And of Matthesius we give this Miner's Song:
MINER'S SONG.
8,8,8,8
O Vater, Sohn, und Heil'ger Geist
Matthesius
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1869
O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Thou God, dost fix the miner's post, Thy Word hath made the wondrous store Of rock, and earth, and precious ore. 145 | Good metal is a gift from Thee, 'Tis ours to use it honestly For God and country, as 'tis fit, Not give it our hearts and worship it. | Who sees God in the precious stone, Works truly, prays to Him alone, Believes in Christ with all his heart, He doth the Christian miner's part. | God, who createdst quartz and sand, Change them to ore in this our land; Thy blessing guide us where to find, Thy Spirit give the wise clear mind. | Who hath Thee, knows Thy word and love Better than much fine gold shall prove; Thy meanest gift is goods and gold, Christ is the mine of wealth untold. | At Zarephath a smelter's wife Maintained of old the prophet's life, Believed his word, had peace and rest, And God's dear blessing with her guest. | So we commend, Lord, to Thy grace Thy little Church within this place; It hath received and keeps Thy Word, Repay it with true prophets, Lord. | |