebst du
Gerhard Tersteegen. 1731.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| O Glorious Head, Thou livest now! Let us Thy members share Thy life; Canst Thou behold their need, nor bow To raise Thy children from the strife With self and sin, with death and dark distress, That they may live to Thee in holiness? | | Earth knows Thee not, but evermore Thou liv'st in Paradise, in peace; Oh fain my soul would thither soar, Oh let me from the creatures cease: Dead to the world, but to Thy spirit known, I live to Thee, O Prince of life, alone. | | Break through my bonds whate'er it cost, What is not Thine within me slay, Give me the lot I covet most, To rise as Thou hast risen today. I nought can do, a slave to death I pine, Work Thou in me, O Power and Life Divine! | | Work Thou in me, and heavenward guide My thoughts and wishes, that my heart Waver no more nor turn aside, But fix for ever where Thou art. Thou art not far from us; who loves Thee well, While yet on earth in heaven with Thee may dwell. | |
94 Monday in Easter Week.
And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known to them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
From the Gospel. [Lk 24:35-36]
8,6,8,6
Willkommen Held im Streite
Schmolck. 1712.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Welcome Thou victor in the strife, Now welcome from the cave! Today we triumph in Thy life Around Thine empty grave. | | Our enemy is put to shame, His short-lived triumph o'er; Our God is with us, we exclaim, We fear our foe no more. | | The dwellings of the just resound With songs of victory; For in their midst, Lord, Thou art found, And bringest peace with Thee. | | O share with us the spoils, we pray, Thou diedst to achieve; We meet within Thy house today Our portion to receive: | | And let Thy conquering banner wave O'er hearts Thou makest free, And point the path that from the grave Leads heavenward up to Thee. | | 95 We bury all our sin and crime Deep in our Saviour's tomb, And seek the treasure there, that time Nor change can e'er consume. | | 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 tomb, 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. | |
96 Tuesday in Easter Week.
I know that my Redeemer liveth . . and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.
Job 19:25,26
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
From the Lesson. [1 Cor. 15:53]
7,7,7,7,7,7
Jesus meine Zuversicht
Louisa Henrietta, Electress of Brandenburgh. 1653.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| 97 Jesus my Redeemer lives, Christ my trust is dead no more; In the strength this knowledge gives Shall not all my tears be o'er, Though the night of Death be fraught Still with many an anxious thought? | | Jesus my Redeemer lives, And His life I once shall see; Bright the hope this promise gives, Where He is I too shall be. Shall I fear then? Can the Head Rise and leave the members dead? | | Close to Him my soul is bound In the bonds of Hope enclasped; Faith's strong hand this hold hath found, And the Rock hath firmly grasped: And no ban of death can part From our Lord the trusting heart. | | I shall see Him with these eyes, Him whom I shall surely know; Nort another shall I rise, With His love this heart shall glow; Only there shall disappear Weakness in and round me here. | | Ye who suffer, sigh, and moan, Fresh and glorious there shall reign; Earthly here the seed is sown, Heavenly it shall rise again; Natural here the death we die, Spiritual our life on high. | | 98 Body, be thou of good cheer, In thy Saviour's care rejoice, Give not place to gloom and fear, Dead, thou yet shalt know His voice, When the final trump is heard, And the deaf cold grave is stirred. | | Laugh to scorn then death and hell, Laugh to scorn the gloomy grave; Caught into the air to dwell With the Lord who comes to save, We shall trample on our foes, Mortal weakness, fear and woes. | | Only see ye that your heart Rise betimes from earthly lust; Would ye there with Him have part, Here obey your Lord and trust, Fix your hearts beyond the skies, Whither ye yourselves would rise. | |
99 First Sunday after Easter.
God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
From the Epistle. [1 Jn. 5:11]
8,8,8,8
Was wär ich ohne dich gewesen
After Novalis. about 1795.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| What had I been if Thou wert not? What were I now if Thou wert gone? Ah, fear and anguish were my lot, In this wide world I stood alone; Whate'er I love were safe no more, The future were a dark abyss; To whom could I my sorrows pour, If Thee my laden heart should miss? | | Longing for love through lonely years, The gloom of night came o'er my day; I followed, yet with secret tears, The world's wild joys, and owned her sway; Till restless from her turmoil driven, I turned within,--and grief was there: Ah, had we not a Friend in heaven, Who, who his lot on earth could bear! | | 100 But when Thou mak'st Thy presence felt, And when the soul hath grasped Thee right, How fast the dreary shadows melt Beneath Thy warm and living light! In Thee I find a nobler birth, A glory o'er the world I see, And paradise returns to earth, And blooms again for us in Thee. | | 101 Thou strong and loving Son of Man, Redeemer from the bonds of sin, 'Tis Thou the living spark dost fan That sets my heart on fire within. Thou openest heaven once more to men, The soul's true home, Thy Kingdom, Lord, And I can trust and hope again, And feel myself akin to God. | | Brethren, go forth beside all ways, The wanderer greet with outstretched hand, And call him back who darkly strays, And bid him join our gladsome band. That Heaven hath stooped to earth below, Proclaim the glad news everywhere, That all may learn our faith, and know They too may find an entrance there. | |
102 Second Sunday after Easter.
Jesus said, I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for His sheep.
From the Gospel. [Jn. 10:11]
7,7,7,7,7,7
Guter Hirte willst du nicht
Angelus. 1657.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Loving Shepherd, kind and true, Wilt Thou not in pity come To Thy Lamb? As shepherds do, Bear me in Thy bosom home; Take me hence from earth's annoy To Thy home of endless joy. | | See how I have gone astray In this earthly wilderness; Come and take me soon away To Thy flock who dwell in bliss, And Thy glory, Lord, behold, Safe within Thy heavenly fold. | | 103 For I fain would gaze on Thee, With the lambs to whom 'tis given That they feed, from danger free, In the happy fields of heaven; Praising Thee, all terrors o'er, Never can they wander more. | | Here I live in sore distress, Fearing, watching, 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. | | O Lord Jesus, let me not 'Mid the ravening wolves e'er fall, Help me as a shepherd ought, That I may escape them all: Bear me homeward in Thy breast, To Thy fold of endless rest. | |
104 Third Sunday After Easter.
And ye now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
From the Gospel. [Jn. 16:22]
7,7,7,7,7,7,7
Auf den Nebel folgt die Sonne
Paul Gerhardt. 1659.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Cometh sunshine after rain, After mourning joy again, After heavy bitter grief Dawneth surely sweet relief! And my soul, who from her height Sank to realms of woe and night, Wingeth now to heaven her flight. | | He whom this world dares not face Hath refreshed me with His grace, And His mighty hand unbound Chains of hell about me wound; Quicker, stronger, leaps my blood, Since His mercy, like a flood, Poured o'er all my heart for good. | | 105 Bitter anguish have I borne, Keen regret my heart hath torn, Sorrow dimmed my weeping eyes, Satan blinded me with lies; Yet at last am I set free, Help, protection, love to me Once more true companions be. | | None was ever left a prey, None was ever turned away, Who had given himself to God, And on Him had cast his load. Who in God his hope hath placed Shall not life in pain outwaste, Fullest joy he yet shall taste. | | Though today may not fulfil All thy hopes, have patience still, For perchance tomorrow's sun Sees thy happier days begun; As God willeth march the hours, Bringing joy at last in showers, When whate'er we asked is ours. | | Once a pain that would not cease Gnawed my heart without release, Sorrow bowed me 'neath her yoke, Then in sadness oft I spoke: Now no hope is left for me, And no rest, until I be Whelmed beneath Death's sunless sea. | | 106 But when I was worn with care, Filled with dread well-nigh despair; When with watching many a night, On me fell pale sickness' blight; When my courage failed me fast, Camest Thou, my God, at last, And my woes were quickly past. | | Yea, Thou God didst make an end, Thou such help and strength did send, That I nevermore can praise As I ought, Thy matchless grace; When I shought with anxious fear, And could see no refuge here, Lo! I found Thy help was near. | | Now as long as here I roam, On this earth have house and home, Shall this wondrous gleam from Thee Shine through all my memory. To my God I yet will cling. All my life the praises sing That from thankful hearts outspring. | | Every sorrow, every smart, That the Eternal Father's heart Hath appointed me of yore, Or hath yet for me in store, As my life flows on I'll take Calmly, gladly, for His sake, No more faithless murmurs make. | | 107 I will meet distress and pain I will greet e'en Death's dark reign, I will lay me in the grave, With a heart still glad and brave; Whom the Strongest doth defend, Whom the Highest counts His friend, Cannot perish in the end. | |
For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.
Job 19:25,26
108 Fourth Sunday After Easter.
It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you.
From the Gospel. [Jn. 16:7]
7,7,7
Heil'ger Geist, du Tröster mein
Translation of the 17th century
after King Robert of France. About A.D. 1000.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Holy Ghost! my Comforter! Now from highest heaven 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, the o'er-laden, rest. | | Come, in Thee our toil is sweet, Shelter from the noon-day heat, From whom sorrow flieth fleet. | | Blessed Sun of Grace! O'er all Faithful hearts who on Thee call, Let Thy joy and solace fall. | | 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. | | 109 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! | |
110 Fifth Sunday after Easter.
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
From the Gospel. [Jn. 16:33]
10,10,10,4
Christe, du Beistand deiner Kreuzgemeine
Löwenstern. During the Thirty Years' War.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Christ Thou the champion of that war-worn host Who bear Thy cross, haste, help, or we are lost; The schemes of those who long our blood have sought Bring Thou to nought. | | Do Thou Thyself for us Thy children fight, Withstand the devil, quell his rage and might, Whate'er assails Thy members left below Do Thou o'erthrow. | | And give us peace; peace in the church and school, Peace to the powers who o'er our country rule, Peace to the conscience, peace within the heart, Do Thou impart. | | So shall Thy goodness here be still adored, Thou guardian of Thy little flock, dear Lord, And heaven and earth through all eternity Shall worship Thee. | |
111 Ascension Day.
This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.
From the Epistle. [Acts 1:11]
7,7,7,7
Herr auf Erden muss ich leiden
Neumann. 1700.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Lord, on earth I dwell in pain; Here in anguish I must lie; Wherefore leav'st Thou me again, 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. | | 112 Leave Thy heart with me behind, Take mine hence with Thee away; Let my sighs an entrance find To Thy heaven whene'er I pray. 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. | | Help me earthly toys to spurn, Raise my thoughts from things below; Mortal am I, yet I yearn Heavenly like my Lord to grow, That my time through faith may be Ordered for eternity; Till we meet, all perils o'er, Whither Thou hast gone before. | | In due season come again, As was promised us of old; Raise the members that have lain Gnawed of death beneath the mould, Judge the evil world that deems Thy sure words but empty dreams; Then for all our sorrows past, Let us know Thy joy at last. | |
113 Sunday After Ascension Day.
These all confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. . . . For they desired a better country, that is, an heavenly; wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He hath prepared for them a city.
Heb. 11:13,16
7,7,7,7,7,7
Himmelwärts geht unsere Bahn
Schmolck. 1731.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Heavenward doth our journey tend, We are strangers here on earth, Through the wilderness we wend Towards the Canaan of our birth. Here we roam a pilgrim band, Yonder is our native land. | | Heavenward stretch, my soul, thy wings, Heavenly nature canst thou claim, There is nought of earthly things Worthy to be all thine aim; Every soul that God inspires Back to Him, its Source, aspires. | | Heavenward! doth His Spirit cry, When I hear Him in His Word, Showing thus the rest on high, Where I shall be with my Lord: When His Word fills all my thought, Oft to heaven my soul is caught. | | 114 Heavenward ever would I haste, When Thy table, Lord, is spread; Heavenly strength on earth I taste, Feeding on the Living Bread; Such is e'en on earth our fare, Who Thy marriage feast shall share. | | 115 Heavenward! Faith discerns the prize That is waiting us afar, And my heart would swiftly rise, High o'er sun and moon and star, To that Light behind the veil Where all earthly splendours pale. | | Heavenward Death shall lead at last, To the home where I would be, All my sorrows overpast, I shall triumph there with Thee, Jesus, who hast gone before, That we too might Heavenward soar. | | Heavenward! Heavenward! Only this Is my watchword on the earth; For the love of heavenly bliss Counting all things little worth. Heavenward all my being tends, Till in Heaven my journey ends. | |
116 Whit Sunday
I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of Truth.
From the Gospel. [Jn. 14:16-17]
6,6,8,6,6,8,8,8,8
Schmükt das Fest mit Maien
Schmolck. 1715.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Come, deck our feast today With flowers and wreaths of May, And bring an offering pure and sweet; The Spirit of all grace Makes earth His dwelling-place, Prepare your hearts your Lord to meet; Receive Him, and He shall outpour Such light, all hearts with joy run o'er, And sound of tears is heard no more. | | Thou harbinger of peace, Who makest sorrows cease, Wisdom in word and deed is Thine; Strong hand of God, Thy seal The loved of Jesus feel; Pure light, o'er all our pathway shine! Give vigorous life and healthy powers, O let Thy sevenfold gifts be ours, Refresh us with Thy gracious showers! | | 117 O touch our tongues with flame, When speaking Jesu's name! And lead us up the heavenward road. Give us the power to pray, Teach us what words to say, Whene'er we come before our God. O Highest Good, our spirits cheer, When raging foes are strong and near, Give us brave hearts undimmed by fear. | | O golden rain from heaven! Thy precious dews be given To bless the churches' barren field! And let Thy waters flow, Where'er the sowers sow, The seed of truth, that it may yield A hundred-fold its living fruit, O'er all the land may take deep root, And mighty branches heavenward shoot. | | Thou fiery glow of Love! Let us Thy ardours prove, Consume our hearts with quenchless fire! Come, O Thou trackless Wind! Breathe gently o'er our mind! Nor let the flesh to rule aspire; Help us our free-born right to take, The heavy yoke of sin to break, And all her tempting paths forsake. | | 118 Be it Thine to stir our will; Our good intents fulfil; Be with us when we go and come; Deep in our spirits dwell, And make their inmost cell Thy temple pure, Thy holy home! Teach us to know our Lord, that we May call His Father ours through Thee, Thou Pledge of glories yet to be! | | Oh make our crosses sweet, And let Thy sunshine greet Our longing eyes in clouded hours! Wing Thou our upward flight Toward yonder mountain bright, Girded about with Zion's golden towers! Forsake us not when our last foe Puts forth his stength to lay us low, Then joyful victory bestow! | | Let us, while here we dwell, This one thought ponder well, That in God's likeness we are made. As o'er a fruitful land Rich harvests waving stand, We, serving Him, bear fruits that never fade, Till Thou in whom all comfort lies, Lift us to fields above the skies, And bid us bloom in Paradise! | |
119 Monday in Whitsun-Week.
Would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!
From the Lesson. [Num. 11:29]
8,6,8,6,8,8,8,6
Zeuch ein zu deinen Thoren
Paul Gerhardt. During the 30 Years' War.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Come to Thy temple here on earth, Be Thou my spirit's guest, Who givest us of mortal birth A second birth more blest; Spirit beloved, Thou mighty Lord, Who with the Father and the Son Reignest upon an equal throne, Art equally adored! | | Oh enter, let me feel and know Thy mighty power within, That can alone our help bestow, And rescue us from sin. Oh cleanse my soul and make it white, That I with heart unstained and true, May daily render service due, And honour Thee aright. | | I was a wild unfruitful vine Which Thou shouldst prune and train; Death pierced through all this life of min, But Thou my foe hast slain. Thy holy baptism is his grave, He perishes beneath the flood Of His most precious death and blood, Who died our life to save. | | 120 Thou art the Spirit who dost teach To pray aright, for all Our prayers are heard if Thou beseech, Thy songs have sweetest fall. They soar on tireless wings to heaven, They fail not from before God's throne, Till all His goodness we have known By whom all help is given. | | Thou art the Spirit of all joy, Sadness Thou lovest not; Thy comfort beaming from on high, Lights up the darkest lot. Ah yes, how many a time of old Thy voice hath rapt my soul away, To yon bright halls of endless day, And oped the gates of gold! | | Thou art the Spirit of all love, The Friend of all kindly life, Thou wouldst not that our hearts should prove The pangs of wrath and strife. Thou hatest hatred's withering reign, In souls that discord maketh dark Dost Thou rekindle love's bright spark, And make them one again. | | On Thee is all this world upstaid, And in Thy hands doth rest; And Thou canst wayward hearts persuade To turn as seems Thee best: Oh therefore give Thy love and peace, That they may join in strongest bands Long parted foes, and through our lands These sad divisions cease. | | 121 Thou art the true, the only Source Whence concord comes to men; Oh that Thy power might have free course And bring us peace again! Oh hear, and stem this mighty flood That o'er us death and sorrow spreads; Alas! each day afresh it sheds Like water human blood. | | And let our nation learn to know What, and how deep, our sin; Nay, let God's judgments come, if so A fire be lit within The hearts that loved themselves to please; In bitter shame now let them burn, And loving Thee, repentant spurn Their selfish worldly ease. | | Grace for the contrite heart abounds, Joy to the sad is given; To serve God's truth will heal our wounds, And bring us help from heaven; Lord, for Thine honour's sake, make known Thy power, convert the wicked now, And teach the hard to weep, for Thou Canst soften steel and stone! | | 122 Arise and make an end of all Our heartache, and our pain; Thy wandering flock at last recall And grant them joy again; To peace and wealth the land restore, Wasted with fire or plague or sword; Come to Thy ruined churches, Lord, And bid them bloom once more! | | The rulers of our land defend, Our sovereign's throne uphold; That he and we may prosper, send True wisdom to the old; With piety the young men bless, And through the nation shed abroad True virtue and the fear of God, A nation's happiness. | | Fill every heart with holy zeal To keep the faith unstained; Let house and land Thy blessing feel, Whence all true wealth is gained. Him who resists Thy inward powers, The Evil Spirit, make Thou flee; Whate'er delights Thy heart, would he Fain root from out of ours. | | Give strong and cheerful hearts to stand Undaunted in the wars That Satan's fierce and mighty band Is waging with Thy cause. Help us to fight as warriors brave, That we may conquer in the field, And not one Christian man may yield His soul to sin a slave. | | 123 Order according to Thy mind Our life from day to day, And when this life must be resigned, And death has seized his prey, When all our days have fleeted by, Help us to die with fearless spirit, And let us after death inherit Eternal life on high. | |
124 Tuesday in Whitsun-Week.
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God. Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.
From the Lesson. [1 Jn. 4:2]
8,8,8,8,8,8,8+4,4
Komm Heil'ger Geist, Herre Gott
Luther. 1524.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord, Be all Thy graces now outpoured 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 gathered near, To learn that faith, for which we bring Glad praise to Thee, and 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 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 our course. Hallelujah, Hallelujah! | |
125 Trinity Sunday.
And God said, Let us make man in our image.
From the Lesson. [Gen. 1:26]
8,6,8,6,8,8,8,8
Hochheilige Dreieinigkeit
Angelus. 1657.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Most High and Holy Trinity! Who of Thy mercy mild Hast formed me here in Time, to be Thy image and Thy child: Oh let me love Thee day and night With all my soul, with all my might; Oh come, Thyself my soul prepare, And make Thy dwelling ever there! | | Father! replenish with Thy grace This longing heart of mine, Make it Thy quiet dwelling-place, Thy sacred inmost shrine! Forgive that oft my spirit wears Her time and strenght in trivial cares, Enfold her in Thy changeless peace, So she from all but Thee may cease! | | 126 Oh God the Son! Thy wisdom's light On my dark reason pour; Forgive that things of sense and sight Were all her joy of yore; Henceforth let every thought and deed On Thee be fixed, from Thee proceed, Draw me to Thee, for I would rise Above these earthly vanities! | | Oh 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! Draw me away far hence, And fix upon eternity All powers 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! | |
127 First Sunday after Trinity.
God is love . . . and herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.
From the Epistle. [1 Jn. 4:10]
8,8,8,8,10,10
Geht hin ihr gläubigen Gedanken
J. G. Hermann. 1747.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| O wings of faith, ye thoughts, fly hence, Roam o'er Eternity's vast field, Surpass the bounds of time and sense, And rise to Him, who hath revealed That He is Love: there pause, and awestruck view That ancient love with every morning new! | | Ere earth's foundations yet were laid, Or heaven's fair roof was spread abroad, Ere man a living soul was made, Love stirred within the heart of God; Love filled the long futurity with good, And grace to help at need beside her stood. | | 'Twas Love whose counsel gave to me True life in Christ Thy only son, Whom Thou hast made our Way to Thee, From whom all grace flows ever down; Whose sacrifice can make us pure and whole, And bless and hallow all our inmost soul. | | 'Twas Love, that long ere time began, That precious name of child bestowed; That opened Heaven on earth to man, And called us sinners sons of God; Whose gracious promptings move the Father's hand, That on the page of life our names may stand! | | 128 Ah happy hours, whene'er upsprings My soul to yon Eternal Source, Whence the glad river downward sings, Watering with goodness all my course, So that each passing day anew I prove How tender and how true my Father's love! | | For what am I? At His command The million creatures of His power Start to life on sea and land; Oh why should God such blessings shower On me, who am a leaf that fadeth fast, A little shifting dust before the blast! | | I am not worthy, Lord, that Thou Shouldst such compassion on me show; That He who made the world should bow To cheer with love a wretch so low. O Father, I would utterly resign Myself to Thee; take me, and make me Thine. | | When strength and heart grow faint and sad, From battling long with heavy pain, Thy smile shines forth to make me glad, Thou crownest me with joy again; Then I behold Thy Spirit's wondrous power, Whose work is mightiest in our weakest hour. | | Forth from Thy rich and bounteous store Life's common blessings daily flow; More than we dare to ask, far more That we deserve, dost Thou bestow. My heart dissolves in tears of thankfulness, To see how true Thy care, how quick to bless. | | 129 Nor here alone: hope pierces far Through all the shades of earth and time; Faith mounts beyond the farthest star, Yon shining heights she loves to climb, And gazing on eternity behold The promised land, our heritage of old. | | Can I with loveless heart receive Tokens of love that never cease? Can I be thankless still, and grieve Him who is all my joy and peace? Ah Friend of Man, were I to turn from Thee, Myself were sure my own worst enemy. | | Could I but honour Thee aright, Noble and sweet my song should be, That earth and heaven should learn Thy might, And what my God hath done for me. There is no music sweet as is Thy name, No joy so deep as pondering o'er Thy fame. | | O heart redeemed! thou think'st it long Till the appointed hour be come, When thou shalt join the angels' song To that Fair Love that brought thee home. Have patience, heart; time hurries fast away, Soon shalt thou reach the one Eternal Day. | |
130 Second Sunday after Trinity.
And this is His commandment; That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment.
From the Epistle. [1 Jn. 3:23]
7,7,7,7
Herz und Herz vereint zusammen
After Zinzendorf. About 1731.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| 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, He the sun, we beams He showers, Brethren by one Master led, We are His, and he is ours. | | Children of His realm draw near, Make your covenant stronger still, From your hearts allegiance swear Unto Him who conquered 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; 'Twas for sinners He was slain, 'Twas for foes He shed His blood, That His death for all might gain Endless life--the Highest Good. | | 131 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 on where Thou dost lead. | | Thou who dost command that all Practise 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! | |
132 Third Sunday after Trinity.
Cast all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.
From the Epistle. [1 Pet. 5:7]
7,7,7,7
Was von aussen und von innen
after A. H. Franke (1663-1727).
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| What within me and without, Hourly on my spirit weighs, Burdening heart and soul with doubt, Darkening 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. | | 133 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. | | 134 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 Lord, 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. | | 135 O my soul, why art thou vexed? Let things go as e'en they will; Though to thee they seem perplexed, 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. | |
136 Fourth Sunday after Trinity.
I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.
From the epistle. [Rom. 8:18]
10,6,6,10,10,4
Wer hofft mit Christo dort zu erben
Simon Dach. 1640.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Wouldst thou inherit life with Christ on high? Then count the cost, and know That here on earth below Thou needs must suffer with thy Lord and die. We reach that gain to which all else is loss, But through the cross. | | Oh think what sorrows Christ himself has known! The scorn, and anguish sore, The bitter death He bore, Ere He ascended to His heavenly throne; And deemest thou, thou canst with right complain, Whate'er thy pain? | | Not e'en the sharpest sorrows we can feel, Nor keenest pangs, we dare With that great bliss compare When God His glory shall in us reveal, That shall endure when our brief woes are o'er For evermore! | |
137 Fifth Sunday after Trinity.
And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye; and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.
From the Epistle. [1 Pet. 3:13-14]
6,6,8,6
Ist Gott für mich so trete
Paul Gerhardt. 1650.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| If God be on my side, Then let who will oppose, For oft ere now to Him I cried, And he hath quelled my foes. If Jesus be my Friend, If God doth love me well, What matters all my foes intend, Though strong they be and fell? | | Here I can firmly rest, I dare to boast of this, That God the Highest and the Best, My Friend and Father is. From dangerous snares He saves, Where'er He bids me go He checks the storms and calms the waves, That nought can work me woe. | | I rest upon the ground Of Jesus and His blood, For 'tis through Him that I have found The True Eternal Good. Nought have I of mine own, Nought in the life I lead, What Christ hath given me, that alone Is worth all love indeed. | | 138 His Spirit in me dwells, O'er all my mind He reigns, All care and sadness He dispels, And soothes away all pains. He prospers day by day His work within my heart, Till I have strength and faith to say, Thou God my Father art! | | When weakness on me lies, And tempts me to despair, He speaketh words and utters sighs Of more than mortal prayer; But what no tongue can tell, Thou God canst hear and see, Who readest in the heart full well If aught there pleaseth Thee. | | He whispers in my breast Sweet words of holy cheer, How he who seeks in God his rest Shall ever find Him near; How God hath built above A city fair and new, Where eye and heart shall see and prove What faith has counted true. | | There is prepared on high My heritage, my lot; Though here on earth I sink and die, My heaven shall fail me not. Though here my days are dark, And oft my tears must rain, Whene'er my Saviour's Light I mark, Lo, all is bright again. | | 139 Who joins him to that Lord Whom Satan flies and hates, Shall find himself despised, abhorred, For him the burden waits Of mockery and shame, Heaped on his guiltless head; And crosses, trials, cruel blame, Shall be his daily bread. | | I knew it long ere now, Yet am I not afraid; The God to whom I pledged my vow, Will surely send His aid. At cost of all I have, At cost of life and limb, I cling to God who yet shall save, I will not turn from Him. | | The world may fail and flee, Thou standest fast for ever, Nor fire, nor sword, nor plague, from Thee My trusting soul shall sever. No hunger, and no thirst, No poverty or pain, Let mighty princes do their worst, Shall fright me back again. | | 140 No joys that angels know, No throne or wide-spread fame, No love or loss, no fear or woe, No grief of heart or shame-- Man cannot aught conceive Of pleasure or of harm That e'er could tempt my soul to leave Her refuge in Thine arm. | | My heart for gladness springs, It cannot more be sad, For very joy it laughs and sings, Sees nought but sunshine glad. The sun that glads mine eyes Is Christ the Lord I love, I sing for joy of that which lies Stored up for us above. | |
141 Sixth Sunday after Trinity.
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Christ, were baptized into His death?
From the Epistle. [Rom. 6:3]
9,8,9,8
O der alles hätt verloren
Anon.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| 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! | | 142 Oh that we might Him discover Whom with longing love we've sought, Joining us to Him for ever, For without Him all is nought! | | Oh that ne'er our eyes might wander From our God, so might we cease 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! | |
143 Seventh Sunday after Trinity.
O Lord, how manifold are Thy works; in wisdom hast Thou made them all; the earth is full of Thy riches.
Psalm 104:24
8,8,6,8,8,6
Geh aus, mein Herz, und suche Freud
Paul Gerhardt. 1659.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Go forth, my heart, and seek delight In all the gifts of God's great might, These pleasant summer hours: Look how the plains for thee and me Have decked themselves most fair to see, All bright and sweet with flowers. | | The trees stand thick and dark with leaves, And earth o'er all here dust now weaves A robe of living green; Nor silks of Solomon compare With glories that the tulips wear, Or lilies' spotless sheen. | | The lark soars singing into space, The dove forsakes her hiding-place, And coos the woods among; The richly-gifted nightingale, Pours forth her voice o'er hill and dale, And floods the fields with song. | | 144 Here with her brood the hen doth walk, There builds and guards his nest the stork, The fleet-winged swallows pass; The swift stag leaves his rocky home, And down the light deer bounding come To taste the long rich grass. | | The brooks rush gurgling through the sand, And from the trees on either hand, Cool shadows o'er them fall; The meadows at their side are glad With herds; and hark! the shepherd lad Sends forth his mirthful call. | | And humming, hovering to and fro, The never-wearied swarms no go To seek their honey'd food; And through the vine's yet feeble shoots Stream daily upwards from her roots New strength and juices good. | | The corn springs up, a wealth untold, A sight to gladden young and old, Who now their voices lift To Him who gives such plenteous store, And makes the cup of life run o'er With many a noble gift. | | 145 Thy mighty working, mighty God, Wakes all my powers; I look abroad And can no longer rest: I too must sing when all things sing, And from my heart the praises ring The Highest loveth best. | | I think, Art Thou so good to us, And scatterest joy and beauty thus O'er this poor earth of ours; What nobler glories shall be given Hereafter in Thy shining heaven, Set round with golden towers! | | What thrilling joy when on our sight Christ's garden beams in cloudless light, Where all the air is sweet, Still laden with the unwearied hymn From all the thousand seraphim Who God's high praise repeat! | | Oh were I there! Oh that I now, Dear God, before Thy throne could bow, And bear my heavenly palm! Then like the angels would I raise My voice, and sing Thy endless praise In many a sweet-toned psalm. | | 146 Nor can I now, O God, forbear, Though still this mortal yoke I wear, To utter oft Thy name; But still my heart is bent to speak Thy praises; still, though poor and weak, Would I Thy love proclaim. | | But help me; let Thy heavenly showers Revive and bless my fainting powers, And let me thrive and grow Beneath the summer of Thy grace, And fruits of faith bud forth apace While yet I dwell below. | | And set me, Lord, in Paradise When I have bloomed beneath these skies Till my last leaf is flown; Thus let me serve Thee here in time, And after, in that happier clime, And Thee, my God, alone! | |
147 Eighth Sunday after Trinity.
Brethren, we are debters, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
From the Epistle. [Rom. 8:12-13]
10,10,10,10,10,10
O Gott, o Geist, o Licht des Lebens
Gerhard Tersteegen. 1731.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| O God, O Spirit, Light of all that live, Who dost on us that sit in darkness shine, Our darkness ever with Thy Light dost strive, In vain Thou lur'st us with Thy beams divine; Yet none, O Spirit, from Thine eye can hide, Gladly [will] I Thy searching glance abide. | | Search all my hidden parts, whate'er impure Thy Light discovers there, do Thou destroy; The bitterst pain I willingly endure, Such pain is followed by eternal joy; Thou'lt cleanse me from my stains of darkest hue, And in Christ's image form my soul anew. | | I cannot stay the venomed power of sin, 'Tis Thy anointing only can avail; Oh make my spirit new and right within, Without Thee all my utmost efforts fail. Life to my cold dead soul I cannot give, Be Thou my life, so only shall I live. | | 148 O Breath from out the Eternal Silence, blow All softly o'er my spirit's barren ground, The precious fulness of my God bestow, That where erst sin and shame alone were found, Faith, love, and holy reverence may upspring, In spirit and in truth to worship God our King. | | Oh let my thoughts, my actions and my will Obedient solely to Thy impulse move, My heart and senses keep Thou blameless still, Fixed and absorbed in God's unuttered love. Thy praying, teaching, striving, in my heart, Let me not quench, nor make Thee to depart. | | O Fount, O Spirit, who dost take and show Things of the Son to us, who crystal clear From God's throne and the Lamb's doth ceaseless flow Into the quiet hearts that seek Thee here, I open wide my mouth, and thirsting sink Beside Thy stream, its living waves to drink. | | I give myself to Thee, to Thee alone, From all else sundered, Thou art ever near, The creature and myself I all disown, Trusting with inmost faith that God is here! O God, O Spirit, Light of Life, we see None ever wait in vain, who wait for Thee. | |
149 Ninth Sunday after Trinity.
How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.
From the Lesson. [1 Kings 18:21]
8,8,8,8,8,8,2
Was kinket ihr betrognen Seelen
Lehr. 1733.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Why halt thus, O deluded heart, Why waver longer in thy choice? Is it so hard to choose the part Offered by Heaven's entreating voice? Oh look with clearer eyes again, Nor strive to enter in, in vain. Press on! | | Remember, 'tis not Caesar's throne, Nor earthly honour, wealth or might Whereby God's favour shall be show To him who conquers in the fight; Himself and an eternity Of bliss and rest he offers thee. Press on! | | 150 God crowneth no divided heart; To Him oh hallow all thy life! Who loveth Jesus but in part, he works himself much pain and strife, And gains what he deserveth well, Here conflict, and hereafter hell. Press on! | | Who wrestling long, with many a cry Can bid farewell at last to all, Yet ever loves the Lord most High, Loves Him alone whate'er befall, Is counted worthy of the crown, And on a kingly throne set down. Press on! | | Then break the rotten bonds away That hinder you your race to run, That make you linger oft and stay; Oh be your course afresh begun! Let no false rest your soul deceive, Up! 'tis a Heaven ye must receive! Press on! | | Omnipotence is on your side, And Wisdom watches o'er your heads, And God Himself will be your guide So ye but follow where He leads; How many guided by His hand, Have reached ere now their father-land! Press on! | | 151 Nor let the body dull the soul, Its weakness, fears, and sloth despise; Man toils and roams from pole to pole To gain some earthly fleeting prize, The Highest Good he little cares To win, or striving soon despairs. Press on! | | Oh help each other, hasten on, Behold the goal is nigh at hand; The battle-field shall soon be won, Your King shall soon before you stand! To calmest rest He leads you now, And sets His crown upon your brow. Press on! | |
152 Tenth Sunday after Trinity.
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, even so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.
Psalm 47:1
8,8,8,8
Nach dir, o Gott verlanget mich
Anton Ulrich, Duke of Brunswick. 1667.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| 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. | | 153 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 soiled 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 Fixed, O my God, alone on Thee, That heart and soul 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 all 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. | |
154 Eleventh Sunday after Trinity.
In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16:12
8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8
Wie wohl ist mir o Freund der Seelen
Wolfgang C. Deszler. 1692.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| O Friend of Souls, how well is me, Whene'er Thy love my spirit calms! From sorrow's dungeon forth I flee, And hide me in Thy shelt'ring arms. The night of weeping flies away Before the heart-reviving ray Of love, that beams from out Thy breast; Here is my heaven on earth begun; Who were not joyful had he won In Thee, O God, his joy and rest! | | The world may call herself my foe, So be it; for I trust her not, E'en though a friendly face she show, And with her bounties heap my lot. In Thee alone will I rejoice, Thou art the Friend, Lord, of my choice, For Thou art true when friendships fail; 'Mid storms of woe Thy truth is still My anchor; hate me as it will, The world shall o'er me ne'er prevail. | | 155 Through deserts of the cross Thou leadest, I follow leaning on Thy hand; From out the clouds Thy child Thou feedest, And giv'st him water from the sand. I know Thy wondrous ways will end In love and blessing, Thou true Friend, Enough if Thou art ever near! I know, whom Thou wilt glorify, And raise o'er sun and stars on high, Thou lead'st through depths and darkness here. | | To others Death seems dark and grim, But not, Thou Life of life, to me; I know Thou ne'er forsakest him Whose heart and spirit rest in Thee. Oh who would fear his journey's close, If from dark woods and lurking foes, He then found safety and release? Nay, rather with a joyful heart From this dark region I depart To Thy eternal light and peace. | | O Friend of souls, then well indeed Is me, when on Thy love I lean! The world, nor pain, nor death I heed, Since Thou, my God, my joy hast been. Oh let this peace that Thou hast given Be but a foretaste of Thy heaven, For goodness infinite is Thine. Hence, world, with all thy flattering toys! In God alone be all my joys; Oh rich delight, my Friend is mine! | |
156 Twelfth Sunday after Trinity.
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as if of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God.
From the Epistle. [2 Cor. 3:5]
8,7,8,7,6,6,8,6,6,8
Wer sich auf seiner Schwachkeit steurt
Marperger. 1713.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Who seeks in weakness an excuse, His sins will vanquish never; Unless he heart and mind renews, He is deceived for ever. The strait and narrow way, That shines to perfect day, He hath not found, hath never trod; Little he knows, I ween, What prayer and conflict mean To one who hath the light of God. | | In what the world calls weakness lurks The very strength of evil, Full mightily it helps the works Of our great foe the devil. Awake, my soul, awake, Thy refuge quickly take With Him, the Almighty, who can save; One look from Christ thy Lord Can sever every cord That binds thee now, a wretched slave. | | 157 Know, the first step in Christian lore Is to depart from sin; True faith will leave the world no more A place thy heart within. Thy Saviour's Spirit first The heavy bonds must burst, Wherein Death bound thee in thy need; Then the freed spirit know What strength He gives to those Who with their Lord are risen indeed. | | And why Thy Spirit, Lord, began Help Thou with inner might! Earth has no better gift for man Than strength and love of right. Oh make Thy followers just Who look to Thee in trust, Thy strength and justice let us know; Our souls through Thee would wear The power of grace, most fair Of all the jewels faith can show. | | Strong Son of God, break down Thy foes, So shall we conquer ours; Strong in the might from Thee that flows, We mourn not lack of powers, E'er since that from above, The witness of Thy love Thy Spirit cam, and doth abide With us, dispelling fear And falsehood, that we here May fight and conquer on Thy side. | | 158 Give strength, whene'er our strength must fail; Give strength the flesh to curb; Give strength when craft and sin prevail To weaken and disturb. The world doth lay her snares To catch us unawares, Give strength to sweep them all away; So in our utmost need, And when death comes indeed, Thy strength shall be our perfect stay. | |
159 Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity.
Then Hezekiah received the letter of the hands of the messengers, and read it, and Hezekiah went up into the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord.
From the Lesson. [Is. 37:14]
8,8,8,8,8,8
Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten
Neumarck. 1653.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Leave God to order all thy ways, And hope in Him whate'er betide, Thou'lt find Him in the evil days Thy all-sufficient strength and guide; Who trusts in God's unchanging love, Builds on the rock that nought can move. | | What can these anxious cares avail, These never-ceasing moans and sighs? What can it help us to bewail Each painful moment as it flies? Our cross and trials do but press The heavier for our bitterness. | | Only thy restless heart keep still, And wait in cheerful hope; content To take whate'er His gracious will, His all-discerning love hath sent; Nor doubt our inmost wants are known To Him who chose us for His own. | | 160 He knows when joyful hours are best, He sends them as He sees it meet; When thou hast borne the fiery test, And now art freed from all deceit, He comes to thee all unaware, And makes thee own His loving care. | | 161 Nor in the heat of pain and strife, Think God hath cast thee off unheard, And that the man, whose prosperous life Thou enviest, is of Him preferred; Time passes and much change doth bring, And sets a bound to everything. | | All are alike before His face; 'Tis easy to our God most High To make the rich man poor and base, To give the poor man wealth and joy. True wonders still by Him are wrought, Who setteth up, and brings to nought. | | Sing, pray, and swerve not from His ways, But do thine own part faithfully, Trust His rich promises of grace, So shall they be fulfilled in thee; God never yet forsook in need The soul that trusted Him indeed. | |
162 Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity.
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
From the Epistle. [Gal. 5:24]
8,8,8,8
Kreuz wir grüssen dich von Herzen
Gotter. 1697.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| O Cross, we hail thy bitter reign, O come, thou well-beloved guest! Whose sorest sufferings work not pain, Whose heaviest burden is but rest. | | For is not our Redeemer bound In closest ties of love to those Who faithful to the cross are found, Through ceaseless tears, through saddest woes? | | Hark, the confessors of the faith Yet of their cross and fetters boast; All saints have borne it to the death, With all the martyrs' radiant host. | | Pledge of our glorious home afar! Thee, Holy Sign, with joy we take, Sign of a peace life could not mar, Of just content death could not shake: | | 163 The Sign how Truth, once crucified, Now throned in majesty doth reign, How Love is bless'd and glorified, That here on earth was mocked and slain. | | Their names are writ in words of light Who here on earth their Lord confest; They hear the bridegroom's cry at night, Come to my marriage feast, ye blest! | | Who then would faint, nor join to share In Christ's reproach, in want or pain? The bitterest death who would not dare? Who fears a martyr's crown to gain? | | Up, Brethren of the Cross! and haste Where Christ our Head hath gone before! We hymn His praise the while we taste The shame and death He sometime bore. | | In bonds and stripes, in falsest blame, Our crown, our dearest wealth we see, A dungeon were a throne, and shame Our chiefest glory, borne for Thee. | | What though the world on us may fling Its scorn, and oft we strive with death, The holy angels speed to bring Our help and strength, our victor's wreath. | | Up, quit the gates where sin abides, From earth's doomed cities quickly come, Yon eastern Star full surely guides All pilgrims to their Father's home. | |
164 Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity.
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat, or what shall we drink . . for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
From the Gospel. [Matt. 6:31-32]
8,8,8,8,10,10,4
Gieb dich zufrieden
Paul Gerhardt. 1657.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Be thou content; be still before His face, at whose right hand doth reign Fulness of joy for evermore, Without whom all thy toil is vain. He is thy living spring, thy sun, whose rays Make glad with life and light thy dreary days. Be thou content. | | In Him is comfort, light and grace, And changeless love beyond our thought; The sorest pang, the worst disgrace, If He is there, shall harm thee not. He can lift off thy cross, and loose thy bands, And calm thy fears, nay, death is in His hands. Be thou content. | | Or art thou friendless and alone, Hast none in whom thou canst confide? God careth for thee, lonely one, Comfort and help will He provide. He sees thy sorrows and thy hidden grief, He knoweth when to send thee quick relief; Be thou content. | | Thy heart's unspoken pain He knows, Thy secret signs He hears full well, What to none else thou dar'st disclose, To Him thou mayst with boldness tell; He is not far away, but ever nigh, And answereth willingly the poor man's cry. Be thou content. | | 165 Be not o'er-mastered by thy pain, But cling to God, thou shalt not fall; The floods sweep over thee in vain, Thou yet shalt rise above them all; For when thy trial seems to hard to bear, Lo! God, thy King, hath granted all thy prayer: Be thou content. | | Why art thou full of anxious fear How thou shalt be sustained and fed? He who hath made and placed thee here, Will give the needful daily bread; Canst thou not trust His rich and bounteous hand, Who feeds all living things on sea and land? Be thou content. | | He who doth teach the little birds To find their meat in field and wood, Who gives the countless flocks and herds Each day their needful drink and food, Thy hunger too will surely satisfy, And all thy wants in His good time supply. Be thou content. | | Sayst thou, I know not how or where, No help I see where'er I turn; When of all else we most despair, The riches of God's love we learn; When thou and I His hand no longer trace, He leads us forth into a pleasant place. Be thou content. | | 166 Though long His promised aid delay, At last it will be surely sent: Though thy heart sink in sore dismay, The trial for thy good is meant. What we have won with pains we hold more fast, What tarrieth long is sweeter at the last. Be thou content. | | Lay not to heart whate'er of ill Thy foes may falsely speak of thee, Let man defame thee as he will, God hears, and judges righteously. Why shouldst thou fear, if God be on thy side, Man's cruel anger, or malicious pride? Be thou content. | | We know for us a rest remains, When God will give us sweet release From earth and all our mortal chains, And turn our sufferings into peace. Sooner or later death will surely come To end our sorrows, and to take us home: Be thou content. | | Home to the chosen ones, who here Served their Lord faithfully and well, Who died in peace, without a fear, And there in peace for ever dwell; The Everlasting is their joy and stay, The Eternal Word Himself to them doth say, Be thou content! | |
167 Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity.
And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not!
From the Gospel. [Lk. 7:13]
4,8,7,7,8,4
Lass dich Gott
Anton Ulrich, Duke of Brunswick. 1667.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Leave all to God, Forsaken one, and stay thy tears; For the Highest knows thy pain, Sees thy sufferings and thy fears Thou shalt not wait His help in vain, Leave all to God. | | 168 Be still and trust! For His strokes are strokes of love, Thou must for thy profit bear; He thy filial fear would move, Trust thy Father's loving care, Be still and trust! | | Know, God is near! Though thou think Him far away, Though His mercy long have slept, He will come and not delay, When His child enough hath wept, For God is near! | | O teach Him not When and how to hear thy prayers; Never doth our God forget, He the cross who longest bears Finds his sorrows' bounds are set, Then teach Him not. | | If thou love Him, Walking truly in His ways, Then no trouble, cross or death, E'er shall silence faith and praise; All things serve thee here beneath, If thou love God! | |
169 Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity.
I beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.
From the Epistle. [Eph. 4:1-3]
6,6,8,6
Kommt Brüder lasst uns gehen
Gerhard Tersteegen. 1731.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Come, brethren, let us go! The evening closeth round, 'Tis perilous to linger here On this wild desert ground. Come, towards eternity Press on from strength to strength, Nor dread your journey's toils nor length, For good its end shall be. | | We shall not rue our choice, Though straight our path and steep, We know that He who called us here His word shall ever keep. Then follow, trusting; come, And let each set his face Toward yonder fair and blessed place, Intent to reach our home. | | 170 The body and the house Deck not, but deck the heart With all your powers; we are but guests, Ere long we must depart. Ease brings disease; content Howe'er his lot may fall, A pilgrim bears and bows to all, For soon the time is spent. | | Come, children, let us go! Our Father is our guide; And when the way grows steep and dark, He journeys at our side. Our spirits He would cheer, The sunshine of His love Revives and helps us as we rove, Ah, blest our lot e'en here! | | Each hasten bravely on, Not yet our goal is near; Look to the fiery pillar oft, That tells the Lord is here. Your glances onward send, Love beckons us, nor think That they who following chance to sink Shall miss their journey's end. | | 171 Come, children, let us go! We travel hand in hand; Each in his brother finds his joy In this wild stranger land. As children let us be, Nor by the way fall out, The angels guard us round about, And help us brotherly. | | The strong be quick to raise The weaker when they fall; Let love and peace and patience bloom In ready help for all. In love yet closer bound, Each would be least, yet still On love's fair path most pure from ill, Most loving, would be found. | | Come, wander on with joy, For shorter grows the way, The hour that frees us from the flesh Draws nearer day by day. A little truth and love, A little courage yet, More free from earth, more apt to set Your hopes on things above. | | It will not last for long, A little farther roam; It will not last much longer now Ere we shall reach our home; There shall we ever rest, There with our Father dwell, With all the saints who served Him well, There truly, deeply blest. | | 172 For this all things we dare,-- 'Tis worth the risk I trow,-- Renouncing all that clogs our course, Or weighs us down below. O world, thou art too small, We seek another higher, Whither Christ guides us ever nigher, Where God is all in all. | | Friend of our perfect choice, Thou joy of all that live, Being that know'st not chance or change, What courage dost Thou give! All beauty, Lord, we see, All bliss and life and love, In Him in whom we love and move, And we are glad in Thee! | |
173 Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity.
Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall also confirm you unto the end.
From the Epistle. [1 Cor. 1:7-8]
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb. 11:1
7,6,7,6
Wenn alle untreu werden
After Novalis. about 1795.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Though all to Thee were faithless, I yet were true, my Head, To show that love is deathless, From earth not wholly fled. Here didst Thou live in sadness, And die in pain for me, For this I give with gladness My heart and soul to Thee. | | I could weep night and morning That Thou hast died, and yet So few will heed Thy warning, So many Thee forget. O loving and true-hearted, How much for us didst Thou! Yet is Thy fame departed, And none regards it now. | | 174 But still Thy love befriends us, Of every heart the guide; Unfailing help it lends us, Thou all had turned aside. Oh! such love soon or later Must conquer, must be felt, Then at Thy feet the traitor In bitter tears shall melt. | | Lord, I have inly found Thee, Depart Thou not from me, But wrap Thy love around me, And keep me close to Thee. Once too my brethren, yonder Upgazing where Thou art, Shall learn Thy love with wonder, And sink upon Thy heart. | |
175 Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity.
But ye have not so learned Christ, if so be that ye have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off, concerning the former conversation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
From the Epistle. [Eph. 4:20-24]
8,8,8,8,8,8
Wohl dem der sich mit Fleiss bemuhet
Anon.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Oh well for him who all things braves, A soldier of the Lord to be, Whom vice counts not among her slaves, From envy, pride, and passion free; Who wars against the world of sin Without him, and self-will within. | | Who follows Christ whate'er betide, Is worthy of a soldier's name; Is He thy Way, thy Light, thy Guide, 'Tis meet thou also bear His shame; Who shrinks from dark Gethsemane, Shall Tabor's glories never see. | | What profits it that Christ hath deigned To wear our mortal nature thus, If we ourselves have ne'er attained That God reveal Himself in us? The pure and virgin soul alone He chooseth for His earthly throne. | | 176 What profits it that Christ is born, And bringeth childhood back to men, Unless our long-lost right we mourn, And win through penitence again, And lead a God-like life on earth, As children of the second birth? | | What profits all that Christ hath taught, If man is slave to reason still, And worldly wisdom, honour, thought, Rule all his acts, and move his will? He follows what his Lord doth teach Who true denial of self would reach. | | What profit us His deeds and life, His meekness, love so quick to bless, If we give place to pride and strife, Dishonouring thus His holiness? What profits it, if for reward, And not in faith, we call Him Lord? | | What profits us His agony, If we endure not pain and scorn? 'Tis combat brings forth victory, Of sorrow sweetest joys are born; And ne'er to him Christ's crown is given, Who hath not here with Adam striven. | | What profit ye His death and cross, Unless to self ye also die? Ye love your life to find it loss, Afraid the flesh to crucify. Wouldst live to this world still? Then know, His death to thee is barren show. | | 177 What profit that He loosed and broke All bonds, if ye in league remain With earth? Who weareth Satan's yoke Shall call Him Master but in vain. Count ye the soul for reconciled, Yet slave to earth, by sin defiled? | | What profits it that He is risen, If dead in sins thou yet dost lie? If yet thou cleavest to thy prison, What profit that He dwells on high? His triumph will avail thee nought If thou hast ne'er the battle fought. | | Then live and suffer, do and bear, As Christ thy pattern here hath done, And seek His innocence to wear, That he may count thee of His own. Who loveth Christ cares but to win New triumphs o'er the world of sin. | |
178 Twentieth Sunday after Trinity.
Singing and making melody in your heart unto the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name our Lord Jesus Christ.
From the Epistle. [Eph. 5:19-20]
8,8,8,8,10,10
O dass ich tausend Zungen hätte
Mentzer, 1704.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Oh would I had a thousand tongues, To sound Thy praise o'er land and sea! Oh! rich and sweet should be my songs, Of all my God has done for me! With thankfulness my heart must often swell, But mortal lips Thy praises faintly tell. | | Oh that my voice could far resound Up to yon stars that o'er me shine! Would that my blood for joy might bound Through every vein while life is mine! Would that each pulse were gratitude, each breath A song to Him who keeps me safe from death! | | O all ye powers of soul and mind, Arise, keep silence thus no more; Put forth your strength, and ye shall find Your noblest work is to adore. O soul and body, make ye pure and meet, With heartfelt praise your God and Lord to greet. | | 179 Ye little leaves so fresh and green, That dance for joy in summer air, Ye slender grasses, bright and keen, Ye flowers so wondrous sweet and fair; Ye only for your Maker's glory live, Help me, for all His love, meet praise to give. | | O all ye living things that throng With breath and motion earth and sky, Be ye companions in my song, Help me to raise His praises high; For my unaided powers are far too weak The glories of His mighty works to speak. | | And first, O Father, praise to Thee For all I am and all I have, It was Thy merciful decree That all those blessings richly gave, Which o'er the earth are scattered far and near, To help and gladden us who sojourn here. | | 180 And, dearest Jesus, blest be Thou, Whose heart with pity overflows, Thou rich in help! who deign'dst to bow To earth, and taste her keenest woes; Thy death has burst my bonds and set me free, Has made me Thine; henceforth I cling to Thee. | | Nor less to Thee, O Holy Ghost, Be everlasting honours paid, For all Thy comfort, Lord, and most That I a child of life am made By Thy deep love; my good deeds are not mine, Thou workest them through me, O Light Divine. | | Yes, Lord, through all my changing days, With each new scene afresh I mark How wondrously Thou guid'st my ways, Where all seems troubled, wilder'd, dark; When dangers thicken fast, and hopes depart, Thy light beams comfort on my sinking heart. | | Shall I not then be filled with joy, Shall I not praise Thee evermore? Triumphant songs my lips employ, E'en when my cup of woe runs o'er; Nay, though the heavens should vanish as a scroll, Nothing shall shake or daunt my trusting soul. | | 181 But of Thy goodness will I sing As long as I have life and breath, Offerings of thanks I'll daily bring Until my heart is still in death; And when at last my lips grow pale and cold, Yet in my sighs Thy praises shall be told. | | Father, do Thou in mercy deign To listen to my earthly lays; Once shall I learn a nobler strain, Where angels ever hymn Thy praise, There in the radiant choir I too shall sing Loud hallelujahs to my glorious Kings. | |
182 Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity.
Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
From the Epistle. [Eph. 6:10-12]
[Psalm 46]
8,7,8,7,6,6,6,6,7
Ein feste Burg
Luther. 1530.
Hymn composed on the road to Worms.
trans. by William Gaskell, 1855
| A sure stronghold our God is He, A trusty shield and weapon; Our help He'll be and set us free From every ill can happen. That old malicious foe Intends us deadly woe; Armed with the strength of hell And deepest craft as well, On earth is not his fellow. | | 183 Through our own force we nothing can, Straight were we lost forever; But for us fights the proper Man, By God sent to deliver. Ask ye who this may be? Christ Jesus named is He, Of Sabaoth the Lord; Sole God to be adored; 'Tis he must win the battle. | | And were the world with devils filled, All eager to devour us, Our souls to fear should little yield, They cannot overpower us. Their dreaded Prince no more Can harm us as of yore; Look grim as e'er he may, Doomed 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, Goods, honour, children, wife-- Though all of these be gone, Yet nothing have they won, God's kingdom ours abideth! | |
Electronic edition: for Winkworth's translation, see the Appendix.
184 Twenty-second Sunday after Trinity.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.
From the Lesson. [Prov. 3:5]
10,10,10,10
So führst du doch recht selig Herr
Gottfried Arnold. 1666-1714.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| How blest to all Thy followers, Lord, the road By which Thou lead'st them on, yet oft how strange! But Thou in all dost seek our highest good, For Truth were true no longer, couldst Thou change. Though crooked seem the paths, yet are they straight, By which Thou draw'st Thy children up to Thee, And passing wonders by the way they see, And learn at last to own Thee wise and great. | | No human laws can bind Thy Spirit, Lord, That reason or opinion frame for us; The knot of doubt is severed by Thy sword, Or falls unravelled if Thou willest thus. The strongest bonds are weak to Thee, O God, All sinks and fails that would Thy course oppose; Thy lightest word can quell Thy stoutest foes, And desert paths are by Thy footsteps trod. | | What human prudence fondly strives to bind, Thy wisdom sunders far as east to west; Who long beneath the yoke of man have pined, Thy hand exalteth high above the rest. The world would scatter, Thou dost union give; She breaks, Thou buildest; what she builds is made A ruined heap; her light is nought but shade; Her dead Thy Spirit calls to rise and live. | | 185 Is there an act our reason would applaud? Lo! in Thy book hast Thou the example given; But him whom none as wise and pious laud, Thou often lead'st in secret up to Heaven, As Thou didst leave the Pharisee, to go And eat with sinners whom all else forsook. Who can search out Thy purposes, or look Into the abyss of wisdom whence they flow? | | 186 Our all, O God, is nothing in Thine eyes, Our nothing Thou regardest oft with love; Glory and pomp of words Thou dost not prize, Thy impulse only gives them power to move. Thy noblest works awaken not man's praise, For they are hidden, and he blindly turns Away, nor though he see, their light discerns, Too gross his sense, too keen their dazzling rays. | | O Ruler! We would bless Thee and adore, At whose command we live or turn to dust; When Thou dost give us of Thy wisdom's store, We see how true Thy care, and learn to trust. Thy wisdom plays with us as with a child, Who playing learns his Father loves him well; 'Tis love that brings Thee down with man to dwell, Love guides our faltering footsteps through the wild. | | Now seems to us o'er harsh and strict Thy school, Now dost Thou greet us mild and tenderly, Now when our wilder passions break Thy rule, Thy judgments fright us back again to Thee. With downcast eyes we seek Thy face again, Thou kissest us, we promise fair amends, Once more Thy Spirit rest and pardon sends, And curbs our passions with a stronger rein. | | 187 Thou know'st, O Father, all our weakness well, Our impotence, our foolishness of mind; Almost a passing glance may serve to tell How weak are we, how ignorant, how blind, And so Thou comest with Thy help and stay, A father's rule, a mother's love are Thine; The lamb, on whom none else discern Thy sign, Thou carriest in Thy bosom day by day. | | The common ways are trodden not of Thee, Thy steps are seldom traced by mortal eyes, Yet art Thou near us, and unseen, dost see All hopes and wishes that within us rise. The bright reflection of Thy inner thought Is day by day before our eyes outspread; Who thinks he quickest hath Thy meaning read, Is oft another deeper lesson taught. | | O Eye, whose glance no falsehood can endure, Grant me to wisely judge, and well discern Nature from grace--Thy Light serene and pure From grosser fires that in and round me burn. Let no strange fire be kindled on the shrine Within my heart, lest I should madly bring The hated offering unto Thee, O King. Ah, blest the soul whose light is born of Thine! | | 188 When reason contradicts Thy law, or climbs So high, she weeneth to know more than Thou, Break down her confidence, great God, betimes, And teach her lowly at Thy feet to bow. Nor let my proud heart dictate, Lord, to Thee, But tame the wayward will that seeks its own, And wake the love that clings to Thee alone, And takes Thy judgments in humility. | | Absorb my will in Thine; support and bear Onward in loving arms Thy timid child; Thy Spirit's voice dispels all doubt, all fear, And quells the passions erst so fierce and wild. Thou art mine All, since that Thy Son is mine; Oh let Thy Spirit work with power in me, With strong desire I thirst, I pant for Thee, Oh joy whene'er Thy glories round me shine! | | So shall the creature ever serve me here, Nor angels blush to bear me company; The perfect spirits to Thy throne most near, They are my brethren, waiting there for me; And oft my spirit joys to meet a heart, That loveth Thee and me and every saint. Is aught then left can make me sad and faint? Come, Fount of Joy! vain sorrows, all depart! | |
189 Twenty-third Sunday after Trinity.
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashined like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.
From the epistle. [Philip. 3:20-21]
7,7,7,7
Du o schönes Weltgebäude
Johann Franck. 1653.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Let who will in thee rejoice, O thou fair and wondrous earth! Ever anguished sorrow's voice Pierces through thy seeming mirth; Let thy vain delights be given Unto them who love not Heaven, My desire is fixed on Thee, Jesus, dearest far to me! | | Weary souls with toil outworn, Drooping 'neath the glaring light, Wish that soon the coming morn Might be quenched again in night, That their toils might find a close In a soft and deep repose; I but wish to rest in Thee, Jesus, dearest far to me! | | 190 Others dare the treacherous wave, Hidden rock and shifting wind-- Storm and danger let them brave, Earthly good or wealth to find; Faith shall wing my upward flight Far above yon starry height, Till I find myself with Thee, Jesus, dearest Friend to me! | | Many a time ere now I said, Many a time again shall say, Would to God that I were dead, Would that in my grave I lay! Rest were mine, and sweet my lot Where the body hindereth not, And the soul can ever be, Jesus, dearest Lord, with Thee! | | Come, O Death, thou twin of Sleep, Lead me hence,--I pray thee come, Loose my rudder, through the deep Guide my vessel safely home. Thy approach who will may fly, 'Twere a joy to me to die, Death but opes the gates to Thee, Jesus, dearest Friend to me! | | Would that I today might leave This my earthly prison here, And my crown of joy receive Waiting me in yon bright sphere! In that home of joy, where dwell Hosts of angels, would I tell How the Godhead shines in Thee, Jesus, dearest Lord to me! | | 191 But not yet the gates of gold I may see nor enter in, Nor the heavenly fields behold, But must sit and mourning spin Life's dark thread on earth below; Let my thoughts then hourly go Whither I myself would be, Jesus, dearest Lord, with Thee! | |
192 Twenty-fourth Sunday after Trinity
Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things; but one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her.
Luke 10:41,42
8,8,8,8,10,10,10,10
Eins ist Noth
Schröder. 1697.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| One thing is needful! Let me deem Aright of that whereof He spoke; All else, how sweet soe'er it seem, Is but in truth a heavy yoke, 'Neath which the toiling spirit frets and pants, Yet never finds the happiness it wants: This one can make amends, whate'er I miss, Who hath it finds in all his joy through this! | | My soul, wouldst thou this one thing find? Seek not amid created things; Leave what is earthly far behind, O'er Nature heavenward stretch thy wings, Where God and man are One, in whom appear All truth and fulness, thou hast found it here,-- The better part, the One thing needful He, My One, my All, my Joy, who saveth me. | | As Mary once devoutly sought The eternal truth, the better part, And sat, enwrapt in holy thought, At Jesu's feet with burning heart, For nought else caring, yearning for the word That should be spoken by her Friend, her Lord, Losing her All in Him, His word believing, And through the One all things again receiving: | | 193 Even so is all my heart's desire Fixed, dearest Lord, on Thee alone; Oh make me true and draw me nigher, And make Thyself, O Christ, my own. Though many turn aside to join the crowd, To follow Thee in love my heart is vowed, Thy word is life and spirit, whither go? What joy is there in Thee we cannot know? | | All perfect wisdom lies in Thee As in its primal hidden source; Oh let my will submissive be, And hold henceforth its even course, Controlled by truth and meekness, for high Heaven To lowly simple hearts hath wisdom given; Who knoweth Christ aright, and in Him lives, Hath won the highest prize that wisdom gives. | | Oh that my soul from sleep might wake, And ever, Lord, Thine image bear! Thee for my portion I will take, Thy holiness Thou bidd'st us share, Whate'er we need for God-like walk and life Is given to us in Thee; oh end this strife, And free me from the love of passing things, To know alone the life from Thee that springs! | | What can I ask for more? Behold Thy mercy is a very flood; I know that Thou hast passed of old Into the Holiest through Thy blood, And there redeemed for ever those who lay Beneath the rule of Satan; now are they Made free by Thee, who erst were slaves and weak, And childlike hearts the name of Father speak. | | 194 Deep joy and peace and holy calm Fill my once restless spirit now; O'er verdant pastures free from harm, She follows Thee, her shepherd Thou; Whate'er rejoices or consoles us here, Is not so sweet as feeling Thou art near; This One is needful, but all else is dross, Let me win Christ, all other gain is loss. | |
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple.
Psalm 27:4
195 Twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity.
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign, and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
From the Passage for the Epistle. [Jer. 23:5]
8,8,8,8
Komm Heidenheiland, Lösegeld
Johann Franck.
After St. Ambrose.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| 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. | |
196 St. Andrew's Day.
And Jesus saith unto them, Follow me. . . And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him.
From the Gospel. [Mk 1:17-18]
7,7,7,7
Folget mir, ruft uns das Leben
Rist. 1644.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Follow me, in me ye live, What ye ask I freely give, Only heed ye lest ye stray, Follow me, the Living Way; Follow me with all your hearts, I will ward off sorrow's darts; Learn from Christ your Lord to be Rich in meek humility. | | Yea, Lord, meet it is indeed We should all thy bidding heed; Who in fear of this earth's blame, Counts Thy lowly yoke a shame, To Thy name, Lord, hath no right, Is no Christian, in Thy sight. Ah too well I know that we, Hear on earth, should follow Thee. | | 197 Where is strength, Lord, to fulfil, Glad at heart, Thy works and will, Following on where Thou hast trod? All too weak am I, O God; If awhile Thy paths I keep, Soon I pine for rest and sleep; E'en to love Thee, Lord, aright, Passeth far my feeble might. | | Yet I will not turn from Thee, Yet my joy in Christ shall be; Help me, make me strong and bold, Firm and fast Thy grace to hold; This world and her lusts I leave, Only to my Lord I cleave; All their promises are lies, But who follows Thee is wise. | | Thou hast gone before us, Lord, Not with anger, strife, or sword, Not with kingly pomp and pride, But with mercy at Thy side. Moved by wondrous love divine For our life Thou gavest Thine, And Thy precious outpoured blood, Won for us the highest good. | | 198 Let us follow in such sort, Christ-like every deed and thought, That Thy love most true and kind All our hearts henceforth may bind; None may look behind him now, Who to Christ hath pledged his vow; Jesus leads, no longer stand, Follow me, is His command. | | Draw me up, my God, from hence, Raise me high o'er earth and sense, That I lose not Thee from sight, Nor in life nor death, my Light! In my soul's most deep recess Let me cherish holiness, Not for show or human praise, But for Thy sake, all my days. | | Grant me, Lord, my heart's desire, So my course to run nor tire, That my practised soul may prove What Thy meekness, what Thy love. Grant me here to trust Thy grace, There with joy to see Thy face, This in time my portion be, That through all eternity! | |
199 St. Thomas the Apostle.
And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto Him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
From the Gospel. [Jn. 20:29]
10,10,10,10,10,10
Längst suchtest du, mein Geist, ein
Albertini. 1821.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Long in the spirit-world my soul had sought Some friendly being, close to her akin; Long had prepared a dwelling in her thought And heart for such an one; for she could win Through Him alone her strength, for Him she yearned, Toward Him her fervent longing ever burned. | | And rich the world in things invisible, In heathen gods, and spirits great and small, And bright and dark; yet ever did she dwell Alone, for One was wanting 'mid them all; One having might and glory, rich in love, God, who as man could shame and weakness prove. | | 200 Then came the Word, and took on Him our flesh, And dwelt with men, here in the world of sight, And made an end of strife, and linked afresh Our sinful earth unto the throne of light; Into His ancient glory He is gone, And yet He dwells with us till time be done. | | Thus, O my soul, hast thou received thy will; The glory of the world of ghosts is dim Before the One, who is and was, and still Shall ever be; all hearts are fixed on Him, And spirit worlds, since He is there, become Hallowed and safe to thee, thy proper home. | | Thou soarest now through all their heights sublime, And not as once dost empty back return, But gazing on Thy God, forgettest time Beneath His loving glance, whence thou wouldst learn How thou shouldst love, and know His Word aright: Ah, blest the love and faith that ask not sight! | |
201 Presentation in the Temple.
Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.
From the Gospel. [Lk. 2:29-30]
6,6,8,6
Herr Jesu Licht der Heiden
Johann Franck. 1653.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Light of the Gentile world! Thy people's joy and love! Drawn by Thy Spirit we are come Thy presence, Lord, to prove. Within Thy temple walls We wait with earnest mind, As Simeon waited long of old His Saviour God to find. | | Thou wilt be found of us, O Lord, in every place, Where Thou hast promised faithfully We should behold Thy face. Thou yet dost suffer us, Who oft are gathered here, To bear Thee in the arms of faith As once that aged seer. | | Be Thou our bliss, our light Shining 'mid pain and loss, Our Sun of strength in time of fear, The glory round our cross; A glow in sinking hearts, A sunbeam in distress, Physician, nurse, in sickness' hours, In death our happiness. | | 202 Oh let us, Lord, prevail With Simeon at the last; May we take up his dying song When life is waning fast! "Let me depart in peace, Since that mine aged eyes Have seen the Saviour here on earth, Have seen His day arise." | | Yes, with the eye of faith My Jesus I behold; No foe can rob me of my Lord, Though fierce his threats and bold. I dwell within Thy heart, Thou dost in mine abide, Not sorrow, pain nor death itself, Can tear me from Thy side. | |
203 St. Matthias' Day.
Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
From the Gospel. [Matt. 10:28]
8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8
Es ist noch eine Ruh vorhanden
Kunth. 1733.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Yes, there remaineth yet a rest! Arise, sad heart, who now dost pine, By heavy care and pain opprest, On whom no sun of joy can shine; Look to the Lamb! in yon bright fields Thou'lt know the joy His presence yields; Cast off thy load and thither haste; Soon shalt thou fight and bleed no more, Soon, soon thy weary course be o'er, And deep the rest thou then shalt taste: | | The rest appointed thee of God, The rest that nought shall break or move, That ere this earth by man was trod Was set apart for thee by Love. Our Saviour gave His life to win This rest for thee; oh enter in! Here how His voice sounds far and wide: Ye weary souls, no more delay, Nor loiter faithless by the way, Here in my peace and rest abide! | | 204 Ye heavy-laden, come to Him! Ye who are bent with many a load, Come from your prisons drear and dim, Toil not thus sadly on your road! Ye've borne the burden of the day, And hear ye not your Saviour say, I am your refuge and your rest? His children ye, of heavenly birth, Howe'er may rage sin, hell, or earth, Here are ye safe, here calmly blest. | | Yonder in joy the sheaves we bring, Whose seed was sown on earth in tears; There in our Father's house we sing The song too sweet for mortal ears. Sorrow and sighing all are past, And pain and death are fled at last, There with the Lamb of God we dwell, He leads us to the crystal river, He wipes away all tears for ever; What there is ours no tongue can tell. | | Hunger nor thirst can pain us there, The time of recompense is come, Nor cold nor scorching heat we bear, Safe sheltered in our Saviour's home. The Lamb is in the midst; and those Who followed Him through shame and woes, Are crowned with honour, joy, and peace. The dry bones gather life again, One Sabbath over all shall reign, Wherein all toil and labour cease. | | 205 There is untroubled calm and light, No gnawing care shall mar our rest; Ye weary, heed this word aright, Come, lean upon your Saviour's breast. Fain would I linger here no more, Fain to yon happier world upsoar, And join that bright expectant band. Oh raise, my soul, the joyful song That rings through yon triumphant throng; Thy perfect rest is nigh at hand. | |
206 The Annunciation.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Thy word.
From the Gospel. [Lk. 1:38]
7,7,7,7,7,7
Meine Seele senket sich
Winkler. 1713.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Yea my spirit fain would sink In Thy heart and hands, my God, Waiting till Thou show the end Of the ways she here hath trod; Stripped of self, how calm her rest On her loving Father's breast! | | And my soul repineth not, Well content whate'er befall; Murmurs, wishes, of self-will, They are slain and vanquished all, Restless thoughts, that fret and crave, Slumber in her Saviour's grave. | | And my soul is free from care, For her thoughts from all things cease That can pierce like sharpest thorns Wounding sore the inner peace. He who made her careth well, She but seeks in peace to dwell. | | And my soul despaireth not, Loving God amid her woe; Grief that wrings and breaks the heart Only they who hate Him know: They who love Him still possess Comfort in their worst distress. | | 207 And my soul complaineth not, For she knows not pain or fear, Clinging to her God in faith, Trusting though He slay her here. 'Tis when flesh and blood repine, Son of joy, Thou canst not shine. | | Thus my soul before her God Lieth still, nor speaketh more, Conqueror thus o'er pain and wrong, That once smote her to the core; Like a silent ocean, bright With her God's great praise and light. | |
208 St. Barnabas' Day.
We preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: who in time past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
From the Lesson. [Acts 14:15]
7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7
Sollt ich meinem Gott nicht singen
Paul Gerhardt. 1659.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Shall I not sing praise to Thee, Shall I not give thanks, O Lord? Since for us in all I see How Thou keepest watch and ward; How the truest tenderest love Ever fills Thy heart, my God, Helping, cheering, on their road, All who in Thy service move. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. | | 209 As the eagle o'er her nest Spreads her sheltering wings abroad, So from all that would molest, Doth Thine arm defend me, Lord; From my youth up e'en till now Of the being Thou didst give, And the earthly life I live, Faithful Guardian still wert Thou. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. | | Nay, He kept not back His Son, But hath given Him for our good, And our safety He hath won By the shedding of His blood. O Thou fathomless abyss! My weak powers but strive in vain, Knowledge of Thy depths to gain, Man knows not such love as this. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. | | And His Spirit, blessed Guide, In His holy Word doth teach, How on earth we may abide, So that heaven at last we reach; Every longing heart doth fill With the pure light of faith, That can break the bonds of death, And control the powers of ill. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. | | 210 Truly hath He cared indeed For my soul's health, and no less If my body suffer need, Will He help in my distress. When my strength and courage fail, When my powers can do no more, Doth my God such strength outpour, That I rise up and prevail. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. | | All the hosts of heaven and earth, Hath He placed at my command, Nowhere is there lack or dearth, But I find in sea and land All things ordered for my wants, Living things in fields and woods, On the heights or in the floods, And the earth brings forth her plants. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. | | When I sleep my Guardian wakes, And revives my wearied mind; Every morning on me breaks With some mark of love most kind; Had my God not stood my Friend, Had His countenance not been Here my guide, I had not seen Many a trial reach its end. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. | | 211 Often hath my crafty Foe Threatened to bring down on me Many a sore and heavy woe, From which yet my life is free; For the angel whom God sends, Wards off every threatened hurt, Every evil doth avert That mine Enemy intends. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. | | As a father ne'er withdraws From a child his all of love, Though it often break his laws, Though it careless, wilful, prove: Even so my loving Lord Doth my faults with pity see, With His rod He chastens me, Not avenging with His sword. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. | | When His strokes upon me light, Bitterly I feel their smart, Yet are they, if seen aright, Tokens that my Father's heart Yearns to bring me back again Through these crosses to His fold, From the world that fain would hold Soul and body in its chain. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. | | 212 All my life I still have found, And I will forget it never, Every sorrow hath its bound, And no cross endures for ever. After all the winter's snows Comes sweet summer back again, Patient souls ne'er wait in vain, Joy is given for all their woes. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. | | Since then neither change nor end In Thy love can e'er have place, Father! I beseech Thee send Unto me Thy loving grace. Help Thy feeble child, and give Strength to serve Thee day and night, Loving Thee with all my might, While on earth I yet must live; So shall I when Time is o'er, Praise and love Thee evermore. | |
213 St. Michael and all Angels.
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those that shall be heirs of salvation?
Heb. 1:14
7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7
Ehr und Dank sei Dir gesungen
Rist. 1655.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Praise and thanks to Thee be sung, Mighty God, in sweetest tone! Lo! from every land and tongue, Nations gather round Thy Throne, Praising Thee, that Thou dost send, Daily from Thy Heaven above, Angel-messengers of love, Who Thy threatened Church defend, Who can offer worthily, Lord of angels, praise to Thee! | | 'Tis 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 seeks to do us hurt, Curling 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 strengthened Him, Fainting in the garden dim, 'Neath the world's vast woe and wrong. Lord, who then can worthily For such mercy honour Thee! | | 214 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 every 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 threatened Church defend. Let us henceforth worthily, Lord of angels, honour Thee. | |
215 All Saint's Day
Lo, a great multitude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds and people, and tongues, stood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne and unto the Lamb.
From the Epistle. [Rev. 7:9-10]
7,7,7,7,7,7
Wer sind die vor Gottes Throne
Schenk. d. 1727.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| Who are those before God's throne, What the crownèd host I see? As the sky with stars thick-strown Is their shining company: Hallelujahs, hark, they sing, Solemn praise to God they bring. | | Who are those that in their hands Bear aloft the conqueror's palm, As one o'er his foeman stands, Fallen beneath his mighty arm? What the war and what the strife, Whence came such victorious life? | | Who are those arrayed in light, Clothed in righteousness divine, Wearing robes most pure and white, That unstained shall ever shine, That can nevermore decay; Whence came all this bright array? | | 216 They are those who, strong in faith, Battled for the mighty God; Conquerors o'er the world and death, Following not Sin's crowded road; Through the Lamb who once was slain, Did they such high victory gain. | | They are those who much have borne, Trial, sorrow, pain, and care, Who have wrestled night and morn With the mighty God in prayer; Now their strife hath found its close, God hath turned away their woes. | | They are branches of that Stem, Who hath our Salvation been, In the blood He shed for them, Have they made their raiment clean; Hence they wear such radiant dress, Clad in spotless holiness. | | They are those who hourly here Served as priests before their Lord, Offering up with gladsome cheer Soul and body at His word. Now within the Holy Place, They behold Him face to face. | | As the harts at noonday pant For the river fresh and clear, Did they ofttimes long and faint For the Living Fountain here. Now their thirst is quenched, they dwell With the Lord they loved so well. | | 217 Thitherwards I stretch my hands; O Lord Jesus, day by day, In Thy house in these strange lands, Compassed round with foes, I pray, Let me sink not in the war, Drive for me my foes afar. | | Cast my lot in earth and heaven With Thy saints made like to Thee, Let my bonds be also riven, Make Thy child who loves Thee free; Near the throne where Thou dost shine, May a place at last be mine! | | Ah! that bliss can ne'er be told, When with all that army bright, Thee, my Sun, I shall behold, Shining star-like, with Thy light. Amen! Thanks be brought to Thee, Praise through all eternity. | |
Appendix I: Alternate Versions
[Psalm 46]
8,7,8,7,6,6,6,6,7
Ein feste Burg
Luther. 1530.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| God is our stronghold firm and sure, Our trusty shield and weapon, He shall deliver us, whate'er Of ill to us may happen. Our ancient Enemy In earnest now is he, Much craft and great might Arm him for the fight, On earth is not his fellow. | | Our might is nought but weakness, soon Should we the battle lose, But for us fights the rightful Man, Whom God Himself doth choose. Asketh thou His name? 'Tis Jesus Christ, the same Whom Lord of Hosts we call, God only over all; None from the field can drive Him. | | What though the world were full of fiends, That would us sheer devour! We know we yet shall win the day, We fear not all their power. The Prince of this world still, May struggle as he will, He nothing can prevail, A word shall make him quale, For he is judged of heaven. | | The word of God they cannot touch, Yet have no thanks therefore, God by His Spirit and His gifts, Is with us in the war. Then let them take our life, Goods, honour, children, wife, Though nought of these we save, Small profit shall they have, The kingdom ours abideth. | |
(This translation only appears in the first edition (1855) of Lyra Germanica, First Series: in all subsequent editions and, slightly altered, in The Chorale Book for England (No. 124) and again in Christian Singers of Germany (p. 110) the translation by W. Gaskell (1805 - 1884) was used - A sure stronghold our God is He. See Catherine Winkworth's footnote to the preface of second edition of Lyra Germanica, First Series in 1855).
Appendix II: Manuscript Addenda
[Note to the electronic edition: this information, except for the book dedication and the text of the memorial tablet from Bristol Cathedral, was transcribed into this copy of the book by a grand-niece.]
Dedication
To Jane.
In remembrance of the 9th March 1861
from M. R. and A. M. R.
"M. R. & A. M. R" were Mary & Anna Maria Rawson, old school-friends of my great-aunt "Jane" - Jane Adair Atkins.
Mary Rawson married Dr. Burqhardt, an analytical chemist, & they went to live at Delamere, Meyes Lane, Alderley Edge, moving later to Fern Cottage, Macclesfield Road, Alderley Edge.
Biography
Catherine Winkworth was born in No. 20, Ely Place, Holborn, on the 13th September 1827. Her parents moved to Manchester while she was still very young as her father had a silk mill (at Macclesfield?); & Emily & Susanna were left with their grandmother Winkworth & her daughter, Eliza, who had lived with them in Ely Place, & they went to live at Islington where "Aunt Eliza" undertook their education. When they followed their parents to Manchester they had lessons from the Rev. William Gaskell, minister of Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, & husband of the well-known novelist. Later Catherine became very friendly with both Mr. & Mrs. Gaskell, & also knew the Martineaus, Miss Bronte, The Goldschmidts (Madame Goldschmidt was Jenny Lind before her marriage), Adelaide Procter, the Froudes, Mrs. Carlyle, etc., & it was through Mrs. Gaskell that she came to know Chevalier Bunson who started Catherine & Susanna in their literary work, & to whom Catherine dedicated her "Lyra Germanica."
"We were spending the spring & summer in a small cottage (Fern Cottage) which our father had taken at Alderley Edge, about fifteen miles from Manchester, a hill on the edge of Lord Stanley's Park, with a beautiful view over the Cheshire plain below. This led to his building a house there to which the family moved in June 1850 (Thornfield), but I remained behind in Manchester with my brother Stephen (removing to a little house in Nelson Street) until his marriage in 1861" (Susanna Winkworth) The home was then broken up, & Susanna returned to Alderley Edge.
"Tonight Mr. Heugh & Papa & some more gentlemen are to meat at Mr. Consterdine's to try & arrange plans for opening a Reading Room that shall be a counter-attraction to the public house," (a letter dated 1855, from Catherine to her sister Emily). Mr. Consterdine was the first vicar of the new church of St. Philip's Chorley, which was built in 1851-2. As soon as the vicar was settled at the new church Catherine untertook active work among the poor in the newly-established Sunday School & District Visiting Society. She was regarded with extreme affection by the poor, & long after she left the neighbourhood, she used to receive occasional letters from them. For nearly two years from January, 1848, Catherine had a long period of ill-health, & on this account went for several visits for her health. Most of the winter of 1859 was spent by her & her sister Susanna, at Malvern owing to illness; & catching a fresh chill Catherine had to stay on at Malvern till October, when they moved to Westen for a change of air. They arrived home at Alderley in time for Christmas. Again in 1861 Susanna had a serious illness which left her more or less of an invalid for some years. In spite of this ill-health, the sisters continued with their translations of German works & made several visits abroad. In February 1861, their father was tken ill; this was the beginning of his complete breakdown in health, which obliged him to give up his business, & ultimately led to the family leaving Thornfield, Alderley Edge, & settling at Clifton in October 1862. After the birth of Emily's youngest child, she was an invalid for many years & was the centre of all the family thoughts and plans. During the later part of her life Catherine's principal work was in connection with education, & in 1870 she was made secretary of the Committee to Promote the Higher Education of Women.
In 1878 Catherine went to Mornix near Geneva where she joined Annie Shaen to help her in the care of their nephew Frank Shaen, then an invalid. She arrived on June 17th, & on the 21st they proceeded to Monnetiex. On the morning of the 1st of July she was suddenly attacked by a pain at the heart, & in half-an-hour all was over. Susanna immediately started for Monnetiex, & in a few days Catherine was laid to rest in the corner of the churchyard set aside for Protestants. In her memory her friends raised a sum sufficient to endow two "Catherine Winkworth" scholarships for women at the Bristol University College, & also to erect a memorial tablet to her in Bristol Cathedral.
In Memory of
CATHERINE WINKWORTH
Who, in her Lyra Germanica,
Rendering into English verse
The treasures of German sacred poetry,
Opened a new source of light, consolation, and strength
In many thousand homes.
Her works reveal a clear and harmonious intellect
A gift of true poetic insight and expression,
And the firm Christian faith
Which was the mainspring of a life
Rich in tender and affectionate ministration
And fruitful in various fields of active service.
Her loss is mourned by all who shared her labour,
And by the many friends whom death has bereft
Of her rare sympathy, her wise counsel,
Her bright companionship, and her unfailing help
In every time of need.
To commemorate her work, and to perpetuate
Her efforts for the better education of women,
A scholarship, bearing her name,
Has been founded in University College, Bristol
By friends who now dedicate this table
To her memory
Born in London, September 13th, 1827
Died in Monnetier, Savoy, July lst, 1878
| "The child has now its Father seen, And feels what kindling love may be, And knoweth what those words may mean, 'Himself, the Father, loveth thee'." | |
Genealogy
From "Memorials of Two Sisters: Susanna & Catherine Winkworth" Edited by their niece Margaret J. Shaen. 1908?
DICKENSON
- Stephen Dickenson
- "Eldest son of a wealthy yeoman, who owned the farm of Stone Court, & some outlying property at Pembury, Kent." Disowned by his father on account of his religious views. Started a village school, & finally settled at Pembury as a small landowner.
- 2 daughters?
- daughter married Henry Winkworth, died 21/4/1841.
- Daniel Dickenson
- "youngest brother." Living in 1847.
WINKWORTH
- The Rev. William Winkworth
- Chaplain of St. Saviour's Southwark, & chaplain of Horsemonger Lane Goal. married. _____; she died 2/1841.
- Thomas Winkworth. A navy surgeon, & afterwards a silk manufacturer in partnership with his brother Henry.
- son.
- son.
- Henry Winkworth. Clerk in a Government Office, & afterwards a silk manufacturer in partnership with his brother Thomas. Died 15/5/1869. Buried at St. Johns's Redland. Married Dickenson daughter; married Eliza Leyburn, 1845. Died aged 94.
- Susanna Winkworth. born 13/8/1820. died 25/11/1884.
- Emily Winkworth. born 11/2/1822, died 2/10/1887. married 2/9/1851 William Shaen of Cux[Cax?], Essex. They lived in London. He died 1887.
- Children.
- Margaret J. Shaen
- "youngest child" born 30/10/1862
- Selina Winkworth. born 4/12/1825, died 2/1885. married John Collie.
- Catherine Winkworth. born 13/9/1827, died 1/7/1878.
- William Winkworth. born at Manchester, died 8/1839.
- Stephen Winkworth. born 21/4/1831, died 7/1886. married 1861, ____ Thomasson.
- Alice Winkworth?
- Eliza Winkworth.
- Brother, went into the Navy. Died young, unmarried.
Bibliography
- The life & Letters of Barthold & George Niebuhr, founded upon & translated from the Lebensnachrichten, etc. Edited by Madam Hensler. Second Edition, with Selections from his Minor Writings. Edited & translated by Susanna Winkworth. 3 Vols. 8vo.
- Chapman Hall, 1852.
- Theologia Germanica: which setteth forth many fair Lineaments of Divine Truth & saith very lofty & lovely things touching a Perfect Life. Translated by Susanna Winkworth. With a Preface by the Rev. Charles Kingsley, & a Letter to the Translator by the Chevalier Bunson. Fcap. 8vo.
- Longmans, 1954
- * The current edition of this book is published by Macmillan & Co.
- The Lyra Germanica; Hymns for the Sundays & Chief Festivals of the Christian Year. Translated from the German by Catherine Winkworth. Fcap. 8vo.
- Longmans, 1855.
- New Edition with about 225 Illustrations from original Drawings, engraved on wood under the superintendence of John Leighton, F.S.A. Fcap. 8vo.
- Longmans, 1860.
- Lyra Germanica: Second Series. The Christian Life. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Fcap. 8vo.
- Longmans, 1858.
- New edition with about 200 Illustrations by John Leighton, F.S.A., E. Armitage, A.R.A., & F. Madox Brown. 4to.
- Longmans, 1867.
- Lyra Germanica. Translated from the German by Catherine Winkworth. First & Second Series in one volume. New Impression Brown 8vo.
- Longmans, 1901.
- First Series. New Edition. 16mo.
- Longmans, 1901.
- A Selection of Hymns from the Lyra Germanica by Catherine Winkworth. With Preface by Alexander Ewing, Bishop of Argyll. Fcap. 8vo.
- Longmans, 1859.
- The Life of Luther in Forty-eight Historical Engravings. By Gustav Koenig. With Explanations by Archdeacon Hare. Continued by Susanna Winkworth. Fcap. 4to.
- Longmans, 1855.
- Signs of the Times. Letters to Ernst Moritz Arndt on the Dangers to Religious Liberty in the Present State of the World. By Christian Charles Josias Bunsen. Translated by Susanna Winkworth. 8vo.
- Smith, Elder, & Co., 1856.
- German Love: from the Papers of an Alien. Translated by Susanna Winkworth. Crown 8vo.
- Chapman & Hall, 1857.
- The History & Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler of Strasbourg, with Twenty-five of his Sermons (temp. 1340). Translated from the German, with additional Notices of Tauler's Life & Times, by Susanna Winkworth, & a Preface by the Rev. Charles Kingsley. Fcap. 4to.
- Smith, Elder, & Co., 1857.
- * The current edition is issued by Mr. H. R. Allenson, Racquet Ct., Fleet St. Es.
- The Chorale Book for England: A complete Hymn-book for Public & Private worship, in accordance with the Services & Festivals of the Church of England. The Hymns from the Lyra Germanica & other Sources, translated by Catherine Winkworth; the Tunes from the Sacred Music of the Lutheran, Latin, & other Churches, for Four Voices, with Historical Notes, etc. Compiled & edited by William Sterndale Bennett, Professor of Music in the University of Cambridge, & Otto Goldschmidt. Fcap. 4to.
- Longmans, 1862.
- The Life of Amelia Wilhelmina Sieveking. From the German. Edited with the Author's Sanction by Catherine Winkworth. With Portrait. Post 8vo.
- Longmans, 1863.
- Life of Pastor Fliedner of Kaiserwerth. Translated from the German by Catherine Winkworth. With Portrait. Fcap. 8vo.
- Longmans, 1867.
- God in History: or, the Progress of Man's Faith in the Moral Order of the World. By the late Baron Bunsen, D. Ph., D.C.L., D.D. Translated from the German by Susanna Winkworth; with a Preface by A. P. Stanley, D.D., Dean of Westminster. 3 Vols. 8vo.
- Longmans, 1868-70.
- Christian Singers of Germany. By Catherine Winkworth. (The Sunday Library for Household Reading.) Crown 8vo.
- Macmillan, 1869.
- Prayers from the Collection of the late Baron Bunsen. Part I., For the Family. Part II., Prayers and Meditations from Private Use. Selected & translated by Catherine Winkworth. Fcap. 8vo.
- Longmans, 1871.
Indexes
Subject Index
Altenburg, introw-p0.1, introw-p0.5
Angelus, introx-p0.2
Auf den Nebel folgt die Sonne, H43-p3.1
Aus tiefer Noth schrei ich zu dir, H28-p3.1
Bin ich allein ein Fremdling auf, H24-p3.1
Christ lag in Todesbanden, H37-p3.1
Christe, du Beistand deiner Kreuzgemeine, H45-p3.1
Dach_S, introw-p0.4
Dein Wort, O Herr, ist milder Thau, H15-p3.1
Der Mond ist aufgefangen, H93-p1.1
Der Tag ist hin mein Geist und, H92-p1.1
Die Seele ruht in Jesu Armen, H102-p1.1
Die goldene Sonne, H86-p1.1
Du o schönes Weltgebäude, H74-p3.1
Du weinest für Jerusalem, H30-p3.1
Du wesentliches Wort, H6-p3.1
Eber_P, introv-p0.2
Ehr und Dank sei Dir gesungen, H83-p3.1
Ein feste Burg, H105-p2.1, H72-p3.1
Eins ist Noth, H75-p3.1
Erwach, o Mensch, erwache, H26-p3.1
Es ist noch eine Ruh vorhanden, H80-p3.1
Folget mir, ruft uns das Leben, H77-p3.1
Franck_J, introx-p0.1
Geh aus, mein Herz, und suche Freud, H58-p3.1
Geht hin ihr gläubigen Gedanken, H52-p3.1
Geht nun hin und grabt mein Grab, H98-p1.1
Gerhardt_P, introw-p0.7
Gieb dich zufrieden, H66-p3.1
Gott den ich als Liebe kenne, H95-p1.1
Gott dess Himmels und der Erden, H85-p1.1
Gott lebet noch, H14-p3.1
Guter Hirte willst du nicht, H42-p3.1
Höchster Priester, der du dich, H13-p3.1
Hört auf mit Trauern und mit Klag, H101-p1.1
Hüter, wird die Nacht der Sünden, H1-p3.1
Heil'ger Geist, du Tröster mein, H44-p3.1
Hermann_JG, introw-p0.3
Hermann_N, introv-p0.5
Herr Jesu Licht der Heiden, H79-p3.1
Herr Jesus Christ, wahr Mensch und Gott, H97-p1.1
Herr auf Erden muss ich leiden, H46-p3.1
Herz und Herz vereint zusammen, H53-p3.1
Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du, H33-p3.1
Hier lieg ich nun mein Gott zu deinen, H27-p3.1
Hier lieg' ich, Herr, im Staube, H16-p3.1
Himmelwärts geht unsere Bahn, H47-p3.1
Hinunter ist der Sonnenschein, H90-p1.1
Hochheilige Dreieinigkeit, H51-p3.1
Hosianna! Davids Sohn, H29-p3.1
Ich lass dich nicht, du Hülf' in, H25-p3.1
Ist Gott für mich so trete, H56-p3.1
Jesu deine tiefen Wunden, H31-p3.1
Jesus meine Zuversicht, H40-p5.1
Keine Schönheit hat die Welt, H20-p3.1
Komm Heidenheiland, Lösegeld, H76-p3.1
Komm Heil'ger Geist, Herre Gott, H50-p3.1
Kommt Brüder lasst uns gehen, H68-p3.1
Kommt an der Tod, da ich muss ringen, H96-p1.1
Kreuz wir grüssen dich von Herzen, H65-p3.1
Längst suchtest du, mein Geist, ein, H78-p3.1
Lass dich Gott, H67-p3.1
Lebst du in mir o wahres Leben, H8-p3.1
Luther, introv-p0.1
Macht hoch die Thür, die Thor macht, H4-p3.1
Mein Gott in deine Hände, H100-p1.1
Meine Seele senket sich, H81-p3.1
Mitten wir im Leben sind, H94-p1.1
Morgenglanz der Ewigkeit, H88-p1.1
Nach dir, o Gott verlanget mich, H61-p3.1
Notker, introv-p0.3
Nun ruhen alle Wälder, H91-p1.1
Nun tret ich wieder aus der Ruh, H89-p1.1
O Ewigkeit, o Ewigkeit, H11-p3.1
O Gott, o Geist, o Licht des Lebens, H59-p3.1
O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden, H34-p3.1
O dass ich tausend Zungen hätte, H71-p3.1
O der alles hätt verloren, H57-p3.1
O du Liebe meiner Liebe, H35-p3.1
O liebe Seele könnt'st du werden, H9-p3.1
O reines Wesen, lautre Quelle, H18-p3.1
O wie selig seid ihr doch irh Frommen, H103-p1.1
Prudentius, introv-p0.4
Ringe recht wenn Gottes Gnade, H19-p3.1
Rist, introw-p0.2
Schmükt das Fest mit Maien, H48-p3.1
Seele du musst munter werden, H87-p1.1
So führst du doch recht selig Herr, H73-p3.1
So hab ich obgesieget, H99-p1.1
Sollt ich meinem Gott nicht singen, H82-p3.1
Straf mich nicht in deinem Zorn, H23-p3.1
Su ruhest du, o meine Ruh, H36-p3.1
Tersteegen_G, introx-p0.4
Ulrich_A, introx-p0.7
Unter jenen grossen Gütern, H21-p3.1
Verklärtes Haupt nun lebst du, H38-p3.1
Verzage nicht du Haüflein klein, H7-p3.1
Von Himmel hoch da komm ich her, H5-p3.1
Wach auf, du Geist der ersten Zeugen, H17-p3.1
Wach' auf, wach' auf du sich're Welt, H2-p3.1
Was du vor tausend Jahren, H22-p3.1
Was kinket ihr betrognen Seelen, H60-p3.1
Was von aussen und von innen, H54-p3.1
Was wär ich ohne dich gewesen, H41-p3.1
Wenn alle untreu werden, H69-p5.1
Wenn meine Sünd' mich kränken, H32-p3.1
Wer hofft mit Christo dort zu erben, H55-p3.1
Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten, H64-p3.1
Wer sich auf seiner Schwachkeit steurt, H63-p3.1
Wer sind die vor Gottes Throne, H84-p3.1
Werde Licht du Stadt der Heiden, H12-p3.1
Wie soll ich dich empfangen, H3-p3.1
Wie wohl ist mir o Freund der Seelen, H62-p3.1
Willkommen Held im Streite, H39-p3.1
Wir singen dir Immanuel, H10-p3.1
Wohl dem der sich mit Fleiss bemuhet, H70-p3.1
Zeuch ein zu deinen Thoren, H49-p3.1
ambrose, introu-p0.1, introx-p0.3
bohemian, introx-p0.9
canitz, introx-p0.10
dessler, introx-p0.5
louisa, introw-p0.8
lowenstn, introw-p0.6
neumarck, introw-p0.9
novalis, introx-p0.6
schmolck, introx-p0.8
Index of Scripture References
Index of Scripture Commentary
Index of Pages of the Print Edition