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LYRA GERMANICA.

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2^^ra (Hennauica:^

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TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN BY

CATHERINE WINKWORTH.

iI5eto CDition,

LONDON : LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.

AND NEW YORK: 15 EAST le"* STREET. 1890.

iRA.,^

OCT 2 " 'i973

yv

CHISWICK I-KESS :— C. W HITTI.StiHAM AND CO., TO0K3 COURT, CHANCICRV LANE.

Lyra Germanica :

HYMNS FOR THE SUNDAYS AND

CHIEF FESTIVALS OF THE

CHRISTIAN YEAR.

TO HIS EXCELLENCY

THE CHEVALIER BUNSEN,

ETC. ETC. ETC.

THESE HYMNS ARE, BY HIS KIND PERMISSION,

RESPECTFULLY AND GRATEFULLY

DEDICATED BY

THE TRANSLATOR

PREFACE.

A-

HE following hymns are feledled from the Chevalier Bunfen's *' Ver- fuch eines allgemeinen Gefang und Gebetbuchs," publifhed in 1833. From the large number there given, about nine hundred, little more than one hundred have been chofen. This feledlion contains many of thofe beft known and loved in Germany, but in a work of this fize it is impoilible to include all that have become claflical in that home of Chriftian poetry. In reading them it muft be remembered that they are hymns, not facred poems, though from their length and the intricacy of their metres, many of them may feem to Englifh readers adapted rather to purpofes of private than of public devotion. But the fmging of hymns forms a much larger and more important part of public worfhip in the German Reformed

viii ^rcfate.

Churches than in our own fervices. Tt is the mode by which the whole congregation is en- abled to bear its Dart in the worfliio of God anfwering in this refpedt to the chanting of our own Liturgy.

Ever fince the Reformation, the German church has been remarkable for the number and excellence of its hymns and hymn-tunes. Be- fore that time it was not fo. There was no place for congregational fmging in public wor- (hip, and therefore the fpiritual fongs of the latter part of the middle ages aflumed for the moft part an artificial and unpopular form. Yet there were not wanting germs of a national Church poetry in the verfes rather than hymns which were fung in German on pilgrimages and at fome of the high feftivals, many of which verfes were again derived from more ancient Latin hymns. Several of Luther's hymns are amplifications of verfes of this clafs, fuch as the Pentecoftal hymn here given, " Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord,"* which is founded on a German verfion of the " Veni San6le Spiritus, Reple." By adopting thefe verfes, and retain-

* Page 1 1 8.

preface. ix

ing their well-known melodies, Luther enabled his hymns to fpread rapidly among the common people. He alfo compofed metrical verfions of feveral of the Pfalms, the Te Deum, the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, the Nunc Dimittis, the Da nobis Pacem, &c. thus enrich- ing the people, to whom he had already given the Holy Scriptures in their own language, with a treafure of that facred poetry which is the precious inheritance of every Chriftian Church. The hymn, " In the midft of life,"* is one of thofe founded on a more ancient hymn, the " Media in vita" of Notker, a learned Bene- didtine of St. Gall, who died in 912. He is faid to have compofed it while watching fome work- men, who were building the bridge of Martinf- bruck at the peril of their lives. It was foon fet to mufic, and became univerfally known ; indeed it was ufed as a battle fong, until the cuftom was forbidden on account of its being fuppofed to exercife magical influences. In a German verfion it formed part of the fervice for the burial of the dead, as early as the thir- teenth century, and is ftill preferved in an un-

• Page 237.

metrical form in the Burial Service of our own Church.

The carol, " From Heaven above to earth I come,"* is called by Luther himfelf, " a Chriftmas child's fong concerning the child Jefus." He vi^rote it for his little boy Hans, when the latter was five years old, and it is ftill fung from the dome of the Kreuzkirche in Drefden before day-break on the morning of Chriftmas Day. It refers to the cuftom then and long afterwards prevalent in Germany, of making at Chriftmas-time reprefentations of the manger with the infant Jefus. But the moft famous of his hymns is his noble verfion of the 46th Pfalm, " A fure ftronghold our God is He,"-!- which may be called the national hymn of his Proteftant countrymen. Luther's hymns are wanting in harmony and corredlnefs of metre to a degree which often makes them jarring to our modern ears, but they are always full of fire and ftrength, of clear Chriftian faith, and brave joyful truft in God.

From his time there has been a conftan*. fucceflion of hymn writers in the German church. Paul Eber, an intimate friend of Me-

* Page 12. + Page 175.

preface* xi

lan£lhon, wrote for his children the hymn, " Lord Jefus Chrift, true Man and God,"* which foon became a favourite hymn for the dying. Hugo Grotius afked that it might be repeated to him in his laft moments, and ex- pired ere its conclufion. Another hymn of the fame clafs is, " Now hufli your cries, and flied no tear,"t the" Jam moeftaquiefce querela" of Prudentius II. tranflated by Nicholas Her- mann, the pious old precentor of Joachimfthal, a hymn long fung at every funeral.

The terrible times of the Thirty years' War were rich in facred poetry. Rift, a clergyman in North Germany, who fufFered much in his youth from mental conflifts, and in after years from plunder, peftilence, and all the horrors of war, ufed to fay, " the dear crofs hath prefTed many fongs out of me," and this feems to have been equally true of many of his contemporaries. It certainly was true of Johann Heermann, the author of feme of the moft touching hymns for Paflion Week, who wrote his fweet fongs under great phyfical fufferings from ill health, and amidft the perils of war, during which he more than once efcaped murder as by a miracle. So

• Page 241. f Page 251

xii ^rtfatc.

too the hymns of Simon Dach,* profefTor of poetry in the Univerfity of Konigfberg, fpeak of the fufFerings of the Chriftian, and his longing to efcape from the ftrife of earth to the peace of heaven.

But the Chriftians of thofe days had often not only to fufFer, but to fight for their faith, and in the hymns of Altenburg and von Lowenftern we have two that may be called battle fongs of the church. The former publifhed his hymn, "- Fear not, O little flock, the foe,"f in 163 1, with this title : '' A heart-cheering fong of comfort on the watchword of the Evangelical Army in the battle of Leipfic, September 7th, 1631, God with us." It was called Guftavus Adolphus' battle fong, becaufe the pious hero often fang it with his army ; and he fang it for the laft time immediately before the battle of LUtzen. The latter, von Lowenftern, was the fon of a faddler, but was ennobled by the Emperor, Ferdinand III. for his public fervices : he was at once a ftatefman, poet, and mufician. His hymn, " Chrift, Thou the champion of the band,"J was a favourite of Niebuhr.

* Pages 130 and 254. f Page ij.

t Page 10s

^Brtface, xiii

Another favourite hymn of Niebuhr was the hymn to Eternity,* the greater part of which is of very ancient but uncertain date. It received its prefent 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 conclufion of peace. He is without doubt the greateft of the German hymn writers, poflefTing loftier poetical genius, and a richer variety of thought and feeling than any other. His beautiful hymn, " Commit thou all thv ways," is already well known to us throuo-h VVefley's tranflation, and many others of his are not inferior to it. He was a zealous preacher for feveral years at the Nicolai-Kirche in Berlin ; whence he retired becaufe he had not fufficient freedom in preaching the truth, and became Archdeacon of Liibben. With him culminated the elder fchool of German (acred poetry, a fchool diflinguiihed by its depth and fimplicity. Moft of its hymns are either written for the high feftivals and fervices of the Church, or are expreffive of a fimple Chriftian faith, ready to dare or fuffer all things for God's

* Page 26.

XIV preface.

fake. To this fchool we muft refer, from their ipirit, two hymns written a little later ; the firft is, " Jefus my Redeemer lives,"* one of the moft favourite Eafter hymns, written by the pious Ele6lrefs of Brandenburg, who founded the Orphan Houfe at Oranienburg. The other, " Leave God to order all thy ways,"t was written by George Neumarck, Secretary to the Archives at Weimar. It fpread rapidly among the common people, at firft without the author's name. A baker's boy in New Brandenburg ufed to fing it over his work, and foon the whole town and neighbourhood flocked to him tc learn this beautiful new fong.

In the latter half of the feventeenth century a new fchool was founded by Johann Franck, and Johann Scheffler, commonly called Angelus. The former was burgomafter of Guben in Lufatia ; the latter phyfician to Ferdinand III. : but in 1663 he became a Roman Catholic, and afterwards a prieft. The pervading idea of this fchool is the longing of the foul for that inti- mate union with the Redeemer iof the world, which begins with the birth of Chrift in the heart, and is perfefted after death. This longing breathes through the hymns of Franck given in

* Page 93. t Page «5 3-

^Preface.

XV

this colle6tion ; one of them, " Redeemer of the nations, come,"* is a tranflation of the " Veni, Redemptor gentium" of St. Ambrofe. Angelas dwells rather on the means of attain- ing this union by the facrifice of the Self to God through the great High-prieft of mankind, an idea exprefled in his hymns with peculiar tendernefs and fweetnefs. We find much of his fpirit and fweetnefs lingering in modern times about the few hymns of the gifted Novalis.

The greateft poet of this fchool is however Gerhardt Terfteegen, who lived during the early part of the eighteenth century as a ribbon manufacturer at Miihlheim. His hymns have great beauty, and befpeak a tranquil and child- like foul filled and blefl'ed with the contem- plation of God. The well-known hymn of Wefley's, " Lo God is here ! let us adore," belongs to him, and in its original fhape is one of the mofl beautiful he ever wrote, but is frequently met with only in a disfigured and mutilated form. To this fchool belong a large number of the hymns in this colledion, among which thofeof Defzler,t an excellent philologifl of Nuremberg, and of Anton Ulrich,;}: the pious

• Page i88. t Pages 59, 148.

1 Pages 146, 161, 222. b

xvf ^rt[acc.

arid learned Duke of Brunfwick, are particu- larly good. Thofe of Schmolck, the paftor of Schweidnitz, who exercifed great influence over the hymn-writing of his day, have more fim- plicity than mofl of the reft, but are charac- terifed bv a curious mixture of real poetry and deep feeling with occafional vulgarities of ex- preflion. The defeats of this fchool, which fhowed themfelves ftrongly in the courfe of the eighteenth century, were a tendency that the feeling fhould degenerate into fentimentality, and the devout dwelling of the heart on Chrift's ^reat facrifice into compaflion and gratitude for His phyfical fufferings, — defers which greatly disfigure many of the Moravian hymns. In fome of the hymns here tranflated the expreflion '• Chrifti Wundenhohle" occurs, which has been rendered by the blood or crofs of Chrift, as being phrafes at once more fcriptural and more confonant to our feelings. There were not wanting however, even at this period, many hymns fit for good foldiers of Jefus Chrift, fuch as "Who feeks in weaknefs an excufe,"* and others of the fame kind.

Germany is rich in Morning and Evening

• Page 150.

preface* xvii

Hymns, and Hymns for the Dying, of which a few are given in thefe tranflations. Among thefe is the morning hymn of Baron von Canitz • I was not aware until after tranflating it thac it had been already publiflied at the clofe of one volume of Dr. Arnold's fermons.

The hymn " How bleft to all Thy followers, Lord, the road,"* was the favourite hymn of Schelling.

In tranflating thefe hymns the original form has been retained with the exception, that fmgle rhymes are generally fubftituted for the double rhymes which the ftrudure of the lan- guage renders fo common in German poetry, but which become cloying to an Englifli ear when conftantly repeated; and that Englifh double common or fhort metre is ufed inftead of what may be called the German common metre, the fame that we call Gay's flanza, to which it approximates clofely in the number of fyllables, while its aflbciations in our minds are fomewhat more folemn. In a few inftances flight alterations have been made in the metre, when, as is the cafe with fome excellent hymns in our own language, it is hardly grave and

* Page 177.

xviii Prtfate.

dignified enough for the poetry. Thefe alter- ations are but flight, and feemed juftifiable, fince thefe hymns have been tranflated, not fo much as fpecimens of German hymn-writing, as in the hope that thefe utterances of Chriftian piety which have comforted and ftrengthened the hearts of many true Chriflians in their native country, may fpeak to the hearts of fome among us, to help and cheer thofe who muft ftrive and fufFer, and to make us feel afrefli what a deep and true Communion of Saints exifts among all the children of God in different churches and lands.

Alderley Edge, July i6th, 1855.

*^* In the fecond edition a few correflions have been made and additional verfes given in fome of the hymns : a few among them are how- ever ftill given in an abbreviated form, where the omitted verfes appeared to be decidedly in- ferior in merit, or to contain no new thought. I have alfo exchanged the former verfion of " Ein fefle Burg" for one, as it feems to me, much fuperior, which I owe to the kindnefs of the Rev. William Gafkell.

Nov. 10th, 1855.

CONTENTS.

Page

; IRST Sunday in Advent. The Dawn . . i

Second Sunday in Advent. The Coming of the

Day of the Lord 4

Third Sunday in Advent. Chriji the Deliiterer ... 7

Fourth Sunday in Advent. ChriJ} the King of all Men , 10

Chriftmas Eve. A Carol 12

Chriftmas Day. The Word made fiefh 15

St. Stephen's Day. A Battle-Song in trcuhled Times . 17

St. John the Evangclift. Chriji the Lfe of the Soul , . 19

Innocents' Day. The Childlike Heart 22

Sunday after Chriftmas Day. The Def re of all Nations . 24

Circumcifion. A Hymn for Netv Tear'' s Day . ... 26

Epiphany. The Manifejiation of the Light of the World , 30

Firft Sunday after Epiphany. The Chrijiian Sacrifice . 32

Second Sunday after Epiphany. God''% So-vereignty our

Stronghold of Hope 33

Third Sunday after Epiphany. The Word of God . . . 36

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. A Prayer in mental ConfiiSi 38 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany. A Prayer for the Prefence

of the Spirit of God in the Church 4 1

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany. Afpiration after Purity

and Holinejs 43

Septuagefima Sunday. The Chrijiian Warfare

Sexagefima Sunday. A Spring Song

Quinquagefima Sunday. Lo-ve the Root of all Excellence

,, „ „ ChriJl opening the Eyes of the

Blind

46

48 SO

53

Aih Wednefday. A Cry for Mtrcy 55

XX (JTontfnis.

Firft Sunday in Lent. The Loiielinefs and Angmjh of Peni- tence 57

Second Sunday in Lent. Clinging to Chriji in utter Need 59

Third Sunday in Lent. A Warning of Judgment . . 61

Fourth Sunday in Lent. Confeffion of Sin 63

Fifth Sunday in Lent. Tarrying for Light and Help . 65 Palm Sunday. Chrifs Entry into Jerufalem .... 67 Monday in Paflion Week. ChriJI iveeping over Jerufalem 70 Tuefday in Paflion Week. Chriji' s Death our Purification 72. Weonefday in Paflion Week. Chrif's Death our Redemp- tion 74

Thurfday in Paflion Week. Our Re^ uital of Chriji's Lo-ve 77

Good Friday. The Crucifixion 80

„ „ Evening. The Lo've of God in Chrifi . 83

Eafter Even. Refl in the Gra-ve 85

Eafter Day. The Triumph o-ver Death 87

„ ,, Evening. The RefurreElion from the Death

of Sin 89

Monday in Eafter Week. The Benefits of Chrifi" s Refur-

reElion ....''••• 9'

Tuefday in Eafter Week. Chrifiis Life the Source and

Pledge of ours 93

Firft Sunday after Eafter. The Kingdom of Hea-ven in the

midfi of us 96

Second Sunday after Eafter. The Good Shepherd ... 98 Third Sunday after Eafter. A Song of Joy after a Time

of Sorrovi ^°o

Fourth Sunday after Eafter. li'he Indiuellmg of the Holy

Spirit 103

Fifth Sunday after Eafter. Chrifi the Champion of His

Church 105

Afcenfion Day. The Soul longing to be where Chrifi is . 106

Sunday after Afcenfion Day. The Homeward Journey . 108

Whit Sunday. The Defcent of the Holy Spirit . ... 1 10 Monday in Whitfun-week. The Spirit of God the Spirit

of Lo-ve, Joy, and Peace 113

Tuefday in Whitfun-week. The Spirit of God the IVitnefs

to His Son 118

CTontcnls* xxi

Trinity Sunday. The Fount of Being, the IVord, the

uniting Spirit 1 20

Firft Sunday after Trinity. The Lo-ve of God . . . . 122

Second Sunday at'ter Trinity. The Lo-ve of Hn Children . 125

Third Sunday after Trinity. Peace in Trouble . . . 127 Fourth Sunday after Trinity. Sharing the Crofs and the

Croivn 130

Fifth Sunday after Trinity. The Good Soldier of Chriji . 131

Sixth Sunday after Trinity. Se/f Surrender to God . . 135

Seventh Sunday after Trinity. ^ Summer Song . . 137 Eighth Sunday after Trinity. The Spirit of God the

Fountain of fViJdom and Purity 1 41

Ninth Sunday after Trinity. The Choice 143

Tenth Sunday after Trinity. Longing of the Heart after

God 146

Eleventh Sunday after Trinity. God's Prejence the Source

of all Joy 148

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity. The Sin of Weaknef . 150

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity. Truft in God . . . 153

Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity. The Crojs our Glory . 155

Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity. The Secret of Content . 157

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. God's fure Help in Sorrow 161 Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity. The Song of the ChriJ-

tian Pilgrim 163

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity. Voiv to be true to Chriji

in an Age of Apoflacy 167

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity. Li-ving Faith . . 169 Twentieth Sunday after Trinity. Rejoicing in God the

Creator, Redeemer, and SanBifer 172

Twenty-firft Sunday after Trinity. Luther's Pfalm . . 175 Twenty-fecond Sunday after Trinity. 7'he Unjearchable

JVfdomofGod 177

Twenty-third Sunday after Trinity. AJpiration ajttr the

Life Eternal 1 82

Tv/enty-fourth Sunday after Trinity. The One Thing

Needful 185

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity. Rejoice, the Lord is

at hand • I08

xxii CTontcnts.

St. Andrew's Day. Follotving Chr'iji ipo

St. Thomas the Apoftle. The SouVs 'Joy In dlfco-vering

Chriji, the link hetiveen God and Man 193

Prefentation in the Temple. The Song of Simeon . . 195

St. Matthias. The True Reji iqy

Annunciation. The Happlnefs of the Soul that has no Will

but God^s ■ 200

St. Barnabas. The Merc ful Providence of God . . . 202

St. Michael's. The Minifry of Angeh 207

All Saints'. The Company of the Bleji 209

Hymns for the Morning 215

Hymns for the Evening 227

For the Sick and Dying 237

For the Burial of the Dead 251

Index 257

Table of German Hymns 261

JLpra (Btvmanica.

HH^

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT.

The night is far fpent, the day is at hand ; let us there fore caft off the works of darknefs, and put on the ar- mour of light. — From the Epijlle.

WATCHMAN, will the night of fin Be never paft? I^i O watchman, doth the tarrying day ^^ begin

To dawn upon thy ilraining fight at laft ?

Will it difpel Ere long the mills of fenfe wherein I dwell?

Now all the earth is bright and glad

With the frelh morn ; But all my heart is cold and dark and fad ; Sun of the foul, let me behold Thy dawn !

Come Jefus, Lord ! Oh quickly come, according to Thy word !

Unra Gcimnnirn.

Do we n~>: live in thofe bleft days

So long foretold. When Thou fhouldft come to bring us light and grace ? And yet I fit in darknefs as of old.

Pining to fee Thy glory ; but Thou ftill art far from me.

Long fince Thou cameft for the light

Of all men here ; And IHII in me is nought but blackefl night. Yet am I Thine, Oh haften to appear,

Shine forth and blefs My foul with vifion of Thy righteoufnefs !

If thus in darknefs ever left.

Can I fulfil The works of light, while yet of light bereft ? Or how difcern in love and meeknefs ftill

To follow Thee, And all the finful works of darknefs flee?

The light of reafon cannot give

Life to my foul ; Jefus alone can make me truly live. One glance of His can make my fpirit whole.

Arife, and fhine O Jefus, on this longing heart of mine !

Single and clear, not weak or blind, The eye muft be.

Itgra ©irmanica.

To which Thy glory fhall an entrance find ; For if Thy chofen ones would gaze on Thee,

No earthly fcreen Between their fouls and Thee muft intervene.

Jefus, do Thou mine eyes unfeal. And let them grow Quick to difcern whate'er Thou doft reveal. So fhall I be deliver'd from th.at- woe,

Blindly to ftray Through hopelefs night, while all around is day.

RiCHTER. 170^.

ILgra ^ermanica.

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT.

Behold the fig-tree and all the trees; when they now flioot forth, ye fee and know of your own felves that fummer is now nigh at hand. So likewife ye, when ye fee that thefe things come to pafs, know ye that the king- dom of God is nigh at hand. — From the Gofpel.

^WAKE, thou carelefs world, awake ! The final day fhall furely come ; What Heaven hath fix'd Time cannot fliake. It cannot fweep away thy doom. Know, what the Lord Himfelf hath fpoken Shall come at laft and not delay ; Though heaven and earth (hall pafs away, His fteadfaft word can ne'er be broken.

Awake ! He comes to judgment, wake !

Sinners behold His countenance In beauty terrible, and quake

Condemn'd beneath His piercmg glance. Lo ! He to whom all power is given.

Who fits at God's right hand on high,

tn fire and thunder draweth nigh. To judge all nations under Heaven.

Awake, thou carelefs world, awake !

Who knows how foon our God fliall p1ea(e

Hgra ^ermanica.

That fuddenly that day fhould break ?

We fathom not fuch depths as thefe. Oh guard thee well from lull and greed.

For as the bird is in the fnare.

Or ever of its foe aware. So comes that day with filent fpeed. •

The Lord in love delayeth long The final day, and grants us fpace

To turn away from fin and wrong.

And mourning feek His help and grace.

He holdeth back that beft of days. Until the righteous fhall approve Their faith and hope, their conftant love ;

So gentle us-ward are His ways !

But ye, O faithful fouls, fhall fee That morning rife in love and joy ;

Your Saviour comes to let you free.

Your Judge fhall all your bonds deftroy :

He, the true Jofhua, then fhall bring His people with a mighty hand Into their promifed father-land.

Where fongs of viftory they fhall fing.

Rejoice ! the fig-tree fhows her green. The fpringing year is in its prime.

The little flowers afrefh are feen.

We gather ftrength in this great time ;

The glorious fummer draweth near. When all this body's earthly load. In light that morning fheds abroad,

Shall wax as funfhine pure and clear.

Ugra ©Ermanfca.

Arife, and let us day and night

Pray in the Spirit ceafelefsly. That we may heed our Lord aright.

And ever in His prefence be ; Arife, and let us hafte to meet

The Bridegroom Handing at the door.

That with the angels evermore We too may worfhip at His feet.

RisT. 1651.

Hyra ^fnnanica.

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT.

And it (hall be faid in that day ; Lo, this is our God, we have waited for Him, and He will fave us ; this is the Lord, we have waited for Him, and we will rejoice in His falvation. — From the Lejfon.

OW fhall I meet Thee? How my heart Receive her Lord aright ? Defire of all the earth Thou art! My hope, my fole delight ! Kindle the lamp. Thou Lord, alone.

Half-dying in my breall. And make thy gracious pleafure known How I may greet Thee beft.

Her budding boughs and fairell palms

Thy Zion ftrews around ; And fongs of praife and fweeteft pfalms

From my glad heart fhall found. My defert foul breaks forth in flowers.

Rejoicing in Thy fame ; And puts forth all her fleeping powers.

To honour Jefus' name.

In heavy bonds I languilh'd long. Thou com'ft to fet me free ;

The fcorn of every mocking tonguc- Thou com'ft to honour me.

ILyra ©frmnnica.

A heavenly crown wilt Thou bellow.

And gifts of pricelefs worth. That vanifh not as here below

The fading wealth of earth.

Nought, nought, dear Lord, had power to move

Thee from Thy rightful place. Save that moil flrange and blefled Love

Wherewith Thou doil embrace This weary world and all her woe.

Her load of grief and ill And forrow, more than man can know ; —

Thy love is deeper ftill.

Oh write this promife in your hearts.

Ye forrowful, on whom Fall thickening cares, while joy departs

And darker grows your gloom. Defpair not, for your help is near.

He ftandeth at the door Who beft can comfort you and cheer.

He comes, nor ftayeth more.

Nor vex your fouls 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 foothe our every grief and ill.

For all to Him are known.

Huva ^crmanicn.

Nor ye, O finners, fhrink afide.

Afraid to fee His face. Your darkeft fins our Lord will hide

Beneath His pitying grace. He comes. He comes, to fave from fin.

And all its pangs affuage. And for the fons of God to win

Their proper heritage.

Why heed ye then the craft and noife.

The fury of His foes ? Lo, in a breath the Lord deftroys

All who His rule oppofe. He comes. He comes, as King to reign!

All earthly powers may band Againft Him, yet they ftrive in vain.

His might may none withftand.

He comes to judge the earth, and ye

Who mock'd Him, feel His wrath ; But they who loved and fought Him fee

His light o'er all their path. O Sun of Righteoufnefs ! arife.

And guide us on our way To yon fair manfion in the fkies

Of joyous cloudlefs day.

Paul Gerhardt. 1653

10 Hgra CSermanica*

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT.

Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I fay unto you, Rejoice. . . . The Lord is at hand. — from the Epijile.

IFT 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 falvation doth He bring. Wherefore rejoice, and gladly fing Praife, O my God, to Thee ! Creator, wife is Thy decree !

The Lord is juft, a helper tried,

Mercy is ever at His fide.

His kingly crown is holinefs.

His fceptre, pity in diftrefs.

The end of all our woe He b.ings ;

Wherefore the earth is glad and fings

Praife, O my God, to fhee!

O Saviour, great Thy deeds fhall be !

Oh, bleft the land, the city bleft. Where Chriil the ruler is confeft ! Oh, happy hearts and happy homes To whoro this King 'n triumph comes !

Hgia ©crmanfca. «i

The cloudlefs Sun of joy He is. Who bringeth pure delight and blifs ;

Praife, O my God, to Thee !

Comforter, for Thy comfort free !

Fling wide the portals of your heart.

Make it a temple fet apart

From earthly ufe for Heaven's employ,

Adorn'd with prayer, and love, and joy ;

So (hall your Sovereign enter in.

And new and nobler life begin.

Praife, 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 prefence feel. Thy grace and love in me reveal. Thy Holy Spirit guide us on Until our glorious goal is won 1

Eternal praife and fame.

Be oiFer'd, Saviour, to Thy Name ?

Weiszel. 1635.

12 1lj3ia Gfrmamca.

CHRISTMAS EVE.

A Caroi.

Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy that (hall be to all people. — Luke ii. lo.

ROM heaven above to earth I come To bear good news to every home ; Glad tidings of great joy I bring, Whereof I now will fay and fing:

To you this night is born a child Of Mary, chofen mother mild ; This little child, of lowly birth. Shall be the joy of all your earth.

'Tis Chrift our God who far on high Hath heard your fad and bitter cry ; Himfelf will your Salvation be, Himfelf from fm will make you free.

He brings thofe bleffings, long ago Prepared by God for all below ; Henceforth His kingdom open ftands To you, as to the angel bands.

Thefe are the tokens ye fhall mark. The fwaddling clothes and manger dark ;

Ujira CSermanica. 13

There fhall ye find the young child laid. By whom the heavens and earth were made.

Now let us all with gladfome cheer Follow the Ihepherds, and draw near To fee this wondrous gift of God Who hath His only Son beftow'd.

Give heed, my heart, lift up thine eyes ! Who is It in yon manger lies ? Who is this child fo young and fair ? The bleffed Chrill-child lieth there

Welcome to earth Thou noble gueft. Through whom e'en wicked men arc blell J Thou comTt to fhare our mifery, What can we render, Lord, to 7'hec .

Ah, Lord, who haft created all. How haft Thou made Thee weak and fmall. That Thou muft choofe Thy infant bed Where afs and ox but lately fed !

Were earth a thoufand times as fair, Befet with gold and jewels rare. She yet were far too poor to be A narrow cradle. Lord, for Thee.

For velvets foft and filken ftuff Thou haft but hay and ftraw fo rough. Whereon Thou king, fo rich and great. As 'twere Thy heaven, art throned in ftate.

14 Hyra Gcrmanica.

Thus hath it pleafed Thee to make plain The truth to us poor fools and vain. That this world's honour, wealth and might Are nought and worthlefs in Thy fight.

Ah ! deareft Jefus, Holy Child, Make Thee a bed, foft, 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 filence keep ; I too mufl fing with joyful tongue That fweeteft ancient cradle-fong —

Glory to God in highefl Heaven, Who unto man His Son hath given While angels fing with pious mirth A glad New Year to all the earth.

Luther. Written for his little fon Han.'s. 1 54.0

Hgra Germanica, 15

CHRISTMAS DAY.

And the Word was made flefh, and dwelt among us

From the Gofpel.

THOU effential Word, Who from eternity Didft dwell with God, for thou waft God Who art ordain'd to be The Saviour of our race ; Welcome indeed Thou art, Blefled Redeemer, Fount of Grice, To this my longing heart !

Come, felf-exiftent Word,

And fpeak within my heart. That from the foul where Thou art heard

Thy peace may ne'er depart.

Thou Light that lighteneft all.

Abide through faith in me. And let me never from Thee fall.

And feek no guide but Thee.

Why didft Thou leave Thy throne,

O Jefus, what could bring Thee to a world where e'en Thine own

Knew not their rightful King?

Thy luve beyond all thought

Stronger than Death or Hell, And my deep woe, this wonder wrought.

That Thou on earth doft dwell.

1 6 Hgra CSermanica.

Then help me. Lord, to give

My whole heart unto Thee, That all my life while here I live

One fong of praife may be.

Yes, Jefus, form anew

This ftony 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 fin. My cunning foe withftand. From Thee comes nothing ill, 'Tis he doth fow the tares ;

Make plain my path before me ftill. And fave me from his fnares.

Thou art the Life, O Lord !

Sole Light of Life Thou art! Let not Thy glorious rays be pcur'd

In vain on my dark heart.

Star of the Eaft, arife !

Drive all my clouds away. Guide me till earth's dim twilight dies

Into the perfedl day !

I AUR.ENT1. 3 7<X>.

"^--^^

Hgra €5ennanita.

*7

ST. STEPHEN'S DAY.

And Stephen, fiall of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. . .Then they ftirred up the people . . and caught him, and fet up falle witnefTcs agiinft him. — From t/ie Lejfon.

EAR not, O little flock, the foe Who madly feeks your overthrow. Dread not his rage and power : What though your courage fometimes /aints. His feeming triumph o'er God's faints Lafts but a little hour.

Be of good cheer ; your caufe belongs To Him who can avenge your wrongs.

Leave it to Him our Lord. Though hidden yet from all our eyes. He fees the Gideon who fliall rife

To fave us, and His word.

As true as God's own word is true. Nor earth nor hell with all their crew

Againft us fhall prevail. A jeft and byword are they grown ; God is with us, we are His own.

Our vidory cannot fail. c

i8 ILgra ©trmfinicn.

Amen, Lord Jefus, grant our prayer ! Great Captain, now Thine arm make bare ;

Fight for us once again ! So fhall Thy faints and martyrs raife A mighty chorus to Thy praife. World without end. Amen.

Altenburg. Guftavus Adolphus' Battle-long. 1631.

ILgra CSermanica. 19

ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST.

If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee ? Follow thou me. — From the GoJj>el.

'F Thou, True Life, wilt in me live, Confume vvhate'er is not of Thee ; One look of Thine more joy can give Than all the world can offer me. O Jefus, be Thou mine for ever. Nought from Thy love my heart can fever. As Thou haft promifed in Thy Word ; Oh deep the joy whereof I drink. Whene'er my foul in Thee can fink. And own her Bridegroom and her Lord !

O Heart, that glow'd with love and died.

Kindle my foul with fire divine ; Lord, in the heart Thou'ft won, abide.

And all in it that is not Thine Oh let me conquer and deftroy, Strong in Thy love. Thou Fount of Joy, Nay, be Thou conqueror. Lord, in me;

So fliall I triumph o'er defpair.

O'er death itfelf Thy viflory fliare. Thus fuffer, live, and die in Thee.

20 ilgra CSermnnita.

And let the fire within me move

My heart to ferve Thy members here ;

Let me their need and trials prove. That I may i<now my love fincere

And like to Thine, Lord, pure and warm ;

For when my foul hath won that form

Is likeft to Thy holy mind.

Then I fhall love both friends and foes. And learn to grieve o'er others' woes,

Like Thee, my Pattern, true and kind.

The light and ftrength of Faith, oh grant.

That I may bring forth holy fruit, A living branch, a blooming plant.

Fall clinging to my vine — my root : Thou art my Saviour, whom I truft. My Rock, — I build not on the duft, — The ground of faith, eternal, fure.

When hours of doubt o'ercloud my mind. Thy ready help then let me find. Thy ftrength my fickening fpirit cure !

And grant that Hope may never fail, Rut anchor'd fafely on Thy crofs, Ttirough Thee who art mine All, prevail

O'er every anguifh, dread, and lofs. The world may build on what decays, O Chrirt, my Sun of Hope, my gaze Cares not o'er lefTer lights to range; To Thee in love I ever cleave. For well I know Thou ne'er wilt leave My foul, — Thy love can never change.

IL^ra C^ermanfca.

21

Wouldft Thou that I fhould tarry here,

J live becaufe Thou willed it ; Or Death fhould fuddenly appear,

1 fhall not fear him. Lord, one whit. If but Thy life ftill in me live, If but Thy death my ftrength fhall give. When earthly life draws near its end ;

To Thee I give away my will.

In life and death remembering flill Thou wilt my good, O truell: Friend.

SiNOLD. 17 JO.

22 Upra ©ermanica.

INNOCENTS' DAY.

Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye (hall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven,

Matt, xviii. 3.

EAR Soul, couldft thou become a child While yet on earth, meek, undefiled. Then God Himfelf were ever near. And Paradife around thee here.

A child cares nought for gold or treafure. Nor fame nor glory yield him pleafure ; In perfeft truft, he afketh not If rich or poor fhall be his lot.

Little he recks of dignity. Nor prince nor monarch feareth he ; Strange that a child fo weak and fmall Is oft the boldeft of us all!

He hath not flcil! to utter lies. His very foul is in his eyes ; Single his aim in all, and true. And apt to praife what others do.

No queftions dark his fpirit vex. No faithlefs doubts his foul perplex. Simply from day to day he lives. Content with what the prefent gives.

ILyra ©Ermanica. 23

Scarce can he ftand alone, far lels Would roam abroad in lonelinefs ; Faft clinging to his mother ftill, She bears and leads him at her will.

He will not flay to paufe and choofe. His Father's guidance e'er refufe. Thinks not of danger, fears no harm. Wrapt in obedience* holy calm.

For ftrange concerns he careth nought ; What others do, although were wroughr Before his eyes the worft offence. Stains not his tranquil innocence.

His dearefl work, his befl delight. Is, lying in his mother's fight. To gaze for ever on her face. And neflle in her fond embrace.

O childhood's innocence ! the voice Of thy deep wifdom is my choice ! Who hath thy lore is truly wife. And precious in our Father's eyes.

Spirit of childhood ! loved of God, By Jefu's Spirit now beftow'd ; How often have I long'd for thee ; O Jefus, form Thyfelf in me !

And help me to become a child While yet on earth, meek, undefiled. That I may find God always near. And Paradife around me here.

Gerhardt Tersteegen. 1731.

24 Hgra Cftrmantca.

SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY.

Behold a Virgin ftiall be with child, and (hall bring forth a Son, and they (hall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

From the Gofpel.

'HEE, O Immanuel, we praile. 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 faints. Thee, Lord, we fing, Praife, honour, thanks to Thee we bring, That Thou, O long-expedled gueft. Haft come at laft to make us bleft !

Since firft the world began to be. How many a heart hath long'd 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 fhame ; That help from Zion came to men, Ifrael were glad, and profper'd then !"

Hgra Germanica 25

Now art Thou here ; we know Thee now. In lowly manger lieft Thou ; A child, yet makeft all things great. Poor, yet is earth Thy robe of itate.

From Thee alone all gladnefs flows. Who yet fhalt bear fuch bitter woes ; Earth's light and comfort Thou fhalt be. Yet none fhall watch to comfort Thee.

All heavens are Thine, yet Thou doll come To fojourn in a ftranger's home ; Thou hangeft on Thy mother's breaft Who art the joy of fpirits blell.

Now fearlefs I can look on Thee, From fin and grief Thou fett'll me free ; Thou beareft wrath. Thou conquereft 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 ftrength would ftill Serve Thee according to Thy will.

Thus will I fing Thy praifes here With joyful fpirit year by year ; And they fhall found before Thy throne. Where time nor number more are known.

Paul Gerhardt. 1650.

26 Hgra €5ermanica.

THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST.

Hymn for New Yearns Day.

So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wifdom. Pfalm xc. 12.

TERNITY! Eternity! How long art thou. Eternity ! And yet to thee Time haftes away. Like as the warhorfe to the fray, Or fvvift as couriers homeward go. Or fhip to port, or fhaft from bow. Ponder, O Man, Eternity !

Eternity ! Eternity ! How long art thou, Eternity ! For even as on a perfeft fjjhere End nor beginning can appear. Even fo. Eternity, in thee Entrance nor exit can there be. Ponder, O Man, Eternity !

Eternity 1 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 !

ILpra Germanica, 27

Eternity ! Eternity !

How long art thou, Eternity !

A little bird with fretting beak

Might wear to nought the loftieft peak.

Though but each thoufand years it came.

Yet thou wert then, as now, the fame.

Ponder, O Man, Eternity !

Eternity ! Eternity ! How long art thou. Eternity ! As long as God is God, fo long Endure the pains of fin and wrong. So long the joys of heaven remain ; Oh lafting joy. Oh lafting pain ! Ponder, O Man, Eternit)' !

Eternity ! Eternity !

How long art thou. Eternity !

O Man, full oft thy thoughts Ihould dwell

Upon the pains of fin 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 goodnefs fheddeth gladnefs herc» His juftice there wakes bitter fear. Ponder, O Man, Eternity !

28 Upra Cacrmanfca,

Eternity ! Eternity !

How long art thou. Eternity !

They who lived poor and naked reft

With God, for ever rich and bleft.

And love and praife the Higheft Good,

In perfedl blifs and gladfome mood.

Ponder, O Man, Eternity !

Eternity ! Eternity ! How long art thou. Eternity ! A moment lafts all joy below. Whereby man finks to endlels woe, A moment lafts all earthly pain. Whereby an endlefs joy we gain. Ponder, O Man, Eternity !

Eternity ! Eternity !

How long art thou. Eternity !

Who ponders oft on thee is wife.

All flelhly lufts will he defpife.

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 fay to God,

Here judge, burn, fmite me with Thy rod,

Here let me all Thy juftice bear.

When time of grace is paft, then fpare !

Ponder, O Man, Eternity !

Hijra ©ermanica. 29

Eternity ! Eternity !

How long art thou. Eternity !

Lo, I, Eternity, warn thee,

O Man, that oft thou think on me.

The finner's punifhment and pain.

To them who love their God, rich gain !

Ponder, O Man, Eternity !

WiiLFFER. 1648

30 ILgra Cjcrmanica.

EPIPHANY.

Arise, (hine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is rifen upon thee ! — From the Lejfon.

LL ye Gentile lands awake ! Thou, O Salem, rife and fhine ! See the day-fpring o'er you break. Heralding a morn divine. Telling, God hath call'd to mind Thofe who long in darknefs pined.

Lo ! the fhadows flee away.

For our Light is come at length.

Brighter than all earthly day.

Source of being, life, and ftrength !

Whofo on this Light would gaze

Muft forfake all evil ways.

Ah how blindly did we ftray

Ere (hone forth this glorious Sun,

Seeking each his feparate way.

Leaving Heaven, unfought, unwon ;

All our looks were earthward bent.

All our ftrength on earth was fpent.

Earthly were our thoughts and low. In the toils of Folly caught.

£yra CSermanica. 31

Tofs'd of Satan to and fro.

Counting goodnefs all for nought ; By the world and flefti deceived. Heaven's true joys we difbelieved.

Then were hidden from our eyes

All the law and grace of God ; Rich and poor, the fools and wife.

Wanting light to find the road Leading to the heavenly life, Wander'd loft in care and ftrife.

But the glory of the Lord

Hath arifen on us to-day. We have feen the light outpour'd

That muft furely drive away All things that to night belong. All the fad earth's woe and wrong.

Thy arifing, Lord, fhall fill

All my thoughts in forrow's hour ;

Thy arifing. Lord, fhall ftill

All my dread of Death's dark power :

Through my fmiles and through my tears

Still Thy light, O Lord, appears.

Let me. Lord, in peace depart

From this evil world to Thee: Where Thyfelf fole Brightnefs art.

Thou hall kept a place for me : In the Ihining city there Crowns of light Thy faints Ihall wear.

RisT. 1655.

32 Hyra Cfitrmanfca.

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY.

I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye prefent your bodies a living facrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reaibnable fervice.

From the Epijlle.

REAT High-prieft, who deign'dft to be Once the facrifice for me. Take this living heart of mine. Lay it on Thy holy fhrine.

Love I know accepteth nought.

Save what Thou, O Love, haft wrought ;

OlTer Thou my facrifice,

Elfe to God it cannot rife.

Slay in me the wayward will. Earthly fenfe and paffion kill. Tear felf-love from out my heart. Though it coft me bitter fmart.

Kindle, Mighty Love, the pyre. Quick confume me in Thy fire. Fain were I of felf bereft. Nought but Thee within me left.

So may God, the Righteous, brook On my facrifice to look ; In whofe fight no gift has worth Save a Chrift-like life on earth.

Angelus. 1657.

ILgra CSermanica. 33

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY.

Lift up your eyes unto the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath ; for the heavens fhall vani/h away like fmoke, and the earth fliall wax old like a garment, and the people that dwell therein fhall die in like manner ; but my falvation Ihall be for ever, and my righteoufnefs fhall not be aboliihed. — Irom the Lejfon.

OD liveth ever !

Wherefore, Soul, defpair 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 ; Ealier 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, defpair thou never ! Say, fhall He flumber, (hall He fleep. Who gave the eye its power to fee ? Shall He not hear His children weep Who made the ear fo wondroufly ? God is God ; He fees and hears All their troubles, all their tears. Soul, forget not 'mid thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns.

D

:>'i

Hgra ©timanlca.

God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, defpair thou never ! He who can earth and heaven control,

Who fpreads the clouds o'er fea and land, Whofe prefence fills the mighty Whole, In each true heart is clofe at hand; Love Him, He will furely fend Help and joy that never end. Soul, remember in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns.

God liveth ever ! Wherefore, Soul, defpair thou never ! S.aiLC canft thou bear thy crofs ? Then fly

To Him where only reft is fvveet ; Thy God is great. His mercy nigh. His ftrength upholds the tottering feet ; Truft Him, for His grace is fure. Ever doth His truth endure ; Soul, forget not in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns.

God liveth ever ! Wherefore, Soul, defpair thou never ' When fins and follies long forgot

Upon thy tortured confcience prey. Oh come to God, and fear Him not. His love ihall fweep them all away ; Pains of hell at look of His, Change to calm content and blifs. Sou], remember in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns.

Hyra CSfrmanica. 35

God liveth ever ! Wherefore, Soul, defpair thou never ? Thofe whom the thoughtlefs world forfakes.

Who ftand bewilder'd with their woe, God gently to His bofom takes.

And bids them all His fulnefs know ; In thy fbrrows' fwelling flood Own His hand who feeks thy good. Soul, forget not in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns.

God liveth ever ! Wherefore, Soul, defpair thou never ! Let earth and heaven outworn with age. Sink to the chaos whence they came ; Let angry foes againft us rage.

Let hell fhoot forth his fierceft flame ; Fear not Death, nor Satan's thrufts, God defends who in Him trufts ; Soul, remember in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns.

God liveth ever ! Wherefore, Soul, defpair thou never ! What though thou tread with bleeding feet

A thorny path of grief and gloom. Thy God will choofe the way moft meet To lead thee heavenwards, lead thee home. For this life's long night of fadnefs He will give thee peace and gladnefs ; Soul, remember in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns.

ZiHN. 1682.

36 ILgra €Uwmanica.

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY.

For as the rain cometh down, and the fnow from hea ven ; and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give feed to the fower, and bread to the eater : fo fliall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth : it (hall not return unto me void, but it (hall accomplifh that which I pleafe, and it (hall profper in the thing whereto I fent ,(. — From the Lejfon.

'HY Word, O Lord, like gentle dews. Falls foft on hearts that pine ; Lord, to Thy garden ne'er refufe This heavenly balm of Thine. Water'd from Thee Let every tree Bud forth and bloflbm to Thy praife. And bear much fruit in after days.

Thy Word is like a flaming fword,

A wedge that cleaveth ftone ; Keen as a fire fo burns Thy Word, And pierceth fleih and bone. Oh fend it forth O'er all the earth. To fliatter all the might of fin. The darken'd heart to cleanfe and win.

Hgra CSermanica. 37

Thy Word a wondrous guiding flar.

On pilgrim hearts doth rife. Leads to their Lord who dwell afar. And makes the fimple wife. Let not its h'ght E'er fink in night, But flill in every fpirit fhine. That none may mifs Thy light divine.

Anon.

38 Hyia Gcimanica.

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY.

And He faith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye or little faith ? Then He arofe and rebuked the winds and 'he fea, and there was a great calm. — From the Go/pel.

JY God, lo, here before Thy face I caft me in the duft ; Where is the hope of happier days, W here is my wonted trull ? Where are the funny hours I had

Ere of Thy light bereft ? Vanifti'd is all that made me glad. My pain alone is left.

I fhrink with fear and fore alarm

When threatening ills I fee. As though in time of need Thine arm

No more could fhelter me ; As though Thou couldll not fee the grief

That makes my courage quail. As though Thou wouldft not fend relief.

When human helpers fail. ~

Cannot Thy might avert e'en now

What feems my certain doom. And ftill with light and fuccour bow

To him who weeps in gloom?

Hgra €jcrmanica. 39

Art Thou not evermore the fame?

And haft not Thou revealed That Thon w^ilt be our ftrength. Thy Name

Our tower of hope, our fhield ?

0 Father, compafs me about With love, for I am weak ;

Forgive, forgive my finful doubt.

Thy pitying glance I feek ; For torn and anguifh'd is my heart.

Thou feeft it, my God, Oh foothe my confcience' bitter fmart.

Lift off my forrows' load.

I know that I am in Thy hands,

Whofe thoughts are peace toward me. That ever fure Thy counfel ftands, — Could I but build on Thee !

1 know that Thou wilt give me all That Thou haft promifed. Lord ;

Here will I cling, nor yield, nor fall, I live but by Thy Word.

Though mountains crumble into duft.

Thy covenant ftandeth faft ; Who follows Thee in pious truft

Shall reach the goal at laft. - Though ftrange and winding feem the way

While yet on earth I dwell. In heaven my heart fhall gladly fay.

Thou, God, doft all things well !

40 Hgra ©ernianica.

Take courage then, my foul, nor fteep

Thy days and nights in tears. Thou foon fhalt ceafe to mourn and weep.

Though dark are now thy fears. He comes. He comes, the Strong to fave.

He comes nor tarries more. His light is breaking o'er the wave^

The clouds and ftorms are o'er !

Drewes. 1 797.

ILgra ^tnnantca* 41

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

Oh that Thou wouldeft rend the heavens, that Thou wouldeft come down, that the mountains might flow down at Thy prefence . . . To make Thy name known to Thine adverfaries, that the nations may tremble at Thy prefence. — From the Lejfon.

SWAKE, Thou Spirit, who of old Didfl fire the watchmen of the Church's youth. Who faced the foe, unfhrinking, bold. Who witnefs'd day and night the eternal truth, Whofe voices through the world are ringing ftill. And bringing hofts to know and do Thy will !

Oh that Thy fire were kindled foon. That fwift from land to land its flame might leap !

Lord, give us but this pricelefs boon Of faithful fervants, fit for Thee to reap The harveft of the foul ; look down and view How great the harveft, yet the labourers kw.

Lord, let our earneft prayer be heard. The prayer Thy Son Himfelf hath bid us pray;

For, lo ! Thy children's hearts are ftirr'd In every land in this our darkening day. To cry for help with fervent foul to Thee ; Oh hear us. Lord, and fpeak. Thus let it be !

42 HDra CHermanica.

Oh hafte to help ere we are loft ! Send forth evangelifts, in fpirit ftrong,

Arm'd with Thy Word, a daundefs hoft. 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 promifed Spirit come again.

Before whom every barrier falls. And ere the night once more fhine forth as then ! Oh rend the heavens and make Thy prefence felt. The chains that bind us at Thy touch would melt !

And let Thy Word have fpeedy courfe. Through every land the truth be glorified.

Till all the heathen know its force. And gather to Thy churches far and wide ; And waken Ifrael from her fleep, O Lord ! Thus blefs and fpread the conquefts of Thy Word !

The Church's defert paths reftore. That ftumbling blocks which long in them have lain,

May hinder now Thy Word no more ; Deftroy falfe doflrine, root out notions vain. Set free from hirelings, let the Church and fchool Bloom as a garden 'neath Thy profpering rule !

BOGATZKY. 1727.

Hyra Cicrmanica. 43

SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY.

Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth him- felf even as He is pure. — From the Epiftle.

URE EfTence ! Spotlefs Fount of Light, That fadeth never into dark ! O ThoUjwhofe eyes more clear and bright Than noonday fun are quick to mark Our fins ; lo, bare before Thy face Lies all the defert of my heart. My once fair foul in every part Now ftain'd with evil foul and bafe.

Since but the pure in heart are bleft

With promifed vifion of their God, Sore fear and anguifh fill my breaft,

Rememb'ring all the ways I trod ; Mourning I fee my loll eftate.

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 fnares I flee.

44 Hgia ©crmanicn.

Lord, through the Spirit whom Thy Son Hath bidden us in prayer to afk. Arm us with might that every tafk,

Whate'er we do, in Thee be done.

Unworthy am I of Thy grace.

So deep are my transgreflions. Lord,

And yet once more I feek Thy face ; My God, have mercy, nor reward

My fins and follies, dark and vain ; Rejed, rejedl me not in wrath. But let Thy funfhine now beam forth,

And quicken me with hope again.

The Holy Spirit Thou haft given. The wondrous pledge of love divine.

Who fills our hearts with joys of heaven. And bids us earthly joys refign ;

Oh let His feal be on my heart. Oh take Him nevermore away. Until this flefhly houfe decay.

And Thou fhalt bid me hence depart.

But ah ! my coward fpirit droops. Sick with the fear that enters in

Whene'er a foul to bondage Hoops, And wears the fhameful yoke of fin ;

Oh quicken with the ftrength that flows From out the Eternal Fount of Life, My foul half-fainting in the ftrife,

Aiid make an end of all my woes.

Ujira ^crmanfca.

45

I cling unto Thy grace alone. Thy fteadfaft oath my only reft ;

To Thee, Heart-fearcher, all is known That lieth hidden in my breaft ;

Thy joy, O Spirit, on me pour. Thy fervent will my floth infpire, So fhall I have my heart's defire.

And ferve and praife Thee evermore.

Freylinghausen. 17 13

46 Hyra Gcrmantca.

SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY.

I THEREFORE fo run, not as uncertainly ; Co fight I, not as one that beateth the air. — From the EpiJIle.

TRIVE, when thou art call'd of God, When He draws thee by His grace. Strive to call away the load That would clog thee in the race !

Fight, though it may coft thy life ;

Storm the kingdom, but prevail ; Let not Satan's fierceft flrife

Make thee, warrior, faint or quail.

Wreftle, till through every vein

Love and ftrength are glowing warm.

Love that can the world difdain. Half-love will not bide the ftorm.

Wreftle with llrong prayers and cries. Think no time too much to fpend.

Though the night be pafs'd in fighs. Though all day thy voice afcend.

Haft thou won the pearl of price. Think not thou haft reach'd the goal,

Conquer'd every fin and vice That had power to harm thy foul.

Htua ffiermanica. 47

Gaze with mingled joy and fear

On the refuge thou haft found ; Know, while yet we linger here

Perils ever hem us round.

Art thou faithful ? then oppofe Sin and wrong with all thy might ;

Care not how the tempeft blows. Only care to win the fight.

Art thou faithful ? Wake and watch. Love with all thy heart Chrift's ways.

Seek not tranlient eafe to fnatch. Look not for reward or praife.

Art thou faithful ? Stand apart

From all worldly hope and pleafure.

Yonder fix thy hopes and heart.

On the heaven where lies our treafure.

Soldiers of the Crofs, be ftrong. Watch and war 'mid fear and pain.

Daily conquering woe and wrong. Till our King o'er earth fhall reign !

Winkler. 1703.

4^ " Ugra CErtrmanica.

SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY.

Let them praife the name of the Lord, for His name alone is excellent ; His glory is above the earth and heaven. — Fs. cxlviii. 13.

^ OTHING fair on earth I fee

But I ftraightway think on Thee ; Thou art faireft in mine eyes. Source in whom all beauty lies I

When the golden fun forth goes And the eaft before him glows, Quickly turns this heart of mine To Thy heavenly form divine.

On Thy light I think at morn. With the earlieft break of dawn ; Ah, what glories lie in Thee, Light of all Eternity !

When I watch the moon arife 'Mid Heaven's thoufand golden eyes, Then I think, more glorious far Is the Maker of yon ftar.

Or I cry in fpring's fweet hours, When the fields are gay with flowers. As their varied hues 1 fee, \\ Qat muft their Creator be!

lima Gfimanica. 49

When along the brook I wander,

Or befide the fountain ponder.

Straight my thoughts take wing and mount

CJp to Thee, the pureft Fount.

Sweetly fings the nightingale. Sweet the flute's foft plaintive tale. Sweeter than their richeil tone. Is the name of Mary's Son.

Sweetly all the air is ftirr'd When the Echo's call is heard ; But no founds my heart rejoice Like to my Beloved's voice.

Come then, fairefl Lord, appear. Come, let me behold Thee here, I would fee Thee face to face. On Thy proper light would gaze.

Take away thefe veils that blind, [efus, all my foul and mind ; Henceforth ever let my heart See Thee truly as Thou art !

Angelus. 1659.

50 Hyin Cjcrmanfca.

QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY.

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, thefe three ; but the greateft of thefe is chanty. — from the Epijlle.

(ANY a gift did Chrift impart, Nobleft of them all is Love ; Love, a balm within the heart That can all its pains remove ; Love, a ftar moft bright and pure ; Love, a gem of pricelefs worth. Richer than man knows on earth ; Love, like beauty, ftrong to lure ; Love, like joy, makes man her thrall. Strong to pleafe and conquer all.

Love can give us all things ; here

Ufe and beauty cannot fever ; Love can raife us to that fphere

Whence the foul tends heavenwards ever; Though one fpeak with angel tongues

Braveft words of ftrength and fire.

If no love his heart inlpire. They are but as fleeting fongs ; All his eloquence fhall pafs, 4s the noife of founding brafs-

Hgra Cjiermanfcn. 51

Science with her keen-eyed glance,

All the wifdom of the world, Myfteries that the foul entrance.

Faith that mighty hills had hurl'd From their ancient feats ; — all this.

Wherein man takes mod his pridej

Valuelefs is call afide. If the fpirit there we mifs. That can work from love alone. Not from pride in what is krtown.

Though I lavifh'd all I have

On the poor in charity ; Though I Ihrank not from the grav<r.

Or unmoved the ftake could fee ; Though my body here were given

To the all-confuming flame ;

If my mind were flill the fame, Meeter were I not for heaven. Till by Love my works were crown'dj Till in Love my ftrength were found.

Faith muft conquer, Hope muft bloom.

As our onward path we wend, Elfe we came not through the gloom^

But with earth they alfo end : Thou, O Love, doth flretch afar Through the wide eternity. And the foul array'd in Thee Shines for ever as a ftar. Faith and Hope muft pafs away. Thou, O Love, endureft ave.

52 ILgra €r£rmnntca.

Come, Thou Spirit of pure Love,

Who doft forth from God proceed. Never from my heart remove.

Let me all Thy impulfe heed ; All that feeks felf-profit firft. Rather than another's good. Whether foe or link'd in blood, Let me hold fuch thought accurll ; And my heart henceforward be Ruled, infpired, O Love, by Thee I

Ernst Lange. 171 i.

Ugra ^crmanica.

53

QyiNQUAGESIMA SUNDAY.

And Jefus faid unto him, Receive thy fight ; thy faith hath faved thee. And immediately he received his fight, and followed Him, glorifying God. — From the Gofpel.

|Y Saviour, what Thou didft of old. When Thou waft dwelling here. Thou doeft yet for them, who bold In faith to Thee draw near. As Thou hadft pity on the blind,

According to Thy Word, Thou fufFeredft me Thy grace to find. Thy Light haft on me pour'd.

Mourning I fat befide the way,

In fightlefs gloom apart. And fadnefs heavy on me lay.

And longing gnaw'd my heart; I heard the mufic of the pfalms

Thy people fang to Thee, I felt the waving of their palms.

And yet I could not fee.

My pain grew more than I could bear.

Too keen my grief became. Then I took heart in my defpair

To call upon Thy name;

54 ^Bra ©trmani'ta.

" O Son of David, fave and heal. As Thou fo oft haft done !

0 deareft Jefus, let me feel My load of darknefs gone."

And ever weeping as I fpoke

With bitter prayers and fighs. My ftony heart grew foft and broke,

More earneft yet my cries. A fudden anfwer ftill'd my fear.

For it was faid to me, " O poor blind man, be of good cheer.

Rejoice, He calleth thee."

1 felt. Lord, that Thou iloodeft ftill. Groping Thy feet I fought.

From off me fell my old felf-will, A change came o'er my thought.

Thou faidft, " What is it thou wouldft have ?" " Lord, that I might have figlit ;

To fee Thy countenance I crave : " " So be it, have thou Light."

And words of Thine can never fail.

My fears are paft and o'er ; My foul is glad with light, the veil

Is on my heart no more. Thou bleffeft me, and forth I fare

Free from my old difgrace. And follow on with joy where'er

Thy footfteps. Lord, I trace.

De la Mot he Foucjufi.

Hura ©cnnani'Cci.

55

ASH WEDNESDAY.

Gather the people . . and let the priefts, the minifters of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them lay, Spare Thy people, O Lord. — From the P off age for the EfijUe.

OT in anger fmite us. Lord, Spare Thy people, fpare ! If Thou mete us due reward We muft; all defpair. Let the flood Of Jefus' blood Quench the flaming of Thy wrath. That our fin enkindled hath.

Father ! Thou haft patience long

With the fick and weak ; Heal us, make us brave and ftrong. Words of comfort fpeak. Touch my foul. And make me whole With Thy healing precious balm ; Ward off all would bring me harm.

Weary am I, Lord, and worn With my ceafelefs pain ;

Sad the heart that night and morn Sighs for help ir vain.

5^ Hgra CSfermanica.

Wilt Thou yet

My foul forget. Waiting anxioufly for Thee In the cave of mifery ?

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 pow^er o'er all. Who once mock'd and fought my fall.

Albinus. 1652.

Hgra Gtrmani'ca. 57

FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT.

Then was Jefus led up of the Spirit into the wildernels to be tempted of the devil. And He failed forty days and forty nights. — From the Go/pel.

'Mia ftranger here, on earth alone. When fhall my weary days be pail and

gone? When (hall I find fome refpite, feme relief From this unfleeping pain, this haunting grief?

The joyful fun another morning brings, I only wake to feel care's piercing ftings ; The foft moon comes with filent night and fleep. And bringeth nought to me but time to weep.

My heart and confcience forely wounded lie. Struck by the arrows of Thy wrath, Moft High ! From morn till eventide where'er I flee, I find no hiding-place, great God, from Thee!

O Lord, be not fo flridl to mark my crimes ! Great God, doft Thou remember yet thofe times Of foolifh thoughtleflhefs, when blind and young My heart to vain delights of earth flill clung?

Wilt Thou then alway bear my fins in mind? What offering, what atonement can I find !

58 Hyra C5crmnnicn.

Nought have I of mine own but fin and wrong. But love and mercy. Lord, to Thee belong !

Oh therefore leave me not the wretched prey Of thofe who feek to take my life away ! Yet though with ftreaming eyes to Thee I cry. No anfwering voice comes from Thy throne on high.

Vain are my tears and prayers, vain all my woe. While Thou doft fight againft me as a foe ; The zeal of Thy juil anger and Thy might Have plunged my foul in blackeft depths of night.

I fit alone ; with tears I bathe my cheeks. With bitter fighs and groans my fpirit feeks For Him, who veils behind the clouds His face. And hears not, as of old in happier days.

Oh that I had a dove's fwift wings ! I'd fly Away to fome far mountain lone and high, — Yet could I not efcape His mighty hand Before whom all things bare and open ftand

Nay, rather let me fufFer all His will. Though His fierce anger beat upon me fl;ill, A willing heart and patient mind, O God! I bring to Thy fevere but righteous rod.

Much have I finn'd, I perifh utterly

If my mifdeeds be all avenged of Thee ;

Yet, Lord of Hofts, doth not Thy Word proclaim.

The Merciful is Thy moft glorious name !

Raisner. 1678.

Hgra CSermanicn. 59

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT.

And the difciples faid, Send her away, for fhe crieth after us ; . . . But He faid, Great is thy faith, be it unto thee even as thou wilt. — From the Gofpel.

WILL not let Thee go ; Thou Help in time of need ! Heap ill on ill I trull Thee ftill. E'en when it feems that Thou wouldft flay 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 ; fhould I forfake my blifs? No, Lord, Thou'rt mine. And I am Thine, Thee will I hold when all things elfe I mifs. Though dark and fad the night, Joy Cometh with Thy light,

0 Thou my Sun ; fhould I forfake my blifs?

I will not let Thee go !

1 will not let Thee go, my God, my Life, my Lord I

Not Death can tear Me from His care. Who for my fake His foul ir death outpour'd.

60

Hjira CSermanica.

Thou diedft for love to me, I fay in love to Thee, E'en when my heart fhall break, my God, my Life, my Lord, I will not let Thee go !

Deszler. 1692.

Uara (fiermanita. 61

THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT.

Awake, thou that fleepeft, and arife tVom the dead, and Chrift (hall give thee light. — From the Epifile.

'WAKE, O man, and from thee fhake This heavy fleep of fin ! Soon fhall the Higheft vengeance take. Soon fhall His wrath begin To fmite the wretched finner home ; In awful terrors He fhall come. To mete to all on earth their due reward. Only the righteous fpares our angry Lord.

Come then, ye finners, great and fmall.

Weeping and mourning fore. Low down before His footftool fall. And vow to fin no more. In faith and godlinefs array Your fouls againfl that final day, So fhall ye 'fcape His wrath, and bleffed die. Heirs of the kingdom with your Lord on high.

Oh lay to heart this wondrous thought.

Through what fore agony And death was your redemption bought.

And to your Saviour flee

62 Hgra ©trmanica.

Ere yet too late ; the world difown.

And fix your love on Chrifl; alone. And do His will ; for at the final doom, Thofe who difhonour'd Him fhall wrath confume.

Turn Thou us, and we Ihall be turn'd ;

Thou broughteft back of old Thy ftraying people, when they yearn'd After their proper fold : Even fo forgive what we have done. Accept us in Thy blelTed Son, And let Thy Holy Spirit be our guide. That we may fpread Thy praifes far and wide !

Crassf.lius. 1697.

Uma Germanica.

63

FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT.

Grant, we befeech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who tor our evil deeds do worthily deferve to be punifhed, by the comfort of Thy grace may mercifully be relieved ; through our Lord and Saviour, Jefus Chrift. — From the Colled.

ERE, O my God, I cafl me at Thy feet. Ready to fufFer what Thou thinkeft meet; Yet look on me, great God, with pitying eyes. Reward me not for mine iniquities !

Too oft, alas ! my heart hath loved to ftray Downward along Sin's broad and eafy way ; And worldly pride and carnal lufts moft foul Were fliameleis cheridi'd in my inmoll foul.

Thy Majefty have I offended. Lord, And fet at nought Thy law. Thy holy Word ; I had not learnt Thy righteous wrath to dread. Nor faw the vengeance gathering o'er my head.

0 wretched man, what evil have I wrought ! Now in the fnares of Sin a captive caught,

1 learn, O Sin, how fell and keen thy fmart ! O wrath of God, how terrible thou art!

^4 ILgra ^crmanita.

Is there no way, can I no helper find. Who may thefe heavy chains of fin unbind ? Can man nor creature fhow me any place. Where I may flee and hide me from God's face ?

Nay, I mull flee to God Himfelf, from whom Our life and help, our hope and fafety come ; What all the world muft unaccomplilh'd leave. Thou, for Thou art Almighty, canfl: achieve.

Think on the covenant Thou haft never broken, Think on the fteadfaft oath Thyfelf haft fpoken ; Know that I am a God, Thy promife faith. Who hath no pleafure in a finner's death.

Then let the arms of love be round me thrown, Have pity on me, hear my bitter moan. Call back Thy fheep, that wandering far aftray. Was loft in fin, nor knew its homeward way.

Grant me to rule my inner life aright. And aft and fpeak as ever in Thy fight, A friend to all true virtue, but a foe To all Thou hateft, fins and follies low.

le

Thou Merciful ! what thanks and praife fliall b For Thy great goodnefs offer'd unto Thee, As is moft meet, while here my days I fpend,

And yonder in the world that fhall not end !

Anon.

Hyra ^crmanica. 65

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 amifs, O Lord, who may abide it ?

Ps. cxxx. I, 3.

UT of the depths I cry to Thee, Lord God ! oh hear my prayer ! Incline a gracious ear to me. And bid me not defpair : If Thou remembereft each mifdeed. If each fhould have its rightful meed. Lord, who fhall ftand before Thee ?

'Tis through Thy love alone we gain

The pardon of our fin; The flrifleft life is but in vain.

Our works can nothing win. That none fhould boaft himfelf of aught. But own in fear Thy grace hath wrought What in him feemeth righteous.

Wherefore my hope is in the Lord,

My works I count but duft, I build not there, but on His word.

And in His goodnefs truft. Up to His care myfelf I yield. He is my tower, my rock, my fhield. And for His help I tarry.

F

66 Hyra CScrmanica.

And though it linger till the night,

And round again to morn. My heart fhall ne'er miilrult Thy might.

Nor count itfelf forlorn. Do thus, O ye of Ifrael's feed. Ye of the Spirit born indeed.

Wait for your God's appearing.

Though great our fins and fore our woundsj

And deep and dark our fall. His helping mercy hath no bounds,

His love furpafleth all. Our trufty loving Shepherd He, Who fliall at laft fet Ifrael free From all their fin and forrovv.

Luther, 1524.

ILyra Gtrmnnica. 67

PALM SUNDAY.

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried faying, Hofanna to the Son of David ; blefled is He that Cometh in the name of the Lord ; Hofanna in the higheft. — Matt. xxi. 9.

10s ANN A to the Son of David ! Raife Triumphal arches to His praife.

For Him prepare a throne Who comes at laft toZion — to His own ! Strew palms around, make plain and ftraight the way. For Him who His triumphal entry holds to-day !

Hofanna ! Welcome above all Thou art ! Make ready each to lay his heart

Low down before His feet ! Come, let us haften forth our Lord to meet. And bid Him enter in at Zion's gates. Where thoufand-voiced welcome on His coming waits.

Hofanna! Prince of Peace and Lord of Might ! We hail Thee Conqueror in the fight 1

All Thou with toil haft won. Shall be our booty when the battle's done. Thy right hand ever hath the rule and fway. Thy kingdom ftandeth faft when all things elfe decay.

68 Upra ©ermanica

Hofanna! befl-beloved and noble Gueft ! Who makefl us by Thy beheft

Heirs of Thy realm with Thee. Oh let us therefore never weary be To ftand and ferve before Thy righteous throne. We know no king but Thee, rule Thou o'er us alone.'

Hofanna ! Come, the time draws on apace, W"e long Thy mercy to embrace ;

This fervant's form can ne'er Conceal the majefty Thy afts declare : Too well art Thou here in Thy Zion known. Who art the Son of God, and yet art David's Son.

Hofanna 1 Lord, be Thou our help and friend. Thy aid to us in mercy fend.

That each may bring his foul An offering unto Thee, unftain'd and whole. Thou wilt have none for Thy difciples. Lord, But thofe who truly keep, not only hear Thy word.

Hofanna ! Let us in Thy footfteps tread,

Nor that fad Mount of Olives dread

Where we muft weep and watch.

Until the far-off fong of joy we catch

From Heaven our Bethphage, where we fhal?. fing'

Hofanna in the higheft to our God and King !

Hofanna ! Let us found it far and wide ! Enter Thou in and here abide. Thou BlefTed of the Lord !

Hgra ©ermantca. 69

Why ftandefl: Thou without, why roam'fl: abroad ? Hofanna ! Make Thy home with us for ever ! Thou comeft. Lord ! and nought us from Thy love fhall fever.

Hallelujah.

SCHMOLCK. 1704.

7© Upra CScrmantca.

MONDAY IN PASSION WEEK.

And when He was come near, He beheld the city and wept over it. — Luke xix. 41.

'HOU weepefl o'er Jerufalem, Lord Jefus, bitter tears ; But deepeft comfort lies in them For us, vvhofe fins have fill'd our fouls with fears : Since that they tell. When finners turn to Thee Thou lov'ft it well. And furely wilt efFace, of Thy unbounded grace. All the mifdeeds that on our confcience dwell.

When God's juft wrath and anger burn

Againfl. me for my fin, To thefe fad tears of Thine I turn.

And watching them frefh hope and courage win ; For God doth prize Thefe drops fo greatly, that before His eyes Who Iprinkles o'er his foul with them is clean and

whole, And from his forrows' depth new joy fhall rife.

Earth is the home of tears and woe.

Where we muft often weep. Fighting the world our mighty foe,

Whofe enmity to Thee doth never fleep ;

Ugra (5ermantca» 7'

My heart is torn Afrefh each day by her fierce rage and fcorn. But in my faddeft hours, I think upon thofe fhowers That tell how Thou haft all our forrows borne.

Thou counteft up my tears and fighs.

E'en were they numberlefs ; Not one is hidden from Thine eyes. Thou ne'er forgetteft me in my diftrefs. But when they rain Before Thee, Thou doft quickly turn again. Haft pity on my woe, and makeft me to know What fweeteft joy lies hid in foreft pain.

We few in tears ; but let us keep

Our faith in God, and truft Him ftili. Yonder our harveft we fhall reap.

Where gladnefs every heart and voice lliall fill. Such joy is there No mortal tongue its glory can declare, A joy that fhall endure, unchanging deep and pure. That fhall be ours, if here the crofs we bear.

O Chrirt, I thank Thee for Thy tears ;

Thofe tears have won for me That I fhall wear, through endlefs years, A crown of joy before my God and Thee. All weeping o'er. Up to Thy chofen faints I once fhall foar. And there Thy pity praife, in more befitting lays. Thou Glory of Thy Church, for evermore.

Heermann. 1630.

72 Upra Gcrmanica.

TUESDAY IN PASSION WEEK.

By the which will we are fanflified, through the offering of the body of Jefus Chrift once for all. — Heb. x. lo.

ORD ! Thy death and paffion give Strength and comfort at my need. Every hour while here I live On Thy love my foul fhall feed. Doth fome evil thought upftart ? Lo, Thy crofs defends my heart. Shows the peril, and I fhrink Back from loitering on the brink.

Doth my carnal nature yearn

After wanton joys ? again Quickly to Thy crofi I turn.

And her voice is heard in vain. Cometh ftrong temptation's hour. When my foe puts forth his power } Shelter'd by this holy fhield. Soon I drive him from the field.

Would the world my fteps entice

To yon wide and level road, Fill'd with mirth and pleafant vice }

Lord, I think upon the load

ILgra CEIcimanica. 73

Thou didfl once for me endure. And I fly all thoughts impure ; Thinking on Thy bitter pains, Hufh'd in prayer my heart remains.

Yes, Thy crofs hath power to heal All the wounds of fin and ftrife. Loft in Thee my heart doth feel

Sudden warmth and nobler life. In my faddeft, darkeft grief. Let Thy fweetnefs bring relief. Thou who cameft but to fave. Thou who fearedft not the grave !

Lord, in Thee I place my truft.

Thou art my defence and tower ; Death Thou treadeft in the duft.

O'er my foul he hath no power. That I may have part in Thee Help and fave and comfort me. Give me of Thy grace and might, Refurreftion, life and light.

Fount of Good, within me dwell. For the peace Thy prefence Iheds

Keeps us fafe in conflifl fell.

Charms the pain from dying beds.

Hide me clofe within Thine arm,

Where no foe can hurt or harm ;

Whofo, Lord, in Thee doth reft.

He hath conqucr'd, he is bleft.

Heermann. 1644.

74 lft.yia ^crmanlca.

WEDNESDAY IN PASSION WEEK.

Now once in the end of the world hath He appeared, « put away fin by the facrifice of Himlelf. — From the Epiftle.

HEN forrow and remorfe Prey at my heart, to Thee I look, who on the holy crofs Waft flain for me. Ah Lord, Thy precious blood was fpilt For me, O moft unworthy. To take away my guilt.

Oh wonder paft belief!

Behold the Mafter fpares His fervants, and fore pain and grief

For them He bears. God ftoopeth from His throne on high.

For me His guilty creature.

He deigns as man to die.

Though countlefs were the iins

That weigh'd me to the duft, Chrift's death for me the favour wins

Of God moftjuft. His precious blood my debts hath paid.

Of hell and all its torments

I am no more afraid.

ILijra ©rimanica. 75

My heart is fill'd with ruth.

Thinking on all Thou'ft borne. How mighty love and tender truth

Were crown'd with thorn. In fongs of thanks I'll fpend my breath

For Thy fad cry. Thy fufFerings,

Thy wrongs. Thy guiltlefs death.

Thy Paflion, Lord, infpires

My fpirit day by day. With ftrength from all low dark defires

To flee away. This thought I fain would cherifh moft.

What pain my foul's redemption

To Thee, O Saviour, coll.

Whate'er the burden be.

The crofs upon me laid. Or want or fhame, I look to Thee,

Be Thou mine aid. Give patience, give me ftrength to take

Thee for my bright example,

And all the world forfake.

Let me to others do.

As Thou haft done to me. Love them with love unfeign'd and true

Their feivant be Of willing heart, nor feek my own.

But as Thou, Lord, haft helped us.

From pureft love alone.

76

Hgra ^crmanica.

And let Thy forrows cheer My foul when I depart ; Give ftrength to call away all fear.

And tell my heart That fince my truft is in Thy grace. Thou wilt accept me yonder. Where I fliall fee Thy face.

Gesenius.

1646.

ILgra Geimanica. 77

THURSDAY IN PASSION WEEK,

Pilate therefore willing to releafe Jefus, fpake again to them. But they cried faying, Crucify Him, crucify Him. And he faid unto them the third time. Why, what evil hath He done ? — From the Go/pel.

LAS, dear Lord, what evil haft Thou done. That fuch fharp fentence from Thy Judge hath won ? What are His crimes, and what the guilt, oh tell. Wherein He fell ?

They fcourge Him, crown Him with a crown of

thorn. They fmite His face with bitter mock and fcorn. They give Him gall to drink, they pierce His fide. The Crucified !

Whence come thefe forrows, whence this cruel woe ? It was my fins that ftruck the fatal blow ; Mine were the wrath and anguifh, deareft Lord, On Thee outpour'd.

What ftrangeft punifhment ! The Shepherd good For erring fheep here pours His own heart's blood, The fervants' debts are on the M after laid. Who all hath paid.

78 Hgra ©Ermanica.

From head to foot was there no fpot in me Unfcarr'd by fin, from taint of evil free ; My fins had weigh'd me down that I fhould dwell For aye in Hell.

Oh wondrous love, love that no meafure knows. That brought Thee, Chrift, to drink this cup of woes ! Full of the world's vain joys and hopes was I, While Thou muft die !

0 mighty King ! mighty beyond all time !

Fain would I found Thy praife through every clime ! A gift were meet for Thee, my anxious thought Long time hath fought.

But human wifdom fearches. Lord, in vain To find aught like Thy pity, or Thy pain. How ftiall my works, though toiling day and night, Thy love requite ?

Yet have I fomewhat that my Lord can pleafe ;

1 can renounce fweet fins and felfifh eafe.

And quench the unhallow'd fires that back would lure To thoughts impure.

But fince my fl:rength, alas, will ne'er prevai' My fl;rong defires upon the crofs to nail. Oh let Thy Spirit rule my heart, who leads To all good deeds.

Then fliall Thy mercy fill my every thought, I love Thee fo, the world to me is nought ; My fole endeavour. Lord, is to fulfil Thy holy will.

f

ILijra Gcrmanica. 79

My all I rifk to magnify Thy name. No crofs fhall daunt me, no reproach or fhame ; Man's fierceft threats I will not lay to heart. Nor Death's worft fmart.

In truth my facrifice is nothing worth. Yet Thou in mercy wilt not cafl it forth ; Thou'lt put me not to fhame, but for love's fake My offering take.

Lord Jefus, once on high amongfl Thine own. Shall I ftand crown'd with light before Thy throne ; Where fweetefl hymns are ever ringing round. My voice fhall found.

Heebmann. 1630.

Bo Hgra ffiermanica.

GOOD FRIDAY.

Morning.

He was wounded for our tranfgrcflions, He was bniifed tor our iniquities: the chaftifement of our ptace was upon Him, and with His ftripes we are healed. ~From the Leffbn,

H wounded Head ! Muft Thou

Endure fuch fhame and fcorn! The blood is trickling from Thy brow Pierced by the crown of thorn. Thou who waft crovvn'd on high With light and majefty. In deep difhonour here muft die. Yet here I welcome Thee !

Thou noble countenance !

All earthly lights are pale Before the brightnefs of that glance.

At which a world (hall quail.

How is it quenched and gone !

Thofe gracious eyes how dim ! Whence grew that cheek fo pale and wan i

Who dared to fcofFat Him?

All lovely hues of life. That glow'd on lip and cheek. Have vanifh'd in that awful ftrife ; The Mighty One is weak.

Egra CSermanita. 8i

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 fin 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, fpurn me not !

My Guardian, own me Thine;

My Shepherd, bear me home : O Fount of mercy. Source Divine,

From Thee what blefTmgs come !

How oft Thy mouth has fed

My foul with angels' food. How oft Thy Spirit o'er me fhed

His llores of heavenly good !

Ah would that I could fhare •

Thy crofs. 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 ftrife. And die upon the crofs with Thee,

Who art my Life of life !

G

82 lLj)ra CStrmanica.

My foul is all o'erfraught,

O Jefus, dearell Friend, With thankful love to Him who fought o

Such woe for fuch an end. ^

Grant me as true a faith.

As Thou art true to me. That fo the icy fleep of death

Be but a reft in Thee.

Yes, when I muft depart.

Depart Thou not from me ; When Death is creeping to my heart.

Bear Thou mine agony.

When faith and courage fink,

O'erwhelm'd with dread difmay, *

Come Thou who ne'er from pain didft fhrink.

And chafe my fears away.

Come to me ere I die. My comfort and my fhield ; Then gazing on Thy crols can 1 Calmly my fpirit yield. On Thee, when life is paft. My darkening eyes fhall dwell. My heart in faith fhall hold Thee faft ; Who dieth thus, dies well.

Paul Gerhardt. 1659.

Ugra Germanica. 83

GOOD FRIDAY.

Evening.

But God commendeth His love toward us,m that, while we were yet finners, Chrift died for us. — Rom. v. 8.

fHOU Holieft Love, vs^hom moft I lovv Who art my long'd-for only bliss. Whom tendereft pity erft did move To fathom woe and death's abyfs ; Who once didft fufFer for my good. And die my guilty debts to pay. Thou Lamb of God, whofe precious blood Can take a world's mifdeeds away ;

Thou Love, who didft fuch anguifh bear

Upon the Mount of agony. And yet with ceafelefs watchful care

Doft yearn o'er us fo tenderly ; Thou camefl not Thy will to feek.

But all Thy Father's will obey. Bearing the crofs in patience meek.

That Thou might'ft take our curfe away,

O Love, who with unflinching heart

Enduredft all difgrace and fname ; O Love, who mid the keeneft fmart

Of dying pangs wert ftill the fame;

84 HBra 6ftnnanica.

Who didll Thy changelefs virtue prove E'en with Thy lateft parting breath.

And fpakeft words of gentlefl love When foul and body fank in death ;

O Love, through forrows manifold

Haft Thou betroth'd me as a bride. By ceafelefs gifts, by love untold.

Haft bound me ever to Thy fide ; Oh let the weary ache, the fmart.

Of life's long tale of pain and lofs. Be gently ftill'd within my heart

At thought of Thee, and of Thy crofs !

0 Love, who dying thus for me. Haft won me an eternal good

Through foreft anguifh on the tree, I ever think upon Thy blood ;

1 ever thank Thy facred wounds. Thou wounded Love, Thou Holieft,

But moft when life is near its bounds. And in Thy bofom fafe I reft.

0 Love, who unto death haft grieved For this cold heart, unworthy Thine,

Whom once the chill dark grave received, I thank Thee for that grief divine;

1 give Thee thanks that Thou didft die To win eternal life for me.

To bring falvation from on high ;

Oh draw me up through love to Thee !

Angelus. 1657

Hyra Caennam'ca. 85

EASTER EVEN.

And Jofeph wrapped the body in a clean linen ciOth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock. — From the Gofpel.

^EST of the weary ! Thou Thyfelf art refting now. Where lowly in Thy fepulchre Thou lieft:

From out her deathly fleep

My foul doth ftart, to weep

So fad a wonder, that Thou Saviour diefl !

Thy bitter anguifli o'er.

To this dark tomb they bore Thee, Life of life — Thee, Lord of all creation !

The hollow rocky cave

Mufl: ferve Thee for a grave. Who waft Thyfelf the Rock of our Salvation !

O Prince of Life ! I know

That when I too lie low. Thou wilt at laft my foul from death awaken ;

And thus I will not fhrink

From the grave's awful brink; The heart that trufts in Thee fliall ne'er be fliaken.

86 iLgra ©ermanica.

To me the darkfome tomb

Is but a narrow room. Where I may reft in peace from forrow free ;

Thy death fhall give me power

To cry in that dark hour, O Death, O Grave, where is your viftory ?

The grave can nought deftroy.

Only the flefh can die. And e'en the body triumphs o'er decay :

Clothed by Thy wondrous might

In robes of dazzling light. This flefh ftiall burft the grave at that laft Day.

My Jefus, day by day.

Help me to watch and pray, Befide the tomb where in my heart Thou'rt laid.

Thy bitter death ftiall be

My conftant memory, M} guide at laft into Death's awful fhade.

S. Franck. 1 7 1 1

Hijra €rEnnanica. 87

EASTER DAY.

Morning.

Christ being raifed from the dead dieth no more: death hath no more dominion over Him. — From the Anthem.

[N the bonds of Death He lay. Who for our oiFence was flain. But the Lord is rifen to-day, Chrift hath brought us life again. Wherefore let us all rejoice. Singing loud with cheerful voice

Hallelujah !

Of the fons of men was none

Who could break the bonds of Death, Sin this mifchief dire had done. Innocent was none on earth ; Wherefore Death grew ftrong and bold. Death would all men captive hold.

Hallelujah !

Jefus Chrift, God's only Son,

Came at laft our foe to fmite. All our fins away hath done.

Done away Death's power and right. Only the form of Death is left. Of his fting he is bereft ;

Hallelujah.

88 Hgia Gcrmanica,

'Twas a wondrous war, I trow.

When Life and Death together fought ; But life hath triumph'd o'er his foe. Death is mock'd and fet at nought ; Yea, 'tis as the Scripture faith, Chrift through death has conquer'd Death.

Hallelujah.

Now our Pafchal Lamb is He, And by Him alone we live. Who to death upon the tree. For our fake Himfelf did give. Faith His blood ftrikes on our door. Death dares never harm us more.

Hallelujah.

On this day moft bleft of days,

Let us keep high feftival. For our God hath fhow'd His grace. And our Sun hath rifen on all. And our hearts rejoice to fee Sin and night before Him flee.

Hallelujah

To the fupper of the Lord

Gladly will we come to-day. The word of peace is now reftored. The old leaven is put away ; Chrift will be our food alone. Faith no life but His doth own.

Hallelujah.

Luther. 1524.

1

Hura Gtrmantca. 89

EASTER DAY

Evening.

If ye then be rifenwith Chrift, feek. thofe things which are above, where Chrift fitteth on the right hand of God.

From the Epijlle.

GLORIOUS Head, Thou liveft now !

Let us Thy members fliare Thy life ;

Canft Thou behold their need, nor bow

To raife Thy children from the ftrife

With felf and fin, with death and dark diftrefs.

That they may live to Thee in holinefs ?

Earth knows Thee not, but evermore

Thou liv'ft in Paradife, in peace ; Oh fain my foul would thither foar.

Oh let me from the creatures ceafe : 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 coll.

What is not Thine within me flay. Give me the lot I covet moft.

To rife as Thou haft rifen to-day. I nought can do, a flave to death I pine. Work Thou in me, O Power and Life Divine !

90 Upra CSnmanita.

Work Thou in me, and heavenward guide My thoughts and wifhes, that my heart

Waver no more nor turn alide. 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

Tersteegen. 1 73 1.

Upra €5ermanica. 91

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 fpake, Jefus Himfelf flood in the midft of them, and faith unto them. Peace be unto you. — From the Gofpel.

ELCOME Thou viftor in the ftrife.

Now welcome from the cave ! To-day we triumph in Thy life Around Thine empty grave.

Our enemy is put to fhame.

His fhort-lived triumph o'er; Our God is with us, we exclaim.

We fear our foe no more.

The dwellings of the jufl: refound

With fongs of viftory ; For in their midft. Lord, Thou art found.

And bringeft peace with Thee.

O fhare with us the fpoils, we pray.

Thou diedft to achieve ; We meet within Thy houfe to-day

Our portion to receive :

9^ Upra CEffrmantca.

And let Thy conquering banner wave O'er hearts Thou makeft free.

And point the path that from the grave Leads heavenward up to Thee.

We bury all our fin and crime

Deep in our Saviour's tomb. And feek the treafure there, that time

Nor change can e'er confume.

We die with Thee ; oh let us live

Henceforth to Thee aright ; The bieffrngs Thou haft died to give.

Be daily in our fight.

Fearlefs we lay us in the tomb.

And fleep 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 pointlefs all his darts ; Now hath God's favour on us ftione.

And joy fills all our hearts.

SCHMOLCK. 17 I 2.

-^--^^

Hgrn Genua m'ca. 93

TUESDAY IN EASTER WEEK.

I KNOW that my Redeemer liveth . . and though after my (kin worms deftroy this body, yet in my flefh (hall I te God. — Job xix. 25, 26.

For this corruptible muft put on incomiption, and this mortal muft out on immortality. — From the LeJJbn.

^^ff^ ESUS my Redeemer lives, ^^ ^^ Chrift my truft is dead no more ; In the ftrength this knowledge gives Shall not all my fears be o'er. Though the night of Death be fraught Still with many an anxious thought ?

Jefus my Redeemer lives.

And His life I once fliall fee ; Bright the hope this promife gives.

Where He is I too fhall be. Shall I fear then ? Can the Head Rife and leave the members dead ?

Clofe to Him my foul is bound

In the bonds of Hope enclafp'd ; Faith's ftrong hand this hold hath found.

And the Rock hath firmly grafp'd :

94 Upra ©crmanica.

And no ban of death can part From our Lord the trufting heart.

I fhall fee Him with thefe eyes. Him whom I fhall furely know ;

Not another fhall I rife.

With His love this heart fhall glow ;

Only there fhall difappear

Weaknefs in and round me here.

Ye who fuffer, figh, and moan,

Frefh and glorious there fhall reign ;

Earthly here the feed is fown. Heavenly it fhall rife again ;

Natural here the death we die.

Spiritual our life on high.

Body, be thou of good cheer. In thy Saviour's care rejoice.

Give not place to gloom and fear. Dead, thou yet fhalt know His voice.

When the final trump is heard.

And the deaf cold grave is flirr'd.

Laugh to fcorn then death and hell. Laugh to fcorn the gloomy grave ;

Caught into the air to dwell

With the Lord who comes to fave.

We fhall trample on our foes.

Mortal weaknefs, fear and woes.

Hgra ®£rmantca.

95

Only fee ye that your heart

Rife betimes from earthly luft ; Would ye there with Him have part.

Here obey your Lord and truft. Fix your hearts beyond the Ikies, Whither ye yourfelves would rife. Louisa Henrietta, Eledrefs of Brandenburgh. 165 v

96 Ugra ©crmanua.

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.

God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. — From the Epijile,

5HAT had I been if Thou wert not ? What were I now if Thou wert gone ? Ah, fear and anguilh were my lot. In this wide world I Hood alone ; Whate'er I loved were fafe no more.

The future were a dark abyfs ; To whom could I my forrows pour. If Thee my laden heart fhould mifs ?

Longing for love through lonely years,

The gloom of night came o'er my day ; I follow'd, yet with fecret tears.

The world's wild joys, and own'd her fway ; Till reftlefs from her turmoil driven,

I turn'd within, — and grief was there : Ah, had we not a Friend in heaven.

Who, who his lot on earth could bear !

But when Thou mak'ft Thy prefence felt. And when the foul hath grafp'd Thee right.

How fall the dreary fhadows melt Beneath Thy warm and living light l

Ilyra Germanica 97

In Thee I find a nobler birth,

A glory o'er the world I fee. And Paradife returns to earth.

And blooms again for us in Thee.

Thou ftrong and loving Son of Man,

Redeemer from the bonds of fin, 'Tis Thou the living fpark doft fan

That fets my heart on fire within. Thou openeft heaven once more to men.

The foul's true home. Thy Kingdom, Lord, And I can trufl and hope again.

And feel myfelf akin to God.

Brethren, go forth befide all ways.

The wanderer greet with outftretch'd hand, And call him back who darkly flrays.

And bid him join our gladfome band. That Heaven hath Iloop'd to earth below.

Proclaim the glad news everywhere. That all may learn our faith, and know

They too may find an entrance there.

After NovALis. About 1795.

98 Itgia Germanfca*

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.

Jesus faid, I am the Good Shepherd : the Good Shep- herd giveth His life for His fheep. — From the Gofpel.

!OVING Shepherd, kind and true. Wilt Thou not in pity come To Thy lamb ? As fhepherds do. Bear me in Thy bolbm home ; Take me hence from earth's annoy To Thy home of endlefs joy.

See how I have gone aftray

In this earthly wilderneis. Come and take me foon away

To Thy flock who dwell in blifs. And Thy glory. Lord, behold. Safe within Thy heavenly fold.

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 ;

Praifing Thee, all terrors o'er.

Never can they wander more.

Here I live in fore diftrefs.

Fearing, watching, hour by hour ;

Hgra ©ermanfta. 99

For my foes around me prefs.

And I know their craft and power: Lord, Thy lamb can never be Safe one moment, but with Thee.

O Lord Jefus, let me not 'Mid the ravening wolves e'er fall.

Help me as a fhepherd ought. That I may efcape them all :

Bear me homeward in Thy breaft.

To Thy fold of endlefs reft.

Angelus^ '65 7-

100 Hgra ©nmanica.

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.

And ye now therefoie have forrow; but I will fee you again, and your heart (hall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. — From the Go/pel.

OMETH funfhine after rain. After mourning joy again. After heavy bitter grief Dawneth furely fweet relief And my foul, 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 refrefli'd me with His grace.

And His mighty hand unbound

Chains of hell about me wound;

Quicker, Ilronger, leaps my blood. Since His mercy, like a flood, Pour'd o'er all my heart for good.

Bitter anguifli have I borne.

Keen regret my heart hath torn.

Sorrow dimm'd my weeping eyes,

Satan blinded me with lies; Yet at lafl: am I fet free. Help, proteflion, love, to me Once more true companions he

Hgra CHnmantra. loj

None was ever left a prey. None was ever turn'd away. Who had given himfelf to God, And on Him had cart his load.

Who in God his hope hath placed Shall not life in pain outwafte, Fulleft joy he yet fhall talk.

Though to-day may not fulfil All thy hopes, have patience ftill. For perchance to-morrow's fun Sees thy happier days begun ;

As God willeth march the hours. Bringing joy at laft in fhowers. When whate'er we afk'd is ours.

Once a pain that would not ceafe Gnaw'd my heart without releafe. Sorrow bow'd me 'neath her yoke. Then in fadnefs oft I fpoke :

Now no hope is left for me.

And no reft, until I be

Whelm'd beneath Death's funlefs fea.

But when I was worn with care,

Fill'd with dread well-nigh defpair ;

When with watching many a night.

On me fell pale ficknefs' blight ;

When my courage fail'd me faft, Cameft Thou, my God, at laft. And my woes were quickly paft.

102 ILgra ©ermanica.

Yea, Thou God didft make an end. Thou fuch help and ftrength didft fend. That I nevermore can praife As I ought. Thy matchlefs grace ;

When I fought with anxious fear. And could fee no refuge here, Lo ! I found Thy help was near.

Now as long as here I roam. On this earth have houfe and home. Shall this wondrous gleam from Thee Shine through all my memory. To my God I yet will cling. All my life the praifes fing That from thankful hearts outfpring.

Every forrow, every fmart.

That the Eternal Father's heart

Hath appointed me of yore.

Or hath yet for me in ftore,

As my life flows on I'll take Calmly, gladly for His fake. No more faithlefs murmurs make.

I will meet diftrefs and pain I will greet e'en Death's dark reign, I will lay me in the grave. With a heart ftill glad and brave ;

Whom the Strongeft doth defend. Whom the Higheft counts His friend, Cannot perifli in the end.

Paul Gerhardt. 1659.

HDra C&£rmanica. 103

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 Go/pel.

OLY Ghoft ! my Comforter ! Now from higheft heaven appear. Shed Thy gracious radiance here.

Come to them who fufFer dearth. With Thy gifts of pricelefs worth. Lighten all who dwell on earth !

Thou the heart's moll precious gueil. Thou of comforters the befl. Give to us, the o'er-Iaden, reft.

Come, in Thee our toil is fweet. Shelter from the noon-day heat. From whom forrow flieth fleet.

BlefTed Sun of Grace ! O'er al] Faithful hearts who on Thee call. Let Thy joy and folace fall.

•

What without Thy aid is wrought,

Skilful deed or wifelt thought,

God will count but vain and nought.

104 Hgra CSermanica

Cleanfe us, Lord, from finful ftain. O'er the parched heart oh rain. Heal the wounded from its pain.

Bend the ftubborn will to Thine, Melt the cold with fire divine. Erring hearts aright incline.

Grant us, Lord, who cry to Thee, Steadfaft in the faith to be. Give Thy gifts of charity.

May we live in holinefs, i

And in death find happinefs. And abide with Thee in blifs !

Tranflation of the 17th century after King Robert of France, about A.D. 1004

Hyra ^Sermanica. 105

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER.

These things have I fpoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye (hall have tribula- tion ; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

From the Go/pel.

I HRIST, Thou the champion of that war- worn hofl Who bear Thy crofs, hafle, help, or we are loft;

The fchemes of thofe who long our blood have fought Bring Thou to nought.

Do Thou Thyfelf for us Thy children fight, Withftand the devil, quell his rage and might, Whate'er alTails Thy members left below Do Thou o'erthrow :

And give us peace ; peace in the church and fchool. Peace to the powers who o'er our country rule. Peace to the confcience, peace within the heart. Do Thou impart.

So fhall Thy goodnefs here be ftill adored. Thou guardian of Thy little flock, dear Lord, And heaven and earth through all eternity Shall worfhip Thee.

LOWENSTERN.

During the Thirty Years' War.

io6 iLgra CStrmanica.

ASCENSION DAY.

This fame Jefus which is taken up from you into heaven, (hall fo come, in like manner as ye have feen Him go into heaven. — From the Epijlle,

ORD, on earth I dwell in pain ;

Here in anguifh I muft lie ; Wherefore leav'fl: Thou me again. Why afcendefl: Thou on high ? Take me, take me hence with Thee, Or abide. Lord, ftill in me ; Let Thy love and gifts be left. That I be not all bereft.

Leave Thy heart with me behind. Take mine hence with Thee away ;

Let my fighs an entrance find To Thy heaven whene'er I pray.

When I cannot pray, oh plead

With Thy Father in my ftead ;

Seated now at God's right hand.

Help us here Thy faithful band.

Help me earthly toys to fpurn, Raife my thoughts from things below ;

Mortal am I, yet I yearn Heavenly like my Lord to grow.

Hgra ^crmanicn* 107

That my time through faith may be Order'd for eternity ; Till we rife, all perils o'er. Whither Thou haft gone before.

In due feafon come again.

As was promifed us of old ; Raife the members that have lain

Gnaw'd of death beneath the mould. Judge the evil world that deems Thy fure words but empty dreams ; Then for all our forrows paft. Let us know Thy joy at laft.

Neumann. 1700.

io8 Upra Gcrmantca.

SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY.

These all confeffed that they were ftrangers and pilgrims on the earth. . . For they defired a better country, that is, an heavenly ; wherefore God is not afhamed to be called their God : for He hath prepared for them a city.

Heb. xi. 13, 16.

;EAVENWARD doth our journey tend, ^

We are ftrangers here on earth, Througfi the wildernefs we wend Towards the Canaan of our birth. Here we roam a pilgrim band. Yonder is our native land.

Heavenward ftretch, my foul, thy wings,

Heavenly nature canft thou claim. There is nought of earthly things

Worthy to be all thine aim ; Every foul that God infpires Back to Him, its Source, afpires.

Heavenward ! doth His Spirit cry.

When I hear Him in His Word, Showing thus the reft on high,

Where I Ihall be with my Lord : When His Word fills all my thought. Oft to heaven my foul is caught.

ILgra German ica« 109

Heavenward ever would I hafte. When Thy table. Lord, is fpread ;

Heavenly ftrength on earth I talle. Feeding on the Living Bread ;

Such is e'en on earth our fare

Who Thy marriage feaft fhall fhare.

Heavenward ! Faith difcerns the prize

That is waiting us afar. And my heart would fwiftly rife.

High o'er fun and moon and ftar, To that Light behind the veil Where all earthly fplendours pale.

Heavenward Death fhall lead at laft.

To the home where I would be. All my forrows overpaft,

1 fhall triumph there with Thee, Jefus, who hall gone before. That we too might Heavenward foar.

Heavenward ! Heavenward ! Only this

Is my watchword on the earth ; For the love of heavenly blifs

Counting all things little worth. Heavenward all my being tends. Till in Heaven my journey ends.

SCHMOLCK. 173 1.

no Hsra ^crmam'ca.

WHIT-SUNDAY.

I WILL pray the Father, and He ftiall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of Ti-uth. — From the GoJ}>el.

^ OME, deck our feaft to-day

With flowers and wreaths of May, And bring an offering pure and fweet ; The Spirit of all grace Makes earth His dwelling-place. Prepare your hearts your Lord to meet ; Receive Him, and He fhall outpour Such light, all hearts with joy run o'er. And found of tears is heard no more.

Thou harbinger of peace.

Who makeft forrows ceafe, Wifdom in word and deed is Thine ;

Strong hand of God, Thy feal

The loved of Jefus feel ; Pure Light, o'er all our pathway fhine !

Give vigorous life and healthy powers.

Oh let Thy fevenfold gifts be ours,

Refrefli us with Thy gracious fliowers f

Oh touch our tongues with flame. When fpeaking Jefu's name !

"Hgra ©ermamca. iii

And lead us up the heavenward road. Give us the power to pray. Teach us what words to fay.

Whene'er we come before our God. O Highefl Good, our fpirits cheer. When raging foes are ftrong and near. Give us brave hearts undimm'd by feat.

O golden rain from heaven !

Thy precious dews be given To blefs the churches' barren field '

And let Thy waters flow.

Where'er the fowers fow The feed 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 flioot.

Thou fiery glow of Love !

Let us Thy ardours prove, Confume our hearts with quenchlefs fire!

Come, O Thou tracklefs Wind !

Breathe gently o'er our mind ! Nor let the flefh to rule afplre ;

Help us our free-born right to take.

The heavy yoke of fin to break.

And all her tempting paths forfake.

Be it Thine to flir our will ; Our good intents fulfil ; Be with us when we go and come ; Deep in our fpirits dwell. And make their inr.ioft cell

112 llgra C&ermanfca

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 crofles fweet.

And let Thy funfhine greet Our longing eyes in clouded hours !

Wing Thou our upward flight

Toward yonder mountain bright. Girded about with Zion's golden towers f

Forfake us not when our laft foe

Puts forth his ftrength to lay us low.

Then joyful vidlory bellow !

Let us, while here we dwell.

This one thought ponder well. That in God's likenefs we are made.

As o'er a fruitful land

Rich harvefts waving ftand. We, ferving Him, bear fruits that never fade.

Till Thou in whom all comfort lies.

Lift us to fields above the Ikies,

And bid us bloom in Paradife !

SCHMOLCK. 1715.

«-fK^

Ugra CScrmanfca. 113

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 Lejfon.

OME to Thy temple here on earth. Be Thou my fpirit's gueft. Who giveft us of mortal birth A fecond birth more bleft ; Spirit beloved. Thou mighty Lord, Who with the Father and the Son Reigneft upon an equal throne. Art equally adored !

Oh enter, let me feel and know

Thy mighty power within. That can alone our help bellow.

And refcue us from fin. Oh cleanfe my foul and make it white.

That I with heart unftain'd and true.

May daily render fervice due. And honour Thee aright.

I was a wild unfruitful vine

Which Thou fliouldft prune and train , Death pierced through all this life of mine.

But Thou my foe haft flain.

114 1L}3ra ©Eimanica.

Thy holy baptifm is his grave. He perifhes beneath the flood Of His moft precious death and blood.

Who died our life to fave.

Thou art the Spirit who doft teach

To pray aright, for all Our prayers are heard if Thou befeech.

Thy fongs have fweetefl; fall. They foar on tirelefs wings to heaven.

They fail not from before God's throne.

Till all His goodnefs we have known By whom all help is given.

Thou art the Spirit of all joy,

Sadnefs Thou lovefl; not ; Thy comfort beaming from on high.

Lights up the darkeft lot. Ah yes, how many a time of old

Thy voice hath rapt my foul away.

To yon bright halls of endlefs day. And oped the gates of gold !

Thou art the Spirit of all love.

The Friend of kindly life. Thou wouldft not that our hearts fiiould prove

The pangs of wrath and ftrife. Thou hateft hatred's withering reign.

In fouls that difcord maketh dark

Dofl; Thou rekindle love's bright fpark, And make them one again.

lljjra ^Scrmanua. 115

On Thee is all this world upftaid. And in Thy hands doth reft ;

And Thou canft wayward hearts perfuade To turn as feems Thee beft :

Oh therefore give Thy love and peace. That they may join in ftrongell bands Long parted foes, and through our lands

Thefe fad divifions ceafe.

Thou art the true, the only Source

Whence concord comes to men ; Oh that Thy power might have free courie

And bring us peace again ! Oh hear, and ftem this mighty flood

That o'er us death and forrow fpreads ;

Alas ! each day afrefh it fheds Like water human blood.

And let our nation learn to know What, and how deep, our fin ;

Nay, let God's judgments come, if lo A fire be lit within

The hearts that loved themfelves to pleafe ; In bitter Ihame now let them burn. And loving Thee, repentant fpurn

Their felfifh worldly eafe.

Grace for the contrite heart abounds,

Joy to the fad is given ; To ferve God's truth will heal our wounds.

And bring us help from heaven ;

ii6 Hyra CSermanica*

Lord, for Thine honour's fake, make known Thy power, convert the wicked now, And teach the hard to weep, for Thou

Canft foften fteel and ftone !

Arife and make an end of all

Our heartache, and our pain ; Thy wandering flock at laft recall

And grant them joy again ; To peace and wealth the lands reflore.

Wafted with fire or plague or fword ;

Come to Thy ruin'd churches. Lord, And bid them bloom once more !

The rulers of our land defend. Our fovereign's throne uphold ;

That he and we may profper, fend True wifdom to the old ;

With piety the young men blefs. And through the nation flied abroad True virtue and the fear of God,

A nation's happinefs.

Fill every heart with holy zeal

To keep the faith unftain'd; Let houfe and land Thy bleffing feel.

Whence all true wealth is gain'd. Him who refifts Thy inward powers.

The Evil Spirit, make Thou flee ;

Whate'er delights Thy heart, would he Fain root from out of ours.

Cfira CScrmamca. 117

Give ilrong and cheerful hearts to Hand

Undaunted in the wars That Satan's fierce and mighty band

Is waging with Thy caufe. Help us to fight as warriors brave,

That we may conquer in the field.

And not one Chriftian man may yield His foul to fin a flave.

Order according to Thy mind

Our life from day to day. And when this life muft be refign'd.

And death has feized his prey. When all our days have fleeted by.

Help us to die with fearlefs fpirit.

And let us after death inherit Eternal life on high.

Paul Gerhardt. During the Thirty Years' War.

ii8 Hgrn CScrmanicd.

TUESDAY IN WHITSUN-WEEK.

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God. Every fpirit that confeffeth that Jefus Chrift is come in the flefti is of God. — From the Lejfon.

?OME, Holy Spirit, God and Lord, Be all Thy graces now outpour'd On the believer's mind and foul. And touch our hearts with living coal. Thy Light this day fhone forth fo clear. All tongues and nations gather'd near. To learn that faith, for which we bring Glad praife to Thee, and loudly fing,

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 doftrines ftrange. Nor e'er to other teachers range. But Jefus for our Mailer own And put our truft in Him alone.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah !

Thou Sacred Ardour, Comfort Sweet, Help us to wait with ready feet

Ugra €5ermanica. 119

And willing heart at Thy command. Nor trial fright us from Thy band. Lord, make us ready with Thy powers. Strengthen the flefh in weaker hours. That as good warriors we may force Through life and death to Thee our courfe. Hallelujah, Hallelujah !

Luther. 1524.

120 Hgra CStrmanica.

TRINITY SUNDAY.

And God faid, Let us make man in our image.

From the Lejfon.

!OST High and Holy Trinity i '^ Who of Thy mercy mild

[^ Haft form'd me here in Time, to be Thy image and Thy child : Oh let me lov^e Thee day and night With all my foul, with all my might ; Oh come, Thyfelf my foul prepare. And make Thy dwelling ever there !

Father ! replenifh with Thy grace

This longing heart of mine. Make it Thy quiet dwelling-place. Thy facred inmoft flirine ! Forgive that oft my fpirit wears Her time and ftrength in trivial cares. Enfold her in Thy changelefs peace. So fhe from all but Thee may ceafe!

O God the Son ! Thy wifdom's light

On my dark reafon pour; Forgive that things of fenfe and fight

Were all her joy of yore ;

Hgra €5ermanica. 121

Henceforth let every thought and deed On Thee be fix'd, from Thee proceed. Draw me to Thee, for I would rife Above thefe earthly vanities !

O Holy Ghoft 1 Thou fire of love.

Enkindle with Thy flame my will ; Come with Thy ftrength. Lord, from above. Help me Thy bidding to fulfil : Forgive that I fo oft have done What I as finful ought to Ihun ; Let me with pure and quenchlefs fire Thy favour and Thyfelf defire !

Moft High and Holy Trinity !

Draw me away far hence. And fix upon eternity

All powers of foul and fenfe ! Make me at one within ; at one With Thee on earth ; when life is done Take me to dwell in light with Thee, Moft High and Holy Trinity !

Angelus. 1657

122 Upra Germanica.

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

God is Love . . . and herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us. — From the Epijlle.

j N wings of faith, ye thoughts, fly hence Roam o'er Eternity's vaft field, Surpafs the bounds of time and fenfe. And rife to Him, who hath reveal'd That He is Love : there paufe, and awellruck view That ancient love with every morning new !

Ere earth's foundations yet were laid.

Or heaven's fair roof was fpread abroad. Ere man a living foul was made.

Love ftirr'd within the heart of God ; Love fill'd the long futurity with good. And grace to help at need befide her flood.

'Twas Love whofe counfel gave to me

True life in Chrill Thy only Son, Whom Thou haft made our Way to Thee, From whom all grace flows ever down ; Whofe facrifice can make us pure and whole. And blels and hallow all our inmoft foul.

'Twas Love, that long ere time began,

That precious name of child bellow'd ; That open'd Heaven on earth to man. And call'd us finners fons of God ; Whofe gracious promptings move the Father's hand, That on the page of life our names may ftand !

Ugra ^Sennanica. 123

Ah happy hours, whene'er upfprings

My foul to yon Eternal Source, Whence the glad river downward lings. Watering with goodnefs all my courfe. So that each paffing 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 into life on fea and land ;

Oh why Ihould God fuch bleffings Ihower On me, who am a leaf that fadeth fall, A little fhifting dull before the blafl: !

I am not worthy. Lord, that Thou

Shouldfl fuch compafTion on me fhow ; That He who made the world fhould bow To cheer with love a wretch fo low. O Father, I would utterly refign Myfelf to Thee ; take me, and make me Thme.

When ftrength and heart grow faint and fad.

From battling long with heavy pam.

Thy fmile fliines forth to make me glad.

Thou crowneft me with joy again ;

Then I behold Thy Spirit's wondrous power,

Whofe work is miwhtieft in our weakeft hour.

o

Forth from Thy rich and bounteous flore

Life's common bleffings daily flow ; More than we dare to aflc, far more Than we deferve, doft Thou bellow. My heart diflblves in tears of thankfulnefs. To fee how true Thy care, how quick to blefs.

124 ILyra eSnmam'ca.

Nor here alone : hope pierces far

Through all the fhades of earth and time; Faith mounts beyond the fartheft ftar. Yon ftiining heights fhe loves to climb. And gazing on eternity behold The promifed land, our heritage of old.

Can I with lovelefs heart receive

Tokens of love that never ceafe ? Can I be thanklefs ftill, and grieve Him who is all my joy and peace ? Ah Friend of Man, were I to turn from Thee, Myfelf were fure my own worfl: enemy.

Could I but honour Thee aright.

Noble and fweet my fong fhould be. That earth and heaven Ihould learn Thy might, And what my God hath done for me. There is no mufic fweet as is Thy name. No joy fo deep as pondering o'er Thy fame.

O heart redeem'd ! thou think'ft it long

Till the appointed hour be come. When thou fhalt join the angels' fong

To that Fair Love that brought thee home. Have patience, heart ; time hurries faft away. Soon fhalt thou reach the one Eternal Day.

J. G. Hermann. 1747.

t>^^S-^

Upra CUcrmnnica. 125

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

And this is His commandment ; That we fhould be- lieve on the name of His Son Jefus Chrift, and love one another, as He gave us commandment. — From the Ffijile.

EART and heart together bound. Seek in God your true repofe. In your love the price be found Of your Saviour's love and woes ; We the members, He the Head,

He the fun, we beams He fhowers. Brethren by one Mafter led. We are His, and He is ours.

Children of His realm draw near.

Make your covenant Ilronger ftill. From your hearts allegiance fwear

Unto Him who conquer'd ill. If your bonds are yet too weak.

If but fragile yet they prove. Help from His good Spirit feek

Who can ileel the chains of love.

Only fuch love will fuffice.

As the love that dwells in Him,

Love that from the crofs ne'er flies. Love that fpares not life or limb ;

126 iLjjra Gcrmanica.

'Twas for finners He was flain, 'Twas for foes He fhed His blood.

That His death for all might gain Endlefs life — the Highelt Good.

Thus, O truefl Friend, unite

All Thy conlecrated band. That their hearts be fet aright

To fulfil Thy laft command. Each mufl onward urge his friend.

Helping him in word and deed. Love's bleft pathway to afcend.

Following on where Thou dofl: lead.

Thou who doft command that all

Pradlife love who bear Thy name. Wake the dead, new followers call.

Touch the flothful 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 haft fought.

In the Son were all men freed. And the world at laft were taught

That Thy rule is bleft indeed. Father of all fouls, we praife

Thee who fhineft in the Son ; Lord, to Thee our hymns we raife.

Who haft all men to Thee drawn !

After ZiNZENDORF.

About 17^1

Hijra Gcrmanica. 127

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

Cast all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.

From the Epijile.

HAT within me and witliout. Hourly on my fpirit weighs. Burdening heart and foul with doubt. Darkening all my weary days : In it I behold Thy will,

God, who giveft rell and peace. And my heart is calm and ftill. Waiting till Thou fend releafe.

God ! Thou art my rock of ftrength.

And my home is in Thine arms. Thou wilt fend me help at length.

And I feel no wild alarms. Sin nor Death can pierce the fhield

Thy defence has o'er me thrown. Up to Thee myfelf I yield.

And my forrows are Thine own.

Thou my fheiter from the blaft. Thou my flrong defence art ever ;

Though my forrows thicken fall. Yet I know Thou leav'ft me never :

128 Hgra ©crmanfca.

When my foe puts forth his might. And would tread me in the duft.

To this rock I take my flight.

And I conquer him through truft.

When my trials tarry long.

Unto Thee I look and wait. Knowing none, though keen and ftrong.

Can my faith in Thee abate. And this faith I long have nurfl.

Comes alone, O God, from Thee ; Thou my heart didft open firft.

Thou didft let this hope in me.

Chriftians ! caft 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 utmoft need; All your hearts before Him pour.

He will fend you help with fpeed,

But haft thou fome darling plan.

Cleaving to the things of earth? Leaneft thou for aid on man ?

Thou wilt find him nothing worth. Rather truft the One alone

Whofe is endlefs power and love, And the help He gives His own.

Thou in very deed fhalt prove.

IL^xa. Gtnnanica. 129

Yea, on Thee, my God, I reft.

Letting life float calmly on. For I know the lall is bell.

When the crown of joy is won. In Thy might all things I bear.

In Thy love find bitters fweet. And with all my grief and care

Sit in patience at Thy feet.

O my foul, why art thou vex'd •'

Let things go as e'en they will ; Though to thee they feem perplex'd.

Yet His order they fulfil. Here He is thy ftrength 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 fpread

O'er me, keep me clofe to Thee, In the peace Thy love doth fhed.

Let me dwell eternally. Be my All ; in all I do

Let me only feek Thy will. Where the heart to Thee is true.

All is peaceful, calm and ftill.

A. H. Francke. 1663-1727

f<#H^

K

i3<5 Upra €fcrmanica.

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

I RECKON that the fufferings of this prefent time are not worthy to be compaied with the glory that fhall be revealed in us. — ¥rom the Epijlle.

OULDST thou inherit life with Chrif> on high ? Then count the coft, and know - That here on earth below Thou needs mufl: fuffer with thy Lord and die. We reach that gain to which all elfe is lofs. But through the crofs.

Oh think what forrows Chrift Himfelf has known !

The fcorn, and anguifh fore.

The bitter death He bore. Ere He afcended to His heavenly throne ; And deemefl thou, thou canfl: with right complain,

Whate'er thy pain ?

Not e'en the fharpell forrows we can feel.

Nor keeneft pangs, we dare

With that great blifs compare When God His glory Ihall in us reveal. That fhall endure when our brief woes are o'er

For evermore !

Simon Dach. 1640.

Uyia Gtrmanica. 131

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 fuffer for right- eoufnefs' fake, happy are ye ; and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled ; but fandify the Lord God in your hearts. — From the Epijile.

'F God be on my fide.

Then let who will oppofe. For oft ere now to Him I cried. And he hath quell'd my foes. If Jefus be my Friend, If God doth love me well. What matters all my foes intend. Though ftrong they be and fell?

Here I can firmly reft,

I dare to boaft of this. That God the Higheft and the Beft,

My Friend and Father is.

From dangerous fnares He faves.

Where'er He bids me go He checks the ftorms and calms the waves.

That nought can work me woe.

I reft upon tne ground Of Jefus and His blood. For 'tis through Him that I have found The True Eternal Good.

t32 Hgra ©trmantta.

Nought have I of mine own. Nought in the life I lead. What Chrift hath given me, that alone Is worth all love indeed.

His Spirit in me dwells. O'er all my mind He reigns.

All care and fadnefs He difpels. And foothes away all pains. He profpers day by day His work within my heart.

Till I have ftrength and faith to fay. Thou God my Father art !

When weaknefs on me lies. And tempts me to defpair.

He fpeaketh words and utters fighs Of more than mortal prayer ; But what no tongue can tell. Thou God canft hear and fee.

Who readeft in the heart full well If aught there pleafeth Thee.

He whifpers in my breafl:

Sweet words of holy cheer. How he who feeks in God his reft

Shall ever find Him near ;

How God hath built above * A city fair and new.

Where eye and heart fhall fee and prove

What faith has counted true.

ILgra ^crmanfca. ^33

There is prepared on high

My heritage, my lot ; Though here on earth I fink and die.

My heaven fhall fail me not.

Though here my days are dark.

And oft my tears muft rain. Whene'er my Saviour's Light I mark,

Lo, all is bright again.

Who joins him to that Lord Whom Satan flies and hates,

Shall find himfelf defpifed, abhorr'd. For him the burden waits Of mockery and fhame, Heap'd on his guiltlefs head ;

And croiTes, 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 furely fend His aid.

At cofl of all I have.

At coft of life and limb, I cling to God who yet fhall fave,

I will not turn from Him.

The world may fail and flee. Thou ftandell faft for ever. Nor fire, nor fword, nor plague, from Thee My trailing foul fhall fever.

^34 Hfira CHermanita,

No hunger, and no thirft. No poverty or pain. Let mighty princes do their worft, Shall fright me back again.

No joys that angels know.

No throne or wide-fpread fame.

No love or lofs, no fear or woe. No grief of heart or fliame- Man cannot aught conceive Of pleafure or of harm.

That e'er could tempt my foul to leave Her refuge in Thine arm.

My heart for gladnefs fprings.

It cannot more be fad. For very joy it laughs and fings.

Sees nought but funfhine glad.

The fun that glads mine eyes

Is Chrift the Lord I love, I fing for joy of that which lies

Stored up for us above.

Paul Gerhardt. 1650.

ILgra (Scrmantca. ^ 35

SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

Know ye not, that fo many of us as were baptifed into Chrift, were baptifed into His death }—From the Epijlle

ELL for him who all things lofing. E'en himfelf doth count as nought. Still the one thing needful choofing That with all true blifs is fraught •

Well for him who nothing knoweth But his God, whofe boundlefs love

Makes the heart wherein it gloweth, Calm and pure as faints above !

Well for him who all forfaking

Walketh not in fhadows vain. But the path of peace is taking

Through this vale of tears and pain !

Oh that we our hearts might fever From earth's tempting vanities.

Fixing them on Him for ever In whom all our fulnefs lies !

Oh that we might Him difcover

Whom with longing love we've fought.

Joining us to Him for ever.

For without Him all is nought 1

136 Hgra ©ermanfta.

Oh that ne'er our eyes might wander From our God, fo might we ceafe

Ever o'er our fins to ponder. And our confcience be at peace !

Thou abyfs of love and goodnefs. Draw us by Thy crofs to Thee,

That our fenfes, foul and fpirit. Ever one with Chrift may be !

Anon.

Ugra ©ermanira. 137

SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

O Lord, how manifold are Thy works ; in wifdom haft Thou made them all j the earth is full of Thy riches.

Pfalm civ. 24.

' O forth, my heart, and feek delight In all the gifts of God's great might,

Thefe pleafant fummer hours : Look how the plains for thee and me Have deck'd themfelves moft fair to fee. All bright and fweet writh flowers.

The trees ftand thick and dark with leaves. And earth o'er all her duft now weaves

A robe of living green ; Nor filks of Solomon compare With glories that the tulips wear.

Or lilies' fpotlefs fheen.

The lark foars finging into fpace. The dove forfakes 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 fong.

Here with her brood the hen doth walk. There builds and guards his neft the ftork. The fleet-wing' fwallows pafs ;

138 llgra CGermamca.

The fvvifc ftag leaves his rocky home. And down the hght deer bounding come To tafte the long rich grafs.

The brooks rufh gurgling through the fand. And from the trees on either hand.

Cool fhadows o'er them fall ; The meadows at their fide are glad With herds ; and hark ! the fhepherd lad

Sends forth his mirthful call.

And humming, hovering to and fro. The never-wearied fwarms now go

To feek their honey'd food ; And through the vine's yet feeble fhoots Stream daily upwards from her roots

New ftrength and juices good.

The corn fprings up, a wealth untold, A fight to gladden young and old.

Who now their voices lift To Him who gives fuch plenteous ftore. And makes the cup of life run o'er

With many a noble gift.

Thy mighty woiking, mighty God, Wakes all my powers ; I look abroad

And can no longer reft : I too muft fing when all things fing. And from my heart the praifes ring The Highell loveth beft.

Hgra ©ennanfca. 139

I think. Art Thou fo good to us. And fcattereft joy and beauty thus

O'er this poor earth of ours ; What nobler glories fhall be given Hereafter in Thy fhining heaven.

Set round with golden towers !

What thrilling joy when on our fight Chrill's garden beams in cloudlefs light.

Where all the air is fweet. Still laden with the unwearied hymn From all the thoufand feraphim

Who God's high praife 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 raife My voice, and fing Thy endlefs praife

In many a fweet- toned pfalm.

Nor can I now, O God, forbear. Though ftill this mortal yoke I wear.

To utter oft Thy name ; But ftill my heart is bent to fpeak Thy praifes ; ftill, though poor and weak.

Would I Thy love proclaim.

But help me ; let Thy heavenly ftiowers Revive and blefs my fainting powers. And let me thrive and grow

140 Hgra €5Ermantca.

Beneath the fummer of Thy grace.

And fruits of faith bud forth apace

While yet I dwell below.

And fet me. Lord, in Paradife

When I have bloom'd beneath thefe (kies

Till my laft leaf is flown ; Thus let me ferve Thee here in time. And after, in that happier clime.

And Thee, my God, alone !

Paul Gerhardt. 1659

Hyra (fjcrmanica. 141

EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

Brethren, we are debtors, not to the flefh, to live after the flefh. For if ve live after the flelh, ye (hall die ; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye fhall live. — From the Epijile.

GOD, O Spirit, Light of all that live. Who doll on us that lit in darknefs

fliine. Our darknefs ever with Thy Light doth ftrive. In vain Thou lur'ft us with Thy beams divine ; Yet none, O Spirit, from Thine eye can hide. Gladly will I Thy fearching glance abide.

Search all my hidden parts, vi^hate'er impure

Thy Light difcovers there, do Thou deftroy ; The bitterell pain I willingly endure. Such pain is follow'd by eternal joy ; Thou'lt cleanfe me from my ftains of darkefl hue. And in Chrift's image form my foul anew.

I cannot ftay the venom'd power of fin,

'Tis Thy anointing only can avail ; Oh make my fpirit new and right within. Without Thee all my utmoft efforts fail. Life to my cold dead foul I cannot give. Be Thou my life, fo only fhall I live.

142 ILBta CScrmanud.

O Breath from out the Eternal Silence, blow

All foftly o'er my fpirit's barren ground. The precious fulnefs of my God bellow.

That where erft fin and fhame alone were found. Faith, love, and holy reverence may upfpring. In fpirit and in truth to worfhip God our King.

Oh let my thoughts, my aftions and my will

Obedient folely to Thy impulfe move. My heart and fenfes keep Thou blamelefs ftill, Fix'd and abforb'd in God's unutter'd love. Thy praying, teaching, ftriving, in my heart. Let me not quench, nor make Thee to depart.

0 Fount, O Spirit, who doft take and Ihow Things of the Son to us, who cryftal clear

From God's throne and the Lamb's doft ceafelefs flow Into the quiet hearts that feek Thee here, I open wide my mouth, and thirfting linK Belide Thy ftream, its living waves to drink.

1 give myfelf to Thee, to Thee alone. From all elfe funder'd. Thou art ever near.

The creature and myfelf I all difown,

Trufting with inmoft faith that God is here ! O God, O Spirit, Light of Life, we fee None ever wait in vain, who wait for Thee.

Tersteegen. 1 73 1.

Hgra Gcimanica. 143

NINTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

How long halt ye between two opinions ? If the Lord be God, follow Him 5 but if Baal, then follow him.

From the Lejfon.

tHY halt thus, O deluded heart, Why waver longer in thy choice ? Is it fo hard to choofe the part Offer'd by Heaven's entreating voice? Oh look with clearer eyes again. Nor ftrive to enter in, in vain.

Prefs on !

Remember, 'tis not Casfar's throne. Nor earthly honour, wealth or might.

Whereby God's favour fhall be Ihown To him who conquers in this fight ;

Himfelf and an eternity

Of blifs and reft He offers thee.

Prefs on !

God crowneth no divided heart ;

To Him oh hallow all thy life ! Who loveth Jefus but in part.

He works himfelf much pain and ftrife. And gains what he deferveth well. Here conflidt, and hereafter hell.

Prefs on !

144 Hfira ©ermanica*

Who wreftling long, with many a cry.

Can bid farewell at lafl to all. Yet ever loves the Lord moft High,

Loves Him alone whate'er befall. Is counted worthy of the crown. And on a kingly throne fet down.

Prefs on !

Then break the rotten bonds away That hinder you your race to run,

1 hat make you linger oft and ftay ; Oh be your courfe afrefh begun !

Let no falfe reft your foul deceive,

Qp ! 'tis a Heaven ye muft achieve !

Prefs on !

Omnipotence is on your fide,

And Wifdom watches o'er your heads. And God Himfelf will be your guide

So ye but follow where He leads ; How many guided by His hand. Have reach'd ere now their father-land !

Prefs on !

Nor let the body dull the foul.

Its weaknefs, fears, and fioth defpife,

Man toils and roams from pole to pole To gain fome earthly fleeting prize.

The Higheft Good he little cares

To win, or ftriving foon defpairs.

Prefs on !

ILgra ^cnnanfca. 145

Oh help each other, haflen on,

Behold the goal is nigh at hand ; The battle-field fhall foon be won.

Your King fhall foon before you fland ! To calmeft reft He leads you now. And fets His crown upon your brow.

Prefs on !

Lehr. 173^.

146 %ma Gcrmanfca.

TENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, even I'o panteth my foul after Thee, O God — Pj'alm xlii. 1.

GOD, I long Thy Light to fee. 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 fun the funflower turns. Towards Thee, my Sun, my fpirit yearns ; Oh would that free from fin I might Thus follow evermore Thy Light!

But fin hath fo within me wrought. Such deadly ficknefs on me brought. My languid foul fits drooping here And cannot reach the heavenly fphere.

Ah how fhall I my freedom win!* How break this heavy yoke of fin ? My fainting fpirit thirfts for Thee, Come, Lord, to help and fet me free.

My heart is fet to do Thy will. But all my deeds are faulty ftill ; My bell attempts are nothing worth. But foil'd with cleaving taint of earth.

ILgra Gcrmanita. H"

Remember that I am Thy child. Forgive whate'er my foul defiled. Blot out my fins, that I may rife Freely to Thee beyond the flcies.

Help me to love the world no more, Be Mafter of my houfe and ftore. The Ihield of faith around me throw. And break the arrows of my foe.

Fain would my heart henceforward be Fix'd, O my God, alone on Thee, That heart and foul by Thee pofleft, May find in Thee their perfect reft.

Begone, ye pleafures falfe and vain, Untafted, undefired remain ! In heaven alone thofe joys abound. Where all my true delight is found.

Oh take away whate'er has ftood Between me and the Higheft Good ; I afk no better boon than this. To find in God my only blifs.

Anton Ulrich, Duke of Brunfwick. 1667.

1 48 Hura Gcrmani'ca.

Mi

ELE\'ENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

In Thy prefence is fulnefs of joy ; at Thy right hand there are pleafures for evermore. — Pfalm x\-i. 12.

FRIEND of fouls, how well is me.

Whene'er Thy love my fpirit calms! From forrow's dungeon forth I flee. And hide me in Thy fhek'ring arms. The night of weeping flies away Before the heart-reviving ray

Of love, that beams from out Thy breafl; Here is my heaven on earth begun ; Who were not joyful had he won In Thee, O God, his joy and reft !

The world may call herfelf my foe.

So be it ; for I truft her not. E'en though a friendly face flie fhow.

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 friendfliips fail ; 'Mid llorms of woe Thy truth is ftill My anchor ; hate me as it will,

The world fliall o'er me ne'er prevail.

Through deferts of the crofs Thou leadeft, I follov leaning on Thy hand ;

Hgra ^ermanfta. 149

From out the clouds Thy child Thou feedeft.

And giv'ft him water from the fand. I know Thy wondrous ways will end In love and bleffing, Thou true Friend,

Enough if Thou art ever near! I know, whom Thou wilt glorify. And raife o'er fun and ftars on high.

Thou lead'ft through depths and darkncls here.

To others Death feems dark and grim.

But not. Thou Life of life, to me; I know Thou ne'er forfakeft him

Whofe heart and fpirit reft in Thee. Oh who would fear his journey's clofe. If from dark woods and lurking foes,

He then found fafety and releafe ? Nay, rather with a joyful heart From this dark region I depart

To Thy eternal light and peace.

O Friend of fouls, 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 haft been. Oh let this peace that Thou haft given. Be but a foretafte of Thy heaven.

For goodnefs infinite is Thine. Hence, world, with all thy flattering toys ! In God alone lie all my joys ;

Oh rich delight, my Friend is mine !

Deszler. 1692.

»5o Hgia ©nmantca.

TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

Not that we are fufficient of ourfelves to think anything as of ourfelves, b.ut our fufficiency is of God. — From the

Epifile.

HO feeks in weaknefs an excufe. His fins will vanquifh never; Unlefs he heart and mind renews. He is deceived for ever. The ilrait and narrow way. That fhines to perfedl day. He hath not found, hath never trod ; Little he knows, I ween. What prayer and conflift mean To one who hath the light of God.

In what the world calls weaknefs lurks

The very ftrength of evil. Full mightily it helps the works Of our great foe the devil. Awake, my foul, awake. Thy refuge quickly take With Him, the Almighty, who can fave ; One look from Chrift thy Lord Can fever every cord That binds thee now, a wretched flave.

'Ema (fSermnnica. 151

Know, the firft ftep in Chriftian lore

Is to depart from fin ; True faith will leave the world no more

A place thy heart within. Thy Saviour's Spirit firft The heavy bonds muft burft.

Wherein Death bound thee in thy need ; Then the freed fpirit knows What ftrength He gives to thofe

"Who with their Lord are rifen indeed.

And what Thy Spirit, Lord, began

Help Thou with inner might ! Earth has no better gift for man

Than ftrength and love of right. Oh make Thy followers juft Who look to Thee in truft.

Thy ftrength and juftice let us know ; Our fouls through Thee would wear The power of grace, moft fair

Of all the jewels faith can Ihow.

Strong Son of God, break down Thy foes.

So Ihall we conquer ours ; Strong in the might from Thee that flows. We mourn not lack of powers.

E'er lince that from above.

The witnefs of Thy love Thy Spirit came, and doth abide

With us, difpelling fear

And falfehood, that we here May fight and conquer on Thy fide.

152 Hyra CScrmanica.

Give ftrength, whene'er our llrength mull fail ;

Give ftrength the flefh to curb ; Give ftrength when craft and fin prevail To weaken and difturb.

The world doth lay her fnares To catch us unawares. Give ftrength to fweep them all away ; So in our utmoft need. And when death comes indeed. Thy ftrength fhall be our perfeft ftay.

Marperger. 1713.

Upra ©crmanica. 153

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

Then Hezekiah received the letter of the hands of tlie meflengers, and read it, and Hezekiah went up into the houfe of the Lord, and fpread it before the 'Lord.— From the Lejfon.

\ EAVE God to order all thy ways. And hope in Him whate'er betide, Thou'lt find Him in the evil days Thy all-fufficient ftrength and guide ; Who trulls in God's unchanging love. Builds on the rock that nought can move.

What can thefe anxious cares avail, Thefe never-ceafing moans and fighs ?

What can it help us to bew^ail Each painful moment as it flies ?

Our crofs and trials do but prefs

The heavier for our bitternefs.

Only thy reftlefs heart keep flill. And wait in cheerful hope ; content

To take whate'er His gracious will. His all-difcerning love hath fent;

Nor doubt our inmofl; wants are known

To Him who chofe us for His own.

154 H^xa CSermani'ca.

He knows when joyful hours are bell. He fends them as He fees it meet;

When thou haft borne the fiery teft. And now art freed from all deceit.

He comes to thee all unaware,

And makes thee own His loving care.

Nor in the heat of pain and ftrife.

Think God hath caft thee off unheard.

And that the man, whofe profperous life Thou envieft, is of Him preferr'd ;

Time paffes and much change doth bring.

And fets a bound to everything.

All are alike before His face ;

'Tis eafy to our God moft High To make the rich man poor and bafe.

To give the poor man wealth and joy. True wonders ftill by Him are wrought. Who fetteth up, and brings to nought.

Sing, pray, and fwerve not from His ways. But do thine own part faithfully,

Truft His rich promifes of grace. So Ihall they be fulfiU'd in thee ;

God never yet forfook at need

The foul that trufted Him indeed.

Neumarck. 1653.

ILiira ^£rmanica. 155

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER

TRINITY.

And they that are Chrift's have crucified the flefh \\ith the afFeflions and lufts. — From the Epijlle.

CROSS, we hail thy bitter reign, O come, thou well-beloved gueft !

Whofe foreft fufFerings work not pain, Whofe heavieft burden is but reft.

For is not our Redeemer bound

In clofeft ties of love to thofe Who faithful to the crofs are found.

Through ceafelefs tears, through faddeil woes i

Hark, the confeflbrs of the faith

Yet of their crofs and fetters boaft ; All faints have borne it to the death,

With all the martyrs' radiant hoft.

Pledge of our glorious home afar !

Thee, Holy Sign, with joy we take. Sign of a peace life could not mar.

Of juft content death could not fhake :

The Sign how Truth, once crucified. Now throned in majefty doth reign.

156 Hyra €5trmanica.

How Love is blefs'd and glorified, Tliat liere on earth was moclc'd and flain.

Tlieir names are writ in words of light Who here on earth their Lord confeft ;

They hear the bridegroom's cry at night. Come to my marriage feaft, ye blefl !

Who then would faint, nor join to Ihare In Chrift's reproach, in want or pain ?

The bittereft death who would not dare ? Who fears a martyr's crown to gain ?

Up, Brethren of the Crofs ! and hafte Where Chrift our Head hath gone before !

We hymn His praife the while we tafte The fhame and death He fometime bore.

In bonds and ftripes, in falfeft blame. Our crown, our dearell wealth we fee,

A dungeon were a throne, and Ihame Our chiefeft glory, borne for Thee.

What though the world on us may fling Its fcorn, and oft we ftrive with death.

The holy angels fpeed to bring

Our help and ftrength, our vigor's wreath.

Up, quit the gates where fin abides.

From earth's doom'd cities quickly come.

Yon eaftern Star full furely guides All pilgrims to their Father's home.

GoTTER. 169;

Hyra ^trmantca. 157

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

Therefore take no thought, faying. What fhall we eat, or what (hall we drink . . for your Heavenly Fathei knoweth that ye have need of all thefe things. — From the Gofpel.

|E thou content ; be flill before

His face, at whofe right hand doth reign Fulnefs of joy for evermore. Without whom all thy toil is vain. He is thy living fpring, thy fun, whofe rays Make glad with life and light thy dreary days.

Be thou content.

In Him is comfort, light and grace.

And changelefs love beyond our thought; The foreft pang, the worft difgrace. If He is there, fhall harm thee not. He can lift off thy crofs, and loofe thy bands. And calm thy fears, nay, death is in His hands.

Be thou content.

Or art thou friend lefs and alone.

Haft none in whom thou canft confide ? God careth for thee, lonely one. Comfort and help will He provide. He fees thy forrows and thy hidden grief. He knoweth when to fend thee quick relief;

Be thou content

158 nigra €l£rmanica.

Thy heart's unfpoken pain He knows. Thy fecret fighs He hears full well. What to none elfe thou dar'ft difclofe. To Him thou mayll with boldnefs tell; He is not far away, but ever nigh, And anfwereth willingly the poor man's cry.

Be thou content.

Be not o'er-mafter'd by thy pain.

But cling to God, thou Ihalt not fall ; The floods fweep over thee in vain. Thou yet fhalt rife above them all ; For when thy trial feems too hard to bear, Lo ! God, thy King, hath granted all thy prayer

Be thou content.

Why art thou full of anxious fear

How thou fhalt be fuftain'd and fed ? He who hath made and placed thee here. Will give thee needful daily bread ; Canft thou not trull His rich and bounteous hand. Who feeds all living things on fea and land ?

Be thou content.

He who doth teach the little birds

To find their meat in field and wood. Who gives the countlefs flocks and herds. Each day their needful drink and food. Thy hunger too will furely faiisfy. And all thy wants in His good time fupply.

Be thou content.

Umfl Gcrmanica. 159

Sayft thou, I know not how or where.

No help I fee where'er I turn ; When of all elfe we moll: defpair. The riches of God's love we learn ; When thou and I His hand no longer trace. He leads us forth into a pleafant place.

Be thou content.

Though long His promifed aid delay.

At laft it will be furely fent : Though thy heart fink in fore difmay. The trial for thy good is meant. What we have won with pains we hold more faft. What tarrieth long is fweeter at the laft.

Be thou content.

Lay not to heart whate'er of ill

Thy foes may falfely fpeak of thee. Let man defame thee as he will, God hears, and judges righteoufly. Why fhouldft thou fear, if God be on thy fide, Man's cruel anger, or malicious pride ?

Be thou content.

We know for us a reft remains.

When God will give us fweet releafc From earth and all our mortal chains. And turn our fuffcrings into peace. Sooner or later death will furely come To end our forrows, and to take us home :

Be thou content.

r6o Upra C5cnnanitn.

Home to the chofen ones, who here

Served their Lord faithfully and well. Who died in peace, without a fear. And there in peace for ever dwell j The Everlafting is their joy and flay. The Eternal Word Himfelf to them doth fay.

Be thou content ! Paul Gerhardt, 1670.

Hyra Ctrcrmanica, i6i

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

And when the Lord faw her, He had compaflion on her and faid unto her, Weep not ! — From the Gofpel.

EAVE all to God, Forfaken one, and Hay thy tears ;

For the Higheft knows thy pain, Sees thy fufferings and thy fears ; Thou fhalt not wait His help in vain. Leave all to God.

Be ftill and truft ! For His ftrokes are ftrokes of love. Thou mufl: for thy profit bear ; He thy filial fear would move, Trufl thy Father's loving care. Be ftill and truft !

Know, God is near ! Though thou think Him far away.

Though His mercy long have flept, He will come and not delay.

When His child enough hath wept. For God is near !

Oh teach Him not When and how to hear thy prayers ;

M

l62

Upra Gcrmant'ca.

Never doth our God forger. He the crofs who longeft bears Finds his forrows' bounds are fet. Then teach Him not.

If thou love Him, Walking truly in His ways,

Then no trouble, crofs or death. E'er fhall filence faith and praife ;

All things ferve thee here beneath.

If thou love God !

Anton Ulrich, Duke of Brunfwick. 1667.

ligra CSmnanica. 163

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER

TRINITY.

I BESEECH you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowlinefs and meek- nefs, with long fuflfering, forbearing one another in love ; endeavouring to keep the unity of the fpirit in the bond of peace. — From the Epijile.

OME, brethren, let us go! The evening clofeth round, 'Tis perilous to linger here On this wild defert ground. Come, towards eternity

Prefs on from ftrength to ftrength. Nor dread your journey's toils nor length. For good its end Ihall be.

We fhall not rue our choice. Though ftraight our path and fteep, \^ e know that He who call'd us here His word fhall ever keep. Then follow, trufting ; come.

And let each fet his face

Toward yonder fair and blefled place, Intent to reach our home.

The body and the houfe Deck not, but deck the heart

1 64 Ugra CSermanita.

With all your powers ; we are but guefts.

Ere long we mufl depart.

Eafe brings difeafe; content Howe'er his lot may fall, A pilgrim bears and bows to all.

For foon the time is (jDent.

Come, children, let us go! Our Father is our guide ; And when the way grows fteep and dark. He journeys at our fide. Our fpirits He would cheer. The funfhine of His love Revives and helps us as we rove, Ah, bleft our lot e'en here !

Each haften bravely on. Not yet our goal is near ; Look to the fiery pillar oft. That tells the Lord is here. Your glances onward fend.

Love beckons us, nor think

That they who following chance to fink Shall mifs their journey's end.

Come, children, let us go !

We travel hand in hand ; Each in his brother finds his joy

In this wild ftranger land.

As children let us be. Nor by the way fall out. The angels guard us round about.

And help us brotherly.

Hgra CSEvmanica. 165

The ftrong be quick to raife

The weaker when they fall ; Let love and peace and patience bloom

In ready help for all.

In love yet clofer bound. Each would be leaft, yet ftill On love's fair path moft pure from ill,

Moil loving, would be found.

Come, wander on with joy. For fhorter grows the way. The hour that frees us from the flelh Draws nearer day by day. A little truth and love,

A little courage yet.

More free from earth, more apt to fet Your hopes on things above.

It will not laft for long, A little farther roam ; It will not laft much longer now Ere we fhall reach our home ; There fhall we ever reft.

There with our Father dwell.

With all the faints who ferved Him well. There truly, deeply bleft.

For this all things we dare, — 'Tis worth the rifk I trow, — Renouncing all that clogs our courfe. Or weighs us down below.

1 66 Ugra ©crmantca*

O world, thou art too fmall.

We feek another higher.

Whither Chrift guides us ever nigher. Where God is all in all.

Friend of our perfed choice. Thou Joy of all that live. Being that know'ft not chance or change. What courage doll Thou give ! All beauty. Lord, we fee. All blifs and life and love. In Him in vi^hom we live and move. And we are glad in Thee !

Tersteegen. 1731.

Upra CSfrmanica. 167

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jefus Chrift, who ftiall alfo confirm you unto the end. — From the Epijile.

HOUGH all to Thee were faithlefs I yet were true, my Head, To fhow that love is deathlefs. From earth not wholly fled. Here didft Thou live in fadnefs.

And die in pain for me. For this I give with gladnefs My heart and foul to Thee.

I could weep night and morning

That Thou hall: died, and yet So few will heed Thy warning.

So many Thee forget. O loving and true-hearted.

How much for us didft Thou ! Yet is Thy fame departed.

And none regards it now.

But ftill Thy love befriends us.

Of every heart the guide ; Unfailing help it lends us.

Though all had turn'd afide.

1 68 Hgra CSermanica.

Oh ! fuch Jove foon or later Mull conquer, mull be felt.

Then at Thy feet the traitor In bitter tears Ihall melt.

Lord, I have inly found Thee,

Depart Thou not from me. But wrap Thy love around me.

And keep me clofe to Thee. Once too my brethren, yonder

Upgazing where Thou art. Shall learn Thy love with wonder.

And fink upon Thy heart.

NOVALIS.

About 1795

Ugra ^crmani'ca* 169

NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER

TRINITY.

But ye have not fo learned Chrift ; if fo be that ye have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jefus : that ye put off, concerning the former con- verfation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lufts ; and be renewed in the fpirit of your mind ; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteoufnefs and true holinefs. — From the Epijile.

H well for him who all things braves, A foldier of the Lord to be. Whom vice counts not among her flaves. From envy, pride, and paffion free ; Who wars againll the world of fin Without him, and felf-will within.

Who follows Chrift whate'er betide

Is worthy of a foldier's name; Is He thy Way, thy Light, thy Guide,

'Tis meet thou alfo bear His fhame : Who fhrinks from dark Gethfemane, Shall Tabor's glories never fee.

What profits it that Chrift hath deign'd To wear our mortal nature thus.

If we ourfelves have ne'er attain'd That God reveal Himfelf in us f

170 Hgra CStrmanfca.

The pure and virgin foul alone He choofeth for His earthly throne.

What profits it that Chrift is born. And bringeth childhood back to men,

Unl^fs our long-loft right we mourn. And win through penitence again.

And lead a God-like life on earth.

As children of the fecond birth?

What profits all that Chrift hath taught. If man is flave to reafon ftill.

And worldly wifdom, honour, thought. Rule all his ads, and move his will ?

He follows what his Lord doth teach

Who true denial of felf would reach.

What profit us His deeds and life. His meeknefs, love fo quick to blefs.

If we give place to pride and ftrife, Difhonouring thus His holinefs ?

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 fcorn ?

'Tis combat brings forth viftory. Of forrow fweeteft joys are born ;

And ne'er to him Chrift's crown is given.

Who hath not here with Adam ftriven.

What profit ye His death and crofs, Unlefs to felf ye alfo die?

Hyra ©etmanica. 17*

Ye love your life to find it lofs.

Afraid the flefli to crucify. Wouldft live to this world ftill ? Then know. His death to thee is barren fhow.

What profit that He loofed and broke All bonds, if ye in league remain

With earth ? Who weareth Satan's yoke Shall call Him Mailer but in vain.

Count ye the foul for reconciled.

Yet Have to earth, by fin defiled ?

What profits it that He is rifen. If dead in fins thou yet doft lie ?

If yet thou cleaveft to thy prifon. What profit that He dwells on high ?

His triumph will avail thee nought.

If thou haft ne'er the battle fought.

Then live and fufFer, do and bear. As Chrift thy pattern here hath done,

And feek His innocence to wear.

That He may count thee of His own.

Who loveth Chrift cares but to win

New triumphs o'er the world of fin.

Anon.

172 Uprn (Scrmanica.

TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFFER 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 of our Lord Jefus Chrift.

From the Epijile.

i H would I had a thoufand tongues.

To found Thy praife o'er land and fea ! Oh ! rich and fweet fhould be my fongs, Of all my God has done for me ! With thankfulnefs my heart muft often fwell. But mortal lips Thy praifes faintly tell.

Oh that my voice could far refound

Up to yon ftars that o'er me fhine ! Would that my blood for joy might bound Through every vein while life is mine ! Would that each pulfe were gratitude, each breath A fong to Him who keeps me fafe from death !

O all ye powers of foul and mind,

A rife, keep filence thus no more ; Put forth your ftrength, and ye fhall find Your nobleft work is to adore. O foul and body, make ye pure and meet. With heartfelt praife your God and Lord to greet.

Hjirn CStrmnnica. 173

Ye little leaves fo frefh and green.

That dance for joy in fummer air. Ye flender grafles, bright and keen.

Ye flowers fo wondrous fweet and fair ; Ye only for your Maker's glory live. Help me, for all His love, meet praife to give.

O all ye living things that throng

With breath and motion earth and flcy. Be ye companions in my fong,

Help me to raife His praifes high ; For my unaided powers are far too weak The glories of His mighty works to fpeak.

And firil, O Father, praife to Thee

For all I am and all I have. It was Thy merciful decree

That all thofe bleffings richly gave. Which o'er the earth are fcatter'd far and near. To help and gladden us who fojourn here.

And, deareft Jefus, bleft be Thou,

Whofe heart with pity overflows. Thou rich in help ! who deign'dft to bow To earth, and tafte her keeneft woes ; Thy death has burft my bonds and fet me free. Has made me Thine ; henceforth I cling to Thee.

Nor lefs to Thee, O Holy Ghoft,

Be everlafting honours paid. For all Thy comfort. Lord, and moft

That I a child of life am made

174 Itgra ^ermanicn.

By Thy deep lore ; my good deeds are not mine. Thou workefl them through me, O Light Divine.

Yes, Lord, through all my changing days.

With each new fcene afrelh I mark How wondroufly Thou guid'ft my ways. Where all feems troubled, wilder'd, dark ; When dangers thicken faft, and hopes depart. Thy light beams comfort on my finking heart

Shall I not then be fill'd with joy.

Shall I not praife Thee evermore ? Triumphant fongs my lips employ. E'en when my cup of woe runs o'er ; Nay, though the heavens ftiould vanifh as a fcroll. Nothing fhall fhake or daunt my trufting foul.

But of Thy goodnefs will I fing

As long as I have life and breath. Offerings of thanks I'll daily bring Until my heart is ftill in death ; And when at laft my lips grow pale and cold. Yet in my fighs Thy prailes Ihall be told.

Father, do Thou in mercy deign

To liften to my earthly lays ; Once (hall I learn a nobler ftrain. Where angels ever hymn Thy praife. There in the radiant choir I too fhall fing Loud hallelujahs to my glorious King.

Mentzer. 1704.

Upra €5crmanita. 175

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER

TRINITY.

Be ftrong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to ftand againft the wiles of the devil. For we wreftle not againft flefh and blood, but againft principalities, againft powers, againft the rulers of the darknefs of this world, againft fpiritual wickednefs in high places.— /ro;» the Epijile.

SURE ftronghold our God is He,

A trufty fhield and weapon ; Our help He'll be and fet us free From every ill can happen. That old malicious foe Intends us deadly woe ; Arm'd with the ftrength of hell And deepell craft as well. On earth is not his fellow.

Through our own force we nothing can.

Straight were we loft for ever ; But for us fights the proper Man,

By God fent to deliver. Aflc ye who this may be ? Chrift Jefus named is He, Of Sabaoth the Lord ; Sole God to be adored ; 'TIS he muft win the battle.

176 ILgra €5trmanita*

And were the world with devils fill'd.

All eager to devour us, . Our fouls to fear fhould little yield.

They cannot overpower us. Their dreaded Prince no more Can harm us as of yore ; Look grim as e'er he may, Doom'd is his ancient fway; A word can overthrow him.

Still fhall they leave that Word His might, And yet no thanks fhall merit;

Still is He with us in the fight. By His good gifts and Spirit.

E'en fhould they take our life.

Goods, honour, children, wife —

Though all of thefe be gone.

Yet nothing have they won,

God's kingdom ours abideth !

LXTTHER, 1530.

Ugra Cfitrmanica. 177

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own underftanding. — From the Lejfon.

[OW bleft to all Thy followers, Lord, the road By which Thou lead'ft them on, yet oft how ftrange ! But Thou in all doft feek our higheft good. For Truth were true no longer, couldfl Thou change. Though crooked feem the paths, yet are they ftraight. By which Thou draw'ft Thy children up to Thee, And paffing wonders by the way they fee. And learn at laft to own Thee wife and great.

No human laws can bind Thy Spirit, Lord,

That reafon or opinion frame for us ; The knot of doubt is fever'd by Thy fword.

Or falls unravell'd if Thou willeft thus. The ftrongefl bonds are weak to Thee, O God,

All finks and fails that would Thy courfe oppofe ;

Thy lighted word can quell Thy ftouteft foes. And defert paths are by Thy footfteps trod.

1-S Hgra ©crmamta.

What human prudence fondly ftrives to bind. Thy wifdom funders far as eaft from weft ;

Who long beneath the yoke of man have pined. Thy hand exaketh high above the reft.

The world would fcatter. Thou doit union give ; She breaks. Thou buildeft ; what fhe builds is made A ruin'd heap ; her light is nought but fhade ;

Her dead Thy Spirit calls to rife and live.

Is there an aft our reafon would applaud ?

Lo ! in Thy book haft Thou the example given ; But him whom none as wife and pious laud.

Thou often lead'ft in fecret up to Heaven, As Thou didft leave the Pharifee, to go

And eat with finners whom all elfe forfook.

Who can fearch out Thy purpofes, or look Into the abyfs of wifdom whence they flow ?

Our all, O God, is nothing in Thine eyes. Our nothing Thou regardeft oft with love ;

Glory and pomp of words Thou doft not prize. Thy impulfe only gives them power to move.

Thy nobleft works awaken not man's praife. For they are hidden, and he blindly turns Away, nor though he fee, their light difcerns.

Too grofs his fenfe, too keen their dazzling rays.

O Ruler ! We would blefs Thee and adore. At whofe command we live or turn to duft ;

When Thou doft give us of Thy wifdom's ftore. We fee how true Thy care, and learn to truft.

Hgra German I'cn. 179

Thy wifdom 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 footfteps through the wild.

Now feems to us o'er harfh and ftrift Thy fchool. Now doft Thou greet us mild and tenderly.

Now when our wilder paflions break Thy rule. Thy judgments fright us back again to Thee.

With downcaft eyes we feek Thy face again. Thou kifleft us, we promife fair amends. Once more Thy Spirit reft and pardon fends.

And curbs our pafTions with a ftronger rein.

Thou know 'ft, O Father, all our weaknefs well. Our impotence, our fooliftinefs of mind; 'moft a paffing glance may ferve to tell How weak are we, how ignorant, how blind,

And fo Thou comeft with Thy help and ftay, A father's rule, a mother's love are Thine ; The lamb, on whom none elfe difcern Thy fign,

Thou carrieft in Thy bofom day by day.

The common ways are trodden not of Thee,

Thy fteps are feldom traced by mortal eyes, Yet art Thou near us, and unfeen, doft fee

All hopes and wifhes that within us rife. The bright refledlion of Thy inner thought

Is day by day before our eyes outfpread ;

Who thinks he quickeft hath Thy meaning read, [s oft another deeper leflbn taught.

t8o iLgra fficrmani'ca.

O Eye, whofe glance no falfehood can endure. Grant me to wifely judge, and well difcern.

Nature from grace — Thy Light ferene and pure From grofler fires that in and round me burn.

Let no flrange fire be kindled on the fhrine Within my heart, left I fhould madly bring The hated offering unto Thee, O King.

Ah bleft the foul whofe light is born of Thine !

(Vhen reafon contradifts Thy law, or climbs So high, fhe 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 di£late. Lord, to Thee, But tame the wayward will that feeks its own. And wake the love that clings to Thee alone.

And takes Thy judgments in humility.

Abforb my will in Thine ; fupport and bear Onward in loving arms Thy timid child ;

Thy Spirit's voice difpels all doubt, all fear. And quells the paffions erft fo fierce and wild.

Thou art mine All, fince that Thy Son is mine ; Oh let Thy Spirit work with power in me. With ftrong defire I thirft, I pant for Thee,

Oh joy whene'er Thy glories round me (hine !

So fhall the creature ever ferve me here. Nor angels blufh to bear me company ;

The perfedl fpirits to Thy throne moft near. They are my brethren, waiting there for me ;

fLgra Gcrmanfca. iSi

And oft my fpirit joys to meet a heart, That loveth Thee and me and every faint. Is aught then left can make me fad and faint ?

Come, Fount of Joy ! vain forrows, all depart !

Gottfried Arnold. 1666- 17 14.

1 82 Hura Gcimanica.

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER

TRINITY.

For our converfation is in heaven ; from whence alfo we look, for the Saviour, the Lord Jefus Chrift ; who fliall change our vile body, that it may be fafhioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to fubdue all things unto Him- felf. — From the Epijile.

§ET who will in thee rejoice,

O thou fair and wondrous earth ! Ever anguifh'd forrow's voice Pierces through thy feeming mirth ; Let thy vain delights be given Unto them w^ho love not Heaven, My delire is fix'd on Thee, Jefus, deareft far to me !

Weary fouls with toil outworn. Drooping 'neath the glaring light.

With that foon the coming morn Might be quench'd again in night.

That their toils might find a clofe

In a foft and deep repofe :

I but wifh to reft in Thee,

Jefus, deareft far to me !

Others dare the treacherous wave Hidden rock and Ihifting wind —

Hgra CScrmanica. i^3

Storm and danger let them brave. Earthly good or wealth to find ; Faith fhall wing my upward flight Far above yon ftarry height. Till I find myfelf with Thee, Jefus, dearell Friend to me !

Many a time ere now I faid.

Many a time again Ihall fay. Would to God that I were dead. Would that in my grave I lay ! Rell were mine, and fweet my lot Where the body hindereth not. And the foul can ever be, Jefus, deareft Lord, with Thee !

Come, O Death, thou twin of Sleep, Lead me hence,— I pray thee come,

Loofe my rudder, through the deep Guide my veffel fafely home.

Thy approach who will may fly,

'Twere a joy to me to die.

Death but opes the gates to Thee,

Jefus, deareft Friend to me !

Would that I to-day might leave

This my earthly prifon here. And my crown of joy receive

Waiting me in yon bright fphere ! In that home of joy, where dwell Hofts of angels, would I tell How the Godhead fhines in Thee, lefus, deareft Lord to me !

1 84

Hgra CScrmantca.

But not yet the gates of gold

I may fee nor enter in. Nor the heavenly fields behold.

But muft fit and mourning fpin Life's dark thread on earth below ; Let my thoughts then hourly go Whither I myfelf would be, Jefus, deareft Lord, with Thee !

J. Franck. 1653.

ILgva CSermanua. 185

TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

Jesus anfwered and faid unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things : but one thing is needful, and Mary hath chofen that good part which fhall not be taken away from her.

Luke X. 41, 4.2.

I NE thing is needful ! Let me deem Aright of that whereof He fpoke ; All elfe, how fweet foe'er it feem. Is but in truth a heavy yoke, 'Neath which the toiling fpirit frets and pants. Yet never finds the happinefs it wants : This One can make amends, whate'er I mifs. Who hath it finds in all his joy through this ! ,

My foul, wouldft thou this one thing find ?

Seek not amid created things ; Leave what is earthly far behind.

O'er Nature heavenward ftretch thy wings. Where God and man are One, in whom appear i.11 truth and fulnefs, thou haft: found it here, — The better part, the One thing needful He, VTy One, my All, my Joy, who faveth me.

As Mary once devoutly fought The Eternal truth, the better part.

And fat, enwrapt in holy thought. At Jefu's feet with burning heart.

1 86 ilgra ^Icnnanita.

For nought elk caring, yearning for the word That fhould be fpoken by her Friend, her Lord^ Loling her AH in Him, His word believing. And through the One all things again receiving :

Even fo is all my heart's delire

Fix'd, deareft Lord, on Thee alone ; Oh make me true and draw me nigher. And make Thyfelf, O Chrift, my own. Though many turn afide to join the crowd. To follow Thee in love my heart is vow'd. Thy word is life and fpirit, whither go ? What joy is there in Thcs we cannot know f

All perfefl wifdom lies in Thee

As in its primal hidden fource ; Oil let my will fubmiffive be.

And hold henceforth its even courfc, ControU'd by truth and meeknefs, for high Heaven To lowly fimple hearts hath wifdom given ; Who knoweth Chrift aright, and in Him lives. Hath won the higheft prize that wifdom gives.

Oh that my foul from fleep might wake.

And ever. Lord, Thine image bear ! Thee for my portion I will take. Thy holinefs Thou bidd'ft us fhare, Whate'er we need for God-like walk and life Is given to us in Thee ; oh end this ftrife. And free me from the love of paffing things. To know alone the life from Thee that fprings !

■mall

Uyra Cjcrmanica. 187

What can I afk for more ? Behold

Thy mercy is a very flood ; I know that Thou haft pafs'd of old Into the Holieft through Thy blood. And there redeem'd for ever thofe who lay Beneath the rule of Satan ; now are they Made free by Thee, who erft were flaves and weak. And childlike hearts the name of Father fpeak.

Deep joy and peace and holy calm Fill my once reftlefs fpirit now ; O'er verdant paftures free from harm. She follows Thee, her fhepherd Thou ; Whate'er rejoices or confoles us here. Is not fo fweet as feeling Thou art near ; This One is needful, but all elfe is drofs. Let me win Chrift, all other gain is lofs.

Schroder. 1697

i88 ILpra CSermanica.

TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

Behold the days come, faith the Lord, that I will raife unto David a righteous Branch, and a King (hall reign, and profper, and fliall execute judgment and juftice in the earth. — From the Pajage for the Epiflle.

EDEEMER of the nations, come ! Ranfom of earth, here make Thy home ! Bright Sun, oh dart Thy flame to earth. For fo fhall God in Chrift have birth !

Thou comeft from Thy kingly throne, O Son of God, the Virgin's Son ! Thou Hero of a twofold race, Doft walk in might earth's darkeft place.

Thou ftoopeft once to fuffer here. And rifeft o'er the ftarry fphere ; Hell's gates at Thy defcent were riven. Thy afcent is to higheft Heaven.

One with the Father ! Prince of might ! O'er nature's realm afTert Thy right. Our fickly bodies pine to know Thy heavenly ftrength. Thy living glow.

Hyvn (Strmnm'ca. 189

How bright Thy lowly manger beams ! Down earth's dark vale its glory ftreams. The fplendour of Thy natal night Shines through all Time in deathlefs light.

J. Franck. After St. Ambrofe.

19^ HBva ©nmanica.

ST. ANDREW'S DAY.

And Jefus faith unto them, Follow me. . . And they ftraightway left their nets, and followed Him. — From the Gojpel.

FOLLOW me, in me ye live. What ye aflc I freely give. Only heed ye left ye ftray. Follow me, the Living Way ;

Follow me with all your hearts,

I will ward off forrow's darts ;

Learn from Chrift your Lord to be

Rich in meek humility.

Yea, Lord, meet it is indeed We fhould all Thy bidding heed ; Who in fear of this world's blame. Counts Thy lowly yoke a fhame. To Thy name, Lord, hath no right, Is no Chriftian, in Thy fight. Ah too well I know that we, Here on earth, ftiould follow Thee.

Where is ftrength, Lord, to fulfil, Glad at heart. Thy works and will. Following on where Thou haft trod ? All too weak am I, O God ;

Hgra (Sermam'ca. 191

If awhile Thy paths I keep. Soon I pine for left and fleep ; E'en to love Thee, Lord, aright, Pafleth far my feeble might.

Yet I will not turn from Thee, Yet my joy in Chrift fhall be ; Help me, make me ftrong and bold. Firm and faft Thy grace to hold ; This world and her lufts I leave. Only to my Lord I cleave ; All their promifes are lies. But who follows Thee is wife.

Thou haft gone before us. Lord, Not with anger, ftrife, or fword. Not with kingly pomp and pride. But with mercy at Thy fide. Moved by wondrous love divine For our life Thou gaveft Thine, And Thy precious outpour'd blood. Won for us the higheft good.

Let us follow in fuch fort, Chrift-like every deed and thought. That Thy love moft true and kind All our hearts henceforth may bind ; None may look behind him now. Who to Chrift hath pledged his vow; Jefus leads, no longer ftand. Follow me, is His command.

192 iLgra dScrmanica,

Draw me up, my God, from hence, Raife me high o'er earth and feni'e. That I lol'e not Thee from fight. Nor in life nor death, my Light ! In my foul's moft deep recefs Let me cherilh holinefs. Not for fhow or human praife. But for Thy fake, all my days.

Grant me. Lord, my heart's defire. So my courfe to run nor tire. That my praftifed foul may prove What Thy meeknefs, what Thy love. Grant me here to trull Thy grace. There with joy to fee Thy face. This in time my portion be. That through all eternity !

RisT. 1644.

^1^6^

Hgra ©crmanica. 193

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE.

And Thomas anfwered and faid unto Him, My Lord and my God. Jefus faith unto Him, Thomas, becaufe thou haft feen me thou haft believed ; blefled are they that have not feen, and yet have believed. — from the Gofpel.

ONG in the fpirit-world my foul had fought Some friendly being, clofe to her akin; Long had prepared a dwelling m her thought And heart for fuch an one ; for ftie could win Through Him alone herftrength, for Himlheyearn'd, Toward Him her fervent longing ever burn'd.

And rich the world in things invifible. In heathen gods, and fpirits great and fmall.

And bright and dark ; yet ever did fhe dwell Alone, for One was wanting 'mid them all ;

One having might and glory, rich in love,

God, who as man could fhame and weaknefs prove.

Then came the Word, and took on Him our flefh. And dwelt with men, here in the world of fight.

And made an end of Rrife, and link'd afrefh Our finful earth unto the throne of light ;

Into His ancient glory He is gone.

And yet He dwells with us till time be done.

o

194 ILgra ©ermflnlca.

Thus, O my foul, haft thou received thy will ;

The glory of the world of ghofts is dim Before the One, who is, and was, and ftill

Shall ever be ; all hearts are fix'd on Him, And fpirit worlds, fince He is there, become Hallow'd and fafe to thee, thy proper home.

Thou foareft now through all their heights fublime.

And not as once doft empty back return. But gazing on Thy God, forgetteft time Beneath His loving glance, whence thou wouldft learn How thou fhouldft love, and know His Word aright : Ah bleft the love and faith that aflc not fight !

Albertini. I 82 1.

Hgra €5crmanica« 195

PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE.

Lord, now letteft Thou Thy fervant depart in peace, according to Thy word ; for mine eyes have feen Thy falvation. — From the Gofpel.

IGHT of the Gentile world ! Thy people's joy and love ! Drawn by Thy Spirit we are come Thy prefence. Lord, to prove. Within Thy temple walls We wait with earneft 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 haft promifed faithfully

We fhould behold Thy face.

Thou yet doft fuiFer us

Who oft are gather'd here. To bear Thee in the arms of faith

As once that aged feer.

Be Thou our blifs, our light Shining 'mid pain and lofs. Our Sun of ftrength in time of fear. The glory round our crofs ;

ILgra C&ermanica.

A glow in finking hearts, A funbeam in diftrefs, Phylician, nurfe, in ficknefs' hours. In death our happinefs.

Oh let us, Lord, prevail

With Simeon at the laft ; May we take up his dying fong

When life is waning faft !

" Let me depart in peace.

Since that mine aged eyes Have feen the Saviour here on earth.

Have feen His day zr'ife."

Yes, with the eye of faith

My Jefus I behold ; No foe can rob me of my Lord,

Though fierce his threats and bold.

I dwell within Thy heart.

Thou doft in mine abide. Not forrow, pain nor death itfeli

Can tear me from Thy fide.

J. Franck 1653

Ugra Gtrmanica 197

ST. MATTHIAS' DAY.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you reft. — From the Goffel.

(ES, there remaineth yet a reft !

Arife, fad heart, who now doft pine. By heavy care and pain oppreft.

On whom no fun of joy can fhine; Look to the Lamb ! in yon bright fields Thou'lt know the joy His prefence yields ; Caft off thy load and thither hafte ;

Soon fhalt thou fight and bleed no more. Soon, foon thy weary courfe be o'er. And deep the reft thou then fhalt tafte :

The reft appointed thee of God,

The reft that nought fhall break or move. That ere this earth by man was trod Was fet apart for thee by Love. Our Saviour gave His life to win This reft for thee ; oh enter in !

Hear how His voice founds far and wide : Ye weary fouls, no more delay. Nor loiter faithlefs by the way, Here in my peace and reft abide !

Ye heavy-laden, come to Him !

Ye who are bent with many a load. Come from your prifons drear and dim.

Toil not thus fadly on your road !

198 ILgra eETermanica.

Ye've borne the burden of the day. And hear ye not your Saviour fay, I am your refuge and your reft ? His children ye, of heavenly birth, Howe'er may rage fin, hell, or earth. Here are ye fafe, here calmly bleft.

Yonder in joy the ftieaves we bring,

Whofe feed was fown on earth in tears ;

There in our Father's houfe we fing The fong too fweet for mortal ears. Sorrow and fighing all are paft. And pain and death are fled at laft.

There with the Lamb of God we dwell. He leads us to the cryftal river. He wipes away all tears for ever ;

What there is ours no tongue can tell.

Hunger nor thirft can pain us there. The time of recompenfe is come. Nor cold nor fcorching heat we bear. Safe flielter'd in our Saviour's home. The Lamb is in the midft ; and thofe Who follow'd Him through (hame and woes. Are crown'd with honour, joy, and peace. The dry bones gather life again. One Sabbath over all ftiall reign, Wherein all toil and labour ceafe.

There is untroubled calm and light, No gnawing care fhall mar our reft ;

Ye weary, heed this word aright,

Come, lean upon your Saviour's breaft.

Hyra CScimanita.

199

Fain would I linger here no more, Fain to yon happier world upfoar. And join that bright expedlant band. Oh raife, my foul, the joyful fong That rings through yon triumphant throng; Thy perfed reft is nigh at hand.

KUNTH. 1733-

200 Ugra CSermanica*

THE ANNUNCIATION.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Thy word. — From the Go/pel.

EA, my fpirit fain would fink

In Thy heart and hands, my God, Waiting till Thou Ihow the end Of the ways fhe here hath trod ; Srripp'd of felf, how calm her reft On her loving Father's breaft !

^nd my foul repineth not.

Well content whate'er befall ; Vlurmurs, wifhes, of lelf-will.

They are flain and vanquifh'd all, Reftlefs thoughts, that fret and crave. Slumber in her Saviour's grave.

And my foul is free from care. For her thoughts from all things ceafc

That can pierce like fharpeft thorns. Wounding fore the inner peace.

He who made her careth well.

She but feeks in peace to dwell-

And my foul defpaireth not.

Loving God amid her woe ; Grief that wrings and breaks the heart

Only they who hate Him know :

Upra ^ermam'ca. 201

They who love Him ftill poflefs Comfort in their worft diftrefs.

And my foul complaineth not.

For fhe knows not pain or fear. Clinging to her God in faith,

Trufting though He flay her here. *Tis when flefli and blood repine. Sun of joy. Thou canft not fhine.

Thus my foul before her God

Lieth ftill, nor fpeaketh more. Conqueror thus o'er pain and wrong.

That once fmote her to the core ; Like a filent ocean, bright With her God's great praife and light.

Winkler. 17IJ.

202 iLgra ^fermanica.

ST. BARNABAS' DAY.

We preach unto you that ye (hould turn from thefe vanities unto the living God which made heaven, and earth, and the fea, and all things that are therein : who in time paft fufFered all nations to walk in their own ways. Neverthelefs He left not Himfelf without witnefs, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful feafons, filling our hearts with food and gladnefs.

From the Lejfon.

jjHALL I not ling praife to Thee, Shall I not give thanks, O Lord ? Since for us in all I fee How Thou keepeft watch and ward ; How the trueft tendereft love Ever fills Thy heart, my God, Helping, cheering, on their road. All who in Thy fervice move. All things elfe have but their day, God's love only lafts for aye.

As the eagle o'er her neft

Spreads her fheltering wings abroad. So from all that would moleft.

Doth Thine arm defend me. Lord ; From my youth up e'en till now

Of the being Thou didft give.

ILgra ©jrmanica. 203

And the earthly life I live. Faithful Guardian ftill wert Thou. All things elfe have but their day, God's love only lafts for aye.

Nay He kept not back His Son, But hath given Him for our good.

And our fafety He hath won By the Ihedding of His blood.

O Thou fathomlefs abyfs !

My weak powers but ftrive in vain. Knowledge of Thy depths to gain,

Man knows not fuch love as this. All things elfe have but their day, God's love only lafts for aye.

And His Spirit, bleffed Guide,

In His holy Word doth teach. How on earth we may abide.

So that heaven at laft we reach ; Every longing heart doth fill

With the pure true light of faith.

That can break the bonds of death. And control the powers of ill. All things elfe have but their day, God's love only lafts for aye.

Truly hath He cared indeed

For my foul's health, and no lefs

If my body fuffer need.

Will He help in my diftrefs.

When my ftrength and courage fail. When my powers can do no more,

204 "^Bra CStrmanfca.

Doth my God fuch ftrength outpour. That I rife up and prevail. All things elfe have but their day, God's love only lafts for aye.

All the hofts of heaven and earth. Hath He placed at my command,

Nowhere is there lack or dearth. But I find in fea and land

All things order'd 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 elfe have but their day, God's love only lafts for aye.

When I fleep my Guardian wakes. And revives my wearied mind ;

Every morning on me breaks

With fome mark of love moft kind ;

Had my God not ftood my Friend, Had His countenance not been Here my guide, I had not feen

Many a trial reach its end. All things elfe have but their day, God's love only lafla for aye.

Often hath my crafty Foe

Threaten'd to bring down on me

Many a fore and heavy woe. From which yet my life is free ;

For the angel whom God fends. Wards oiFeverv threaten'd hurt.

Upra CK£rmanica. 205

Every evil doth avert That mine Enemy intends. All things elfe have but their day, God's love only lails for aye.

As a father ne'er withdraws From a child his all of love.

Though it often break his laws. Though it carelefs, wilful, prove :

Even fo my loving Lord Doth my faults with pity fee. With His rod He chaflens me.

Not avenging with His fword. All things elfe have but their day, God's love only lafts for aye.

When His ftrokes upon me light.

Bitterly I feel their fmart. Yet are they, if feen aright.

Tokens that my Father's heart Yearns to bring me back again

Through thefe crofTes to His fold.

From the world that fain would hold Soul and body in its chain. All things elfe have but their day, God's love only lafts for aye.

All my life I ftill have found.

And I will forget it never. Every forrovv hath its bound.

And no crofs endures for ever After all the winter's fnows

Comes fweet fummer back again.

2o6 Hgra CScrmanfca.

Patient fouls ne'er wait in vain, Joy is given for all their woes. All things elfe have but their day, God's love only lafls for aye.

Since then neither change nor end

In Thy love can e'er have place. Father ! I befeech Thee fend Unto me Thy loving grace. Help Thy feeble child, and give

Strength to ferve Thee day and night. Loving Thee with all my might. While on earth I yet muft live ; So Ihall I when Time is o'er, Praife and love Thee evermore.

Paul Gerhardt. 1659.

Upra ^trmanica. 207

ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS.

Are they not all miniftering fpirits, fent forth to minif- ter for them that Ihall be heirs of falvation ? — Heb. i. 14-

RAISE and thanks to Thee be fung. Mighty God, in fweeteft tone ! Lo ! from every land and tongue. Nations gather round Thy Throne, Praifing Thee, that Thou doll fend, Daily from Thy Heaven above, Angel-mefTengers of love. Who Thy threaten'd Church defend. Who can offer worthily. Lord of angels, praife to Thee !

'Tis your office. Spirits bright.

Still to guard us night and day. And before your heavenly might.

Powers of darknefs flee awav : Ever doth your unfeen hoft.

Camp around us, and avert

All that feeks to do us hurt. Curbing Satan's malice moft. Lord, who then can worthily. For fuch goodnefs honour Thee .'

And ye come on ready wing. When we drift tcJward fheer defpair.

Seeing nought where we might cling. Suddenly, lo. ye are there !

2o8 Hgra ^ermantia.

And the wearied heart grows ftrong. As an angel flrengthen'd Him, Fainting in the garden dim,

'Neath the world's vaft woe and wrong.

Lord, who then can worthily.

For fuch mercy honour Thee !

Right and feemly is it then

We Ihould glory, that our God

Hath fuch honour put on men. That He fends 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 fuch favour honour Thee !

Praile and thanks to thee be fung.

Mighty God, in fweeteft tone. Lo ! from every land and tongue.

Nations gather round Thy throne, Praifing Thee that Thou doft fend.

Hourly from Thy glorious fphere.

Angels down to help us here. And Thy threaten'd Church defend. Let us henceforth worthily. Lord of angels, honour Thee.

RisT. 1655.

1>^^^— *•

Upra Gtrmanua, 209

ALL SAINTS' DAY.

Lo, a great multitude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, ftood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands ; and cried with a loud voice, faying, Salvation to our God which fitteth upon the throne and unto the Lamb. — From the Epijile.

HO are thofe before God's throne. What the crowned hoft I fee ? As the (ky with ftars thick-ftrovvn Is their fhining company : Hallelujahs, hark, they ling. Solemn praife to God they bring.

Who are thofe that in their hands Bear aloft the conqueror's palm.

As one o'er his foeman ftands. Fallen beneath his mighty arm ?

What the war and what the flrife,

Whence came fuch vidlorious life *

Who are thofe array'd in light, Cloth'd in righteoufnefs divine.

Wearing robes moll pure and white. That unftain'd fhall ever fhine.

That can nevermore decay ;

Whence came all this bright array ? P

2IO Ugra Cacrmanica*

They are thofe who, ftrong 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 flain. Did they fuch high viftory gain.

They are thofe who much have borne. Trial, forrow, pain, and care.

Who have wrellled night and morn With the mighty God in prayer ;

Now their ftrife hath found its clofe,

God hath turn'd away their woes.

They are branches of that Stem, Who hath our Salvation been.

In the blood He flied for them.

Have they made their raiment clean ;

Hence they wear fuch radiant drefs.

Clad in fpotlefs holinefs.

They are thofe who hourly here Served as priefts before their Lord,

Offering up with gladfome 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 frefh and clear.

Did they ofttimes long and faint, For the Living Fountain here.

Upra CStrmanica. 2 1 1

Now their thirft is quench'd, they dwell With the Lord they loved (o well.

Thitherwards I ftretch my hands ;

O Lord Jefus, day by day. In Thy houfe in thefe ftrange lands,

Compafs'd round with foes, I pray. Let me fink not in the war. Drive for me my foes afar.

Call my lot in earth and heaven

With Thy faints made like to Thee,

Let my bonds be alfo riven.

Make Thy child who loves Thee free ;

Near the throne where Thou doft fhine.

May a place at laft be mine !

Ah I that blifs can ne'er be told, When with all that army bright.

Thee, my Sun, I fhall behold. Shining ftar-like, with Thy light.

Amen ! Thanks be brought to Thee,

Praife through all eternity.

ScHENK. Died 1727.

^:H^

MORNING HYMNS.

c5>»Oj

Hgra €5mnanica, 215

MORNING HYMNS. I.

OD who madeft earth and heaven. Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft, Who the day and night haft given. Sun and moon and ftarry hoft. All things wake at Thy command. Held in being by Thy hand :

God, I thank Thee from my heart. That through all the livelong night.

Thou haft kept me fafe apart From all danger, pain, affright.

And the cunning of my foe

Hath not wrought my overthrow.

Let the night of fin depart.

As this earthly night hath Hed j

Jefus, take me to Thy heart.

In the blood that Thou haft fhed

Is my help and hope alone.

For the evil I have done.

Help me as each morn ftiall break.

In the Spirit to arife. Let my foul from fin awake.

Thai when o'er the aged flcies. Shall the morn of Doom appear, I may fee it free from fear.

21b Hyra Gtrmanira.

Ever lead me, ever guide

All my wanderings by Thy Word ; As Thou haft been, ftill abide

My defence, my refuge. Lord. Never fafe except with Thee, Ever Thou my Guardian be!

Mighty God, I now commend

Soul and body unto Thee, All the powers that Thou doft lend.

By Thy hand diredled be ; Thou my boaft, my ftrength divine. Keep me with Thee, I am Thine.

Let Thine angel guard my foul From the Evil One's dark power,

All his thoufand wiles control. Warning, guiding me each hour.

Till my final reft be come.

And Thine angel bear me home.

Heinrich Albert. 1644.

II.

The golden funbeams with their joyous gleams. Are kindling o'er earth, her life and mirth.

Shedding forth lovely and heart-cheering light ; Through the dark hours' chill I lay filent and ftill. But rifen at length to gladnefs and ftrength,

I gaze on. the heavens all glowing and bright.

Hgra 6r£rmanicn. 217

Mine eyes now behold Thy works, that of old And ever are telling to all men here dwelling.

How great is Thy glory, how wondrous Thy power ; They tell of the home where the faithful fhall come. Who depart to that peace that can change not or ceafe.

From earth where all pafleth as pafTes the hour.

O come let us raife our voices, and praife

The Maker of all, at His feet let us fall. Offering to Him again all He hath given.

The beft that is ours, our hearts and our powers ;

Glad fongs that we fing Him, thanks that we bring Him — Thefe are the incenfe moft grateful to Heaven.

Evening and morning thus ever He cares for us, Bleffing, renewing, warding off ruin,

Thefe are His works, thus His goodnefs we prove ; When we are fleeping, watch He is keeping. When we arife. He gladdens our eyes

With the funfhine of mercy, the glow of His love

All paffeth away, but God liveth aye.

And changeth in nought ; eternal His Thought,

His Word and His Will are fteadfaft and fure; Never His grace nor His mercy decays. It heals the fad heart from its deadlieft fmart.

Giving it life that fhall ever endure.

God, Thou my crown ! forgiving look down. And hide from Thy face through Thy pitying grace.

2i8 Upva Gfrmanica.

All my tranfgreffions apainft Thy command ;

Henceforth oh rule me, guide me and fchool me. As Thou feeft fit ; my ways I commit

All to Thy pleafure. Thy merciful hand.

Crofles and forrow may end with the morrow,

Stormieft feas fhall fink into peace. The wild winds are hufh'd, and the funfhine returns ;

So flilnefs of reft, and the calm of the bleft.

Are waiting me there, in that garden moft fair. That home for which daily my fpirit here yearns.

Paul Gerhardt.

III.

Come, my foul, awake, 'tis morning.

Day is dawning O'er the earth, arife and pray ; Come, to Him who made this fplendour.

Thou mull render All thy feeble powers can pay.

From the flars now learn thy duty.

See their beauty Paling in the golden air ; So God's light thy mifts fhould banifh.

Thus fhould vanifh What to darken'd fenfe feem'd fair.

Hjjra (Sermanica. 219

See how everything that liveth.

Gladly ftriveth On the pleafant light to gaze ; Stirs with joy each thing that groweth.

As it knoweth Darknefs fmitten by thefe rays

Soul, thy incenfe alfo proffer ;

Thou fhouldft offer Praife to Him, who from thy head Kept afar the ftorms of forrow,

And the morrow Finds the night in peace hath fled.

Bid Him blefs what thou art doing.

If purfuing Some good aim ; but if there lurks 111 intent in thine endeavour.

May He ever Thwart and turn thee from thy works.

Think that He, the All-difcerning,

Knows each turning Of thy path, each finful ftain ; Nay what Ihame would fain glofs over

Can difcover ; All thou doll to Him is plain

Bound unto the flying hours

Are our powers ; Earth's vain good floats down their wave. That thy ftiip, my foul, is hafl:ing.

Never refting. To its haven in the grave.

220 Hgra ©crmanica.

Pray that when thy life is doling.

Calm repofing. Thou mayft die, and not in pain ; That, the night of death departed.

Thou glad-hearted, Mayft behold the Sun again.

From God's glances Ihrink thou never.

Meet them ever ; Who fubmits him to His grace. Finds that earth no funfhine knoweth

Such as gloweth O'er his pathway all his days.

Wakeneft thou again to forrow.

Oh ! then borrow Strength from Him, whofe fun-like might On the mountain-fummit tarries.

And yet carries To the vales their mirth and light.

Round the gifts He on thee fhowers.

Fiery towers Will He fet, be not afraid. Thou ftialt dwell 'mid angel legions.

In the regions Satan's felf dares not invade.

Von Canitz, i 654-1699.

Hgra CHennanfca. 221

IV.

Dayspring of Eternity !

Dawn on us this morning- tide. Light from Light's exhauftlefs fea.

Now no more Thy radiance hide. But difpel with glorious might All our night.

Let the morning dew of love

On our fleeping confcience rain ;

Gentle comfort from above

Flow through life's long parched plain ;

Water daily us Thy flock

From the rock.

Let the glow of love deftroy Cold obedience faintly given ;

Wake our hearts to ftrength and joy With the flufhing eaftern heaven.

Let us truly rife ere vet

Life hath fet.

Brighteft Star of eaftern flcies.

Let that final morn appear. When our bodies too fhall rife

Free from all that pain'd them here. Strong their joyful courfe to run As the fun.

222 %ioxa ©crmanica.

To yon world be Thou our light,

O Thou glorious Sun of grace;

Lead us through the tearful night.

To yon fair and blefled place. Where to joy that never dies We fhall rife.

Von Rosenroth. 1684-

V.

Once more from reft I rife again. To greet a day of toil and pain.

My Heaven-appointed lot ; Unknowing what new grief may be With this new day in ftore for me.

But it fhall harm me not I know full well ; my loving God Will fend me not a hurtful load.

My burden every day is new. But every day my God is true.

And all my cares hath borne ; Ere eventide can no man know ~ What Day fhall bring of joy or woe.

And though it feem each morn To fome new path of fufFering call. With God I can furmount it all.

Since this I know, oh wherefore fink. My faithlefs heart? And why thus fhrink

Hgra (Germam'ca. 22:

To take thy load again ? Bear what thou canft, God bears thy lot. The Lord of All, He ftumbleth not ;

Pure bleffing fhalt thou gain. If thou with Him right onward go. Nor fear'ft to tread the path of woe.

My heart grows flrong, all terrors fly Whene'er I feel Thy love Mod High,

Doth compafs me around ; But would I have Thee for my Ihield, No more to fin my foul mufl yield.

But in Thy ways be found ; Thou God wilt never walk my way If from Thy paths my feet fhould ftray.

But let me feel Thou guideft me. And humbly I will follow Thee,

Lord, make me true and pure ; Then ftrong and dauntlefs in Thy might Againft a world of fin I'll fight.

And know my triumph fure ; Then bravely I can meet each day. And fear it not, come what come may.

My God and Lord, I caft on Thee The load that weighs too fore on me.

The yoke 'neath which I bow ; I lay my rank, my high command. In my Almighty Father's hand.

Well knowing, Lord, that Thou Wilt ne'er withdraw it, for Thy truth Hath led me onward from my youth

224 ICLgra €ifrmanica»

To Thee my kindred I commend. For they are fafe if Thou defend.

Oh guard them round about ; My finful foul would Ihelter take In Jefu's bofom, for vvhofe fake

Thou wilt not call her out ; When foul and body part at laft. Then all myfelf on Thee I caft.

Anton Ulrich, Duke of Bmnfwick. 1767

EVENING HYxMNS,

^^WJ^

Hgra €5enunnfca. 227

EVENING HYMNS. I.

^^^HE happy funfhine all is gone.

The gloomy night comes fwiftly on ; But (hine Thou ftill, O Chrift our Light, Nor let us lofe ourfelves in night.

We thank Thee, Father, that this day Thy angels watch'd around our way. And free from harm and vexing fear ; Have led us on in fafety here.

Lord, have we anger'd Thee to-day. Remember not our fins, we pray. But let Thy mercy o'er them fvveep. And give us calm and reflful fleep.

Thy angels guard our deeping hours. And keep afar all evil Powers ; And Thou all pain and mifchief ward From foul and body, faithful Lord !

N. Hermann, i s6o.

?28 Hyra CSfrmant'ca*

II.

Now all the woods are fleeping, And night and ftilJnefs creeping

O'er field and city, man and beaft ; But thou, my heart, awake thee. To prayer awhile betake thee.

And praife thy Maker ere thou reft.

O Sun, where art thou vanifh'd r The Night thy reign hath banifh'd.

Thy ancient foe, the Night. Farewell, a brighter glory My Jefus Iheddeth o'er me.

All clear within me fhines His light.

The laft faint beam is going. The golden ftars are glowing

In yonder dark-bkie deep ;

And fuch the glory given When called of God to heaven.

On earth no more we pine and weep.

The body hafles to (lumber, Thefe garments now but cumber

And as I lay them by

J ponder how the fpirit Puts off the flelh t' inherit

A Ihining robe with Chrill on high.

Ugra ©crmanica. 229

Now thought and labour ceafes.

For Night the tired releafes And bids fweet reft begin :

My heart, there comes a morrow

Shall fet thee free from forrow And all the dreary toil of fin.

Ye aching limbs ! now reft you.

For toil hath fore opprefs'd you. Lie down my weary head :

A fleep fhall once o'ertake you

From which earth ne'er fhall wake you. Within a narrower colder bed.

My heavy eyes are clofing,

When I lie deep repofing O foul and body where are ye ?

To helplefs fleep I yield them.

Oh let Thy mercy fhield them. Thou fleeplefs Eye, their guardian be !

My Jefus, ftay Thou by me.

And let no foe come nigh me. Safe fhelter'd by Thy wing;

But would the foe alarm me.

Oh let him never harm me. But ftill Thine angels round me fing!

My loved ones, reft fecurely.

From every peril furely Our God will guard your heads ;

And happy fliimbers fend you.

And bid His hofts attend you. And golden-arm'd watch o'er your beds.

Paul Gerhardt. 1653.

230 llyia Gcrmanita.

III.

The day expires ;

My foul defires And pants to fee that day. When the vexing cares of earth Shall be done away.

The night is here ;

Oh ! be Thou near, Chrill, make it light within ; Drive away from out my heart All the night of fin.

The funbeams pale. And flee and fail ;

O uncreated Sun ! Let Thy light now fhine on us.

Then our joy were won.

All things that move Below, above. Now with fleep are blefl: ; Work Thou ftill in me while I Calmly in Thee rell.

When fhall the fway Of night and day, Ceafe to rule man thus ? When that brighteft day of days Once Ihall dawn on us.

Hina Gcrmantca. 231

Ah ! never then Her light again Jerufalem fhall mifs. For the Lamb fhall be her Light, Filling her with blifs.

Oh were I there ! Where all the air With lovely founds is ringing ; Where the faints Thee, Holy Lord, Evermore are finging !

Lord Jefus, Thou My reft art now, Oh help me that I come. Radiant with Thy light to fhine In Thy glorious home !

Freylinghausen. 1704-

IV.

The moon hath rifen on high. And in the clear dark fky

The golden ftars all brightly glow ; And black and hufh'd the woods. While o'er the fields and floods

The white mifts hover to and fro.

How ftill the earth ! how calm ! What dear and home-like charm

232 Uura Gcrmanica.

From gentle twilight doth flie borrow ! Like to Ibme quiet room. Where wrapt in ftill foft gloom.

We fleep away the daylight's forrow.

Look up; the moon to-night Shows us but half her light.

And yet we know her round and fair. At other things how oft We in our blindnefs fcofF'd,

Becaufe we faw not what was there.

We haughty fons of men

Have but a narrow ken. We are but fmners poor and weak.

Yet airy dreams we build.

And deem us wife and flcill'd. And come not nearer what we feek.

Thy mercy let us fee.

Nor find in vanity Our joy; nor truft in what departs;

But true and fimple grow.

And live to Thee below With funny pure and childlike h'earts.

Let Death all gently come

At laft to take us home. And let us meet him fearlefsly ;

And when thefe bonds are riven.

Oh take us to Thy heaven. Our Lord and God, to dwell with Thee.

ILgra (Scrmnnica*

233

Now in His name mofl bleft

My brethren fink to reft ; The wind is cold, chill falls the dew.

Spare us, O God, and keep

Us fafe in quiet fleep. And all the fick and fufFering too.

Claudius.

1782.

FOR THE SICK AND DYING.

fj&KX^

Hyra CBcrmanua. 237

FOR THE SICK AND DYING.

IN the midft of life, behold Death has girt us round. Whom for help then fhall we pray. Where fhall grace be found ? In Thee, O Lord, alone!

We rue the evil we have done. That Thy wrath on us hath drawn. Holy Lord and God ! Strong and Holy God ! Merciful and Holy Saviour !

Eternal God ! Leave us not to fink beneath Thefe dark pains of bitter death ; Kyrie eleifon !

In the midil of death the jaws

Of hell againfl: us gape. Who from peril dire as this

Openeth us efcape ? 'Tis Thou, O Lord, alone !

Our bitter fufFering and our fir<

Pity from Thy mercy win. Holy Lord and God ! Strong and holy God !

Merciful and holy Saviour !

238 Hyra Gcrmanira.

Eternal God ! Let not dread our fouls o'erwhelm Of the dark and burning realm,

Kyrie eleifon !

In the midft of hell would Sm

Drive us to defpair ; Whither fliall we flee away ?

Where is refuge, where ? With Thee, Lord Chrift, alone !

For Thou haft fhed Thy precious blood. All our fins Thou makeft good.

Holy Lord and God !

Strong and holy God ! Merciful and holy Saviour !

Eternal God ! Leave us not to fall in death From the hope of Thy true Faith,

Kyrie eleifon !

NoTKER tr. by Luther. Written about 900, tr. 152^

IL

God ! whom I as love have known. Thou haft ficknefs laid on me. And thefe pains are fent of Thee,

Under which I burn and moan ;

Let them burn away the fin. That too oft hath check'd the love

Hgra dUcrmantca. 239

Wherewith Thou my heart wouldll inove. When Thy Spirit works within !

In my weaknefs be Thou ftrong.

Be Thou fweet when I am fad.

Let me ftill in Thee be glad. Though my pains be keen and long. All that plagues my body now.

All that wafteth me away,

Preffing on me night and day. Love ordains, for Love art Thou !

Suffering is the work now fent.

Nothing can I do but lie

Suffering as the hours go by ; All my powers to this are bent. Suffering is my gain ; I bow

To my heavenly Father's will.

And receive it hufh'd and ftill ; Suffering is my worfhip now.

God ! I take it from Thy hand

As a lign of love, I know

Thou wouldll perfedl me through woe. Till I pure before Thee ftand. All refrefhment, all the food

Given me for the body's need.

Comes from Thee, who lov'ft indeed. Comes from Thee f'^r Thou art good.

Let my foul beneath her load

Faint not, through the o'erwearied flelhi

240 Hgra ^tnnantca*

Let her hourly drink afrefh Love and peace from Thee, my God. Let the body's pain and fmart Hinder not her flight to Thee, Nor the calm Thou giveft me ; Keep Thou up the finking heart.

Grant me never to complain. Make me to Thy will refign'd. With a quiet, humble mind.

Cheerful on my bed of pain.

In the flefh who fuffers thus. Shall be purified from fin. And the foul renew'd within ;

Therefore pain is laid on us.

1 commend to Thee my life, And my body to the crofs ;

Never kt me think it lofs That [ tlius am freed from Ilrife — Wholly Thine ; my faith is fure

Whether life or death be mine,

I am fafe if I am Thine ; For 'tis Love that makes me pure.

RiCHTER. 1713.

•^-^^

lL}2^a ©£imanica. 241

III.

When the laft agony draws nigh.

My fpirit finks in bitter fear : Courage ! I conquer though I die.

For Chrift with Death once wreftled here. Thy ftrife, O Chrift, with Death's dark power Upholds me in fjiis fearful hour.

In faith I hide myfelf in Thee,

I fhall not perifh in the ftrife ; I ftiare Thy war. Thy vidory.

And Death is fwallow'd up in Life. Thy ftrife, O Chrift, with Death of yore Hath ronquer'd, and I fear no more.

Anok.

IV.

Lord Jefus Chrift, true Man and God, Who boreft anguifh, fcorn, the rod, And diedft at laft upon the tree. To bring Thy Father's grace to ine ; I pray Thee through that bitter woe. Let me, a finner, mercy know.

R

242 Hgrn (fficrmanica.

When comes the hour of failing breath. And I muft wreftle. Lord, with death. When from my fight all fades away. And when my tongue no more can fay. And when mine ears no more can hear. And when my heart is rack'd with fear ;

When all my mind is darken'd o'er. And human help can do no more. Then come. Lord Jefus, come with fpeed. And help me in my hour of need. Lead me from this dark vale beneath. And fhorten then the pangs of death.

All evil fpirits drive away. But let Thy Spirit with me ftay Until my foul the body leave ; Then in Thy hands my foul receive. And let the earth my body keep. Till the Laft Day {hall break its fleep.

Joyful my refurreftion be.

Thou in the Judgment plead for me.

And hide my fins. Lord, from Thy face.

And give me Life of Thy dear grace !

I truft Thee utterly, my Lord,

For Thou hail promifed in Thy Word •

*' In truth I tell you, who receives My word, and keeps it, and believes. Shall never fall God's wrath beneath, Shall never tafie eternal death ;

Hyra CSeiinanica. 243

Though here on earth, in time, he die. He is not therefore loil; for I Will come, and with a mighty hand Will break away Death's llrongelt band. And lift him hence that he fhall be For ever in my realm with Me, P'or ever living there in blifs." Ah let us not that glory mifs '.

Dear Lord, forgive us all our guilt. Help us to wait until Thou wilt That we depart ; and let our faith Be brave and conquer e'en in death. Firm relling on Thy facred Word, Until we fleep in Thee, our Lord.

PaulEber. 1557.

V.

Go and dig my grave to-day !

Weary of my wanderings all. Now from earth I pafs away.

For the heavenly peace doth call ; Angel voices from above Call me to their reil and love.

Go and dig my grave to-day !

Homeward doth my journey tend, And I lay my ftafFaway

Here where all things earthly end. And I lay my weary head In the only painlefs bed.

244 Hyva Gcnnani'ca.

What is there I yet ftiould do. Lingering in this darlcfome vale?

Proud and mighty, fair j:o view. Are our fchemes, and yet they fail.

Like the fand before the wind.

That no power of man can bind.

Farewell, earth, then ; I am glad That in peace I now depart.

For thy very joys are fad. And thy hopes deceive the heart ;

Fleeting is thy beauty's gleam,

Falfe and changing as a dream.

And to you a lall good night, Sun and moon and liars fo dear ;

farewell all your golden light ; I am travelling far from here.

To the fplendours of that day

Where ye all muft fade away.

Farewell, O ye much-loved friends !

Grief hath fmote you as a fword. But the Comforter defcends

Unto them who love the Lard. Weep not o'er a paffing {how. To th' eternal world I go.

Weep not that I take my leave Of the world ; that I exchange

Errors that too clofely cleave, Shadows, empty ghofts that range

Hyra ^crmanica, 245

Through this world of nought and night. For a land of truth and light.

Weep not, dearell to my heart.

For 1 find my Saviour near. And I know that I have part

In the pains He fufFer'd here, Wlien He fhed His facred blood For the whole world's highefl good.

Weep not, my Redeemer lives ;

Heavenward fpringing from the dufl. Clear-eyed Hope her comfort gives ;

Faith, Heaven's champion, bids us trult ; Love eternal whifpers nigh, " Child of God, fear not to die !"

E. M. Arnijt.

VI.

Then I have conquer'd ; then at laft

My courfe is run, good niglit 1 I am well pleafed that it is paft ;

A thoufand times, good night ! But ye, dear friends, whom I mufl leave.

Look not thus anxioufly ; O wherefore thus lament and grieve r

It flandeth well with me.

246 Ujjra German tea.

Farewell, O anguifh, pain, and fear.

Farewell, farewell for ever ! It glads my heart to leave you here,

Redeem'd from you for ever ! Henceforth a life of joy I fhare.

In my Creator's hand ; None of the griefs can touch me there.

That haunt this lower land.

Who yet o'er earth in time mull roam.

Not yet from error free. Scarce lifp the language of our home.

The glad eternity. Far better is a happy death.

Than worldly life, I trow ; The weaknefs once I fank beneath,

I nevermore Ihall know.

Lay on my coffin many a wreath.

For conquerors wreath'd are feen ; And lo 1 my foul attains through death

The crown of evergreen. That blooms in fadelefs groves of heaven ;

And this fair viftor's crown. That mighty Son of God hath given.

Who for my fake came down.

'Twas but a while that I was feiii

To dwell among you here ; Now God refumes what He hath lent.

Oh grieve not o'er my bier;

Hura Gtimani'ta. 247

But fay, 'twas given at His command

Who takes it. He is jull ; Our life and death are in His hand.

His fervants can but truft.

That ye fhould fee my grave, alas !

Shows vre are frail indeed ; That it fo foon fliould come to pafs.

Our Father hath decreed. And He your bitter grief fhall ftill ;

Think not too young am I, For he who dies as God doth will.

Is old enough to die.

Farewell, thou dear, dear foul, farewell !

To thofe fweet pleafures go. That we who mourning here muft dwell.

Not yet, alas ! can know. Ah when (hall that great day be come.

When thefe things fade away. And thou (halt bid us welcome home ;

Would God it were to-day !

Sacer. 1665.

VII.

My God, to Thee I now commend My foul ; for Thou, O Lord,

Doll live and love me without end. And wilt perform Thy word.

^48 Hijra ^crmnntcn.

To whom elfe fhould I make my plea.

That heavenly life be mine ? All fouls, my God, belong to Thee,

My foul is alfo Thine.

Thou gav'll my fpirit at my birth. Take back what Thou haft given ;

And with the Lord I ferved on earth. Grant me to live in heaven.

Faith fpreads her wings, fhe fees reveal'd

The Ihining walls above ; My fpirit knows that flie is feal'd,

Redeem'd from death by love.

Thou my Deliverer waft of yore. From fin Thou mad'ft me free.

Now, faithful God, doft Thou once more In death deliver me.

Thou liv'ft and loveft without end. And doft perform Thy word ;

My paffing foul I now commend To Thee, my God and Lord !

HiLLER. 1765.

^cfe^

FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD.

rc^y^'^.

Hyra ^cnnanica.

251

FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD.

I.

^I^^OW hufh your cries, and flied no tear, '^''^•i On fuch death none fhould look with fear;

^

He died a faithful ChriUlan man. And with his death true life began.

Coffin and grave we deck with care. His body reverently we bear. It is not dead but refts in God, And foftly fleeps beneath the fod.

It feems as all were over now, — The heavy limbs, the foullefs brow, — Yet through thefe rigid limbs once more A nobler life, ere long, fhall pour.

Thefe dead dry bones again fhall feel

New warmth and vigour through them Ileal ;

Reknit and living they fhall foar

On high where Chrift lives evermore.

This body, lying flifF and flark. Shall rife unharm'd from out the dark. And fwiftly mount up through the fkies. Even as the fpirit heavenwards flics.

252 Upra €itnnai\tca.

The buried grain of wheat miift die, Wither'd and worthlefs long mult lie. Yet fprings to light all fweet and fair. And proper fruits fhall richly bear :

Even fo this body made of duft. To earth we once again entrull. And painlefs it fhall flumber here. Until the Lalt Great Day appear,

God breathed into this houfe of clay The fpirit that hath pafs'd away, Chrift gave the true courageous mind, The noble heart, ye no more find.

Now earth has hid it from our eyes. Till God {hall bid it wake and rife. Who ne'er the creature will forget. On whom His image He hath fet.

Ah would that promifed Day were here. When Chrift Ihall once again appear ; When He Ihall call, nor one be loft. To endlefs life earth's buried hoft!

N. Hermann. 1560. After Prudentius.

ir.

Now refts her foul in Jefu's arms. Her body in the grave fleeps well.

His heart her death-chill'd heart re-warms. And reft more deep than tongue can tell, -

I

Hgvn CScrmantta. 253

Her few brief hours ofconflidt pafs'd, —

She finds with Chrift, her Friend, at laft ;

She bathes in tranquil feas of peace, God wipes away her tears, fhe feels New life that all her languor heals.

The glory of the Lamb fhe fees.

She hath efcaped all danger now.

Her pain and fighing all are fled ; The crown of joy is on her brow.

Eternal glories o'er her flied. In golden robes, a queen, a bride. She ftandeth at her Sovereign's fide. She Ices His face unveil'd and bright ; With joy and love He greets her foul. She feels herfelf made inly whole, A lefltr light amid His light.

The child hath now its Father feen. And feels what kindling love may be.

And knoweth what thofe words may mean, " Himfelf, the Father, loveth thee."

A Ihorelefs ocean, an abyfs

Unfathom'd, fill'd with good and blifs.

Now breaks on her enraptured fight ; She fees God's face, fhe learneth there What this Ihall be, to be His heir.

Joint-heir with Chriil her Lord, in light.

The body refts, its labours over.

And fleeps till Chrift Ihall bid it wake ;

The duft that earth and darknefs cover. Then as a fun its tomb ihall break.

254 ilgra ©ermanica.

Ah with what joy it rifes then

To meet the perfedl foul again !

Redeem'd from death, no more to fever. At that great marriage feaft fhall they With all the faints their homage pay.

And worfhip there the Lamb for ever.

We who yet wander through the wafte. In faith long after Thee on high ;

While here the bread of tears we talle. We think upon that home of joy.

Where we (who knows how foon ?) Ihall meet

With all the faints at Jefu's feet.

And dwell with Him for ever there. We fhall fee God ; how deep the blifs We know not yet that lies in this ;

Lord Jefus, come, our hearts prepare !

Allendorf. . I 725.

III.

Oh how blelTed, faithful fouls, are ye.

Who have pafs'd through death; your God ye fee,

Efcaped at laft From all the forrows that yet hold us faft !

Here as in a prifon we are bound.

Care and fear, and terrors hem us round.

And all we know ^t is but toil and grief of heart below.

Hyra (Scrmantca. 255

While that ye are refling in your home. Safe from pain, all mifery o'ercome.

No grief or crofs Can mix with yonder joys to work you lofs.

Chrift doth wipe away your every tear. Ye poffefs what we but long for here.

To you is fung The fong that ne'er through mortal ears hath rung.

Who is there that would not gladly die, Changing earth for fuch a home on high.

Or who would ftay To toil amid thefe forrows night and day ?

Come, O Chrift, releafe us from our port. Lead us quickly hence to yonder hoft,

Whofe battle won. Now drink in joy and blifs from Thee our Sun.

Simon Dach. 1650.

INDEX.

The numbers on the left band are the numbers of the original hymns in the " Verjuch eines allgemelnen Gefang und Gebet Bucbs,'''' from "which thefe hymns are tranjlated.

No. Page

170. Ah wounded Head ! Muft Thou 80

151. Alas, dear Loid, what evil haft Thou done . . 77

135. All ye Gentile lands awake ! 30

881. Am I a ftranger here, on earth alone .... 57

235. A fure ftronghold our God is He 175

298. Awake, O man, and from thee fhake .... 61

493. Awake, thou carelefs world, awake .... 4

627. Awake, Thou Spirit, who of old 41

428. Be thou content 157

532. Chrift, Thou the champion of the band . . . 105

787. Come, brethren, let us go 163

741. Come deck our feaft to-day no

211. Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord 118

24. Come, my foul, awake, 'tis morning . . . . 2j8

216. Come to Thy temple here on earth 113

468. Cometh funfhine after rain 100

23. Day-fpring of Eternity 221

824. Dear Soul, couldft thou become a child .... 22

839. Eternity! Eternity! 26

139. Fear not, O Lir^tle flock, the foe 17

S

258 'intitx.

403. Follow me, in me ye live 190

924. From heaven above to eartli I ctme .... 12

580. Great High-prieft wlio deign'dft to be ... , 32

436. God liveth ever ! 33

15. God who madeft earth and heaven 215

884. God ! whom I as love have known .... 238

638. Go and dig my grave to-day 243

847. Go forth, my heart, and feek delight ....137

480. Heart and heart together bound 125

788. Heavenward doth our journey tend 108

292. Here, O my God, I caft me at Thy feet ... 63

219. HolyGhoftl my Comforter! 103

87. Hofanna to the Son of David ! Raife .... 67

• How blefl to all Thy followers. Lord, the road . 177

76. How fliall I meet Thee ? How my heart ... 7

780. If Thou, True Life, wilt in me live 19

429. If God be on my fide 131

179. In the bonds of Death He lay 87

481. In the midft of life, behold 237

80c. I will not let Thee go 59

194. Jefus my Redeemer lives 93

877. Leave all to God i6i

435. Leave God to order all thy ways 153

412. Let who will in thee rejoice 182

79. Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates .... 10

141. Light of the Gentile world 195

708. Long in the fpirit-world my foul had fought . 193

482. Lord Jefus Chrift, true Man and God .... 241

734. Lord, on earth I dwell in pain 106

152. Lord ! Thy death and paflion give 72

497. Loving Shepherd, kind and true 98

• No. 156 in the fmaller colleiftion.

3|ntrex. 259

825. Many a gift did Chrift impart 50

413. Moft High and Holy Trinity ! 120

914. My God ! lo, here before Thy face 38

907. My God, to Thee I now commend 247

761. My Saviour, what Thou didft of old .... 53

848. Nothing fair on earth I fee 48

291. Not in anger fmite us, Lord 55

632. Now hufli your cries, and fhed no tear . . . . 251

912. Now refts her foul in Jefu's arms 252

51. Now all the woods are fleeping 228

473. O Crofs, we hail thy bitter reign 155

346. O Friend of fouls, how well is me 148

414. O God, I long Thy light to fee 146

727. O Glorious Head, Thou liveft now 89

739. O God, O Spirit, Light of all that live .... 141

113. O Thou Effential Word 15

30. O watchman, will the night of fin I

240. Oh how blefled, faithful fouls, are ye .... 254

846. Oh would I had a thoufand tongues 172

402. Oh well for him who all things braves . . . 169

394. One thing is needful 185

882. Once more from reft I rife again 222

747. On wings of faith, ye thoughts, fly hence . . . 122

282. Out of the depths I cry to Thee 65

233. Praife and thanks to Thee be fung 207

777. Pure Eflence ! Spotlefs Fount of Light .... 43

• Reft of the weary ! Thou 85

78. Redeemer of the nations ! Come 188

316. Shall I not fing praife to Thee 202

806. Strive, when thou art call'd of God 46

No. 73 in the fmaller coUedlion.

26o

Intrex.

102. Thee, O Immanuel, we pralfe

60. The day expires

19. The golden funbeams .

46. The happy funfliine all is gone

697. The moon hath rifen on high

640. Then I have conquer'd ; then at laft

865. Though all to Thee were faithlefs ,

165. Thou Holieft Love, whom moft I love

340. Thou weepeft o'er Jerufalem .

372. Thy Word, O Lord, like gentle dews

24 230 216 227 231 245 167

83 70 36

663.

855. 352.

795- 154. 888. 667. 460. 807. 812.

Welcome Thou vi£tor in the ftrife Well for him who all things lofing What had I been if Thou wert not What within me and without When forrow and remorfe When the laft agony draws nigh . Who are thofe before God's throne Who feeks in weaknefs an excufe Why halt thus, O deluded heart . Wouldft thou inherit life with Chrift

91

13s 96

127

74 241 209 150 143

449. Yea, my fpirit fain would fink 501. Yes, there remaineth yet a reft

200 197

TABLE OF GERMAN HYMNS.

No.

Advent. p^g,

1. Hiiter, wird die Nacht der Siinden i

2. Wach' auf, wach' auf du fich're Welt .... 4

3. Wie foil ich dich empfangen 7

4. Macht hoch die Thiir, die Thor macht .... 10

Christmas Week.

1. Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her .... 12

2. Du wefentliches Wort . . . 15

3. Verzage niclu du Hauflein klein 17

4. Lebft du in mir o wahres Leben 19

5. O liebe Seele kbnnt'ft du werden 22

6. Wir fingen dir Immanuel 24

7. O Ewigkeit, o Ewigkeit z6

Epiphany.

Werde Licht du Stadt der Heiden 30

1. Hochfter Priefter, der du dich 32

2. Gott lebet noch 33

3. Dein Wort, O Herr, ift milder Thau 36

4. Hier lieg' ich, Herr, im Staube 38

5. Wach auf, du Geift der erften Zeugen .... 41

6. O reines Wefen, lautre Quelle .... . . 43

Septuagesima.

Ringe recht wenn Gottes Gnade 46

Sexagesima.

Keine Schonheit hat die Well 48

QUINQUAGESIMA.

1. Unter jenen groflen Gu'tern ...... ^ 50

2. Was du vor taufend Jahrep . 53

262 "^Tabk of €i£rman l^gmns.

Lent.

Strafmich nicht in deinem Zorn 55

I. Bin ich allein ein Fremdling auf 57

a. Ich lais dich nicht, du Hiilf ' in 59

3. Erwach, o Menfch, erwache 61

4. Hier lieg ich nun mein Gott zu deinen .... 63

5. Aus tier'er Noth Ichrei ich za dir 65

Week before Easter.

1. Hofianna! Davids Sohn 67

2. Du weineft t iir Jerufalem 70

3. Jefu deine tiefen Wunden 72

4. Wenn meine Siind' mich kr'anken 74

5. Herzliebfter Jefu, was haft du 77

6. O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden 80

7. O du Liebe meiner Liebe 83

8 So ruheft du, o meine Ruh 85

Easter.

1. Chrift lag in Todelhanden 87

2. Verklartes Haupt nun lebeft du 89

3. Willkommen Held im Streite 91

4. Jefus meine Zuverficht 93

After Easter.

1. Was war ich ohne dich gewefen 96

2. Guter Hirte willft du nicht 98

3. Auf den Nebel folgt die Sonne 100

4. Heil'ger Geift, du Trofter mein 103

5. Chrifte, du Beiftand deiner Kreuzgemeine . . . 105

Ascension.

1. Herr auf Erden mufs ich leiden 106

2. Himmelwarts geht unfere Bahn 108

Whitsuntide.

1. Schmiickt das Feft mit Maien no

2. Zeuch ein zu deinen Thoren 1 13

3. Komm Heil'ger Geift, Herre Gott 118

Trinity.

Hochheilige Dreieinigkeit 120

1. Geht hin ihr glaubigen Gedanken 12a

2. Herz und Herz vereint zulammen 125

3. Was von auiTen und von innen 127

4. Wer hofft mit Chrifto dcit zu erben ... .130

tj^abk o( €i£rman l^gmns. 263

5. Ift Gott fiir mich fo trete 131

6. O der alles h'att verloren 135

7. Geh aus, mein Herz, und fuche Freud .... 137

8. O Gott, o Geift, o Licht des Lebens 141

9. Was hinket ihr betrognen Seelen 143

10. Nach dir, o Gott verlanget mich 146

11. Wie wohl ift mir o Freund der Seelen .... 148

12. Wer fich auf leiner Schwachheit fteurt .... 150

13. Wer nur den lieben Gott lasft waken .... 153

14. Kreuz wir griifTen dich von Herzen 155

15. Gieb dich zufrieden 157

16. Lafs dich Gott 161

17. Kommc Briider lasft uns gehen 163

18. Wenn alle untreu werden 167

19. Wohl dem der fich mit Fleifs bemiihet . . . . 169

20. O dafs ich taufend Zungen hatte 172

21. Ein tefte Burg 175

22. So fiihrft du doch recht felig Herr 177

23. Du o fchbnes Weltgebaude 182

24. Eins ift Noth 185

25. Komm Heidenheiland, Lofegeld 188

St. Andrew.

Folget mir, ruft uns das Leben 190

St. Thomas.

Langft fuchteft du, raein Geill, ein 193

Presentation.

Herr Jefu Licht der Heiden 19S

St. Matthias.

Es ift noch eine Ruh vorhanden 197

Annunciation.

Meine Seele fenket fich 200

St. Barnabas.

SoUt ich meinem Gott nicht fingen 203

St. Michael.

Ehr und Dank fei Dir gefungen . 207

All Saints.

Wer find die vor Gottes Throne 209

264 Cabk of €a£rman ?^gmns.

Morning.

1. Gott des Himmels und der Erden ,215

2. Die goldene Sonne 216

3. Seele du musft munter werden . 218

4.. Morgenglanz der Ewigkeit 220

5. Nun tret ich vvieder aus der Rah 22a

Evening.

1. Hinunter ift der Sonnenfchein 227

2. Nun ruhen alle Walder 228

3. Der Tag ift hin mein Geift und 230

4. Der Mond ift aufgegangen .211

For the Dying.

1. Mitten wir im Leben find 237

2. Gott den ich als Liebe kenne 238

3. Kommt an der Tod, da ich mufs ringen .... 241

4. Herr Jefu Chrift, wahr Menfch und Gott . . . 241

5. Geht nun hin und grabt mein Grab .... 243

6. So hab ich obgefieget 245

7. Mein Gott in deine Hande . 247

Burial of the Dead.

1. Hbrt auf mit Trauern und mit Klag 251

2. Die Seele ruht in Jefu Armen 252

3. O wie felig feid ihr doch ihr Frommen . . 254

Jlpra (Btvmanita :

SECOND SERIES

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE,

PREFACE.

HOSE who are beft acquainted with the rich ftores of German hymnology will feel the leaft fur- prife at the appearance of a fecond feries of Tranflations from the fame fource. Many excellent and cla/Tical compofitions were neceffarily excluded from the plan of the former volume, which it was felt would flill be no lefs acceptable to Englifh Chriflians than thofe already tranflated. In this feries therefore hymns are admitted of a more perfonal and in- dividual chara6ler than in the former, — hymns adapted to particular circumftances or periods of life, and to peculiar ftates of feeling. At the fame time many will be found of fufficiently comprehenfive import to be fuited for congre- gational Tinging, and will be recognized by thofe familiar with the fervices of the German

Church as conftantly ufed there in pubhc wor- fhip, efpecially thofe on pages 145, 146, 170, and 68. The firft of thefe indeed holds in Ger- many, with its fine old tune, much the fame place as the Old Hundredth with us. The fecond is remarkable as being, as far as we know, the only hymn of its author, a man of confideration and wealth in Frankfort. It was publifhed without his name, and as it immedi- ately became popular it was afcribed at firft to Hugo Grotius, and other celebrated authors. The third is one of the well-known hymns of Joachim Neander, the moft important hymn- writer of the German Reformed Church, whofe produ6lions are marked by great depth and tendernefs of feeling.

Moft of the hymns under the laft two divifions of this feries are popular in Proteftant Germany in the trueft fenfe of the word, to be found in the well-worn hymn-books of every cottage home, or heard as the village funeral pafies on to the " court of peace." It will be obferved that one of the hymns for the burial of the dead bears the name of Michael Weifs, and that fome others are defignated as belonging to the Bohemian Brethren. Thefe are productions of that ancient Church which

preface. vii

exifted in Bohemia from the firft introdudlion of Chriftianity into that country by two Greek monks of the eighth century. In the eleventh century it formed itfelf into a feparate commu- nity, diftinguifhed from the Roman Church in Bohemia, among other things, by the celebration of public worfhip, according to the native ritual and in the vulgar tongue. After fufFering bitter perfecutions under various Popes, in one of which John Hufs was burnt in 14 15, in 1453 ^^^ remaining members, including men of all claffes, withdrew to a diflri61: affigned to them, on the borders of Silefia and Moravia, where we find them, fifty years later, numbering about two hundred congregations, under the name of Brethren or United Brethren. But here too fierce perfecutions followed them ; their country- men were incited from the pulpits to hunt them down like wild beafts ; and in 1508, defpairing of peace at home, they fent out four mefTengers to fearch whether anywhere a Chriftian people might be found, ferving Chrift truly, into whofe communion they might afk admifTion. One of thefe brethren went to Ruflia, one to Greece, one to Bulgaria, and one to Palefline and Egypt; but they all returned unfuccefsful, no fuch Chriftian people had they found. Two more

Vlll

^3rfface.

were then fent to the Waldenfes in France and Italy, but they too brought back nothing but admonitions to patience and fteadfaftnefs. The Brethren therefore remained in their own country, and occupied themfelves in printing the Bible, no fewer than three editions having been publifhed in Bohemian before the Reform- ation. The dawn of that great event filled them with joy, and in 1522 they fent two meffengers to Luther to greet him and afk his advice, one of whom was Michael Weifs. In 1531 Michael Weifs publilhed the hymns of the Bohemian Brethren tranflated into German, with the ad- dition of feveral of his own. They pafl'ed through many editions, and fome of them were introduced into Luther's hymn-book. They have great warmth of feeling, and dire(£lnefs of expreflion, (often with intricate metres,) and are marked by frequent pathetic reference to the troubles of this Church, and by a ftrong fenfe of ihe living union of Chriftians with each other and their Head. The fubfequent fettlement of the fmall remnant of this Church on Count Zinzendorf's eftates in Saxony, and its rapid growth and fpread into other countries are well known. That the fpirit of Chriftian poetry ftill lives among them in modern times is pro\ed

^3refare. ix

by the names of Zinzendorf, Chriftian Gregor, L. von Hayn, Spangenberg, and Albertini.*

As the objedl of this work is chiefly devo- tional, the hymns are arranged according to their fubjedls, not in chronological order, and have been feledted for their warmth of feeling and depth of Chriftian experience, rather than as fpecimens of a particular mafter or fchool. Still it is believed that thefe two feries afford on the whole fair examples of moft of the principal writers, not of courfe without omiffions, fince only about two hundred and twenty hymns are given from a literature containing feveral thou- fands. Of Luther none are given in this feries, (unlefs the hymn known as " Queen Maria of Hungary's fong" were written by him for that princefs,) for thofe produ6tions of his which no coUedion of German hymns could omit, had been already inferted in the previous volume, and there feemed the lefs neceflity for introduc- ing any of minor importance, as all his hymns are acceflible to the Englifh reader in the excel- lent tranflation of Mr. MafTie.f

* See Bunfen's la.-ger Gefangbuch, and Sketch of the Hiftory of the Church ot the United Brethren by James Montgomery.

f Spiritual Songs of Luther, tranflated by R. Maflie, Efq. Hatchard and Co.

X ^rcfarr.

The writers perhaps the leaft fully reprefented, are Gellert, Klopftock, and others of the middle and latter half of the laft century, whofe pro- ductions conftitute a large proportion of moft of the collections made fifty or fixty years ago. But thefe hymns are, for the moft part, either of a purely reflective or didaCtic character, or in very many inftances are merely verfions of more ancient hymns, fmoothed down to a dead level of tame correCtnefs in form, and robbed of their original fervour and ftrength. Gellert, however, appreciated the charaCteriftic excellences of the ancient hymns, and his own have high merit, as leflbns of Chriftian duty, or paraphrafes of Scripture, expreffed in fimple, clear, and un- affected verfe, fometimes with much true poetic feeling. Yet while they thus fupplied a want among the hymns of his country, — which, during the laft century efpecially, had loft that direCt application to real life, which makes a hymn fpeak to the hearts of all, — and have therefore become very popular in Germany, for the fame reafon they more nearly refemble what we already poffefs in our own language.

There is a very large fchool of hymn-writers fpringing up in Germany at the prefent day, whofe works are diftinguiftied by much thought-

preface. xi

ful feeling and great fluency and fweetnefs of expreflion. In general, however, thefe hymns are fuited rather to private reading, than congregational Tinging ; the length of the lines, and the reflective tone of thought, deprive them of that ftrength and fimple grandeur which many of the older hymns pofTefs. Specimens are given here from Spitta, Puchta, Knapp, Henfel, and others ; thofe hymns to which no dates are affixed being written by authors living or very recently deceafed.

The hymns in this feries have been chofen from various fources, mofl: of them being fuch as would be found in any ftandard colleftion. The greater number, however, are taken from Bunfen's " Verfuch eines allgemeinen Gefang und Gebet buchs," a coUedlion diftinguifhed above mofl: others by its wide range of Chrifl:ian experience and fympathy, and the poetic merit of the verfions it gives. The ftiort notices pre- fixed to fome of thefe hymns are derived from the fame fource.

One or two verfes have been omitted in feveral of the hymns, for in many infl:ances even fine hymns are weakened by repetition, or disfigured by verfes of decidedly inferior merit; this is efpecially the cafe with Paul Ger-

xii i3rrface«

hardt, notwithftanding the remarkable beauty of his works. The original metre has been almoft invariably maintained ; in fome hymns metres ftrange to our ears have been preferved with care for the fake of the fine chorales attached to them.

Alderley Edge,

May 19th, 1858.

CONTENTS.

PART 1.

4

AIDS OF THE CHURCH.

Holy Seasons. Page

Advent I

Chriftmas 13

Epiphany 20

Paflion Week z6

Eafter 37

Afcenfion 46

Whitfuntide 53

Trinity 62

Services.

Morning Prayer . . , 66

Evening Prayer 77

Baptifm 86

The Holy Communion 93

For Travellers 107

At the Burial of the Dead 117

PART II. THE INNER LIFE.

Penitence , 129

Praife and Thankfgiving 145

The Life of Faith 160

Songs of the Crofs 178

The Final Conflidl and Heaven 203

LYRA GKRMANICA.

».C^

PART I.

AIDS OF THE CHURCH.

I. HOLY SEASONS.

II. SERVICES.

B

ADVENT.

I.

Ci)e Bagspring from on ?^igf).

E heavens, oh hafte your dews to Ihed, Ye clouds, rain gladnefs on our head. Thou earth, behold the time of grace. And blofTom forth in righteoufnefs !

O living Sun, with joy break forth. And pierce the gloomy clefts of earth ; Behold, the mountains melt away Like wax beneath Thine ardent ray !

O Life-dew of the Churches, come, And bid this arid defert bloom ! The forrows of Thy people fee. And take our human fiefh on Thee.

Reti-efh the parch'd and drooping mind. The broken limb in mercy bind.

4- Egra iffirermanlfa.

Us finners from our guilt releafe. And fill us with Thy heavenly peace.

O wonder! night no more is night! Comes then at laft the long'd-for light ? Ah yes. Thou fhineft, O true Sun, In whom are God and man made one !

J. Franck. 1653.

.11.

^f\t Melihtvex.

jRISE, the kingdom is at hand. The King is drawing nigh ; Arife with joy, O faithful band. To meet the Lord moft high ! Ye Chriftians, haften forth. With holy ardours greet your King, And glad Hofannas to Him fing. Nought elfe your love is worth.

Look up, ye drooping hearts, to-day !

The King is very near. Oh caft your griefs and fears away.

For lo ! your Help is here ;

And comfort rich and fweet In many a place for us is ftored. Where in His facraments and word

Our Saviour we can meet.

Look up, ye fouls weigh'd down with care! The Sovereign is not far.

Hgra ©mnantca.

Look up, faint hearts, from your defpair. Behold the Morning Star! The Lord is with us now. Who fhall the finking fpirit feed With ftrength and comfort at its need. To whom e'en Death fhall bow.

Hope, O ye broken hearts, at laft !

The King comes on in might. He loved us in the ages paft

When we fat wrapp'd in night ;

Now are our forrows o'er. And fear and wrath to joy give place. Since God hath made us in His grace

His children evermore.

O rich the gifts Thou bringeft us,

Thyfelf made poor and weak ; O love beyond compare that thus

Can foes and iinners feek !

For this to Thee alone We raife on high a gladfome voice, And evermore with thanks rejoice

Before Thy glorious throne.

RiST. I 65 1.

ilgra ©mnantra.

III.

Cf)c ?^part longing for t^e inner ^tibent.

•HEREFORE doft Thou longer tarry, BlefTed of the Lord, afar ? Would it were Thy will to enter To my heart, O Thou my Star, Thou my Jefus, Fount of power. Helper in the needful hour ! Sharpefl wounds my heart is feeling. Touch them. Saviour, with Thy healing •

For I fhrink beneath the terrors

Of the law's tremendous fway ;

All my countlefs crime- and errors Stand before me night and day.

Oh the heavy, fearful load

Of the righteous wrath of God !

Oh the awful voice of thunder

Cleaving heart and foul afunder !

While the foe my foul is telling,

*' There is grace no more for thee.

Thou muft make thy endlefs dwelling In the pains that torture me."

Yes, and keener ftill thy fmart,

Confcience, in my anguifhed heart.

By thy venomed tooth tormented,

Long-paft fins are fore repented.

ilgra ©frmanica.

Would I then, to foothe my forrow.

And my pain awhile forget. From the world a comfort borrow,

I but fink the deeper yet ; She hath comforts that but grieve, Joys that flinging memories leave. Helpers that my heart are breaking. Friends that do but mock its aching.

All the world can give is cheating,

Strengthlefs all, and merely nought; Have I greatnefs, it is fleeting ;

Have I riches, are they aught But a heap of glittering earth ? Pleafure ? Little is it worth When it brings no joy or laughter That we fhall not rue hereafter.

All delight, all confolation

Lies in Thee, Lord Jefus Chrift, Feed my foul with Thy falvation,

O Thou Bread of Life unpriced. Bleffed Light, within me glow. Ere my heart breaks in its woe ; Oh refrefh me and uphold me, Jefus, come, let me behold Thee.

Joy, my foul, for He hath heard thee, He will come and enter in ;

Lo! He turns and draweth toward thee. Let thy welcome-fong begin j

Egra ©mnantra.

Oh prepare thee for fuch gueft. Give thee wholly to thy reft. With an open'd heart adore Him, Pour thy griefs and fears before Him.

Thy mifdeeds are thine no longer. He hath caft them in the fea. And the love of God fhall conquer All the ftrength of fin in thee. Chrift is vidor in the field, Mightieft wrong to Him muft yield. He with blefling will exalt thee O'er whatever would aflault thee.

What would feem to hurt or ftiame thee

Shall but work thy good at laft ; Since that Chrift hath deign'd to claim thee.

And His truth ftands ever faft ; And if thine can but endure. There is nought fo fixed and lure, As that thou ihalt hymn His praifes In the happy heavenly places.

Gerhardt. 1653,

IL:pra ©rrmanira.

IV.

Composed on his journey to Gotha after his unjuft expulfion from Erfurt ; as we are told in the oration de- livered at his grave, " in the full experience of the un- fpeakable confolations of the Holy Spirit."

'HANK God that towards eternity Another ftep is won ! Oh longing turns my heart to Thee As Time flows flowly on. Thou Fountain whence my life is born. Whence thofe rich ftreams of grace are drawn That through my being run !

I count the hours, the days, the years.

That ftretch in tedious line. Until, O Life, that hour appears.

When, at Thy touch divine, Whate'er is mortal now in me Shall be confumed for aye in Thee,

And deathlefs life be mine.

So glows Thy love within this frame. That, touch'd with keeneft fire,

My whole foul kindles in the flame Of one intenfe defire,

To be in Thee, and Thou in me.

And e'en while yet on earth to be

Still prefling clofer, nigher !

•o Egra iSfrmanira.

Oh that I foon might Thee behold !

I count the moments o'er ; Ah come, ere yet my heart grows cold

And cannot call Thee more ! Come in Thy glory, for Thy Bride Hath girt her for the holy-tide.

And waiteth at the door.

And fince Thy Spirit Iheds abroad

The oil of grace in me. And Thou art inly near me. Lord,

And I am loll in Thee, So fhines in me the Living Light, And fteadfaft burns my lamp and bright.

To greet Thee joyoufly.

Come ! is the voice, then, of Thy Bride, She loudly prays Thee come !

With faithful heart fhe long hath cried. Come quickly, Jefus, come !

Come, O my Bridegroom, Lamb of God,

Thou knowelt I am Thine, dear Lord ; Come down and take me home.

Yet be the hour that none can tell Left wholly to Thy choice.

Although I know Thou lov'ft it well. That I with heart and voice

Should bid Thee come, and from this day

Care but to meet Thee on Thy way. And at Thy fight rejoice !

Egra iBfermanica. 1 1

I joy that from Thy love divine

No power can part me now. That I may dare to call Thee mine.

My Friend, my Lord, avow. That I, O Prince of Life, (hall be Made wholly one in heaven with Thee ;

My portion. Lord, art Thou !

And therefore do my thanks o'erflow.

That one more year is gone. And of this Time, fo poor, fo flow.

Another ftep is won ; And with a heart that may not wait. Toward yonder diftant golden gate

I journey gladly on.

And when the wearied hands grow weak,

And wearied knees give way. To finking faith, oh quickly fpeak.

And make Thine arm my ftay ; That fo my heart drink in new ftrength. And I fpeed on, nor feel the length

Nor fteepnefs of the way.

Then on, my foul, with fearlefs faith.

Let nought thy terror move ; Nor aught that earthly pleafure faith

E'er tempt thy fteps to rove ; If flow thy courfe feem o'er the wafte. Mount upwards with the eagles' halle.

On wings of tirelefs love.

• 2 iipra ©mnanica.

O Jefus, all my foul hath flown

Already up to Thee, For Thou, in whom is love alone.

Haft wholly conquer'd me. Farewell, ye phantoms, day and year. Eternity is round me here.

Since, Lord, I live in Thee.

A. H. Francke. 1 69 1.

Hgra ©mnantca.

CHRISTMAS.

I.

a Song of Sofi at I9ab)n.

LL my heart this night rejoices. As I hear. Far and near, Sweeteft angel voices ; " Chrift is born," their choirs are Tinging Till the air Everywhere Now with joy is ringing.

For it dawns, — the promifed morrow

Of His birth

Who the earth Refcues from her forrow. God to wear our form defcendeth

Of His grace

To our race Here His Son He lendeth :

Yea, fo truly for us careth.

That His Son

All we've done As our offering beareth ; As cur Lamb who, dying for us.

14 3Lgra (&frmantca.

Bears our load, And to God Doth in peace reflore us.

Hark ! a voice from yonder manger.

Soft and fvveet.

Doth entreat, " Flee from woe and danger ; Brethren come, from all doth grieve you

You are freed.

All you need I will furely give you."

Come then, let us haften yonder ;

Here let all,

Great and imall. Kneel in awe and wonder. Love Him who with love is yearnmg ,

Hail the Star

That from far Bright with hope is burning !

Ye who pine in weary fadnefs,

Weep no more.

For the door Now is found of gladnefs. Cling to Him, for He will guide you

Where no crofs.

Fain or lofs. Can again betide you.

Hither come, ye heavy-hearted ; Who for fin Deep within.

iLgra ©ermanica. 15

Long and fore have fmarted ;

For the poifon'd wounds you're feeling

Help is near.

One is here Mighty for their healing !

Hither come, ye poor and wretched ;

Know His will

Is to fill Every hand outftretched ; Here are riches without meafure,

Here forget

All regret. Fill your hearts with treafure.

BlefTed Saviour, let me find Thee!

Keep Thou me

Clofe to Thee, Call me not behind Thee ! Life of life, my heart Thou ftilleft.

Calm I reft

On Thy breaft. All this void Thou filleft.

Thee, dear Lord, with heed I'll cherifti.

Live to Thee,

And with Thee Dying, fhall not perifh ; But fhall dwell with Thee for ever.

Far on high.

In the joy That can alter never.

Paul Gfrhardt. I6ji.

1 6 Egra (Scrmanica.

II.

ffiJEe lobe ?^im for f^e first lobetJ Ub,

HOU faireft Child Divine, In yonder manger laid. In whom is God Himfelf well pleafed, By whom were all things made. On me art Thou beftow'd ;

How can fuch wonders be !

The deareft that the Father hath

He gives me here in Thee !

I was a foe to God,

I fought in Satan's hoft, I trifled all His grace away,

Alas ! my foul was loft. Yet God forgets my fin.

His heart, with pity moved. He gives me. Heavenly Child, in Thee ;

Lo ! thus our God hath loved !

Once blind with fin and felf.

Along the treacherous way. That ends in ruin at the laft,

I haften'd far aftray ; Then God fent down His Son ;

For with a love moft deep, Moft undeferved. His heart ftill yearn'd

O'er me, poor wandering Iheep !

Upra ©ermanifa. 17

God with His life of love

To me was far and ftrange. My heart clung only to the world

Of fight and fenfe and change ; In Thee, Immanuel,

Are God and man made one ; In Thee my heart hath peace with God,

And union in the Son.

Oh ponder this, my foul.

Our God hath loved us thus. That even His only deareft Son

He freely giveth us. Thou precious gift of God,

The pledge and bond of love. With thankful heart I kneel to take

This treafure from above.

I kneel befide Thy couch,

I prefs Thee to my heart. For Thee I gladly all forfake

And from the creature part : Thou pricelefs Pearl ! lo, he

By whom Thou'rt loved and known. Will give himfelf and all he hath

To win Thee for his own.

Oh come. Thou Bleffed Child,

Thou Saviour of my foul, For ever bound to Thee, my name

Among Thy hoft enrol, c

1 8 ligra ©mnanica.

Oh deign to take my heart. And let Thy heart be mine.

That all my love flow out to Thee, And lofe itfelf in Thine.

Tersteegen. 1 73 1.

III.

<&oti bitf) 2as.

BLESSED Jefus ! This

Thy lowly manger is The Paradife where oft my foul would feed : Here is the place, my Lord, Where lies the Eternal Word Clothed with our flefh, made like to us indeed.

For He whofe mighty fway

The winds and feas obey. Submits to ferve, and ftoops to thofe who fin ;

The glorious Son of God

Doth bear the mortal load Of earth and duft, like us and all our kin.

For thus, O Good Supreme,

Wilt Thou our flefh redeem. And raife it to Thy throne o'er every height :

Eternal Strength, here Thou

To brotherhood dofl: bow With tranfient things that pafs like mifts of night.

Hgra (Sfrmamca. ly

Thy glory and Thy joy

All woe and grief deftroy ; Thou, Heavenly Treafure, dofl; all wealth reftore '

Thou deep and living Well ! . Thou great Immanuel Dofl; conquer fin and death for evermore !

Then come, whoe'er thou art,

O poor defponding heart. Take courage now, let this thy fears difpel.

That fince His Son mofl: dear

Thy God hath given thee here. It cannot be but God doth love thee well.

How often doft thou think

That thou muft furely link. That hope and comfort are no more for thee ;

Come hither then and gaze

Upon this Infant's face. And here the love of God incarnate fee.

Ah now the blefled door

Stands open evermore To all the joys of this world and the next :

This Babe will be our Friend,

And quickly make an end Of all that faithful hearts long time hath vex'd.

Then, earth, we care no more

To feek thy richefl; fl:ore, If but this treafure will be ftill our own;

And he who holds it fafl:.

Till all this life is pafl;. Our Lord wi'I crown with joy before His th one.

Paul Gerhardt.

20 ILgra ©ermanica.

EPIPHANY.

I.

Cf)e King of Mtn,

KING of Glory ! David's Son !

Our Sovereign and our Friend ! In Heaven for ever ftands Thy throne. Thy kingdom hath no end : Oh now to all men, far and near.

Lord, make it known, we pray. That as in heaven all creatures here May know Thee and obey.

The Eaftern fages gladly bring

Their tribute-gifts to Thee; They witnefs that Thou art their King,

And humbly bow the knee ; To Thee the Morning Star doth lead.

To Thee th' infpiredWord, We hail Thee, Saviour in our need.

We worfhip Thee, the Lord.

Ah look on me with pitying grace. Though weak and poor I be.

Within Thy kingdom grant a place Secure and blell to me.

iLgra Crcrmantra. zi

Oh refcue me from all my woes.

And fhield me with Thine arm

From Sin and Death, the mighty foes That daily feek our harm.

And bid Thy Word, the faireft Star,

Within us clearly fhine ; Keep fin and all falfe doftrine far.

Since Thou haft claim'd us Thine : Let us Thy name aright confefs.

And with Thy Chriftendom, Our King and Saviour own and blefs

Through all the world to come.

Behemb. 1606.

II.

Cf)c Utgtt of tf)t m^oxiti,

CHRIST, our true and only Light, Illumine thofe who fit in night. Let thofe afar now hear Thy voice, And in Thy fold with us rejoice.

Fill with the radiance of Thy grace The fouls now loft in error's maze. And all whom in their fecret minds Some dark delufion hurts and blinds.

And all who elfe have ftray'd from Thee, Oh gently feek ! Thy heahng be

22 Hgra ©crmantra.

To every wounded confcience given. And let them alfo Ihare Thy heaven.

Oh make the deaf to hear Thy word. And teach the dumb to fpeak, dear Lord, Who dare not yet the faith avow. Though fecretly they hold it now.

Shine on the darken'd and the cold, Recal the wanderers from Thy fold. Unite thofe now who walk apart. Confirm the weak and doubting heart.

So they with us may evermore

Such grace with wondering thanks adore.

And endlefs praife to Thee be given

By all Thy Church in earth and heaven.

J. Heermann. 1630.

III.

dForsafeing all for ti)e Kxnt Htgfjt.

S thy heart athirfl: to know

That the King of heaven and earth Deigns to dwell with man beiow. Yea, hath ftoop'd to mortal birth ? Search the Word with ceafelefs care Till thou find this treafure there.

ILgra ©mnantra. 23

With the fages from afar

Journey on o'er fea and land. Till thou fee the Morning Star

O'er thy heart unchanging fland. Then fhalt thou behold His face Full of mercy, truth and grace.

For if Chrift be born within.

Soon that likenefs fhall appear Which the heart had loft through fin,

God's own image fair and clear, And the foul ferene and bright Mirrors back His heavenly light.

Jefus, let me feek for nought

But that Thou Ihouldft dwell in me;

Let this only fill my thought. How I may grow liker Thee,

Through this earthly care and ftrife.

Through the calm eternal life.

With the wife who know Thee right. Though the world accounts them fools,

I will praife Thee dav and night, I will order by Thy rules

All my life, that it may be

Fill'd with praife and love of Thee.

Laurentius Laurenti. 1700.

24.

Hgra ©rnnanira.

IV

(K^rtst our example.

VER would I fain be reading In the ancient holy Book, Of my Saviour's gentle pleading. Truth in every word and look.

How when children came He blefs'd them,

Suffer'd no man to reprove. Took them in His arms, and prefs'd them

To His heart with words of love.

How to all the fick and tearful Help was ever gladly fliown ;

How He fought the poor and fearful, Call'd them brothers and His own.

How no contrite foul e'er fought Him,

And was bidden to depart. How with gentle words He taught him.

Took the death from out his heart.

Still I read the ancient ftory. And my joy is ever new.

How for us He left His glory. How He ftill is kind and true.

Hgra (Dmnantra.

25

How the flock He gently leadeth Whom His Father gave Him here ;

How His arms He widely fpreadeth To His heart to draw us near.

Let me kneel, my Lord, before Thee, Let my heart in tears o'erflow.

Melted by Thy love adore Thee, Bleft in Thee 'mid joy or woe !

LuisE Hensel.

26 iLpra <Sfmnanifa.

PASSION WEEK. T.

HENE'ER again thou finkelt. My heart, beneath thy load. Or from the battle fhrinkeft. And murmureft at thy God ; Then I will lead thee hither.

To watch thy Saviour's prayer. And learn from His endurance How thou fliouldft alfo bear.

Oh come, wouldfl: thou be like Him,

Thy Lord Divine, and mark What fharpefl forrows ftrike Him,

What anguifh deep and dark, — That earneft cry to Ipare Him,

The trial fcarce begun ? Yet dill he faith : " My Father,

Thy will, not mine, be done ! "

Oh wherefore doth His fpirit Such bitter conflidl know ?

What fins, what crimes could merit Such deep and awful woe ?

Ugra (Srcnnantrn. . 27

So pure are not the heavens. So clear the noonday fun.

And yet He faith : " My Father, Thy will, not mine, be done ! "

Oh mark that night of forrow.

That agony of prayer ; No friend can watch till morrow

His grief to foothe and fhare; Oh where fliall He find comfort ?

With God, with God alone ; And ftill He faith : " My Father,

Thy will, not mine, be done! "

Hath life for Him no gladnefs.

No joy the light of day ? Can He then feel no fadnefs.

When heart and hope give way ? That cup of mortal anguifh

One bitter cry hath won. That it might pafs : " Yet, Father,

Thy will, not mine, be done!"

And who the cup prepared Him,

And who the poifon gave ? 'Twas one He loved enfnared Him,

'Twas thofe He came to fave. Oh {harpeft pain, to fuffer

Betray'd and mock'd — alone ; Yet ftill He faith : " My Father,

Thy will, not mine, be done !"

Upra ©ermanica.

Bat what is joy or living.

What treachery or death. When all His work. His llriving,

Seems hanging on His breath ? Oh can it ftand without Him,

That work but juft begun ? Yet ftill He faith : " My Father,

Thy will, not mine, be done !"

He fpeaks ; no more He (hrinketh,

Himfelf He offers up. He fees it all, yet drinketh

For us that bitter cup. He goes to meet the traitor.

The crofs He will not Ihun, — He faith : " I come. My Father,

Thy will, not mine, be done ! "

My Saviour, I will never

Forget Thy word of grace. But ftill repeat it ever.

Through good and evil days ; And looking up to Heaven,

Till all my race is run, I'll humbly fay : " My Father,

Thy will, not mine, be done ! "

W. Hey. 1828.

ILgra ©ermanica. 29

II.

at tf}t dFoot of tf)e Otross.

jH, world ! behold upon the tree Thy Life is hanging now for thee. Thy Saviour yields His dying breath ; The mighty Prince of glory now For thee doth unrefifting bow

To cruel ftripes, to fcorn and death.

Draw near, O world, and mark Him well ; Behold the drops of blood that tell

How fore His conflidl with the foe : And hark! how from that noble heart. Sigh after figh doth flowly ftart

From depths of yet unfathom'd woe.

Alas ! my Saviour, who could dare Bid Thee fuch bitter anguifh bear.

What evil heart entreat Thee thus? For Thou art good, haft wronged none. As we and ours too oft have done.

Thou haft not finn'd, dear Lord, like us.

I and my fins, that number more Than yonder fands upon the ftiore.

Have brought to pafs this agony ; 'Tis I have caufed the floods of woe That now Thy dying foul o'erflow.

And thofe fad hearts that watch by Thee.

30 Egra ffifcnnanira.

'Tis I to whom thefe pains belong, 'Tis I fhould fufFer for my wrong.

Bound hand and foot in heavy chains ; The fcourge, the fetters, whatfoe'er Thou beareft, 'tis my foul fhould bear.

For fhe hath well deferved fuch pains.

Yet Thou doft even for my fake On Thee in love the burdens take

That weigh'd my fpirit to the ground : Yes, Thou art made a curfe for me. That I might yet be bleft through Thee ;

My healing in Thy wounds is found.

To fave me from the monfter's power. From Death that all things would devour,

Thyfelf into his jaws doft leap ; My death Thou takeft thus away. And burieft in Thy grave for aye,

O love moft ftrangely true and deep !

From henceforth there is nought of mine But I would feek to make it Thine,

Since all myfelf to Thee I owe. Whate'er my utmoft powers can do. To Thee to render fervice true.

Here at Thy feet I lay it low.

Ah ! little have I, Lord, to give. So poor, fo bafe the life I live.

But yet, till foul and body part.

ILnra ©rrmantra. 31

Tliis one thing I will do for Thee — The woe, the death endured for me, I'll cherifh in my inmofi; heart.

Thy crofs fhall be before my iight. My hope, my joy, by day and night,

Whate'er I do, where'er I rove ; And, gazing, I will gather thence The form of fpotlefs innocence.

The feal of faultlefs truth and love.

And from Thy forrows will I learn How fiercely doth God's anger burn.

How terribly His thunders roll. How forely this our loving God Can fmite with His avenging rod.

How deep His floods o'erwhelm the foul.

And I will ftudy to adorn

My heart with meeknefs under fcorn.

With gentle patience in diftrefs. With faithful love, that yearning cleaves To thofe o'er whom to death it grieves,

Whofe fins its very foul opprefs.

When evil tongues with flinging blame Would call difhonour on my name,

I'll curb the pafTions that upftart ; And take injuftice patiently, And pardon, as Thou pardon'ft me.

With an ungrudging generous heart.

3^

Hgra (Sfrrmantca.

And I will nail me to Thy crofs. And learn to count all things but drofs

Wherein the flefh doth pleafure take; Whate'er is hateful in Thine eyes. With all the ftrength that in me lies.

Will I call from me and forfake.

Thy heavy groans. Thy bitter fighs. The tears that from Thy dying eyes

Were fhed when Thou waft fore opprefs'd. Shall be with me, when at the laft Myfelf on Thee I wholly caft.

And enter with Thee into reft.

Paul Gerhardt. 1659.

III.

|H Jefus, the merit

Of all that Thou haft borne Maketh me inherit The crown that hath no thorn !

Ah then, teach me duly

To worfhip at Thy crofs. Owning inly, truly.

The Love that bore our lofs.

There to fin, oh let me

From henceforth daily die ;

Nor in death forget me.

Then grant me life on high.

Anon.

ilgra iGmnanica.

33

IV.

<©ur i^epital.

IM on yonder crofs I love.

Nought belide on earth count dear ! May He mine for ever prove. Who is now fo inly near ! Here I ftand : whate'er may come. Days of funfhine or of gloom. From this word I will not move ; Him upon the crofs I love !

*Tis not hidden from my heart. What true love mull often bring ;

Want and grief have foreft fmart, Care and fcorn can fharply lling ;

Nay, but if Thy will were fuch,

Bittereft death were not too much !

Dark though here my courfe may prove ;

Him upon the crofs I love !

Rather forrows fuch as thefe. Rather love's acuteft pain.

Than without Him days of eafe. Riches falfe and honours vain.

Count me ftrange, when I am true.

What He hates I will not do ;

Sneers no more my heart can move ;

Him upon the crofs I love !

34

Epra ©rrmanira.

Know ye whence my ftrength is drawn, Fearlefs thus the fight to wage ?

Why my heart can laugh to fcorn Flefhly weaknefs, Satan's rage ?

'Tis, I know the love of Chriil,

Mighty is that love unpriced !

What can grieve me, what can move ?

Him upon the crofs I love !

Once the eyes that now are dim. Shall difcern the changelefs love That hath led us home to Him,

That hath crown'd us far above : Would to God that all below What that love is now might know. And their hearts this word approve : Him upon the crofs I love !

Greding. Born 1676

V.

' HOU fore-opprefs'd. The Sabbath reft In yon ftill grave art keeping ! All Thy labour now is done. Part is all Thy weeping !

The ftrife is o'er. Nought hurts Thee more.

Egra ©ennanira. 35

The heart at laft hath flumber'd. That in conflid fore for us Bore our fins unnumber'd.

Thou awful tomb. Once fiird with gloom .

How bleffed and how holy Art thou now, fince in the grave

Slept the Saviour lowly !

How calm and bleft The dead now reft Who in the Lord departed ! All their works do follow them. Yea, they fleep glad-hearted.

O lead us Thou, To reft e'en now.

With all who forely anguifh'd 'Neath the burden of their fins.

Long in woe have languifh'd.

O Bleffed Rock ! Soon grant Thy flock To fee Thy Sabbath morning ! Strife and pain will all be paft When that day is dawning.

Viktor Strauss.

36 iLgra (Sfrmanlca.

VI.

<©ut iciest.

ORD Jefus, who, our fouls to fave, Didft reft and flumber in the grave. Now grant us all in Thee to reft. And here to live as feems Thee beft.

Give us the ftrength, the dauntlefs faith. That Thou haft purchafed with Thy death. And lead us to that glorious place. Where we Ihall fee the Father's face.

O Lamb of God ! who once waft flain. We thank Thee for that bitter pain ! Let us partake Thy death that we May enter into life with Thee !

George Werner. 1638,

ILgra ©ermamca. 37

EASTER.

1.

^f)t Sons of Crt'umpt*

HRIST the Lord is rifen again ! Chrift hath broken every chain ! Hark, the angels fliout for joy. Singing evermore on high. Hallelujah.

He who gave for us His life. Who for us endured the ftrife. Is our Pafchal Lamb to-day ! We too fing for joy, and fay :

Hallelujah.

He who bore all pain and lofs Comfortlefs upon the crofs. Lives in glory now on high. Pleads for us and hears our cry :

Hallelujah.

He whofe path no records tell. Who defcended into hell. Who the ftrong man arm'd hath bound. Now in higheft heaven is crown'd :

Haiieiujah.

38 ?Lgra ©rrmantra.

He who flumber'd in the grave. Is exalted now to fave ; Now through Chriftendom it rings That the Lamb is King of kings !

Hallelujah.

Now He bids us tell abroad, How the loft may be reftored. How the penitent forgiven, How we too may enter heaven.

Hallelujah.

Thou our Pafchal Lamb indeed, Chrift, to-day Thy people feed ; Take our fins and guilt away. That we all may fing for aye,

Hallelujah. Bohemian Brethren.

IL

atffxiM our (Kfiampion.

RE yet the dawn hath fill'd the fkies Behold my Saviour Chrift arile. He chafeth from us fin and night. And brings us joy and life and light.

Hallelujah.

O ftronger Thou than Death and Hell, Where is the foe Thou canft not quell ?

Epra ©rrmanira. 39

What heavy ftone Thou canft not roll From off the prifon'd anguifh'd foul ?

Hallelujah.

If Jefus lives, can I be fad ? I know He loves me, and am glad ; Though all the world were dead to me. Enough, O Chrift, if I have Thee !

Hallelujah.

He feeds me, comforts and defends. And when I die His angel fends To bear me whither He is gone. For of His own He lofeth none.

Hallelujah.

No more to fear or grief I bow, God and the angels love me now ; The joys prepared for me to-day Drive fear and mourning far away ;

Hallelujah.

Strong Champion ! For this comfort fee The whole world brings her thanks to Thee ; And once we too Ihall raife above More fweet anc? loud the fong we love ;

Hallelujah. J. Heermann. 1630.

40 Egra ©frmanira.

III.

Cf)e to^ole SHorlli restore m ((tf^xist

SAY to all men, far and near.

That He is rilen again ; That He is with us now and here. And ever fhall remain.

And what I fay, let each this morn

Go tell it to his friend. That foon in every place fliall dawn

His kingdom without end.

Now firft to fouls who thus awake

Seems earth a fatherland, A new and endlefs life they take

With rapture from His hand.

The fears of death and of the grave Are whelm'd beneath the fea.

And every heart now light and brave May face the things to be.

The way of darknefs that He trod To Heaven at lad fhall come.

And he who hearkens to His word Shall reach His Father's home.

Hgra Gcrmanica. 41

Now let the mourner grieve no more.

Though his beloved fleep, A happier meeting fhall reftore

Their light to eyes that weep.

Now every heart each noble deed

With new refolve may dare, A glorious harveft fhall the feed

In brighter regions bear.

He lives. His prefence hath not ceafed. Though foes and fears be rife ;

And thus we hail in Eafter's feall A world renew'd to life !

NovALis. 1772-1 801

IV.

Cf)e i^esurrrrtion from tfjf JBtatf) of ^in.

RISEN Lord ! O conquering King!

O Life of all that live !

To-day that peace of Eafter bring

Which only Thou canft give !

Once death, our foe.

Had laid Thee low.

Now haft Thou rent his bonds in twain,

For Thou art rifen who once waft; flain !

42 Hgra ^rcnnanira.

The power of Thy great majefty

Burfts rocks and tombs away. Thy vi6lory raifes us with Thee Into the glorious day ; Now Satan's might And Death's dark night Have loft their power this blefled morn. And we to higher life are born.

Oh that our hearts might inly know

Thy viflory over death. And gazing on Thy conflidl glow With eager dauntlefs faith ; Thy quenchlefs light. Thy glorious might Still comfortlefs and lonely leave The foul that cannot yet believe.

Then break through our hard hearts Thy way,

O Jefus, conquering King ! Kindle the lamp of faith to-day. Teach our faint hearts to fing For joy at length. That in Thy ftrength We too may rife whom fm had flain. And Thy eternal reft attain.

And when our tears for fin o'erflow.

Do Thou in love draw near. The precious gift of peace beftow.

Shine on us bright and clear ;

Egra iSmuantra. 43

That fo may we, O Chrift, from Thee Drink in the life that cannot die. And keep true Eafter feafts on high.

Yes, let us truly know within

Thy rifing from the dead. And quit the grave of death and fin. And keep that gift, our Head, That Thou didft leave For all who cleave To Thee through all this earthly ftrife — So fhall we enter into life.

J. H. BOHMER. 1706.

V.

Cf)c mSiaVk to Ofmmaus.

AD with longing, fick with fears. Toward Emmaus flowly go Two whofe eyes are dim with tears. And their hearts opprefs'd with wo. Of their ruin'd hopes they talk ; Yet while thus they fadly walk, Jefus is not far away. And their fears fhall foon allay.

Ah ! and ftill how many a heart

Onward toils in filent grief. Mourning o'er its woes apart,

Hopelefs now of all relief;

44 Hgra ^jiJumanica.

Oft it feeks to walk alone. But to weep its fill unknown ; Yet my Jefus cometh now, Afking, wherefore weepeft thou ?

Many a time I've felt indeed

That He leaves me ne'er alone, In the hour of utmoft need

Then Himfelf He maketh known ; When in forrow I confume As though He no more could come, Lo ! I find Him more than near. Quickly with His help He's here.

Trueft Friend, who canft not fail me.

Evermore abide with me ; When the world would moll aflail me,

Then Thy prefence let me fee ; When its heavieft thunders roll. Shelter Thou my trembling foul. Come and in my fpirit reft, I will do what feems Thee beft.

When I dread fome coming ill.

Lord, then bid me think of this. That my Saviour loves me ftill.

And that I am furely His : More of Thy word let me learn. Till my heart within me burn, Fill'd with love, and in Thy Light Learn to know her Lord aright.

Ugra (Sfimantra. 45

Comfort thofe who, fill'd with gloom.

Lonely on their journey go. Or within their filent room

Cry to Thee from depths of wo : When they leave the world apart. There to weep out all their heart. Let them hear Thy whifper mild ; Wherefore doft thou mourn, my child?

When life's day hath fleeted by. When the night of death is near.

When in vain the darken'd eye Seeks fome ftay, fome helper lic.'e .

Then Thy followers' prayer fulh ,

Then abide Thou with us ftill.

Till Thou give us peace and reit

Stay, O ftay. Thou noble gueft !

L. E. S. MULLER.

46 Hgia (Gmnanica.

ASCENSION. I.

fO-DAY our Lord went up on high. And fo our fongs we raife ; ^^ij |5'$^ To Him with ftrong defire we cry ^^^^^^^ To keep us in His grace. For we poor finners here beneath Are dwelling ftill 'mid woe and death. All hope in Him we place.

Hallelujah.

Thank God that now the way is made !

The cherub-guarded door. Through Him on whom our help was laid.

Stands open evermore ; Who knoweth this is glad at heart. And fwift prepares him to depart

Where Chrift is gone before.

Hallelujah.

Our heavenward courfe begins when we Have found our Father, God,

And join us to His fons, and flee The paths that once we trod ;

For He looks down and they look up.

ILgra ifiifrmanira. 47

They feel His love, they live in hope. Until they meet their Lord.

Hallelujah.

Then all the depths of joy that lie

In this day we fhall know. When we are made like Him on high.

Whom we confefs below. When bathed in life's eternal flood We dwell with Him, the higheft Good :

God grant us this to know !

Hallelujah.

J. ZwiCK. 1538.

II.

Ol^rist's ^scaision tf\t (ground of Ours.

^^^ INCE Chrift is gone to heaven. His home /^f^^l I too mufl: one day (hare : *=^'*=*' And in this hope I overcome All anguifh, all defpair ; For where the Head is, well we know The members He hath left below In time He gathers there.

Since Chrift hath reach'd His glorious throne

And mighty gifts are His, My heart can reft in heaven alone.

On earth my Lord I mifs.

4^ Hgra ©frmanira.

I long to be with Him on high. And heart and thoughts would hourly hy Where now my treafure is.

From Thy afcenfion let fuch grace.

My Lord, be found in me. That fteadfaft faith may guide my ways

Unfaltering up to Thee, And at Thy voice I may depart With joy to dwell where Thou, Lord, art;

Oh grant this prayer to me !

JosuA Wegelin. 1636,

in.

^ t)t mingtiom of Oliinst.

ONQUERING Prince and Lord of glory! Majefty enthroned in light ! All the heavens are bow'd before Thee, Far beyond them fpreads Thy might ; Shall 1 fall not at Thy feet. And my heart with rapture beat. Now Thy glory is difplay'd. Thine ere yet the worlds were made ?

Far and wide. Thou heavenly Sun, Now Thy brightnefs ftreams abroad.

And Heaven's hofl anew hath won Light and gladnefs from its Lord :

Egra (Gfermanica. 49

Hark, how yon unnumber'd throng Welcome Thee with joyous fong : See Thy children weak and few Here would cry Hofanna too.

Of Thy cup {hall I not drink. Now Thy glories o'er me fhine ?

Shall my courage ever fink,

Now I know all power is Thine?

I will truft Thee, O my King,

And will fear no earthly thing,

Henceforth will I bow the knee

To no ruler, fave to Thee.

Power and Spirit now o'erflow.

On me alfo be they pour'd. Till Thy laft and mightieft foe

Hath been made Thy footflool. Lord ; Yea, let earth's remotell end To Thy righteous fceptre bend. Make Thy way before Thee plain. O'er all hearts and fpirits reign.

Lo ! Thy prefence filleth now All Thy Church in every place.

To my heart, oh enter i hou. See it thirlteth for Thy grace ;

Come, Thou King of glory, come.

Deign to make my heart Thy home.

There abide and rule alone.

As upon Thy hcavenh throne !

E

so Hgra ©rermanica.

Parting, doft Thou bring Thy life, God and heaven, molt inly near: I^t me rife o'er earthly llrife.

As though ftill I faw Thee here. And my heart tranfplanted hence. Strange to earth and time and fenfe. Dwell with Thee in heaven e'en now. Where our only joy art Thou !

Tersteegen. 1 73 1.

IV.

Cf)f C^rone of <gra«.

Y Jefus, if the feraphim.

The burning hoft that near Thee (land. Before Thy Majelly are dim. And veil their face at Thy command j How fhall thefe mortal eyes of mine. Now dark with evil's hateful night. Endure to gaze upon the light That aye furrounds that throne of Thine ?

Yet grant the eye of faith, O Lord, To pierce within the Holy Place,

For I am faved and Thou adored. If I am quicken'd by Thy grace.

Behold, O King, before Thy throne My foul in lowly love doth bend. Oh fhow Thyfelf her gracious Friend,

And fay, " I choofe thee for mine own."

Itgra ©cnnantca, 51

Have mercy. Lord of love, for long

My fpirit for Thy mercy fighs. My inmoft foul hath found a tongue,

" Be merciful, O God," fhe cries ! I know Thou wilt not bid me go.

Thou canft not be ungracious. Lord,

To one for whom Thy blood was pour'd, Whofe guilt was cancell'd by Thy woe.

Here in Thy gracious hands I fall.

To Thee I cling with faith's embrace,

O righteous Sovereign, hear my call. And turn, O turn, to me in grace !

For through Thy forrows I am juft. And guilt no more in me is found. Thus reconciled, my foul is bound

To Thee in endlefs love and trull.

And let Thy wifdom be my guide. Nor take Thy light from me away.

Thy grace be ever at my fide,

That from the path I may not ftray

Which Thou doft love, but evermore In fteadfaft faith my courfe fulfil. And keep Thy word, and do Thy will.

Thy love within. Thy heaven before !

Reach down and arm me with Thy hand. And ftrengthen me with inner might.

That I through faith may ftrive and ftand Though craft and force againft me fight :

H2 Hgra <Biennanica.

So fhall the kingdom of Thy love

Be through me and within me fpread. That honours Thee, our glorious Head,

And crowneth us in realms above.

Yes, yes, to Thee my foul would cleave, O choofe it. Saviour, for Thy throne !

Couldft Thou in love to me once leave The glory that was all Thine own.

So nonour Thou my life and heart

That Thou mayft find a heaven in me. And when this houfe decay'd fhall be.

Then grant the heaven where now Thou art.

To Thee I rife in faith on high, O bend Thou down in love to me '

Let nothing rob me of this joy.

That all my foul is fill'd with Thee ;

As long as I have life and breath, Thee will I honour, fear, and love. And when this heart hath ceafed to move.

Yet Love fhall live and conquer death.

W. C. Dessler. 1692.

flgra (JUmnanira. 53

WHITSUNTIDE.

I.

Kl\t W^QX^ of tte ?tt?olB Spirit.

|OLY Spirit, once again

Come, Thou true Eternal God ' Nor Thy power defcend in vain. Make us ever Thine abode ; So fhall Spirit, joy, and light Dwell in us, where all was night.

Pour into our heart and mind

Wifdom, counfel, truth, and love ;

That we be to nought inclined.

Save what Thou mayft well approve ;

Let Thy knowledge fpread and grow.

Working error's overthrow.

Guide us. Lord, from day to day.

Keep us in the paths of grace. Clear all hindrances away

That might foil us in the race ; When we ilumble hear our call. Work repentance for our fall.

Witnefs in our hearts that God

Counts us children through His Son,

That our Father's gentle rod Smites us for our good alone.

54 ilgra iSfrmam'ca.

So when tried, perplex'd, diftrefl. In His love we ftill may reft.

Quicken us to feek His face Freely, with a truiting heart.

In our prayers O breathe Thy grace. Go with us when we depart.

So fhall our requefts be heard,

And our faith to joy be ftirr'd.

And whene'er a yearning ftrong Prefles out the bitter cry,

" Ah my God, how long, how long V Then O let me find Thee nigh.

And Thy words of healing balm

Bring me courage, patience, calm.

Spirit Thou of ftrength and power. Thou new Spirit God hath given.

Aid us in temptation's hour.

Train and perfeft us for heaven.

Arm us in the battle-field.

Leave us never there to yield.

Lord, preferve us in the faith. Suffer nought to drive us thence.

Neither Satan, fcorn, nor death. Be our God and our defence.

Though the flelh refift Thy will.

Let Thy word be ftronger ftill.

Hgra (ffifmnanica. 55

And at laft when we muft die.

Oh aflure the finking heart Of the glorious realm on high

Where Thou healeft every fmart. Of the joys unfpeakable Where our God would have us dwell.

Anon.

II.

^f)f Spirit of SlSaistiom, Eobf, anti go».

WEETEST Joy the foul can know, Faireft Light was ever fhed. Who alike in joy or woe, Leaveft none unvifited ; Spirit of the Higheft God, Lord from whom is life bellow'd. Who upholdeft everything. Hear me, hear me, while I ling !

For the nobleft gift Thou art

That a foul e'er fought or won. Have I wilh'd Thee to my heart.

Then my wifhing all is done; Ah then yield Thee, nor refufe Here to dwell, for Thou didft choofe This my heart, from e'en its birth. For Thy temple here on earth.

56 iLi)ra ©mnantra.

Thou art (hed like gentleft fhowers

From the Father and the Son, Bringeft to this earth of ours

Purefl: bleffing from their throne ; Suffer then, O noble Gueft, That rich gift by Thee pofleft. Which Thou giveft at Thy will All my foul and flefh to fill.

Thou art wife, before Thee fland Hidden things unveil'd to Thee,

Countell up the grains of fand, Fathomeft the deepefl fea.

And Thou knoweft well how blind.

Dark and crooked is my mind ;

Give me wifdom, in Thy light

Let me pleafe my God aright.

Thou art holy, entereft in

Where pure hearts Thy coming wait. But Thou fleefl: fhame and fin.

Craft and falfehood Thou doft hate ; Wafh me then, O Well of grace. Every ftain and fpot efface. Let me flee what Thou dofl flee. Grant me what Thou lov'fl to fee.

Thou art loving, hatefl flrife.

As a lamb of patient mood. Calm through all our reftlefs life.

E'en to finners kind and good ;

Hgra ©mnanira. 57

Grant me too this noble mind. To be calm and true and kind. Loving every friend or foe. Grieving none whom Thou doft know.

Well contented is my heart.

If but Thou rejedl me not ; If but Thou wilt ne'er depart,

I am bleft whate'er my lot; Thine for ever make me now, And to Thee, my Lord, I vow Here and yonder to employ Every power for Thee with joy.

Be my help when danger's nigh.

When I fink hold Thou me up. Be my life when I muft die.

In the grave be Thou my hope ; Bring me when I rife again To the land that knows no pain. Where Thy followers from Thy ftream Drink for ever joys fupreme.

Paul Gerhardt. 1653.

5^ ?Lgra (Sfimantra.

III. E$e 23nitg of tf)t Spirit.

^^HE Church of Chrift that He hath hallow'd

^^^^ To be His houfe, is fcatter'd far and near. In North and South and Eaft and Weft abroad. And yet in earth and heaven, through Chrift her Lord,

The Church is one.

One member knoweth not another here. And yet their feilowfhip is true and near. One is their Saviour, and their Father one. One Spirit rules them, and among them none

Lives to himfelf.

They live to Him who bought them with His blood. Baptized them with His Spirit pure and good. And in true faith and ever-burning love Their hearts and hope afcend to feek above

The eternal Good.

O Spirit of the Lord, all life is Thine, Now fill Thy Church with life and power divine. That many children may be born to Thee, And fpread Thy knowledge like the boundlefs fea.

To God's great praife. A. G. Spancenberg. 1747.

iLgra (Dcrmanica. S9

IV. ^t)e Strtmgtf) of tf)e (ttturft).

ARK, the Church proclaims her honour And her ftrength is only this: God hath laid His choice upon her. And the work fhe doth is His.

He His Church hath firmly founded. He will guard what He began ;

We, by fin and foes furrounded. Build her bulwarks as we can.

Frail and fleeting are our powers. Short our days, our forefight dim.

And we own the choice not ours. We were chofen firft by Him.

Onward then ! for nought defpairing.

Calm we follow at His word. Thus through joy and forrow bearing

Faithful witnefs to our Lord.

Though we here muft ftrive with weaknefs. Though in tears we often bend.

What His might began in meeknefs Shall achieve a glorious end.

S. Preiswerk.

6o Hgra (Sfennanica.

V.

^f)f IBiffuston of tf^t (gospel.

PREAD, oh fprcad, thou mighty Word, Spread the kingdom of the Lord, Wherefoe'er His breath has given

Life to beings meant for heaven.

Tell them how the Father's will Made the world, and keeps it flill. How He fent His Son to fave All who help and comfort crave.

Tell of our Redeemer's love. Who for ever doth remove By His holy facrifice. All the guilt that on us lies.

Tell them of the Spirit given Now, to guide us up to heaven. Strong and holy, juft and true. Working both to will and do.

Word of Life ! moft pure and ftrong, Lo ! for Thee the nations long ; Spread, till from its dreary night All the world awakes to light.

\

?tj.)ra ^fimanifn. 61

Up, the ripening fields ye fee. Mighty fhall the harveft be. But the reapers itill are few. Great the work they have to do.

Lord of harveft, let there be

Joy and ftrength to work for Thee,

Till the nations far and near

Sec Thy Light, and learn Thy fear.

Bahnmaier.

b2 Hgra ©^ftntanira.

TRINITY.

I.

a iHornmg i^gmn.

HEE Fount of bleffing we adore ! Lo ! we unlock our !ips before Thy Godhead's deep of holinefs. Oh deign to hear us now and blefs.

The Lord, the Maker, with us dwell. In foul and body fhield us well, And guard us with His fleeplefs might From every ill by day and night !

The Lord, the Saviour, Light Divine, Now caufe His face on us to fhine. That feeing Him, with perfeft faith We truft His love for life and death !

The Lord, the Comforter, be near. Imprint His image deeply here. From bonds of fm and dread releafe. And give us His unchanging peace !

O Triune God ! Thou vaft abyfs ! Thou ever-flowing Fount of blifs. Flow through us, heart and foul and will With endlefs praife and bleffing fill !

Tersteegen. 1 73 I.

ilfira ©mnanira. 63

II.

<©ur dFat^er, ^ttitmex, (guitre.

FATHER-EYE, that hath fo truly watch'd, O Father-hand, that hath fo gently led, O Father-heart, that by my prayer is touch'd, That loved me iirft when I was cold and dead : Still do Thou lead me on with faithful care

The narrow path to heaven where I would go. And train me for the life that waits me there.

Alike through love and lofs, through weal and wee

O my Redeemer, who for me waft flain.

Who bringeft me forgivenefs and releafe, Whofe death has ranfom'd me to God again.

That now my heart can reft in perfect peace ; Still more and more do Thou my foul redeem.

From every bondage fet me wholly free. Though Evil oft the mightieft power may feem.

Still make me more than conqueror. Lord, in Thee.

O Holy Spirit, who with gentleft breath

Doft teach to pray, doft comfort or reprove,

Who giveft us all joy and hope and faith.

Through whom we live at peace with God in love ;

H Jtgra ©rmnanira.

Still do Thou fhed Thine influence abroad. Let me the Father's image ever wear.

Make me a holy temple of my God,

Where dwells for ever calm adoring prayer !

S PITTA.

III.

^RUE mirror of the Godhead ! Perfeft Light ! Thou Three in One, whofe never-flumber- ing might

Enfolds the world within its fheltering wings. And holds in being all created things !

VVe praife Thee with the earliefl: morning ray. We praife Thee with the parting beam of day ; All things that live and move, by fea and land. For ever ready at Thy fervice Hand.

Exhauftlefs Treafure ! Being limitlefs ! What gaze hath ever pierced Thy deep abyfs ? Deep Fount of Life ! Light inacceffible ! How great Thy power, O God, what tongue can tell ?

Thy Chriftendom is finging night and day, " Glory to Him, the mighty God, for aye.

iLgra ©rnnanica. 65

By Whom, through Whom, in Whom all beings are ! " Grant us to echo on this fong afar !

Thy Name is great. Thy kingdom in us dwel]. Thy will conftrain and feed and guide us well ; Spare us, redeem us in the evil hour. For Thine the glory. Thine the rule, the power.

I. Franck. 1653.

Vertices.

MORNING PRAYER.

I.

J^or tlje 5at)t)at5 ^Homing.

IGHT of light enlighten me Now anew the day is dawning ; Sun of grace, the fhadows flee. Brighten Thou my Sabbath mornir/g. With Thy joyous funfhine bleft Happy is my day of reft !

Fount of all our joy and peace. To Thy living waters lead me.

Thou from earth my foul releafe

And with grace and mercy feed me ;

Blefs Thy word that it may prove

Rich in fruits that Thou doft love.

Kindle Thou the facrifice

That upon my lips is lying; Clear the fhadows from mine eyes

Egra (Brfrmanlra. 67

That, from every error flying. No ftrange fire may in me glow That Thine altar doth not know.

Let me with my heart to-day. Holy, Holy, Holy, finging.

Rapt awhile from earth away.

All my foul to Thee upfpringing.

Have a foretafte inly given

How they worfhip Thee in Heaven.

Reft in me and I in Thee, Build a Paradife within me;

Oh reveal Thyfelf to me,

Blefled Love, who diedll to win me ;

Fed from Thine exhauftlefs urn

Pure and bright my lamp fhall burn.

Hence all care, all vanity. For the day to God is holy ;

Come Thou glorious Majefty Deign to fill this temple lowly.

Nought to-day my foul fhall move

Simply refting in Thy love.

B. SCHMOLCK. I 73 1.

68 3Lj)ra (Smnanira.

II.

r^^LESSED Jefus, at Thy word ^^ We are gather'd all to hear Thee ; '-"^-^^ Let our hearts and fouls be ftirr'd Now to feek and love and fear Thee ; By Thy teachings fvveet and holy Drawn from earth to love Thee folely.

All our knowledge, fenfe, and fight Lie in deepeft darknefs ftirouded.

Till Thy Spirit breaks our night

With the beams of truth unclouded ;

Thou alone to God canft win us.

Thou mull work all good within us.

Glorious LordjThyfelf impart !

Light of light from God proceeding. Open Thou our ears and heart.

Help us by Thy Spirit's pleading. Hear the cry Thy people raifes. Hear, and blefs our prayers and praifes !

T. Clausnitzer. 1671.

ILgra (Scrmanira. 69

III.

in Ctme of SMat anti ilnrsccution.

NCE more the day-light fhines abroad, O Brethren let us praife the Lord, Whofe grace and mercy thus have kept The nightly watch while we have flept.

To Him let us together pray With all our heart and foul to-day. That He would keep us in His love. And all our guilt and fin remove.

Eternal God ! Almighty Friend, Whofe deep compaffions have no end, Whofe never-failing (Irength and might Have kept us fafely through the night:

Now fend us from Thy heavenly throne Thy grace and help through Chrill Thy Son, That with Thy ftrength our hearts may glow. And fear nor man nor gholUy foe.

Ah Lord God ! hear us we implore ! Be Thou our Guardian evermore, Our mighty Champion and our fhield That goeth with us to the field.

70 Jtgra (G^rnnantca.

We offer up ourfelves to Thee, That heart and word and deed may be In all things guided by Thy mind. And in Thine eyes acceptance find.

Thus, Lord, we bring through Chrift Thy Son Our morning offering to Thy throne ; Now be Thy precious gift outpour'd. And help us for Thine honour. Lord !

Bohemian Brethren.

IV.

In Kimt of Bistrrss.

Written during the Thirty Years' War.

HEN anguifh'd and perplexed, with many a figh and tear I lift mine eyes up to the hills, and pour

out all my woe. Thou bendeft down Thine ear. And never from Thy face, dear Lord, uncomforted I go.

My help and my defence come, faithful God, from Thee, By Whom the heavens were fixed, and earth's foun- dations laid ; Man cannot fuccour me. Before Thy throne alone I find my refuge and my aid.

Egra (Brfrmanica. i\

Thou watcheft that my foot fhould neither flip nor ftray. Thou guideft me Thyfelf through all my dark and troubled courfe. Thou pointeft me the way Amid the fnares of fin and death, and this world's craft and force.

Guardian of Ifrael ! Thou dofl: flumber not, nor fleep. Thine eye is open day and night, ftill watching over thofe Who true allegiance keep To Jefus' banner of the Crofs, and bravely meet His foes.

And when Thou bidd'ft me leave this world of ftrife and pain. Grant me in Thee a fteadfaft hope, and gentle quick releafe. Knowing we rife again To dwell where death and war are not, in endlefs joy and peace.

M. A. VON LoWENSTERN.

72 Ej}ra ©mnantra.

V. ^f)e dlfiristtan's iHorntng Sactifirc.

THOUMoftHighefl ! Guardian of mankind ! Supreme exhauftlefs Good Thou art ! To Tliee I offer foul and heart : Praife Him all creatures with your ftrength and mind, For He is kind !

Yes, Lord, 'tis of Thy power alone to-day That ftill I draw my living breath. Thy grace preferves me ftill from death,

O Father-heart, rejeft me not, but flay With me to-day.

O Ifrael's God, I bring Thee now my will. That would be Thine whate'er it coil. Love Thy good gifts, yet love Thee mofl ;

This is my prayer while yet the morn is flill. Take Thou my will.

O Fount of grace, in love be Thou my guide. Thine eye look down on me in power, Whate'er I do or am each hour

Prepare me for th' eternal life, abide Still at my fide.

ILgra (Dfvmanira. 73

The foul and body Thou doft hold in life. Be ever ready in Thy fear To fight for truth and jullice here.

And trufting Thee to meet the final ftrife. For Thou art Life.

Blefs all my works and ways, my light increafe. Order my doings for the beft. In all my toil be Thou my reft. Until at laft I lay me down in peace That ne'er Hiall ceafe,

Joachim Neander. 1679.

VI. a iHorntng *ong of (glatincss.

IS a bird in meadows fair Or in lonely foreft fings. Till it fills the fummer air And the greenwood fvveetly rings. So my heart to Thee would raife, O my God, its fong of praife. That the gloom of night is o'er And I fee the fun once more.

If Thou, Sun of Love, ariie.

All my heart with joy is ftirr'd.

And to greet Thee upward flies Gladfome as yon little bird.

74 ^^xa ©Jmnantcn.

Shine Thou in me clear and bright Till I learn to praife Thee right; Guide me in the narrow way. Let me ne'er in darknefs ftrav.

Blefs to-day whate'er I do,

Blefs whate'er I have and love ; From the paths of virtue true Let me nev'er, never rove ; By Thy Spirit ftrengthen me In the faith that leads to Thee, Then an heir of life on high Fearlefs I may live and die.

Anon. About 1580.

VIL

a iHorntng i^ragfr.

^^I^^HE golden morn flames up the Eaftern fky, ^i And what dark night had hid from every eye

All-piercing day-light fummons clear to view : And all the forefls, vale or plain or hill. That flept in mift enfhrouded, dark and ftill. In gladfome light are glittering now anew.

Shine in my heart, and bring me joy and light. Sun of my darken'd foul, difpel its night.

Ugra ©mnanira. 75

And flied in i: the truthful day abroad ; And all the many gloomy folds lay bare Within this heart, that fain would learn to wear

The pure and glorious likenefs of its Lord.

Glad with Thy light, and glowing with Thy love. So let me ever fpeak and think and move

As fits a foul new-touch'd with life i'rom Heaven, That feeks but fo to order all her courfe As moft to fhow the glory of that Source

By whom alone her ftrength, her life are given.

I alk not, take away this weight of care ; No, for that love I pray that all can bear.

And for the faith that whatfoe'er befall Muft needs be good, and for my profit prove. Since from my Father's heart moft rich in love.

And from His bounteous hands it cometh all.

I aflc not that my courfe be calm and ftill ; No, here too. Lord, be done Thy holy will ;

I aflc but for a quiet childlike heart ; Though thronging cares and reftlefs toil be mine. Vet may my heart remain for ever Thine,

Draw it from earth, and fix it where Thou art.

I aflt Thee not to finifh foon the ftrife, The toil, the trouble of this earthly life ;

No, be my peace amid its grief and pain ; I pray not, grant me now Thy realm on high ; No, ere I die let me to evil die.

And through Thy crofs my fins be wholly flain.

76 Hgra (Sfonanira.

True Morning Sun of all my life, I pray That not in vain Thou fliine on me to-day.

Be Thou my light when all around is gloom ; Thy brightnefs, hope, and courage on me (hed. That I may joy to fee when life is fled

The fetting fun that brings the pilgrim home.

SPITTA

ilpra Sennanira.

•ST

EVENING PRAYER.

I. Crust in (goti.

HE night is come, wherein at laft we reft, God order this and all things for the beft: ! Beneath His blefling fearlefs we may lie Since He is nigh.

Drive evil thoughts and fpirits far away, Mafter, watch o'er us till the dawning day. Body and foul alike from harm defend. Thine angel fend.

Let holy prayers and thoughts our latell be. Let us awake with joy. Hill clofe to Thee, In all ferve Thee, in every deed and thought Thy praife be fought.

Give to the fick as Thy beloved fleep. And help the captive, comfort thofe who weep. Care for the widows' and the orphans' woe. Keep far our foe.

For we have none on whom for help to call. Save Thee, O God in heaven, who car'ft for all. And wilt forfake them never, day or night. Who love Thee right.

78 ILgra Grrmantra.

Father, Thy Name be praifed. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be wrought as in our heavenly home. Keep us in life, forgive our fins, deliver

Us now and ever! Amen.

Bohemian Brethren.

II.

^n ©brning Cfjanfesgtbtng.

P^^^I^INK not yet, my foul, to flumber, g^m^l Wake, my heart, go forth and tell *^'"**==* All the mercies without number That this by-gone day befell ;

Tell how God hath kept afar

All things that againft me war.

Hath upheld me and defended.

And His grace my foul befriended.

Father merciful and holy.

Thee to-night I praife and blefs.

Who to labour true and lowly Granteft ever meet fuccefs ;

Many a fin and many a woe.

Many a fierce and fubtle foe

Hail Thou check'd that once alarm'd me.

So that nought to-day has harm'd me.

Yes, our wifdom vainly ponders. Fathoms not Thy loving thought;

Hgra ©crmantca. 79

Never tongue can tell the wonders

That each day for us are wrought ; Thou haft guided me to-day That no ill hath crois'd my way, There is neither bound nor meafure In Thy love's o'erflowing treafure.

Now the light, that nature gladdens.

And the pomp of day is gone. And my heart is tired and faddens

As the gloomy night comes on ; Ah then, with Thy changelefs light Warm and cheer my heart to-night. As the fhadows round me gather Keep me clofe to Thee, my Father.

Of Thy grace I pray Thee pardon All my fins, and heal their fmart ;

Sore and heavy is their burden. Sharp their fting within my heart ;

And my foe lays manv a fnare

But to tempt me to defpair.

Only Thou, dear Lord, canft fave me.

Let him not prevail to have me.

Have I e'er from Thee departed.

Now I feek Thy face again. And Thy Son, the loving-hearted.

Made our peace through bitter pain. Yes, far greater than our fin. Though it ftill be ftrong within. Is the Love that fails us never, Mercy that endures for ever.

8o iLgra ©mnanira.

Brightnefs of the eternal city !

Light of every faithful foul ! Safe beneath Tliy fhelteiing pity

Let the tempefts paft me roll ; Now it darkens far and near. Still, my God, ftill be Thou here ; Thou canft comfort, and Thou only. When the night is long and lonely.

E'en the twilight now hath vanilh'd.

Send Thy bleffing on my fleep. Every fin and terror banifh'd.

Let my reil: be calm and deep. Soul and body, mind and health. Wife and children, houfe and wealth. Friend and foe, the fick, the ftranger. Keep Thou fafe from harm and danger.

Keep me fafe till morn is breaking.

Nightly terrors drive Thou hence. Let not ficknefs keep me waking ;

Sudden death and peftilence. Fire and water, noife of war. Keep Thou from my houfe afar j Let me die not unrepented. That my foul be not tormented.

O Thou mighty God, now hearken To the prayer Thy child hath made ;

Jefus, while the night-hours darken Be Thou ftill my hope, my aid :

Upra (Kmnantra. 8i

Holy Ghoft, on Thee I call. Friend and Comforter of all. Hear my earneft prayer, oh hear me ! Lord, Thou heareft. Thou art near me.

J. RisT. 1642.

III.

ORD, a whole long day of pain Now at laft is o'er ! Ah how much we can fuftain I have felt once more ; Felt how frail are all our powers.

And how weak our trufl ; If Thou help not, thefe dark hours Crufh us to the dull.

Could I face the coming night

If Thou wert not near ? Nay, without Thy love and might

1 mufl: fink with fear : Round me falls the evening gloom.

Sights and founds all ceafe. But within this narrow room

Night will bring no peace.

Other weary eyes may clofe. All things feek their fleep.

Hither comes no foft repofe, I mull wake and weep, Q

82 Hgra ©mnam'fa.

Come then, Jefus, o'er me bend. Give me ftrength to cope

With my pains, and gently fend Thoughts of peace and hope.

Draw my weary heart away

From this gloom and Ilrife, And thefe fever pains allay

With the dew of life ; Thou canft calm the troubled mind.

Thou its dread canfl Hill, Teach me to be all refign'd

To my Father's will.

Then if I muil wake and weep

All the long night through, Thou the watch with me wilt keep.

Friend and Guardian true ; In the darknefs Thou wilt fpeak

Lovingly with me. Though my heart may vainly feek

Words to breathe to Thee.

Wherefoe'er my couch is made

In Thy hands I lie. And to Thee alone for aid

Turns my reftlefs eye ; Let my prayer grow weary never.

Strengthen Thou th' opprefs'd. In Thy fhadow. Lord, for ever

Let me gently reft.

Heinrich Puchta.

Epra (Bfvmantra. 83

IV. JFox a 212aafeeful iEtgfit.

OW darknefs over all is fpread. No founds the ftillnefs break. Ah when fhall thefe fad hours be fled. Am I alone awake ?

Ah no, I do not wake alone.

Alone I do not fleep. Around me ever watcheth One

Who wakes with thofe that weep.

On earth it is fo dark and drear. With Him fo calm and bright.

The ftars in folemn radiance clear Shine there through all our night.

'Tis when the lights of earth are gone The heavenly glories fhine ;

When other comfort I have none. Thy comfort. Lord, is mine.

Be dill, my throbbing heart, be ftil).

Call: off thy weary load. And make His holy will thy will.

And rcU upon thy God.

«f Egra ©mnanifa.

How many a time the night hath come.

Yet ftill return'd the day ; How many a time thy crofs, thy gloom.

Ere now hath pafs'd away.

And thefe dark hours of anxious pain That now opprefs thee fore,

I know will vanifh foon again. Then I fhall fear no more :

For when the night hath lafted long. We know the morn is near.

And when the trial's fharp and ftrong Our Help fhall foon appear.

Pastor Josephsen.

V.

at i^t most of t\)( ^ahtati),

BIDE among us with Thy grace. Lord Jefus, evermore. Nor let us e'er to fin give place. Nor grieve Him we adore.

Abide among us with Thy word. Redeemer whom we love.

Thy help and mercy here afford. And life with Thee above.

Abide among us with Thy ray, O Light that lighten'il all.

lLj)ra (ffifermantfa. 85

And let Thy truth preferve our way. Nor fuffer us to fall.

Abide with us to blefs us ftill,

O bounteous Lord of peace ; With grace and power our fpirits fill.

Our faith and love increafe.

Abide among us as our fhield,

O Captain of Thy hoft ; That to the world we may not yield.

Nor e'er forfake our polt.

Abide with us in faithful love.

Our God and Saviour be. Thy help at need, oh let us prove.

And keep us true to Thee.

Stbgmann. 163c

86

Egra ©frmanira.

BAPTISM.

LESSED Jefus, here we fland. Met to do as Thou haft fpoken. And this child at Thy command Now we bring to Thee, in token That to Chrift it here is given. For of fuch fhall be His Heaven.

Yes, Thy warning voice is plain. And we fain would keep it duly,

" He who is not born again. Heart and life renewing truly.

Born of water and the Spirit,

Will My kingdom ne'er inherit."

Therefore haften we to Thee,

Take the pledge we bring, oh take it ! Let us here Thy glory fee.

And in tender pity make it Now Thy child, and leave it never. Thine on earth, and Thine for ever.

Turn the darknefs into light.

To Thy grace receive and fave it ;

Hgra ffiermantca. 87

Heal the ferpent's venom'd bite.

In the font where now we lave it ; Let Thy Spirit pure and lowly Banifh thought or taint unholy.

Make it. Head, Thy member now. Shepherd, take Thy lamb, and feed it.

Prince of Peace, its peace be Thou, Way of life, to Heaven oh lead it.

Vine, this branch may nothing fever.

Grafted firm in Thee for ever.

Now upon Thy heart it lies.

What our hearts fo dearly treafure.

Heavenward lead our burden'd fighs. Pour Thy bleffing without meafure.

Write the name we now have given.

Write it in the book of Heaven.

SCHMOLCK. 1672-I737

n. C|)e i^ame.

FATHER-HEART, who haft created all

In wife ft love, we pray Look on this babe, who at Thy gracious call Is entering on life's way, Bend o'er it now with bleffing fraught. And make Thou fomething out of nought, O Father-heart !

88 itgra ©mnantrc-

O Son of God, who diedlt for us, behold

We bring our child to Thee, Thou tender Shepherd take it to Thy fold.

Thine own for aye to be ; Defend it through this earthly ftrife. And lead it on the path of life, O Son of God !

O Holy Ghoft, who broodeft o'er the wave,

Defcend upon this child ; Give it undying life, its fpirit lave

With waters undefiled ; Grant it while yet a babe to be A child of God, a home for Thee, O Holy Ghoft !

O Triune God, what Thou command'ft is done.

We fpeak, but Thine the might : This child hath fcarce yet feen our earthly fun.

Yet pour on it Thy light. In faith and hope, in joy and love. Thou Sun of all below, above, O Triune God !

A. Knapp.

Etra «i5cnnan(ca. 89

III.

HY parents' arms now yield thee. With love all glowing warm. To Him who beft can fhield thee. To that Eternal Arm That all the heavens upholdeth.

And bids the dead arife. That tender babes enfoldeth

And leads them toward the Ikies.

Wafli'd in the blood that gufhes

From out His wounded heart, Wrapp'd in the peace that hufhes

All earthiy grief and fmart. Go forth upon thy journey.

Grow up in ftrength and age. And feek with joy and wifdom

Thy holy heritage.

Oh fweet will found the voices

That hail thee from above. Where heaven's bright hoft rejoices

Before the Eternal Love ; " fifow canft thou wander never.

Now pad is all thy ftrife, Oh blefs the hour for ever

That call'd thee into life."

A. Knapp.

/

Qo Hgra CRermamra.

IV. dFor a (ttficistian OTiiiltr.

EEING I am Jefus' kmb. Ever glad at heart I am O'er my Shepherd kind and good. Who provides me daily food. And His lamb by name doth call. For He knows and loves us all.

Guided by His gentle ftaff Where the funny paftures laugh, I go in and out and feed. Lacking nothing that I need ; When I thirft my feet He brings To the frefh and living fprings.

Mull I not rejoice for this ?

He is mine, and I am His,

And when thefe bright days are pafl,

Safely in His arms at laft -

He will bear me home to heaven ;

Ah what joy hath Jefus given !

LuisE H. VON Haym. 1724-1782.

ILgra (Dmnanira. 9>

V. i^enptoal of t^e tTobj.

AM baptized into Thy name,

O Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft ! Among Thy feed a place I claim. Among Thy confecrated hoft ; Buried with Chrift, and dead to fin. Thy Spirit now Ihall live within.

My loving Father, here doft Thou Proclaim me as Thy child and heir ;

Thou faithful Saviour bidd'ft me now The fruit of all Thy forrows (hare;

Thou Holy Ghoft wilt comfort me

When darkeft clouds around I fee.

And I have promifed fear and love. And to obey Thee, Lord, alone;

I felt Thy Spirit in me move.

And dared to pledge myfelf Thine own.

Renouncing fin to keep the faith.

And war with evil to the death.

My faithful God, upon Thy fide This covenant ftandeth faft for aye.

If I tranfgrefs through fear or pride, O caft me therefore not away.

9i ILgra ©ermamca.

If I have fore my foul defiled. Yet ftill forgive, reflore Thy child.

I bring Thee here, my God, anew Of all I am or have the whole.

Quicken my life, and make me true. Take full pofTeffion of my foul.

Let nought within me, nought I own.

Serve any will but Thine alone.

Hence Prince of darknefs, hence my foe!

Another Lord hath purchafed me ! My confcience tells of fin, yet know.

Baptized in Chrift I fear not thee ! Away vain World, Sin, leave me now, I turn from you ; God hears my vow.

And never let me waver more, O Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft,

Till at Thy will this life is o'er Still keep me in Thy faithful holl.

So unto Thee I live and die

And praife Thee evermore on high.

Rambach. 1720

ii-gia iSfrmanica. 93

THE HOLY COMMUNION.

1.

^ijt preparation.

'ORD Jefus Chrift, my faithfui Shepherd, hear ! Feed me with Thy grace, draw inly near.

By Thee redeem'd, in Thee alone I live. All I need 'tis Thou canft give : Kyrie Eleifon ! Ah Lord, Thy timid fheep now feed With joy upon Thy heavenly mead. Lead us to the cryftal river Whence our life is flowing ever : Kyrie Eleifon !

For Thou art calling all the toil-opprefs'd.

All the weary to Thy reft ; The pardon of their fins is here beftow'd.

Thou doft free them from their load : Kyrie Eleifon ! Ah come, Thyfelf put forth Thine hand. Unbind this heavy iron band.

9f ILgra iJ^cmanira.

Set me from my forrows free. Give me ftrength to follow Thee: Kyrie Eleifon !

Thou fain wouldfl heart and foul to Thee incline.

Take me from myfelf and make me Thine ; Thou art the Vine and I the branch, oh grant

I nay grow m Thee a living plant : Kyrie Eleifon ! For nought but fins I find in me. Yet are they done away in Thee ;

Mine are anguifh, fear, unrefl.

But in Thee, Lord, I am blefl : Kyrie Eleifon !

JOHANN HeERMANN. 163O

II.

Cf)e C^anfesgibtng,

ECK thyfelf, my foul, with gladnefs. Leave the gloomy haunts of fadnefs. Come into the daylight's fplendour. There with joy thy praifes render Unto Him, whofe boundlefs grace Grants thee at His feafl a place ; He whom all the heavens obey Deigns to dwell in thee to-day.

Hgra ffimnantca. 95

Harten as a bride to meet Him, And with loving reverence greet Him, W)io with words of life immortal Now is knocking at thy portal ; Halle to make for Him a way. Call thee at His feet, and fay : Since, O Lord, Thou com'll to me. Never will I turn from Thee.

Ah how hungers all my fpirit. For the love I do not merit ! Ah how oft with fighs fall thronging For this food have I been longing ! How have thirlled in the llrife For this draught, O Prince of Life, Wifh'd, O Friend of man, to be Ever one with God through Thee !

Here I fink before Thee lowly, Fill'd with joy moll deep and holy. As with trembling awe and wonder On Thy mighty works I ponder ; On this banquet's myilery. On the depths we cannot fee ; Far beyond all mortal fight Lie the fecrets of Thy might.

Sun, who all my life doll brighten. Light, who doll my foul enlighten, Joy, the fweetefl man e'er knoweth. Fount, whence all my being flowetli.

96 iljjra ©nmantra.

Here I fall before Thy feet. Grant me worthily to eat Of this blelTed heavenly food. To Thy praife, and to my good.

Jefus, Bread of Life from Heaven, Never be Thou vainly given. Nor I to my hurt invited ; Be Thy love with love requited ; Let me learn its depths indeed. While on Thee my foul doth feed ; Let me here fo richly bleft. Be hereafter too Thy gueft.

J. Frank. 1653.

III.

C1)f arcrttng great ILobc of our iBastcr antJ onig ^abtour SJcsus (Christ.

LOVE, who formedil me to wear

The image of Thy Godhead here ; Who foughteft me with tender care Through all my wanderings wild and drear ; O Love, I give myfelf to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be.

O Love, who ere life's earlieft dawn On me Thy choice hafl gently laid ;

Ugra ©mnanlca. 97

O Love, who here as man waft born And like to us in all things made; O Love, I give myfelf to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be.

O Love, who once in Time waft flain.

Pierced through and through with bitter woe ;

O Love, who wreftling thus didft gain That we eternal joy might know ;

O Love, I give myfelf to Thee,

Thine ever, only Thine to be.

O Love, of whom is truth and light. The Word and Spirit, life and power,

Whofe heart was bared to them that fmite. To fhield us in our trial hour ;

O Love, I give myfelf to Thee,

Thine ever, only Thine to be.

O Love, who thus haft bound me faft. Beneath that gentle yoke of Thine;

Love, who haft conquer'd me at laft And rapt away this heart of mine ;

O Love, I give myfelf to Thee,

Thine ever, only Thine to be.

O Love, who loveft me for aye.

Who for my foul doft ever plead ; O Love, who didft my ranfom pay,

Whofe power fufficeth in my ftead, O Love, I give myfelf to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be. 2 H

98 Hgra (Bfermanica.

O Love, who once fhalt bid me rife From out this dying life of ours ;

O Love, who once above yon fkies Shalt fet me in the fadelefs bowers :

O Love, I give myfelf to Thee,

Thine ever, only Thine to be.

Angelus. 1657.

IV.

Cije Olttistiatt Sacrifice.

OW take my heart and all that is in me. My Lord beloved, take it from me to Thee ;

I would have Thine This foul and flelh of mine ; Would order thought and word and deed As Thy moft holy will Ihall lead.

Thou feedeft me with heavenly bread and wine. Thou poureft through me ftreams of life divine; Oh noble Face, So fweet, fo full of grace, I ponder as Thy crofs I fee. How beft to give myfelf to Thee.

Behold, through all the eternal ages, ftill My heart (hall choofe and love Thy holy will ; Wouldft Thou my death, I die to Thee in faith ; Wouldft Thou that I fhould longer live. To Thee the choice I wholly give.

Ill)ra (Brmnanica. 99

But Thou mull alfo deign to be my own. To dwell in me, to make my heart Thy throne. My God indeed. My Help in time of need. My Head from whom no power can fever. The Bridegroom of my foul for ever !

Angelus. 1 65 7.

V.

ESUS whom Thy Church doth own As her Head and King alone, Blefs me Thy poor membei too ; And Thy Spirit's influence give That to Thee henceforth I live. Daily Thou my ftrength renew.

Let Thy living Spirit flow Through Thy members all below.

With its warmth and power divine ; Scatter'd far apart they dwell. Yet in every land, full well.

Lord, Thou knoweft who is Thine.

Thofe who lerve Thee I would ferve. Never from their union fwerve.

Here I cry before Thy face : " Zion, God give thee good fpeed, Chrift thy footlleps ever lead,

Make thee fteadfall in His ways !"

loo Hgra ©mnanlra.

Save her from the world her foe, Satan quickly overthrow,

Caft him down beneath her feet; Through the Spirit flay within Love of eafe, the world, and fin.

Let her find Thee only fweet.

Thofe o'er whom Thy billows roll Strengthen Thou to leave their foul

In Thy hands, for Thou art Love ; Make them through their bitter pain Pure from pride and finful flain.

Fix their hopes and hearts above.

Unto all Thyfelf impart, Fafhion'd after Thine own heart

Make Thy children like to Thee ; Humble, pure, and calm, and flill. Loving, fingle as Thy will.

And as Thou wouldft have them be.

And from thofe I love, I pray. Turn not. Lord, Thy face away.

Hear me while for them I plead ; Be Thou their Eternal Friend, Unto each due blefhng fend.

For Thou knowefl; all they need.

Ah Lord, at this gracious hour Vifit all their fouls with power ; Let Thy gladnefs in them fhine ;

Egra ©etmanica. loi

Draw them with Thy love away From vain pleafures of a day. Make them wholly ever Thine.

Dearly were we purchafed. Lord, When Thy blood for us was pour'd ;

Think, O Chrift, we are Thine own ! Hold me, guide me, as a child. Through the battle, through the wild.

Leave me nevermore alone.

Till at laft I meet on high With the faithful hoft who cry

Hallelujah night and day ; Pure from flain we there fhall fee Thee in us, and us in Thee,

And be one in Thee for aye.

Tersteegen. 1731.

VI.

H how could I forget Him Who ne'er forgetteth me ? Or tell the love that let Him Come down to fet me free ? I lay in darkeft fadnefs.

Till He made all things new.

And ftill frefti love and gladnefs

Flow from that heart fo true.

I02 ILjjra CSfrmanica.

How could I ever leave Him

Who is fo kind a Friend ? How could I ever grieve Him

Who thus to me doth bend ? Have I not feen Him dying

For us on yonder tree ? Do I not hear Him crying,

A rife and follow Me 1

For ever will I love Him

Who faw my hopelefs plight. Who felt my forrows move Him,

And brought me life and light ; Whofe arm fhall be around me

When my laft hour is come. And fufFer none to wound me,

Though dark the paflage home.

He gives me pledges holy.

His body and His blood. He lifts the fcorn'd, the lowly.

He makes my courage good. For He will reign within me.

And fhed His graces there ; The heaven He died to win me

Can I then fail to ihare ?

In joy and forrow ever

Shine through me, BlefTed Heart, Who bleeding for us never

Didft fhrink from foreft fmart !

Egra (Sfermanira. 103

Whate'er I've loved or ftriven Or borne, I bring to Thee ;

Now let Thy heart and heaven Stand open. Lord, to me !

Kern. Died 1835.

VII.

after participation.

LIVING Bread from Heaven, How richly haft Thou fed Thy gueft ! The gifts Thou now haft given Have fill'd my heart with joy and reft. O wondrous food of bleffing, O cup that heals our woes. My heart this gift poffeffing In thankful fong o'erflows ; For while the life and ftrength in me

Were quicken'd by this food. My foul hath gazed awhile on Thee, O higheft, only Good !

My Lord, Thou here haft led me Within Thy temple's holieft place,

And there Thyfelf haft fed me With all the treafures of Thy grace ; And Thou haft freely given

What earth could never buy. The bread of life from heaven. That now I fhall not die ;

I04 Ugra (ffifermantca.

And Thou haft fufFer'd me in faith

To drink the blefled wine That heals the foul from inner death.

And makes her wholly Thine.

Thou giveft all I wanted. The food whofe power can death deftroy.

And Thou hail freely granted The cup of full eternal joy ;

Ah Lord, I do not merit

The favour Thou haft fhown.

And all my foul and fpirit

Bow down before Thy throne ; Since Thou haft fuffer'd me to eat

The food of angels here. Nor Sin, nor foes that I can meet,

Nor Death I now may fear.

O Love incomprehended ! That wrought in Thee, my Saviour, thus

That Thou fhouldft have defcended From higheft heaven to dwell with us !

Creator, that hath brought Thee To fuceour fuch as I,

Who elfe had vainly fought Thee ! Then grant me now to die To fin, and live alone to Thee,

That when this time is o'er. Thy face, O Saviour, I may fee

In heaven for evermore.

For as a ftiadow paffes I pafs, but Thou doft ftill endure ;

Ej)ra ©ermanira. 105

I wither like the grafles. But Thou art rich, though I am poor ;

Oh boundlefs is Thy kindnefs. And righteous is Thy power;

And I in finful blindnefs Am erring hour by hour. And yet Thou comeft, deft not fpurn

A finner. Lord, like me ! Ah how can I Thy love return,

What gift have I for Thee ?

A heart that hath repented. And mourns for fin with bitter fighs, —

Thou, Lord, art well-contented With this my only facrifice.

I know that in my weaknefs Thou wilt defpife me not.

But grant me in Thy meeknefs The favour I have fought ; Yes, Thou wilt deign in grace to heed

The fong that now I raife. For meet and right is it indeed

That I fhould fing Thy praife.

Grant what I have partaken May through Thy grace fo work in me.

That fin be all forfaken. And I may cleave alone to Thee, And all my foul be heedful

How fhe Thy love may know. For this alone is needful.

Thy love fhould in me glow ;

io6 iLgra (JKcnnnnira.

And let no beauty pleafe mine eyes.

No joy allure my heart. But what in Thee, my Saviour, lies.

What Thou doft here impart.

0 well for me that ftrengthen'd With heavenly bread and wine, if here

My courfe on earth be lengthen'd, I now may ferve Thee free from fear ; Away then earthly pleafure. All earthly gifts are vain,

1 feek a heavenly treafure.

My home I long to gain. Where I Ihall live and praile my God,

And none my peace deftroy. Where all the foul is overflow'd With pure eternal joy.

RisT. 1651.

Hgra ©ermanica. 107

FOR TRAVELLERS.

I. at tf)e (Cutset of ang ^outneg.

N God's name let us on our way ! *" The Father's help and grace we pray. His love fliall guard us round about From foes within and arms without. Hallelujah.

And Chrift, be Thou our Friend and Guide, Through all our wanderings at our fide. Help us all evil to withftand That wars againft Thy leaft command.

Hallelujah.

The Holy Spirit o'er us brood

With all His gifts of richeft good.

With hope and ftrength when dark our road.

And bring us home again in God !

Hallelujah.

Anon.

io8 ilgra ©wnanlra.

II. ®n a Hong antj ^a:iltius ^ouxnt^.

Written on a Journey to RufTia and Perfia, under- taken by the Author as Phyfician to the Embafly from Holftein.

HERE'ER I go, whate'er my tafk. The counfel of my God I afk. Who all things hath and can ; Unlefs He give both thought and deed The utmoft pains can ne'er fucceed. And vain the wifeft plan.

For what can all my toil avail ? My care, my watching all mull fail,

Unlefs my God is there ; Then let Him order all for me As He in wifdom fhall decree ;

Ou Him I caft my care.

For nought can come, as nought hath been. But what my Father hath forefeen.

And what fhall work my good ; Whate'er He gives me I will take, Whate'er He choofes I will make

My choice with thankful mood.

I lean upon His mighty arm.

It fhields me well from every harm.

Hgra ©rrmanica. 109

All evil fliall avert ; If by His precepts ftill I live Whate'er is ufeful He will give,

And nought fhall do me hurt.

But only may He of His grace The record of my guilt efface.

And wipe out all my debt ; Though I have finn'd He will not ftraight Pronounce His judgment. He will wait.

Have patience with me yet.

I travel to a diftant land

To ferve the poft wherein I Hand,

Which He hath bade me fill ; And He will blefs me with His light. That I may ferve His world aright.

And make me know His will.

And though through defert wilds I fare. Yet Chriilian friends are with me there.

And Chrift Himfelf is near; In all our dangers He will come. And He who kept me fafe at home.

Can keep me fafely here.

Yes, He will fpeed us on our way.

And point us where to go and flay.

And help us flill and lead ; Let us in health and fafety live. And time and wind and weather give.

And whatfoe'er we need.

no iLj>ra (ffimnanica.

When late at night my reft I take. When early in the morn I wake.

Halting or on my way. In hours of weaknefs or in bonds. When vex'd with fears my heart defponds.

His promife is my ftay.

Since then my courfe is traced by Him I will not fear that future dim.

But go to meet my doom. Well knowing nought can wait me there Too hard for me through Him to bear ;

I yet fhall overcome.

To Him myfelf I wholly give. At His command I die or live,

I truft His love and power : Whether to-morrow or to-day His fummons come, I will obey.

He knows the proper hour.

But if it pleafe that love moil kind. And if this voice within my mind

Be whifpering not in vain, I yet fliall praife my God ere long In many a fweet and joyful fong.

In peace at home again.

To thofe I love will He be near. With His confoling light appear.

Who is my fhield and theirs ; And He will grant beyond our thought

Hgra ©ermanira. 1 1 1

What they and I alike have fought With many tearful prayers.

Then, O my foul, be ne'er afraid. On Him who thee and all things made

With calm reliance reft ; Whate'er may come, where'er we go, Our Father in the heavens muft know

In all things what is beft.

Paul Flemming. / 63 i .

III.

^ragers at S^a.

LORD, be this our vefTel now

A worthy temple unto Thee, Though none may hear its bells but Tnou And this our little company ; Our church's roof, yon mighty dome. Shall ring with hymns we learnt at home. Our floor the boundlefs tofhng wave. Our field, our path, perchance our grave.

Where fhall we aid and comfort find With toils and perils all around ?

Command, O mighty God, the wind To bear us whither we are bound.

Oh bring us to our home once more

From weary wanderings fafe to fhore ;

112 ILpra ©mnanira.

And thofe who follow us with prayer Keep Thou in Thy moft tender care.

And as the needle while we rove.

To one point ftill is true and juft. So Jet our hope and faith and love

Be fix'd on One in whom we truft ; His word is mighty ftill to fave. He ftill can walk the ftormieft wave. And hold His followers with His hand, for His are heaven and fea and land.

F. WiNKELMANN,

IV.

'HOU, folemn Ocean, rolleft to the ftrand Laden with prayers from many a far-oiF land.

To us thy thoufand murmurs at our feet One cry repeat.

Through all thy myriad tones that never ceafe We hear of death and love, the crofs and peace. New churches bright with hope and glad with pfalms. And martyrs' palms.

Then on ! and come whate'er our God fees fit ! To yon frail wave-tofs'd planks we now commit Our lives, our all, and leave our native land At His command.

Egta (ffifennanica. 1 1 3

We take thee for our chariot, ftormy Sea ! Borne fafely on to ferve our God by thee. For thou and we alike obey His word And own Him Lord.

And whether thy chill deeps become our grave, Or far away our blood fhall flain thy wave, Or we Ihall crofs with joyous fongs thy foam Back to our home :

Be it as He ordains whofe name is Love ! Whether our lot or life or death fhall prove. To Life Eternal furely guides His will. And we are ftill.

De La Motte FouquE.

V.

Cf)e parting.

OW we muft leave our father-land, And wander far o'er ocean's foam; Broken is kinfhip's deareft band, Forfaken Hands our ancient home ; But One will ever with us go

Through bufieft day and Itilleft night ; And heaven above, the deeps below Shrink back abalh'd before His fight.

Then be the iffue life or death. Let Him do as it feems Him beft, I

114 llpra (Kermanica.

The meflenger of Chriftian faith Looks not in this world for his reft.

If but His hand Hill hold us fait. His prefence hourly fold us round.

The anchor of our fouls is caft Firm in the One eternal ground.

The voice of Everlafting Love,

That rang with living power through us. Is worthy thus our fouls to move.

Worthy to fill a lifetime thus ; Here none was e'er deceived or loft,

Hovve'er his earthly hopes might fade ; Then well for him who weighs the coft

Ere yet his final choice is made.

Yes, fcatter'd are our brothers now

O'er land and ocean far apart. Yet to one Mafter ftill they bow.

In Him they ftill are one in heart; For as one fin, one poifon ran

Through all our race fmce Adam's fall ; There is one hope, one life for man

In Him who bore the fins of all.

Sweet for each other oft to plead.

And feel our onenefs in the Son, Ah then we daily meet indeed

In fpirit at our Father's throne ! Our bodies are but parted here.

And fade in this dark land away. The earthly ftiadows difappear.

The harveft ripens for that Day.

IL^ra (Bfmnanfra. 115

Soon Time for us fhall ceafe to reign.

The Saviour calJs us home in peace ; At laft we all fhall meet again.

And dwell together all in blifs. Where faith to clearefl: vifion yields ; —

Triumphant light for forrowing gloom. For defert waftes fair Eden's fields.

For tearful paths a bleifed home !

Albert Knapp.

VI.

©n ti)t Uogage.

N our fails all foft and fweetly. Yet with bold reiiftlefs force. Breathe the winds of heaven, and fleetly Wing us on our watery courfe ; Swift, and fwifter, furrowing deep Through the mighty waves, that keep Not a trace where we have been. On we fpeed to lands unfeen !

Sink thou deeply in our mind.

Type of life, moft apt and true! Though we leave no track behind.

Yet we plough our furrows too. Where, from out a world of blifs. Falls the feed unfeen of this. And an unfeen diflant home Beckons o'er the defert foam.

no lL]!)ra ©ermanica.

Be our voyage, brethren, fuch

That if direft peril came. Wreck and ruin could not touch

Ought but this our weary frame ; That may gladly fleep, the while Still and bleft the foul fhall fmile. In the eternal peace of Heaven, That our God hath furely given.

Oh that in that blefled peace

Many and many a foul may reft !

Oh through us may God increafe Soon the number of the bleft!

Free through us the fouls that now

'Neath a bitter bondage bow ;

Whom yet darkeft error binds !

Speed, oh fpeed us on, ye winds !

De La Motte Fouque.

Ugra ©ermanira. n?

AT THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD.

1. ^f)e Suw anti Qtntain ?^opc.

OW lay we calmly in the grave This form, whereof no doubt we have That it fliall rife again that Day In glorious triumph o'er decay.

And fo to earth again we truft What came from dull, and turns to dull, And from the dull fhall furely rife When the lall trumpet fills the Ikies.

His foul is living now in God Whofe grace his pardon hath bellow'd. Who through His Son redeem'd him here From bondage unto fin and fear.

His trials and his griefs are pall,

A blefled end is his at lall.

He bore Chrill's yoke, and did His will.

And though he died, he liveth Hill.

1 1 8 iLgra (Btcrmanica.

He lives where none can mourn and weep. And calmly Ihall this body fleep Till God fhall Death himfelf deftroy. And raife it into glorious joy.

He fufFer'd pain and grief below, Chrift heals him now from all his woe. For him hath endlefs joy begun. He fhines in glory like the fun.

Then let us leave him to his reft. And homeward turn, for he is bleft. And we muft well our fouls prepare. When death fhall come, to meet him there.

Then help us, Chrift, our Hope in lofs ! Thou haft redeem'd us by Thy crofs From endlefs death and mifery ; We praife, we blefs, we worfliip Thee !

Michael Weiss. 1531.

ri. Cf)e Btpaxtuxt of a Qtfimtim.

OW weeping at the grave we ftand And fow the feed in tears. The form of him who in our band On earth no more appears.

ilgra (HJmnanica. 119

Ah no, for he hath fafely come

Where we too would attain ; He dwells within our Father's home.

And death to him was gain.

Now he beholds what we believe.

He has what here we want, The fins no more his foul can griev e

That here the pilgrim haunt ; The Lord hath claim'd him for His own.

And fent him calm releafe ; We weep, but it is we alone.

He dwells in perfefl peace.

He wears the crown of life on high.

He bears the fhining palm. Where angels " Holy, holy," cry.

He joins their glorious pfalm. But we poor pilgrims journey on

Through this dark land of woe. Until we go where he is gone.

And all his joy (hall know.

SPITTA.

I20 Egra ©fcmanica.

III. ©i)e UortJ ttotj^ all Ei^inflS iufH.

HRIST will gather in His own To the place where He is gone. Where their heart and treafure lie, Where our life is hid on high.

Day by day the voice faith, " Come, Enter thine eternal home ;" Afking not if we can fpare This dear foul it fummons there

Had He afk'd us, well we know We fhould cry, oh fpare this blow ! Yes, with ftreaming tears ihould pray, " Lord, we love him, let him ftay ! "

But the Lord doth nought amifs. And fince He hath order'd this. We have nought to do but ftill Reft in filence on His will.

Many a heart no longer here. Ah ! was all too inly dear ; Yet, O Love, 'tis Thou doft call. Thou wilt be our All in all.

Moravian Hymn-book.

flgra (Sermanica.

(21

IV.

Cf)e Higfjt in Barfeness,

HOUGH Love may weep with breaking heart. There comes, O Chrift, a Day of Thine, There is a Morning Star mull fhine. And all thefe fhadows fhall depart.

Though Faith may droop and tremble here, That Day of light fhall furely come ; His path has led him fafely home ;

When twilight breaks the dawn is near.

Though Hope feem now to have hoped in vain. And Death feem king of all below. There yet fhall come the Morning-glow,

And wake our flumberers once again.

F. A. Krummacher.

122 ILgra ©mnanica.

V. Efft JBtati) of a little OlJjiltr.

ENTLE Shepherd, Thou haft ftill'd Now Thy little lamb's long weeping ; Ah how peaceful, pale, and mild. In its narrow bed 'tis fleeping. And no figh of anguifh fore Heaves that little bofom more.

In this world of care and pain.

Lord, Thou wouldft no longer leave it.

To the funny heavenly plain Doll Thou now with joy receive it.

Clothed in robes of fpotlefs white.

Now it dwells with Thee in light.

Ah Lord Jefus, grant that we

Where it lives may foon be living. And the lovely paflures fee

That its heavenly food are~ giving, Then the gain of death we prove i

Though Thou take what moft we love.

Mexnhold.

Hgra ©ermantra. 123

VT.

©n tt}t Beatf} of Jtjts 5on.

^■^^HOU'RT mine, yes. Hill thou art mine own ! a4^ '^-Ja y/ho tells me thou art loft ?

But yet thou art not mine alone, I own that He who crofs'd My hopes, hath greateft right in thee ; Yea, though He afk and take from me Thee, O my Ton, my heart's delight. My wifh, my thought, by day and night

Ah might I wifh, ah might I choofe, Then thou, my Star, fhouldft live. And gladly for thy fake I'd lofe

All elfe that life can give. Oh fain I'd fay : Abide with me. The funfhine of my houfe to be. No other joy but this I crave. To love thee, darling, to my grave !

Thus faith my heart, and means it well,

God meaneth better ftill ; My love is more than words can tell.

His love is greater ftill ; I am a father. He the Head And Crown of fathers, whence is fhed The life and love from which have fprung All blefled ties in old and young.

24 Egra (Setmanica.

I long for thee, my fon, my own. And He who once hath given. Will have thee now befide His throne.

To live with Him in heaven. I cry, Alas 1 my light, my child ! But God hath welcome on him fmiled. And faid : " My child, I keep thee near, For there is nought but gladnefs here."

Oh bleffed word, oh deep decree.

More holy than we think ! With God no grief or woe can be.

No bitter cup to drink. No fickening hopes, no want or care. No hurt can ever reach him there ; Yes, in that Father's fhelter'd home I know that forrow cannot come.

We pafs our nights in wakeful thought

For our dear children's fake ; All day our anxious toil hath fought

How beft for them to make A future fafe from care or need. Yet feldom do our fchemes fucceed ; How rarely does their future prove What we had plann'd for thofe we love!

How many a child of promife bright

Ere now hath gone ailray. By ill example taught to flight

And quit Chrift's holy way.

?lgra €rfnnanlca. 125

Oh fearful the reward is then. The wrath of God, the fcorn of men ! The bittereft tears by mortal fhed Are his who mourns a child mifled.

But now I need not fear for thee.

Where thou art, all is well ; For thou thy Father's Face doft fee.

With Jefus thou doft dwell ! Yes, cloudlefs joys around him Ihine, His heart ihall never ache like mine. He fees the radiant armies glow That keep and guide us here below :

He hears their finging evermore.

His little voice too fings. He drinks of wifdom deepeft lore,

He fpeaks of fecret things. That we can never fee or know Howe'er we feek or ftrive below. While yet amid the mifts we ftand That veil this dark and tearful land.

Oh that I could but watch afar.

And hearken but awhile. To that fweet fong that hath no jar.

And fee his heavenly fmile. As he doth praife the holy God, Who made him pure for that abode ! In tears of joy full well I know This burden'd heart would overflow.

126 Egva (Sfrmantca.

And I fhould fay : Stay there, my fon. My wild laments are o'er,

0 well for thee that thou haft won, I call thee back no more ;

But come, thou fiery chariot, come. And bear me fwiftly to that home. Where he with many a loved one dwells. And evermore of gladnefs tells !

Then be it as my Father wills,

I will not weep for thee ; Thou liveft, joy thy fpirit fills.

Pure funfhine thou doft fee. The funfhine of eternal reft : Abide, my child, where J:hou art bleft ;

1 with our friends will onward fare.

And, when God wills, fhall find thee there.

Paul Gerhardt. 1650.

\

PART II.

THE INNER LIFE.

-X-

PENITENCE.

I.

C^e onlg ?t!flper.

ORD Jefus Chrift, in Thee alone My hope on earth I place; For other comforter is none, Nor help fave in Thy grace There is no man nor creature here. No angel in the heavenly fphere. Who at my need can fuccour me ;

I cry to Thee, For Thou canll end my mifery.

My fin is very fore and great,

I mourn beneath its load ; Oh free me from this heavy weight

Through Thy moft precious blood; And with Thy Father for me plead That Thou haft fufFer'd in my ftead, The burden then from me is roll'd ;

Lord, I lay hold On Thy dear promifes of old.

K

I30

Ugra iSfcnnanffa.

And of Thy grace on me bellow

True Chrillian faith, O Lord, That all the fweetnefs I may know

That in Thy crofs is llored. Love Thee o'er earthly pride or pelf, And love my neighbour as myfelf ; And when at laft is come my end.

Be Thou my Friend, From all aflaults my foul defend.

Glory to God in higheft heaven.

The Father of all love ; To His dear Son, for finners given

Whofe grace we daily prove ; To God the Holy Ghoft we cry. That we may find His comfort nigh. And learn how, free from fin and fear.

To pleafe Him here. And ferve Him in the finlefs fphere.

J. SCHNEESING. 1522.

IL

ILAS ! my Lord and God,

How heavy is my load. My fins are great and weigh me to the

ground ; The yoke doth forely prefs, And yet in my diftrefs Through all the world no helper can be found.

Hgra (Sifrmanira. fji

And fled I in my fear

Far far avvav from here. To earth's remotefl end — Thou ftill wert theie,

My anguifh and my pain

Would yet with me remain ; I could not flee away from my defpair.

'Tis Thou canft help alone,

I cafl me at Thy throne, Rejefl me not, though I deferve it. Lord ;

Ah think of all Thy Son

For me, for me, hath done. Nor let me feel Thy fliarp avenging fword

And if it mufl be fo.

That punifhment and woe Mufl follow fin, then let me bear it here ;

Low at Thy feet I bow.

Oh let me fuffer now. But fpare me yonder, then in love appear.

Oh Lord, forget my fin.

And deign to put within A calm obedient heart, a patient mind.

That I may murmur not.

Though bitter feem my lot. For hearts unthankful can no bleffing find

Do Thou, O Lord, with me As feemeth beft to Thee, For Thou wilt ftrengthen me to bear the rod.

'32 Hgra ©mnantca.

For this alone I pray. Oh call me not away. For ever from Thy grace. Thou pitying God.

Nay, that Thou wilt not do,

I know Thy word is true, My faith can rell in quiet hope on Thee,

The death of Chrift, I know.

Hath freed me from my woe. And open'd heaven to finners and to me.

Lord Jefus, where Thou art

All doubt and dread depart. My refuge is the crofs where Thou waft flain.

Where Thou, Lord, for our fake

Didrt all our griefs partake. And die our comfort and our grace to gain.

Here at my Saviour's fide.

Here let me ftill abide. Then death may come, but little he deftroys ;

Though foul and body part,

I live where Thou, Lord, art. My fins wiped out amid eternal joys.

All praife to God alone.

Who claims me for His own. Through Chrift my Lord ; O let me truft Him then,

And lean in fulleft faith

On what my Saviour faith. He who believeth fiiall be faved ; Amen.

RuTiLius. 1604 J and Gross. 1627

f

Hgra ©ermanica. 133

III. In great (ntoarti ISistresis.

ESUS, pitying Saviour, hear me. Draw Thou near me. Turn Thee, Lord, in grace to me ; For Thou knoweft all my forrow.

Night and morrow Doth my cry go up to Thee.

Lofl in darknefs, girt with dangers.

Round me Ilrangers, Through an alien land I roam. Outward trials, bitter lofles.

Inward crofles. Lord, Thou know'll have fought me home.

See the fetters that have bound me.

Snares furround me. Free the captive, hear my call ; Ah from fin my foul I never

Can deliver, I am weak and helplefs all.

Though the tempter's wiles and cunning

I am fhunning. Yet they vex and wound me fore; Oft I waver, oft I languifh,

Fill'd with anguifh. Strength and reft are mine no more .

>34 fLgra ©rrmanira.

Peace I cannot find, oh take me.

Lord, and make me From the yoke of evil free ; Calm this longing never-fleeping.

Still my weeping. Grant me hope once more in Thee.

Sin of courage hath bereft me.

And hath left me Scarce a fpark of faith or hope ; Bitter tears my heart oft fheddeth

As it dreadeth I am paft Thy mercy's fcope.

Lord, wilt Thou be wroth for ever ?

Oh deliver Me from all I moft deferved ; 'Tis Thyfelf, dear Lord, haft fought me.

Thou haft taught me Thee to feek from whom I fwerved.

Thou, my God and King, haft known me.

Yet haft Ihown me True and loving is Thy will ; Though my heart from Thee oft ranges.

Through its changes. Lord, Thy love is faithful ftill.

Satan watches to betray me.

He would flay me. Quicken Thou my faith and powers.

Egra <ISmnanira. 135

Let me, though Thy face Thou'rt hiding.

Still confiding, Look to Thee in darkeft hours.

Blefs my trials thus to fever

Me for ever From the love of felf and fin ; Let me through them fee Thee clearer.

Find Thee nearer. Grow more like to Thee within.

In the patience that Thou lendeft

All Thou fendeft I embrace, I will be ftill ; Bend this ftubborn heart I pray Thee

To obey Thee, Calmly waiting on Thy will.

Here I bring my will, oh take it.

Thine, Lord, make it. Calm this troubled heart of mine ; In Thy ftrength I too may conquer.

Wait no longer. Show in me Thy grace Divine.

Tersteboen. 1731'

1^,6 Upra (Cirrmanlra.

IV.

Ef)t 2l2aeaknf00 anti Hvestlessncss of £in.

JESUS, Lord of majefty !

O glorious King, eternal Son ! In mercy bend Thou down to me. As now I call me at Thy throne.

Enflaved to vanity, and weak.

An alien power in me hath fway.

My llrength is gone, howe'er I feek I cannot break my bonds away.

How oft my heart againft my will

Is torn and toffing to and fro, I cannot, as I would, fulfill

The good that yet I love and know.

How many ties opprefs and bind The foul that yearneth to be free ;

Diilraded, vanquifh'd, oft the mind That fain would reft at peace in Thee.

I praftife me in felf-controul.

Yet reft and calm in vain purfue ;

Self-will is rooted in my foul.

And thwarts me ftill, whate'er I do.

ILpra (ffiftmanira. 137

I hate it, but its life is ftrong,

I fear, yet cannot it forfake ; Ah Lord, how long it feems, how long.

Until Thy grace my yoke fhall break !

Ah Jefus, when, when, wilt Thou lead The prifoner from this drear abode ?

When fhall I feel that I am freed.

And Thou art with me. Son of God ?

Oh take this heart, that I would give

For ever to be all Thine own ; I to myfelf no more would live;

Come, Lord, be Thou my King alone.

Yes, take my heart, and in it rule,

Direft it as it pleafes Thee ; I will be filent in Thy fchool.

And learn whate'er Thou teacheft me.

What lives by life that is not Thine, I yield it to Thy righteous doom ;

What yet refills Thy power Divine, Oh let Thy fire of love confume.

And then within the heart abide

That Thou haft cleanfed to be Thy throne ; A look from Thee fhall be my guide,

I watch but till Thy will is known.

Yes, make me Thine, — though I am weak. Thy fervice makes us ftrong and free ;

My Lord and King, Thy face I feek. For ever keep me true to Thee.

Tersteegen. 1731.

138 ?lgra ©mnamra.

V.

a <Ki)rfsttan'0 Batlg ^ragcr.

GOD, Thou faithful God, Thou Fountain ever flowing. Without Whom nothing is All perfeft gifts bellowing; A pure and healthy frame O give me, and within A confcience free from blame, A foul unhurt by fin.

And grant me. Lord, to do. With ready heart and willing,

Whate'er Thou Ihalt command. My calling here fulfilling. And do it when I ought.

With all my ftrength, and blefs The work I thus have wrought. For Thou mufl; give fuccefs.

And let me promife nought But I can keep it truly,

Abflain from idle words. And guard my lips ftill duly ;

And grant, when in my place I muft and ought to fpeak.

Hgra <&mnanira. 139

My words due power and grace. Nor let me wound the weak.

If dangers gather round. Still keep me calm and fearlefs ;

Help me to bear the crofs When life is dark and cheerlefs j To overcome my foe

With words and aflions kind ; When counfel I would know, Good counfel let me find.

And let me be with all In peace and friendfhip living.

As far as Chriftians may ; And if Thou aught art giving Of wealth and honours fair.

Oh this refufe me not. That nought be mingled there Of goods unjullly got.

And if a longer life Be here on earth decreed me.

And Thou through many a ftrife To age at laft wilt lead me, Thy patience in me fhed. Avert all fin and fhame. And crown my hoary head With pure untarnifh'd fame.

Let nothing that may chance. Me from my Saviour fever ;

1 40 Egra ©mnanira.

And dying with Him, take My foul to Thee for ever ; And let my body have

A little fpace to fleep Befide my fathers' grave.

And friends that o'er it weep.

And when the Day is come. And all the dead are waking,

Oh reach me down Thy hand, Thyfelfmy flumbers breaking; Then let me hear Thy voice.

And change this earthly frame. And bid me aye rejoice

With thofe who love Thy name.

JOHANN HeERMANN. 63O.

VI. Cf)e Btli\icxn from iSontrage.

HOU Who breakeft every chain. Thou Who ftill art ever near. Thou with Whom difgrace and pain Turn to joy and heaven e'en here ; Let Thy further judgments fall On the Adam ftrong within. Till Thy grace hath freed us all From the prifon-houfe of fin.

Ejjra Cirvmantfci. 141

'Tis Thy Father's will toward us.

Thou fhouldll end Thy work at length ; Hence in Thee are centred thus

Perfeft wifdom, love, and ftrength. That Thou none fhouldll lofe of thofe

Whom He gave Thee, though they roam 'Wilder'd here amid their foes.

Thou fhouldll bring them fafely home.

Ah Thou wilt. Thou canfl not ceafe.

Till Thy perfefl work be done ; In Thy hands we lie at peace.

Knowing all Thy love hath won. Though the world may blindly dream

We are captives poor and bafe. And the crofs's yoke may deem

Sign of meannefs and difgrace. ^

Look upon our bonds, and fee

How doth all creation groan 'Neath the yoke of vanity.

Make Thy full redemption known; Still we wreftle, cry, and pray.

Held in bitter bondage fall. Though the foul would break away

Into higher things at lafl.

Lord, we do not afk for rell

For the flefh, we only pray Thou wouldfl do as fcems Thee beft.

Ere yet comes our parting day ;

42 Hgra ©ermanira.

But our fpirit clings to Thee,

Will not, dare not, let Thee go.

Until Thou have fet her free

From the bonds that caufe her woe.

Conqueror conquer. Ruler reign.

King afTert Thy fovereign right. Till no flavery more remain

Spread the kingdom of Thy might ! Lead the captives freely out.

Through the covenant of Thy blood. From our dark remorfe and doubt.

For Thou willeft but our good.

Curs the fault it is, we own.

We are flaves to felf and flotb. Yet oh leave us not alone

In the living death we loathe ; Crufli'd beneath our burden's weight,

Crying at Thy feet we fall. Point the path, though fteep and ftrait.

Thou didft open once for all.

Ah how dearly were we bought

Not to ferve the world or fin ; By the work that Thou haft wrought

Muft Thou make us pure within,— Wholly pure and free, in us

Be Thine image now reftored : Fill'd from out 1 hy fulnefs thus

Grace for grace is on us uour'd.

Ilgra ©crtnanica. 14.3

Draw us to Thy crofs, O Love,

Crucify with Thee whate'er Cannot dwell with Thee above.

Lead us to thofe regions fair ! Courage! long the time may feem.

Yet His day is coming fall ; We Ihall be like them that dream

When our freedom dawns at laft.

Gottfried Arnold. 1697

VII.

Ef)e Safe IRefuge.

OURAGE, my forely-tempted heart ! Break through thy woes, forget their fmart ; Come forth and on Thy Bridegroom gaze, The Lamb of God, the Fount of grace; Here is thy place !

His arms are open, thither flee ! There reft and peace are waiting thee. The deathlefs crown of righteoufnefs. The entrance to eternal blifs ; He gives thee this !

Then combat well, of nought afraid. For thus His follower thou art made. Each battle teaches thee to fight. Each foe to be a braver knight,

Arm'd with His might.

144 Egra ©crmanifa.

If ftorms of fierce temptation rife. Unmoved I'll face the frowning Ikies ; If but the heart is true indeed, Chrift will be with me in my need, — His own could bleed.

I flee away to Thy dear crofs. For hope is there for every lofs. Healing for every wound and woe. There all the ftrength of love I know And feel its glow.

Before the Holy One I fall. The Eternal Sacrifice for all ; His death has freed us from our load. Peace on the anguifh'd foul beftow'd. Brought us to God.

How then fhould I go mourning on ? I look to Thee, — my fears are gone. With Thee is reft that cannot ceafe, For Thou haft wrought us full releafe. And made our peace.

Thy word hath ftill its glorious powers. The nobleft chivalry is ours ;

0 Thou, for whom to die is gain,

1 bring Thee here my all, oh deign

To accept and reign !

J. H. BOHMER. 1704..

ILsra (ffiermanira. 145

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING.

I.

€|)c Or^orus of ©oti's ^fianfeful OTtiltirfn.

OW thank we all our God, With heart and hands and voices.

Who wondrous things hath done. In Whom His world rejoices ; Who from our mother's arms Hath blefs'd us on our way With countlefs gifts of love. And ftill is ours to-day.

Oh may this bounteous God Through all our life be near us.

With ever joyful hearti And bleffed peace to cheer us ; And keep us in His grace.

And guide us when perplex'd. And free us from all ills

In this world and the next.

All praife and thanks to God The Father, now be given.

The Son, and Him who reign* With them in higheft heaven, 2 I,

146 Ugra ©ermanica.

The One eternal God,

Whom earth and heaven adore. For thus it was, is now.

And fhall be evermore !

Martin Rinckart. 1636.

II.

Cf)e (gooljncgs of ©otr.

LL praife and thanks to God moft High, The Father of all Love ! The God who doeth wondroufly. The God who from above My foul with richeft folace fills. The God who every forrow ftills ; Give to our God the glory !

The hofts of heaven Thy praifes tell, All thrones bow down to Thee,

And all who in Thy fhadow dwell. In earth and air and fea,

Declare and laud their Maker's might,

Whofe wifdom orders all things right ; Give to our God the glory !

And for the creatures He hath made

Our God fhall well provide ; His grace fhall be their conflant aid.

Their guard on every fide;

ilgra ©mnanica. 147

His kingdom ye may furely trull. There all is equal, all is juft ;

Give to our God the glory !

I fought Him in my hour of need ;

Lord God, now hear my prayer! For death He gave me life indeed.

And comfort for defpair ; For this my thanks fhall endlefs be. Oh thank Him, thank Him too with me Give to our God the glory !

The Lord is never far away.

Nor funder'd from His flock ; He is their refuge and their ftay.

Their peace, their truft, their rock. And with a mother's watchful love He guides them wherefoe'er they rove : Give to our God the glory !

And when earth cannot comfort more.

Nor earthly help avail, The Maker comes Himfelf, whofe (lore

Of bleffing cannot fail. And bends on them a Father's eyes Whom earth all reft and hope denies : Give to our God the glory !

Ah then till life hath reach'd its bound.

My God, I'll worfhip Thee, The chorus of Thy praife fhall found

Far over land and fea ;

148 ?Lj)ra ©frmanira.

Oh foul and body now rejoice. My heart fend forth a gladfome voice : Give to our God the glory !

All ye who name Chrift's holy Name,

Give to our God the glory ! Ye who the Father's power proclaim.

Give to our God the glory ! All idols under foot be trod. The Lord is God ! The Lord is God ! Give to our God the glory !

J. J. SCHUTZ. 1673.

in.

Cf)e <^IorB of (&oti in (Kieatlon.

i O, heaven and earth, and fea and air. Their Maker's glory all declare ; And thou, my foul, awake and fing. To Him Thy praifes alfo bring.

Through Him the glorious Source of Day Drives all the clouds of night away ; The pomp of ftars, the moon's foft light, Praife Him through all the filent night.

Behold, how He hath everywhere Made earth fo wondrous rich and fair ; The foreft dark, the fruitful land. All living things do fhow His hand.

i

ILgra ©n mantra. 149

Behold, how through the boundlefs fky The happy birds all fvvifcly fly ; And fire and wind and ftorm are ftill The ready fervants of His will.

Behold the waters' ceafelefs flow, For ever circling to and fro ; The mighty fea, the bubbling well. Alike their Maker's glory tell.

My God, how wondroufly dofl Thou Unfold Thyfelf to us e'en now ! O grave it deeply on my heart What I am. Lord, and what Thou art !

Joachim Neander. 1679

IV.

Cfie dFattf)fulnf0S of (go^.

WHO fo oft in deep diftrefs

And bitter grief mull: dwell. Will now my God with gladnefs blefs. And all His mercies tell ; Oh hear me then, my God and King, While of Thy Holy Name I fing. Who doeR all things well.

I50 Ugra (Sfmnanica.

Our fathers who are now no more Have praifed Thee in their day.

They taught their children oft of yore The wonders of Thy way ;

Our children fhall not reft, and ftill

They fhall not all the meafure fill. Nor all exhauft the lay.

To Thee how many thankful fongs Have gone up ere my days.

And yet to me a part belongs In that great hymn of praife ;

I too muft tell Thy wondrous might.

And praife Thy covenant juft and right. And Thine all-conquering grace.

And many a pious heart fhall learn

The fongs I make to Thee, Far o'er the ftars that yonder burn

Shall rife our harmony, Thy Majefty, Thy mighty Hand Shall be reveal'd to every land.

And all Thy goodnefs fee !

For who is gracious. Lord, as Thou ?

Who hath fo much forgiven ? Who ftill to us would pitying bow

Who thus with grace have ftriven ? For loft in fins the whole world lies. Her ceafelefs crimes would fcale the ikies.

And cry aloud to heaven.

Hgra ©frmanica. 151

Yes, it muft be a faithful heart

That thus can love us ftill. Who oft rejed the better part.

And thanklefs choofe the ill ; But God can be nought elfe but good. And therefore doth His mercies' flood

All things with bleffing fill.

For this the works that Thou haft made

Do thank Thee and rejoice. Thy faints (hall blefs Thee for Thine aid.

And make Thy ways their choice. And -tell abroad from hour to hour Thy glorious rule. Thy kingdom's power.

With far-refounding voice.

Yes, they fhall praife it, till its fame Through all the world fhall ring,

And all men learn to know Thy name And gifts and fervice bring ;

Eternal is Thy glorious throne.

Thy rule is like Thyfelf alone, O juft. Eternal King !

And yet in death or pain or lofs.

The Lord is with us all. Lightens the prefTure of the crofs.

Upholds us when we fall ; He ftems the fwelling tide of woes. And when we fink beneath its blows

He comes, ere yet we call.

152

Hijra (Gfrmnntca.

Al] eyes do wait on Thee, O Lord,

Who keepelt us from dearth. Who Icattereft rich fupplies abroad

For all the wants of earth ; Thou openeft oft Thy bounteous hand. And all in fea and air and land

Are iill'd with food and mirth.

Thy thoughts are good, and Thou art kind

E'en when we think it not; How many an anxious faithlefs mind

Sits grieving o'er its lot. And frets and pines by day and night. As God had loll it out of fight,

And all its wants forgot !

Ah no ! God ne'er forgets His own.

His heart is far too true. He ever feeks their good alone.

His love is daily new ; And though thou deem that things go ill. Yet He in all He doeth, ftill

Is holy, juft and true.

The Lord to them is ever nigh Who truly keep His word.

Whene'er in faith to Him they cry Their prayer is furely heard ;

He knoweth well who love Him well.

His love fhall yet their clouds difpel. And grant the hope deferr'd.

Hgra (fficTtnanira. 153

To thofe who love Him He denies

No good thing that they feek ; He fees their forrow, counts their fighs.

And hearkens when they fpeak. And furely frees them from their woes ; But thofe who hate them He o'erthrows.

And makes their boafting weak.

Yet this is but a little part

Of what I fain would fing; But daily fliall my voice and heart

New thanks and praifes bring ; Oh help me all that live and move. Help me to fpeak His faithful love.

And praife our glorious King.

Paul Gerhardt. i 606- 1 676.

V.

Wt}t ?^oltne0ei of ©otj iirougfit near to Mm in (Ei)mt,

MIGHTY Spirit ! Source whence all things fprung ! O glorious Majefly of perfedl Light ! Hath ever worthy praife to Thee been fung. Or mortal heart endured to meet Thy fight ? If they who fin have never known Muft veil their faces at Thy throne, Oh how fhall I, who am but fin and dull. Approach untrembling to the Pure and Juft ?

15+ Hgra Gmnantra.

The voice of confcience in the foul hath ftiovvn

Some far-off glimpfes of Thy holinefs. And yet more clearly halt Thou made it known In Thy dear word that tells us of Thy grace ; But with all-glorious light divine In His face we behold it fhine. The finlefs One, who this dark earth has trod To win through forrow finners back to God.

The brightnefs of Thy glory was the Son ;

Thy law engraven on His heart He wore. And on His forehead that all clearly fhone That Aaron's forehead but in ihadow bore ;* And even to death did He obey To take the guilt of fin away, And made a curfe for man, and dying thus. He won the power of holinefs for us.

Now may Thine image in us fhine anew

In holy righteoufnefs and innocence; Now, flrengthen'd by Thy Son, a fervice true Thy people render, pure from all offence ; But all their light is only dim, A fhadow'd broken light from Him, Who that we might be holy bore our load. In Whom we dare to meet the Holy God.

J. J. Rambach. 1720.

• Exodus xxviii. 36-38.

ILgra (Kmnanlra. 155

VI.

Co ti^e Sabtour.

N Thee is gladnefs

Amid all fadnefs, Jefus, Sunfhine of my heart! By Thee are given The gifts of heaven. Thou the true Redeemer art ! Our fouls Thou wakeft. Our bonds Thou breakeft. Who trulls Thee furely Hath built fecurely. He ftands for ever : Hallelujah. Our hearts are pining To fee Thy fhining, . Dying or living To Thee are cleaving. Nought can us fever ; Kallelujaii.

If He is ours.

We fear no powers Of earth or Satan, fin or death!

He fees and blelTes

In worft dillreffes. He can change them with a breath !

156 Ugra ©fwmantca.

Wherefore the ftory Tell of His glory With heart and voices ; All heaven rejoices

In Him for ever ;

Hallelujah. We triumph o'er fadnefs. We fing in our gladnefs. We love Thee, we praife Thee, And yonder (hall raife Thee,

Glad hymns for ever ; Hallelujah.

I. LiNDEMANN. I580-163O

VII.

jpox lulilic ^eace.

Written at the close of the Thirty Year^' War.

HANK God it hath refounded. The bleffed voice of joy and Peace And murder's reign is bounded. And fpear and fword at laft may ceafe. Arifc, take down thy lyre.

My country, and once more Uplift in full-toned choir Thv happy fcngs of yore ;

ILgra dScrmanira. 157

Oh raife thy heart to God and fay :

Thy covenants. Lord, endure. Thy mercies do not pafs away.

Thy promifes are fure.

For nothing do we merit. But fiery wrath and fharpeft rod,

A race of froward fpirit, Whofe fhamelefs fins ftilJ mock our God ;

And He indeed hath fent us Full many a bitter ftroke.

And yet, do we repent us. Or learn to bear His yoke ? Nay, as we were fo ftill we are.

But God abideth true. His help fliall ftill the noife of war.

The captives' bonds undo.

O welcome day, that brought us This precious noble gift of Peace !

For war hath deeply taught us What forrows come where fhe doth ceafe ;

In her our God now layeth All hope, all happinefs ;

Who woundeth her, or flayeth. Doth, like a madman, prefs The arrow to his own heart's core,

And quench with impious hand The golden torch of Peace once more.

That glads at laft our land.

158 Egra (Brermanica.

This ye could teach us only. So dull and hard thefe hearts of ours,

Ye homes, now ftripp'd and lonely. Ye wafted cities, ruin'd towers;

Ye fields once fairly blooming. With golden harvefts graced.

Where forefts now are glooming. Or fpreads a dreary wafte ; Ye graves, with corpfes piled, where lies

Full many a hero brave, Whofe like no more fhall meet our eyes.

Who died, yet could not fave.

O man, with bitter mourning Remember now the bygone years.

When thou haft met God's warning With carelefs fcofF, not contrite tears ;

Yet like a loving Father, He lays afide His wrath.

And feeks with kindnefs rather To lure thee to His path ; He tries if love may yet conftrain

The heart that hath withftood His rod, — oh let Him not in vain

Now ftrive with thee for good '

Thou carelefs world awaken ! Awake, awake, all ye that fleep.

Ere yet ye be o'ertaken With ruin fudden, fwift, and deep !

But he who knows Chrift liveth. May hope and fear no ill.

lL]Dra (Gfcrmantca.

'59

The Peace that now He givcth Hath deeper meaning ftill. For He will furely teach us this

" The end is nigh at hand. When ye in perfeft reft and peace Before your God fhall ftand."

Paul Gerhardt.

1648.

i6o

Hgra ©wnanica

THE LIFE OF FAITH.

I. dFaiti).

AITH is a living power from heaven. That grafps the promife God hath given, A trull that cannot be o'erthrown, Fix'd heartily on Chrifl; alone.

Faith finds in Chrift whate'er we need To fave or ftrengthen us indeed. Receives the grace He fends us down, And makes us fhare His crofs and crown.

Faith in the confcience worketh peace. And bids the mourner's weeping ceafe ; By Faith the children's place we claim, And give all honour to One Name.

Faith feels the Spirit's kindling breath In love and hope that conquer death ; Faith worketh hourly joy in God, And trufts and blelles e'en the rod.

Hgra (ffiermanica. i6i

2

We thank Thee then, O God of heaven. That Thou to us this faith haft given In Jefus Chrift Thy Son, Who is Our only Fount and Source of blifs;

And from His fulnefs grant each foul The rightful faith's true end and goal. The bleffednefs no foes deftroy. Eternal love and light and joy.

Bohemian Brethren.

II.

dFattl) tf)at tooiltct^ iig Hobe.

HO keepeth not God's word, yet faith, I know the Lord, is wrong; In him is not that bleffed faith Through which the truth is ftrong ; But he who hears and keeps the word. Is not of this world, but of God.

The faith His word hath caufed to fhine

Will kindle love in thee ; More wouldft thou know of things divine.

Deeper thy love muft be ; True faith not only gives thee light. But ftrength to love and do the right.

Jefus hath wafh'd away our fin. And we are children now ;

M

1 62 flgra ©ermanira.

Who feels fuch hope as this within.

To evil cannot bow; Rather with Chrift ail fcorn endure. So we be liice our Mafter pure !

For he doth pleafe the Father well

Who fimply can obey ; In him the love of God doth dwell

Who fleadfafl keeps His way ; A daily a6live life of love. Such fruits a living faith muft prove.

He is in God, and God in him.

Who ftill abides in love ; 'Tis love that makes the Cherubim

Obey and praife above ; For God is love, the lovelefs heart Hath in His life and joy no part.

C. F. Gellert. 1757

III.

^f)f Olfjristian's Crust.

KNOW in Whom I put my truft,

I know what ftandeth fail. When all things here dilTolve like dull Or fmoke before the blaft : I know what ftill endures, howe'er

All elfe may quake and fall. When lies the prudent men enfnare. And dreams the wife enthral.

ILj}ra (Effrmantca. 163

It is the Dayfpring from on high.

The adamantine Rock, Whence never ftorm can make me fly.

That fears no earthquake's fhock ; My Jefus Chrift, my fure Defence,

My Saviour, and my Light, That fhines within, and fcatters thence

Dark phantoms of the night :

Who once was borne, betray'd and flain.

At evening to the grave ; Whom God awoke. Who rofe again,

A Conqueror ftrong to fave ; Who pardons all my fin, who fends

His Spirit pure and mild ; Whofe grace my every ftep befriends.

Who ne'er forgets His child !

Therefore I know in Whom I truft,

I know what ftandeth faft. When all things form'd of earthly duft

Are whirling in the blaft ; The terrors of the final foe

Can rob me not of this, And this fhall crown me once, I know,

With never-fading blifs.

E. M. Arndt.

1 64 ?Lgr-a ©mnnntca.

IV.

Ci)p anchor of ti)c Soul.

ORD, all my heart is fix'd on Thee, I pray Thee, be not far from me. With grace and love divine. The whole wide world delights me not. Of heaven or earth. Lord, afk I not.

If only Thou art mine; And though my heart be like to break. Thou art my trufl that nought can Ihake, My portion, and my hidden joy, Whofe crofs could all my bonds deftroy ;

Lord Jefus Chriit ! My God and Lord ! My God and Lord ! Forfake me not who trufl Thy word !

Rich are Thy gifts ! 'Twas God that gave Body and foul, and all I have

In this poor life I live ; That I may ufe them to Thy praife. And man's true welfare all my days,

Thy grace I pray Thee give ; From all falfe dodrine keep me. Lord j All lies and malice from me ward ; In every crofs uphold Thou me. That I may bear it patiently ; Lord Jefus Chrift !

Egra ©rrmanifa. 165

My God and Lord ! My God and Lord ! In death Thy comfort ftill aiFord.

Ah Lord, let Thy dear angels come At my laft end to bear me home

To Paradife for aye ; And in its narrow chamber keep My body fafe in painlefs fleep

Until Thy Judgment Day ; And then from death awaken me. That thefe mine eyes with joy may fee, O Son of God, Thy glorious face. My Saviour, and my Fount of Grace !

Lord Jefus Chrift ! Receive my prayer, receive my prayer. Thy love for ever I'll declare.

SCHALLING. I 594.

V.

OW at laft I end the ftrife. To my God I give my life

Wholly, with a fteadfaft mind ; Sin, I will not hearken more, World, I turn from thee, 'tis o'er. Not a look I'll caft behind.

Hath my heart been wavering long. Have I dallied oft with wrong.

i66 Egra Ormnantra.

Now at lafl I firmly fay : All my will to this I give. Only to my God to live.

And to ferve Him night and day.

Lord, I ofFer at Thy feet

All I have moft dear and fvveet,

Lo ! I keep no fecret hoard : Try my heart, and lurks there aught Falfe within its inmoft thought.

Take it hence this moment. Lord !

I will fliun no toil or wo. Where Thou leadeft I will go.

Be my pathway plain or rough ; If but every hour may be Spent in work that pleafes Thee,

Ah, dear Lord, it is enough !

One thing will I feek alone. Nothing outward fhall be known.

Sought, or toil'd for, more by me ; Strange to earth and all her care. Well content with pilgrim's fare.

Shall my life be hid in Thee.

Thee I make my choice alone. Make for ever. Lord, Thine own

All my powers of foul and mind ; Here I give myfelf away. Let the covenant ftand for aye

That my hand to-day hath fign'd.

Tersteegek. 1 73 1.

Epra (Sfrmanira. 167

VI.

Ct)P ®i)nstian iSace.

'HO would make the prize his own. Runs as fwiftly as he can ; Who would gain an earthly crown. Strives in earneft as a man ; Trains himfelf betimes with care For the conflidl he would fhare, Cafts afide whate'er could be Hindrance to His vidlory.

Lord, Thou biddeft me afpire

To a prize fo high, To grand. That it fets my foul on fire

To be found amidft Thy band : Oh how brightly fhineth down From Thy heights the ftarry crown And the throne to vidlors given. Who for Thee have bravely ftriven !

Yet it feems I ftrive in vain.

Lord, in pity look on me. Thou my weaknefs muft fuftain.

Set me now from all things free That would keep me from my goal ; Come, Thyfelf prepare my foul, Give me joy and flrength and life. Help me in the race, the ftrife.

i66

?Lgra €rennantca.

Now at laft I firmly fay : All my will to this I give. Only to my God to live.

And to ferve Him night and day.

Lord, I ofFer at Thy feet

All I have moft dear and fweet,

Lo ! I keep no fecret hoard : Try my heart, and lurks there aught Falfe within its inmoft thought.

Take it hence this moment. Lord !

I will fliun no toil or wo. Where Thou leadeft I will go.

Be my pathway plain or rough ; If but every hour may be Spent in work that pleafes Thee,

Ah, dear Lord, it is enough !

One thing will I feek alone. Nothing outward fhall be known.

Sought, or toil'd for, more by me ; Strange to earth and all her care. Well content with pilgrim's fare.

Shall my life be hid in Thee.

Thee I make my choice alone. Make for ever. Lord, Thine own

All my powers of foul and mind ; Here I give myfelf away. Let the covenant ftand for aye

That my hand to-day hath fign'd.

Tersteegen. 1731.

Upra (Ercrmanira.

167

1. 17)''

VI.

^^t (K^rfstian i^arc.

'HO would make the prize his own. Runs as fwiftly as he can ; Who would gain an earthly crown. Strives in earneft as a man ; Trains himfelf betimes with care For the conflift he would fhare, Cafts afide whate'er could be Hindrance to His vidory.

Lord, Thou bid deft me afpire

To a prize fo high, fo grand. That it fets my foul on fire

To be found amidft Thy band : Oh how brightly fhineth down From Thy heights the ftarry crown And the throne to viftors given. Who for Thee have bravely ftriven !

Yet it feems I ftrive in vain.

Lord, in pity look on me. Thou my weaknefs muft fuftain.

Set me now from all things free That would keep me from my goal ; Come, Thyfelf prepare my foul. Give me joy and ftrength and life. Help me in the race, the ftrife.

1 68 Upra dS^crm antra.

Well our utmoft efforts worth

Is the crown I fee afar. Though the blinded fons of earth

Care not for our holy war; An exceeding great reward Is that crown of grace, my Lord; Be Thyfelf my Strength divine. And the prize fhall foon be mine.

J. Mentzer. 1704.

VII.

Ef)t (K^ristian's 3fog.

[H deareft Lord ! to feel that Thou art neai Brings deepeft peace, and hufhes every fear ; To fee Thy fmile, to hear Thy gracious voice. Makes foul and body inwardly rejoice

With praife and thanks.

We cannot fee as yet Thy glorious face. Not yet our eyes behold its love and grace. But Thee our inmoft foul can furely feel, Oh clearly. Lord, canft Thou Thyfelf reveal.

Though all unfeen !

Oh well for him who ever day and night Still only feeks to feed on Thee aright !

1

Ugra (Kfermanica. 169

In him a well of joy for ever fprings. And all day long his heart is glad and fings :

Who is like Thee ?

For Thou doft love to meet us as a Friend, Our comfort, healing, hope, and joy to fend ; Patient to pity and to calm our woe. And daily to forgive us all we owe.

Of Thy rich grace.

Or though we weep foon bid our tears to ceafe, And make us feel how ftrong Thy love and peace ; And let the foul fee Thee within, and learn From need and love alike to Thee to turn

With ceafelefs gaze.

A warm and loving heart, a childlike mind. Through every change mayft Thou within us find ; The comfort of Thy holy forrows keep Our hearts at reft, in peace moft calm and deep.

In joy or woe !

So fhall we all, until Thy heaven we fee. Like children evermore be glad in Thee, Though many a time the fudden tear may ftart,— If only Thou wilt touch the throbbing heart

And ftill its pain !

Thou reacheft down to us Thy wounded hand. And at Thy crofs, dear Lord, aftiamed we ftand, Remembering all Thy truth through weal and woe, Until our eyes with tears muft overflow

Of thanks and praife. Christian Gregor. 1778

1 70 Hgra i&ennanira.

VIII. Wintitx Olloutis.

fERE behold me, as I caft me

At Thy throne, O glorious King ! Tears faft thronging, childlike longing. Son of Man, to Thee I bring. Let me find Thee — let me find Thee ! Me a poor and worthlefs thing.

Look upon me. Lord, I pray Thee,

Let Thy Spirit dwell in mine ; Thou haft fought me. Thou haft bought me.

Only Thee to know I pine ; Let me find Thee — let me find Thee!

Take my heart and grant me Thine.

Nought I afk for, nought I ftrive for.

But Thy grace fo rich and free. That Thou giveft whom Thou loveft.

And who truly cleave to Thee ; Let me find Thee — let me find Thee !

He hath all things who hath Thee.

Earthly treafure, mirth and pleafure.

Glorious name, or richeft hoard. Are but weary void and dreary.

Hgra ©ermanira. 17'

To the heart that longs for God ; Let me find Thee — let me find Thee ! I am ready, mighty Lord.

Joachim Neander. 1679.

IX.

aspiratuin.

P ! yes, upward to thy gladnefs

Rife, my heart, and foul, and mind ! Caft, oh caft away thy fadnefs. Rife where thou thy Lord canft find. He is thy home. And thy life alone is He; Hath the world no place for thee. With Him is room.

On, ftill onward, mounting nigher On the wings of faith to Him! On, flill onward, ever higher.

Till the mournful earth grows dim ! God is thy Rock ; Chrift thy Champion cannot fail thee, Howfoe'er thy foes affail thee. Fear not their fhock.

Firm, yes firmly, ever cleaving Unto Chrift the ftrong and true.

All, yes all, to God ftill leaving. For His love is daily new.

172 fLgra ©crmanica.

Be fteadfaft here ; Soon thy foes fhall be o'erthrown. Since He wills thy good alone.

Be of good cheer.

Hide thee, in His chamber hide thee, Chrift hath open'd now the door; Tell Him all that doth betide thee. All thy forrows there outpour ; He hears thy cry ; Men may hate thee and deceive thee. But He cannot, will not leave thee. He ftill is nigh.

High, oh high, o'er all things earthy,

Raife thy thoughts, my foul, to heaven ; One alone of thee is worthy. All thou haft to Him be given ; Thy Lord He is Who fo truly pleads to have thee. Who in love hath died to fave thee ; Then thou art His.

Up then, upwards ! feek thou only

For the things that are above ; Sin thou hateft, earth is lonely.

Rife to Him whom thou doft love, — There art thou bleft ; All things here muft change and die. Only with our Lord on high Is perfeft reft.

J. C. SCHADE. 1699.

ilgm ©ermanica. 173

X.

5ong of ti^f ©tlttsttan pilgrim.

PILGRIM here I wander. On earth have no abode. My fatherland is yonder. My home is with my God. For here I journey to and fro.

There in eternal reft Will God His gracious gift beftow On all the toil-opprefs'd.

For what hath life been giving. From youth up till this day. But conftant toil and ftriving? Far back as thought can ftray. How many a day of toil and care.

How many a night of tears. Hath pafs'd in grief that none could fhare. In lonely anxious fears !

How many a ftorm hath lighten'd And thunder'd round my path ! And winds and rams have frighten'd My heart with fierceft wrath : And cruel envy, hatred, fcorn.

Have darken'd oft my lot. And patiently reproach I've borne. Though I deferved it not.

174 Ugra ©ermanica.

Then through this life of dangers

I onward take my way ; But in this land of ftrangers I do not think to Hay, Still forward on the road I fare That leads me to my home. My Father's comfort waits me there. When I have overcome.

Ah yes, my home is yonder.

Where all the angelic bands Praife Him with awe and wonder. In whofe Almighty hands All things that are and fhall be, lie.

By Him upholden ftill. Who cafteth down and lifts on high At His moft holy will.

That home have I defired,

*Tis there I would be gone ; Till I am well-nigh tired.

O'er earth I've journey'd on ; The longer here I roam, I find

The lefs of real joy That e'er could pleafe or fill my mind. For all hath fome alloy.

The lodging is too cheerlefs. The forrow is too much ;

Ah come, my heart is fearlefs, Releafe it with Thy touch.

Ugta (KJermanira. 175

When Thy heart wills, and make an end

Of all this pilgrimage. And with Thine arm and ftrength defend.

When foes againft me rage.

Where now my fpirit ftayeth

Is not her true abode. This earthly houfe decayeth. And fhe will drop its load. When comes the hour to leave beneath

What now I ufe and have ; And when I've yielded up my breath Earth gives me but a grave.

But Thou, my Joy and gladnefs, O Thou, my Life and Light, Wilt raife me from this fadnefs. This long tempeftuous night. Into the perfeft gladfome day. Where bathed in joy divine. Among Thy faints, and bright as they, I too fhall ever fhine.

There fhall I dwell for ever.

Not as a gueft alone. With thofe who ceafe there never To worfliip at Thy throne; ^ There in my heritage I rell. From bafer things fet free. And join the chorus of the bleft For ever, Lord, to Thee !

Paul Gerhardt. j6o6-i6"6.

1 70 iigra ©ermantca.

xr. iLongtng for ?l?ome.

OW the pearly gates unfold,

O Thou Joy of higheft heaven. Who ere earth was made, of old Light of light for light waft given ! Haflen, Lord, and quickly come.

Bring the bride Thou haft betroth'd. In Thine own pure radiance clothed. Safe to Thine eternal home. Where no more the night of fin Spreads its fear and gloom within.

All my fpirit thirfts to fee.

Lord, Thy face unveil'd and bright ; And to ftand from fin fet free,

Spotlefs Lamb, amid Thy light. But I leave it, — Thou doft well.

And my heaven is here and now,

Dayftar of my foul, if Thou Wilt but deign in me to dwell ; For without Thee could there be Joy in heaven itfelf for me?

Blifs from Thee my foul hath won. Spite of darkly threat'ning ill ;

And my heart calls Thee its Sun, And the fea of care grows ftill

ftgra (Rermnnica. 177

In the fhining of Thy fmile;

For Thy love's all-quickening ray

Chafes night and pain away. That my heart grows light the while; Heavenly joys in Thee are mine. Far from Thee I mourn and pine.

Graft me into Thee for ever.

Tree of Life, that I may grow Stronger heavenward, drooping never

For the fliarpeft ftorms that blow. Bearing fruits of faith and truth ;

Then tranfplant me out of time

Into that eternal clime Where I fhall renew my youth. When earth's wither'd leaves fhall bloom Frefh in beauty from the tomb.

Life, to whom as to my Head

I unite me, through my foul Now Thy quickening life-ftream fhed.

And Thy love's warm current roll, Frefliening all with (Irength and grace;

Be Thou mine, I am Thine own.

Here and ever Thine alone. All my hope in Thee I place; Heaven and earth are nought to me, Save, O Life of life, with Thee !

Dessler. 1692,

178 ILpra Cirnnanira.

SONGS OF THE CROSS.

L

(!5uepn i^aria of p^ungarg's Song.

Composed moft probably in 1526, when fhe was com- pelled to flee from Buda on account of her adherence to the Reformed Do6lrine, after the Battle of Mohacz ; in which her hufband and the flower of the Hungarian nobility fell in defending their country againlt the Turks.

AN I my fate no more withftand. Nor Tcape the hand That for my faith would grieve me ; This is my ftrength, that well I know In weal or woe God's love the world muft leave me God is not far, though hidden now. He foon fhall rife and make them bow Who of His word bereave me.

Judge as ye will my caufe this hour.

Yours is the power,

God bids me ftrive no longer ;

I know what mightieft feems to-day

Shall pafs away.

Hgra (Srmnantca. 179

Time than your rule is ftronger. The Eternal Good I rather choofe. And fearlefs all for this 1 lofe ;

God help me thus to conquer !

All has its day, the proverb faith : This is my faith. Thou, Chrift, wilt be befide me. And look on all this pain of mine As were it Thine, When fharpeft woes betide me ; Muft I then tread this path — I yield ; World, as thou wilt, God is my fliield. And He will rightly guide me !

II.

In ©uttoarti anti intoart Btstrcss.

From the Dark Times of the Thirty Years' War.

CHRIST, Thou bright and Morning Star, Now fhed Thy light abroad ;

Shine on us from Thy throne afar In this dark place, dear Lord, With Thy pure glorious word.

0 Jefus, Comfort of the poor, I lift my heart to Thee,

1 know Thy mercies Hill endure And Thou wilt pity me; I trult alone to Thee.

ISO Upra ©ermantca.

I cannot reft, I may not fleep.

No joy or peace I know. My foul is torn with anguifh deep

And fears a deeper woe ;

O Chrift, Thy pity Ihow !

For Thou didft fuffer for my foui.

Her burdens to remove ; Oh make me through Thy forrows whole,

Refrefti me with Thy love;

Lord, help me from above.

Then Jefus, glory, honour, praiie,

I'll ever fing to Thee ; Increafe my faith that Thou wilt raife

Me once where I fhall fee

Eternal joys with Thee !

Anon.

III.

Ci)e onlg l^cfugf in Cimc of Croufile.

HEN in the hour of utmoft need We know not where to look for aid. When days and nights of anxious thought Nor help nor counfel yet have brought :

Then this our comfort is alone. That we may meet before Thy throne. And cry, O faithful God, to Thee For refcue from our mifery :

ILgra (Germantca. i«i

To Thee may raife our hearts and eyes. Repenting fore with bitter fighs. And feek Thy pardon for our fin. And refpite from our griefs within :

For Thou haft promifed gracioufly To hear all thofe who cry to Thee, Through Him whofe Name alone is great, Our Saviour and our Advocate.

And thus we come, O God, to-day. And all our woes before Thee lay. For tried, forfaken, lo ! we ftand. Perils and foes on every hand.

Ah hide not for our fins Thy face, Abfolve us through Thy boundlefs grace. Be with us in our anguifh ftill. Free us at laft from every ill.

That fo with all our hearts we may Once more our glad thankfgivings pay. And walk obedient to Thy word. And now and ever praife the Lord.

Paul Eber. 151 1-1569.

1 82 iLgra iS^frmant'ca.

IV.

^ntitx a J^eabg ^ribate Olrogs or iSerfabemcnt.

FAITHFUL God ! O pitying Heart,

Whofe goodnefs hath no end ; I know this crofs with all its fmart Thy hand alone doth fend ! Yes, Lord, I know it is Thy love, Not wrath or hatred bids me prove The load 'neath which I bend.

'Twas ever wont with Thee, my God,

To chaften oft a fon ; He whom Thou lovefl feels Thy rod.

Tears flow ere joy is won ; Thou leadeft us through darkeft pain Back to the joyous light again ;

Thus ever haft Thou done.

For e'en the Son Thou moft doft love

Here trod the path of woe ; Ere He might reach His throne above

He bore the crofs below ; Through anguilh, fcorn, and poverty. Through bittereft death He pafs'd, that we

The blifs of heaven might know.

!ij)ra ©ermantca. 183

And if the pure and finlefs One

Could thus to forrow bow. Shall I who fo much ill have done

Refift the crofs ? O Thou In whom doth perfefl patience fhine. Whoe'er would fain be counted Thine

Muft wear Thy likenefs now.

Yet, Father, each frefh aching heart

Will queftion in its woe. If Thou canft fend fuch bitter fmart

And yet no anger know ? How long the hours beneath the crofs ! How hard to learn that love and lofs

From one fole Fountain flow !

But what I cannot. Thou true Good,

Oh work Thyfclf in me; Nor ever let my trials' flood

O'erwhelm my faith in Thee ; Keep me from every murmur. Lord, And make me fteadfaft in Thy word.

My tower of refuge be !

If I am weak. Thy tender care

Shall bid me fear no ill ; With ceafelefs cries and tears and prayer

The long fad hours I'll fill ; The heart that yet can hope and truft. And cry to Thee, though from the duft.

Is all unconquer'd ftill !

i84 Egra^'frmantca.

O Thou who diedil to give us life.

Full well to Thee is known The crofs, and all the inner ftrife

Of thofe who weep alone, And 'neath their burden well-nigh faint ; The aching heart's unfpoken plaint

Finds echo in Thine own.

Ah Chrift, do Thou within me fpeak.

For Thou canfl; comfort beft ; The tower and ftronghold of the weak.

The weary wanderer's reft. Our fhadow in the noon-day hours. And when the tempeft round us lowers.

Our flielter fafe and bleft !

O Holy Spirit, fent of God,

In whom all gladnefs lies, Refrefh my foul, lift off her load.

From Thee all fadnefs flies ; Thou know'ft the glories yet to come. The joy, the folace, of that home.

Where we fhall one day rife.

There in Thy prefence we fliall fee

Glories beyond our ken ; The crofs known here to none but Thee

Shall turn to gladnefs then; There fmiles for all our tears are given, And for our woes the joys of heaven ;

Lord, I believe ! Amen !

Paul Gerhardt. 1606- 1676-

Egra ©Ptmantca. 185

Cf)e ©ne Crue dFrlnili.

H God, my days are dark indeed. How oft this aching heart muft bleed. The narrow way, how fiU'd with pain

That I muft pafs ere heaven I gain !

How hard to teach this flefh and blood

To feek alone the Eternal Good !

Ah whither now for comfort turn ? For Thee, my Jefus, do I yearn. In Thee have I, howe'er diftreft. Found ever counfel, aid, and reft; I cannot all forfaken be While ftill my heart can truft in Thee.

Jefus, my only God and Lord,

What fweetnefs in Thy name is ftored !

So dark and hopelefs is no grief

But Thy fweet Name can bring relief.

So keen no forrows' rankling dart

But Thy fweet Name can heal my heart.

The world can fhow no truth like Thine, And therefore will I not repine ; I know Thou wilt forfake me not. Thy truth is fix'd, though dark my lot;

i86 Hgra <iSennanica.

Thou art my Shepherd, and Thy fheep From every real harm Thou'lt keep.

Jefus, my boaft, my light, my joy.

The treafure nought can e'er deftroy.

No words, no fong that I can frame

Speak half the fweetnefs of Thy name ;

They only all its power fhall prove

Whofe hearts have learnt Thy faith and love.

How many a time I've fadly faid. Far better were it I were dead. Far better ne'er the light to fee. If I had not this joy in Thee ; For he who hath not Thee in faith. His very life is merely death.

Jefus, my Bridegroom, and my crown. If Thou but fmile, the world may frown. In Thee lie depths of joy untold. Far richer than her richeft gold ; Whene'er I do but think of Thee, Thy dews drop down and folace me ;

Whene'er I hope in Thee, my Friend, Thy comfort and Thy peace defcend ; Whene'er in grief I pray and fing I feel new courage in me fpring ; Thy Spirit witnefles that this Is foretafte of the eternal blifs.

Upra ©ermanica. 187

Then while I live this life of care The crofs for Thee I'll gladly bear ; Grant me a patient willing mood, I know that it fhall work my good ; Help me to do my talk aright. That it may ftand before Thy fight.

Let me this flelh and blood controul. From fm and fhame preferve my foul. And keep me fteadfaft in the faith. Then I am Thine in life and death ; Jefus, Confoler, bend to me. Ah would I were e'en now with Thee !

Conrad HojER. 1584.

VI.

mantlet tfie ^xt»mxc of Clare or ^oliertg.

Written moft probably either during the great Fa- mine in Nuremburg in 1552, or the time of the Siege in 1561,

HY art thou thus call down, my heart? Why troubled, why doft mourn apart, O'er nought but earthly wealth? Truft in thy God, be not afraid. He is thy Friend who all things made.

Doft think thy prayers He doth not heed ? He knows full well what thou doll need. And heaven and earth are His ;

i88 ILgra ©ermanira.

My Father and my God, who ftill Is with my foul in every ill.

Since Thou my God and Father art,

I know Thy faithful loving heart ,

Will ne'er forget Thy child ; See I am poor, I am but duft. On earth is none w^hom I can truft.

The rich man in his wealth confides, But in my God my truft abides;

Laugh as ye will, I hold This one thing faft that He hath taught,— Who trufts in God Ihall want for nought- Yes, Lord, Thou art as rich to-day As Thou haft been and ftialt be aye,

I reft on Thee alone ; Thy riches to my foul be given. And 'tis enough for earth and heaven.

What here may fhine I all refign. If the eternal crown be mine.

That through Thy bitter death Thou gainedft, O Lord Chrift, for me For this, for this, I cry to Thee !

All wealth, all glories, here below. The beft that this world can beftow, J

Silver or gold or lands, m

But for a little time is given, ^-^

And helps us not to enter heaven.

3L})xa ©mnanira. 189

I thank Thee, Chriil, Eternal Lord, That Thou haft taught me by Thy word

To know this truth and Thee; O grant me alfo ileadfaftnefs Thy heavenly kingdom not to mifs.

Praife, honour, thanks, to Thee be brought. For all things in and for me wrought

By Thy great mercy, Chrift. This one thing only ftill I pray. Oh caft me ne'er from Thee away.

Hans Sachs.

VII. ^f)t i^rsting'^lace amtti (K^aitflfg.

LL things hang on our pofleffing God's free love and grace and blefling, Though all earthly wealth depart ; He who God for his hath taken, 'Mid the changing world unlhaken Keeps a free heroic heart.

He who hitherto hath fed me. And to many a joy hath led me.

Is and fhall be ever mine ; He who did fo gently Ichool me. He who ftill doth guide and rule me.

Will not leave me now to pine.

19° tlgra ©rctmanira.

Shall I weary me with fretting O'er "vain trifles, and regretting

Things that never can remain ? I will ftrive but that to win me That can {hed true reft within me.

Reft the world muft feek in vain.

When my heart with longing fickens, Hope again my courage quickens.

For my wifti ftiall be fulfill'd. If it pleafe His love moft tender; Life and foul I all furrender

Unto Him on whom I build.

Well He knows how beft to grant me All the longing hopes that haunt me.

All things have their proper day ; I would didlate to Him never. As God wills fo be it ever.

When He wills, I will obey.

If on earth He bids me linger. He will guide me with His finger

Through the years that now look dim ; All that earth has fleets and changes As a river onward ranges.

But I reft in peace on Him.

Anon, in a Nuremburg Hymn- book of 1676.

Hgra ©ermantca. 191

VIII.

Kest in t^e Hortj.

Y God, in Thee all fulnefs lies.

All want in me, from Thee apart ; In Thee my foul hath endleft joys. In me is but an aching heart ; Poor as the pooreft here I pine. In Thee a heavenly kingdom's mine.

Thou feeft vvhatfoe'er I need,

Thou feeft it, and picieft me; Thy fwift companions hither fpeed.

Ere yet my woes are told to Thee ; Thou heareft. Father, ere we cry. Shall I not ftili before Thee lie?

I leave to Thee whate'er is mine. And in Thy will I calmly reft ;

I know that richeft gifts are Thine,

Thou canft and Thou wilt make me bleft.

For Thou haft promifed, and our Lord

Will never break His promifed word.

Thou lov'ft me. Father, with the love

Wherewith Thou Jovedft Chrift Thy Son, And fo a brightnefs from above

192 Hgra dlJprmantca.

Still glads me though my tears may run. For in Thy love I find and know What all the world could ne'er bellow.

Then I can let the world go by. And yet be ftill and reft in Thee,

I fit, I walk, I ftand, I lie. Thou ever watcheft over me.

And when the yoke is preffing fore

I think, my God lives evermore !

Anon.

IX.

^\)e (S^ristian's OTcnfi^cnce.

Probably by Joachim Magdeburg, a Paftor who died in 1560 — longafavourite Hymn at death-beds; faidtobe found in a Itained glafs window in Nordhaufen with the date 1592, printed at lateft 1598.

HO puts his truft in God moft juft Hath built his houfe fecurely ; He who relies on Jefus Chrift, Shall reach His heaven moft furely : Then fix'd on Thee my truft (hall be.

For Thy truth canaot alter; While mine Thou art, not death's worft fmarl Shall make my courage faitcr

iLgra (Sennamca. 193

Though fierceft foes my courfe oppofe,

A dauntlefs front I'll fhow them ; My champion Thou, Lord Chrift, art now.

Who foon {halt overthrow them ! And if but Thee I have in me

With Thy good gifts and Spirit, Nor death nor hell, I know full wcU,

Shall hurt me, through Thy merit.

I reft me here without a fear.

By Thee fhall all be given That I can need, O Friend indeed.

For this life or for heaven. O make me true, my heart renew.

My foul and flefh deliver ! Lord, hear my prayer, and in Thy care

Keep me in peace for ever.

X.

(tf)iMikt %utmimon,

HAT pleafes God, O pious foul. Accept with joy, though thunders roll And tempeils lower on every fide. Thou knoweil nought can thee betide But pleafes God.

The beft will is our Father's will. And we may reft there calm and ftill.

19+ ilfira ©ennantca.

Oh make it hour by hour thine own. And wifh for nought but that alone

Which pleafes God.

His thought is aye the wifeft thought. How oft man's wifdom comes to nought, Miftake or weaknefs in it lurks, It brings forth ill, and feldom works

What pleafes God.

His mind is aye the gentleft mind. His will and deeds are ever kind. He blefles when againfl: us fpeaks ,The evil world, that rarely feeks

What pleafes God.

His heart is aye the trueft heart. He bids all grief and harm depart. Defending, fhielding day and night The man who knows and loves aright What pleafes God.

He governs all things here below. In Him lie all our weal and woe. He bears the world within His hand. And fo to us bear fea and land

What pleafes God.

And o'er His little flock He yearns. And when to evil ways it turns. The Father's rod oft fmiteth fore. Until it learns to do once more

What pleafes God.

Hgra ©ennantca, ig^

What moft would profit us He knows. And ne'er denies aught good to thofe Who with their utmofl: ftrength purfue The right, and only care to do

What pleafes God.

If this be fo, then World, from me Keep if thou wilt, what pleafes thee ; But thou, my foul, be well content With God and all things He hath fent ; As pleafes God.

And muft thou fufFer here and there. Cling but the firmer to His care. For all things are beneath His fway. And muft in very truth obey

What pleafes God.

True faith will grafp His mercy faft. And hope bring patience at the laft. Then both within thy heart enfhrine. So fhall the heritage be thine

That pleafes God.

To thee for ever fhall be given A kingdom and a crown in heaven. And there fhall be fulfill'd in thee. And thou fhalt tafle and hear and fee

What pleafes God. Paul Gerhardt. 1653.

196 ilgra €Jennantca,

XI. Cijc quiet Ijopinfl ^caxt

Written for the comfort of a Sick Friend, who fet it to Mufic, and on his recovery frequently caufed it to be fung before his houfe by the School-Choir.

HATE'ER my God ordains is right. His will is ever juil; Howe'er He order now my caule I will be ftill and truft. He is my God, Though dark my road. He holds me that I fliall not fall. Wherefore to Him 1 leave it all.

Whate'er my God ordains is right.

He never will deceive ; He leads me by the proper path. And fo to Him I cleave. And take content What He hath fent ; His hand can turn my griefs away. And patiently I wait His day.

Whate'er my God ordains is right.

He taketh thought for me. The cup that my Phyfician gives

No poifon'd draught can be.

ILj)ra (ffifrmanira. 197

But medicine due;

For God is true. And on that changelefs truth I build. And all my heart with hope is fiU'd.

Whate'er my God ordains is right.

Though I the cup muft drink That bitter feems to my faint heart, I will not fear nor flirink; Tears pafs away With dawn of day. Sweet comfort yet fliall fill my heart. And pain and forrow all depart.

Whate'er my God ordains is right.

My Light, my Life is He, Who cannot will me aught but good, I truft Him utterly ; For well I know. In joy or woe. We once fhall fee as funlight clear How faithful was our Guardian here.

Whate'er my God ordains is right.

Here will I take my ftand ; Though forrow, need, or death make earth For me a defert land. My Father's care Is round me there. He holds me that I fhall not fall. And fo to Him I leave it all.

S. RODIGAST. 1675.

198 iLgra <5mnanira.

XII. Cf)c (Courage of prrffct Crust.

HEREFORE fliould I grieve and pme? Is not Chrift the Lord ftill mine ? Who can fever me from Him ? Who can rob me of the heaven Which the Son of God hath given Unto faith though weak and dim ?

Naked, helplefs, was I born

When my earlieft breath was drawn.

Naked mufl I wander forth. As a fhadow flits away At the coming of the day.

Bearing nought with me from earth.

Soul and body, life and goods, Are not mine, are only God's,

Given me by His loving will ; Would He take back aught of His, Let Him take it, not for this

Shall my fong of praife be ftill.

Sendeth He fome crofs to bear, Cometh forrow, need, or care. Shall it all my peace deftroy ?

ILgra Gmnanira. 199

He who fends can end it too. Well He knows in feafon due. How to turn my griefs to joy.

Many a day of happinefs

Hath He fent who loves to blefs.

Shall I not bear aught for God f He is kind, we know that He Ne'er forfakes us utterly.

Love lies hidden in His rod.

What is there my foes can do. Though they be nor weak nor few.

Save to fcorn and mock my woe ? Let them laugh, and let them mock, God my Saviour and my Rock

Soon fhall all their fchemes o'erthrow.

With a glad and fearlefs mien Should a Chriftian man be feen,

Wherefoe'er be caft his lot ; Yea, though death feem clofe at hand. Calm and quiet let him Hand,

And his fpirit tremble not.

Him no death has power to kill. But from many a dreaded ill

Bears his fpirit fafe away : Shuts the door of bitter woes. Opens yon bright path that glows

With the light of perfedt day.

200 fL^ra (Smnnntra.

There in deepeft joy my heart Shall be heal'd from all the fmart

Of the wounds that pierced it here ; Here can no true good be found. Seeming goods that here abound

In a moment difappear.

Wealth that this world can command. Is it aught but barren fand.

Bringing cares and troubles fore? There, there are the gifts unpriced Where my Shepherd Jefus Chrift

Shall refrelh me evermore.

Fount of Joy, my Lord Divine, Thine I am, and Thou art mine.

Nought can part my foul from Thee ; I am Thine, for Thou didfl give Once Thy life that I might live.

Dearly didfl Thou purchafe me.

Thou art mine, becaufe my heart Ne'er will let Thee more depart.

Clings to Thee her joy, her light ; Bring me, bring me to that place Where, enclafped in Thine embrace.

Love at laft is bleft with fight.

Paul Gerhardt. 1653,

iLgra ©mnanica. 201

XIII. 5rf)e ^ufficienrg of (3oti,

EEMS it in my anguifh lone. As though God forfook His own, Yet I hold this knowledge fail, God will furely help at laft.

Though awhile it be delay'd He denieth not His aid; Though it come not oft with fpeed. It will furely come at need.

As a father not too foon Grants his child the long'd-for boon. So our God gives when He will ; Wait His leifure and be flill.

I can reft in thoughts of Him, When all courage elfe grows dim. For I know my foul fhall prove His is more than father's love.

Would the powers of ill affright, I can fmile at all their might; Or the crofs be preffing fore, God, my God, lives evermore !

Man may hate me caufelefsly, Man may plot to ruin me.

202 ILgra ©ermanira.

Foes my heart may pierce and rend ; God in heaven is ftill my Friend.

Earth may all her gifts deny. Safe my treafure ftill on high. And if heaven at laft be mine. All things elfe I can refign.

I renounce thee willingly. World, I hate what pleafes thee. Baneful every gift of thine. Only be my God ftill mine.

Ah Lord, if but Thee I have Nought of other good I crave. Bright is even death's dark road. If but Thou art there, my God.

C. TiTius. 1641-1703.

Hgra ©ermantca.

203

THE FINAL CONFLICT AND HEAVEN.

I.

Cf)e Sancfrtamtj) of Hife.

KNOW my end muft furely come.

But know not when or where or how. It may be I fhall hear my doom To-night, to-morrow, nay or now Ere yet the prefent hour is fled. This living body may be dead.

Lord Jefus, let me daily die.

And at the laft Thy prefence give,

Then Death his utmoft power may try. He can but make me truly live.

Then welcome my laft hour fhall be.

When, where, and how it pleafes Thee.

S. Franck. 171 1.

204 Ugra (Sfrmanita.

II. preparation for Beatf).

Said to be written on occafion of the fudden death of Duke George of Saxe-Eifenach, while hunting.

HO knows how near my end may be ? Time fpeeds away, and Death comes on ; How fwiftly, ah ! how fuddenly. May Death be here, and Life be gone ! My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day.

The world that fmiled when morn was come May change for me ere clofe of eve;

So long as earth is ftill my home In peril of my death I live ;

My God, for Jefu's fake I pray

Thy peace may blefs my dying day.

Teach me to ponder oft my end. And ere the hour of death appears.

To call my foul on Chrift her Friend, Nor fpare repentant cries and tears ;

My God, for Jefu's fake I pray

Thy peace may blefs my dying day.

And let me now fo order all.

That ever ready I may be To fay with joy, whate'er befall.

Lord, do Thou as Thou wilt with me;

Ill)ra ©mnanica. 205

My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day.

Let heaven to me be ever fvveet. And this world bitter let me find.

That I, 'mid all its toil and heat. May keep eternity in mind ;

My God, for Jefu's fake I pray

Thy peace may blefs my dying day.

0 Father, cover all my fins With Jefu's merits, who alone

The pardon that I covet wins.

And makes His long-fought reft my own ; My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day.

His forrows and His crofs I know

Make death-beds foft, and light the grave.

They comfort in the hour of woe. They give me all I fain would have ;

My God, for Jefu's fake I pray

Thy peace may blefs my dying day.

From Him can nought my foul divide. Nor life nor death can part us now ;

1 lay my hand upon His fide.

And fay. My Lord and God art Thou j My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day.

In holy baptifm long ago,

I join'd me to the living Vine,

2o6 iLgra ©mnanira.

Thou loveft me in Him, I know.

In Him Tiiou doft accept me Thine; My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day.

And I have eaten of His flefh

And drunk His blood, — nor can I be

Forfaken now, nor doubt afrefh, I am in Him and He in me ;

My God, for Jefu's fake I pray

Thy peace may blefs my dying day.

Then death may come or tarry yet,

I know in Chrift I perifh not. He never will His own forget.

He gives me robes without a fpot ; My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day.

And thus I live in God at peace.

And die without a thought of fear. Content to take what God decrees.

For "Jirough His Son my faith is clear. His grace fhall be in dear'.i my flay. And peace fhall blefs my dying day.

Emilia Juliana, Countefs of Schwarzburg Rudolftadt. 1686,

ILgra Gmnanira. 207

III. a SMfarg pilgrim's £ong.

ORLD, farewell ! Of thee I'm tired. Now toward heaven my Way I take There is peace the long-defired. Lofty cahn that nought can break ; World, with thee is war and ftrifc. Thou with cheating hopes art rife. But in heaven is no alloy. Only peace and love and joy.

When I reach that home of gladnefs, I (hall feel no more this load,

Feel no ficknefs, want, or fadnefs, Refling in the arms of God.

In the world woes follow faft.

And a bitter death comes laft.

But in heaven fhall nought deftroy

Endlefs peace and love and joy.

What are earthly joys ? a weary

Chafe of mift, or wind-borne foam!

On this defert black and dreary Sins and vices have their home ;

2o8 iigra ©mnanica.

Thine, O World, are war and ftrife. Mocking pleafures, dying life ; But in heaven is no annoy. Only peace and love and joy.

Oh the mufic and the finging Of the hoft redeem'd by love !

Oh the hallelujahs ringing

Through the halls of light above f

Thine, O World, the fcornful fneer,

Mifery thy reward, and fear ;

But in heaven is no annoy.

Only peace and love and joy.

Here is nought but care and mourning, Comes a joy, it will not ftay ;

Fairly fhines the fun at dawning. Night will foon o'ercloud the day ;

World, with thee we weep and pine.

Gnawing care and grief are thine;

But in heaven is no alloy.

Only peace and love and joy.

Onwards then ! not long I wander. Ere my Saviour comes for me.

And with Him abiding yonder All His glory I fhall fee ;

For there's nought but forrow here.

Toil and pain and many a fear.

But in heaven is no annoy.

Only peace and love and joy.

ILpra ©rrmantca. 209

Well for him whom death has landed

Safely on yon blefled fhore, Where in joyful worfhip banded.

Sing the faithful evermore ; For the world hath Ilrife and war. All her works and hopes they mar, But in heaven is no annoy. Only peace and love and joy.

Time, thou fpeedeft on but flowly.

Hours, how tardy is your pace. Ere with Him the High and Holy

I hold converfe face to face ; World, with partings thou art rife, Fill'd with tears and ftorms and ftrife ; But in heaven can nought deftroy Endlefs peace and love and joy.

Therefore will I now prepare me. That my work may Hand His doom.

And when all is finking round mCj

I may hear not " Go"— but " Come !"

World, the voice of grief is here.

Outward feeming, care, and fear.

But in heaven is no alloy.

Only peace and love and joy !

J. G. Albinus. 1652.

2!o Upra Germanira.

IV. Jn Cimc of tiangrrous Butg.

;Y caufe is God's, and I am ftill. Let Him do with me as He will ; Whether for me the fight is won. Or fcarce begun, I afk no more — His will be done !

My fins are more than I can bear. Yet not for this will I defpair, I know to death and to the grave

The Father gave His dearefl; Son, that He might fave.

In Him my Saviour I abide, I know for all my fins He died. And rifen again to work my good.

The burning flood Hath quench'd with His mod precious blood.

To Him I live and die alone.

Death cannot part Him from His own ;

Living or dying I am His

Who onlv is Our comfort, and our gate of blifi.

i

?Lj)ra ©ermanica. ^ i

This is my folace, day by day. When fnares and death befet my wa_y, I know that at the morn of doom

From out the tomb With joy to meet Him I fhall come.

Then I (hall fee God face to face, I doubt it not, through Jefu's grace. Amid the joys prepared for me I

Thanks be to Thee Who giveft us the vidlory !

O Jefus Chrift, Thou Son of God, Who once for me didft bear the rod. Ah hide me in Thy wounded heart

When I depart ; My help, my hope. Thou only art !

Amen, dear God ! now fend us faith. And at the laft a happy death; And grant us all ere long to be

In heaven with Thee, To praife Thee there eternally.

J. Pappus. 1598.

ZIZ

?ipra ©frmanira.

V.

In tf)c near pvospfft of Bcati).

LORD my God, I cry to Thee, In my diftrefs Thou helpeft me ; To Thee myfelf I all commend, Oh fvviftly now Thine angel fend To guide me home, and cheer my heart, Since Thou doll: call me to depart !

O Jefu Chrift, Thou Lamb of God, Once flain to take away our loadj Now let Thy crofs. Thine agony. Avail to fave and folace me ; Thy death to open heaven, and there Bid me the joy of angels fhare.

O Holy Spirit, at the end. Sweet Comforter, be Thou my Friend ! When death and hell aflail me fore. Leave me, oh leave me, nevermore. But bear me fafely through that ftrife. As Thou haft promifed, into life !

Nicholas Selnecker. 1587.

U^ra ©fermamca. 213

VI. In SlHeafeness mti distress of iHinti.

ORD Jefus Chrilt, my Life, my Light, My ftrengch by day, my truft by night. On earth I'm but a paffing guell. And forely with my fins opprefs'd.

Far otT I fee my fatherland.

Where through Thy grace I hope to (land.

But ere I reach that Paradife

A weary way before me lies.

My heart finks at the journey's length. My wafted flefh has little ftrength. Only my foul Itill cries in me. Lord, fetch me home, take me to Thee !

Oh let Thy fufFerings give me power To meet the laft and darkeft hour ; Thy prayer refrefh and comfort me. Thy bonds and fetters fet me free !

That thirft and bitter draught of Thine Help me to bear with patience mine. Thy piercing cry avail my foul. When floods of anguifh o'er me roll !

And when my lips grow white and chill. Thy Spirit cry within me ftill.

214 ilgra CJfnnanira.

And help my foul Thy heaven to find. When thefe poor eyes grow dark and blind !

And when the fpirit flies away,

Thy parting words fhall be my ftay.

Thy crofs the ftafF whereon I lean.

My couch the grave where Thou haft been.

Since Thou haft died, the Pure, the Juft, I take my homeward way in truft. The gates of heaven. Lord, open wide. When here I may no more abide.

And when the laft great Day is come. And Thou our Judge fhalt fpeak the doom. Let me with joy behold the light. And fet me then upon Thy right.

Renew this wafted flefh of mine. That like the fun it there may fhine. Among the angels pure and bright. Yea, like Thyfelf in glorious light.

Ah then I have my heart's defire. When fmging with the angels' choir. Among the ranfom'd of Thy grace. For ever I behold Thy face !

M. Behemb. 1606.

Egra ©ennanira. 21

5

VII.

i^esignatton,

ORD God, now open wide Thy heaven. My parting hour is near ; My courfe is run, enough I've ftriven Enough I've fuffer'd here ; Weary and fad My foul is glad That fhe may lay her down to reft ; Now all on earth I can refign. But only let Thy heaven be mine.

As Thou, Lord, haft commanded me.

Have I with perfeft faith Embraced my Saviour, and to Thee I calmly look in death ;

With willing heart I hence depart, I hope to ftand before Thy face : Yes, all on earth I can refign. If but Thy heaven at laft be mine.

Then let me go lAe Simeon

In peace with Thee to dwell. For I commend me to Thy Son,

And He will guard me well.

2i6 lLi}ra (SJmnanica.

And guide me ftraight To the golden gate ; And in this hope I calmly die; Yes, all on earth I can refign. If but Thy heaven may now be mine.

T. Kiel. 1620.

VIII.

Cfje dFait^ful Setbant longing for ^cacc.

ORD, now let Thy fervant Pafs in peace away ; I have had enough of life. Here I would not flay: Let me go, if fuch Thy will. With a heart at reft and ftill.

Here, Lord, have I wreftled,

SufFer'd many a woe. Fought as fearlefs warriors fight,

Conquer'd many a foe. Kept the faith with them of old, Help'd to guard and warn Thy fold.

Many an hour of forrow.

Many an anguifh'd tear. Many a thorny path was mine

With Thy people here ; O'er my fins I've had to mourn. Many a crofs and trial borne.

Egra (Srermanica. 7-17

All at laft is ended.

Fight and race are o'er, God will free me from all ills

Now for evermore ; To a better life I go. Than this tearful earth can fhow.

Peace fhall I find yonder.

And be free from fin. No more ftrife and wars without.

No more foes within. All around me fhall be peace. And the joy that cannot ceafe.

Where they bear the fceptre.

There a crown for me Is laid up through Jefu's grace.

Bright that crown fhall be : Deepeft calm my foul fhall fill. And this longing fhall be flill.

My Redeemer liveth.

He fhall bid me rife From the gloomy realm of death.

There all forrow lies. And I need not fear to wake. Since His voice my fleep fhall break.

He will change this body.

Make it like His own. When the dead arife from earth.

When the trump is blown.

*i8 Hgta ©ermantra.

I fhall fee Him face to face. Here my fteadfaft hope I place.

Therefore of His mercy

Ever will I fing. All my heart and foul to Him

Praife and thanks ftiall bring; Praife Him now, and praife Him then. When the heavens fhall cry. Amen !

David Bohme. 1605- 165 7.

IX.

Cf)f Otf^xi^tim ^oVuiex rejoicing ttiat i)f fias obcrcome.

HEN now at laft the hour is come. That I have long'd for many a time. When God with joy fhould call me home From this ftrange land, this wintry clime ; Thy vidim. Death, efcapes no more. The hour draws on when I fhall be From all the bonds of earth fet free. And life's long battle fhall be o'er.

To combat for His glory here

The Father fent me forth ; — and lo !

The hour of vidtory draws near. And conquer'd now is every foe ;

Upra ©rrmanira. 219

And I have borne me in the ftrife As true and fearlefs warriors ought. And bravely to the laft have fought

Through all the wars and woes of life.

My cry, when rough the march and dark. Was, watch and ftrive till thou haft won,

Prefs forward fearlefs to the mark !

As now, thank God, at laft I've done.

Now it is o'er, I cannot mifs ;

Through every danger to the death True to my Lord I've kept the faith.

And freely riflc'd all elfe for this.

It lacketh now a few fhort hours.

And I am in eternity ; The wreath of fadelefs heavenly flowers

Is twined already there for me. The crown is waiting for me there.

Until the fight is wholly fought.

And all my foul is thither caught. Where fhining palms the conquerors bear.

But when that morning fhall appear.

When our great Judge, the Son of God,

Shall give to thofe who loved Him here Their gracious undeferved reward.

Then in the glorious halls above, I too among that hoft fhall ftand. And take from His all-faithful hand

The crown of righteoufnefs and love.

220 Hgra ©rmnantca.

Nor ftiall I yonder fland alone, I fee the crowned hoft appear.

The mighty hoft before His throne. Who fliine io'- cv^er pure and clear.

The fouls of thofe, who on their way Still hour by hour were longing here. With burning love, and many a tear.

To fee the glories of His Day.

Spener. 1676.

X,

§txma\em,

ERUSALEM, thou city fair and high. Would God I were in thee ! My longing heart fain fain to thee wou'r

fly.

It will not ftay with me ; Far over vale and mountain.

Far over field and plain. It haftes to feek its Fountain

And quit this world of pain.

Oh happy day, and yet far happier hour.

When wilt thou come at laft ? When fearlefs to my Father's love and power, Whofe promife ftandeth faft. My foul I gladly render.

For lurely will His hand

Lead her with guidance tender

To heaven her fatherland.

Hgra ©eimamra. 221

A moment's fpace, and gently, wondroufly,

Releafed from earthly ties. The fiery chariot bears her up to thee Through all thefe lower (kies. To yonder fhining regions.

While down to meet her come The blefTed angel legions. And bid her welcome home.

Oh hail thou glorious city ! now unfold

The gates of grace to me ! How many a time I long'd for thee of old. Ere yet I was fet free

From yon dark life of fadnefs.

Yon world of fhadowy nought. And God had given the gladnefs. The heritage I fought.

Oh what the nation, what the glorious hoft.

Comes fweeping fwiftly down ? The chofen ones on earth who wrought the moil. The Church's brightell crown. Our Lord hath fent to meet me.

As in the far-off years Their words oft came to greet me In yonder land of tears.

The Patriarchs' and Prophets' noble train.

With all ChriiFs followers true, Who bore the crofs, and could the worft difdain

That tyrants dared to do.

22 2 iLj)ra (Srfrmanica.

I fee them fhine for ever.

All-glorious as the fun, 'Mid light that fadeth never.

Their perfedl freedom won.

And when within that lovely Paradife

At laft I fafely dwell. From out my blifsful foul what fongs fhall rife, What joy my lips fhall tell. While holy faints are finging

Hofannas o'er and o'er. Pure Hallelujahs ringing Around me evermore.

Innumerous choirs before the fhining throne

Their joyful anthems raife. Till Heaven's glad halls are echoing with the tone Of that great hymn of praife. And all its hoft rejoices.

And all its bleffed throng Unite their myriad voices In one eternal fong !

J. M. Meyfart. 1654.

ILgra (l^cnuanica. 223

XI.

^^e tte\B ?^cabens anti neto iiKart]^.

OW fain my joyous heart would ling That lovely fummer-time. When God reneweth everything In His celeftial prime ; When He fhall make new heavens and earth.

And all the creatures there Shall fpring from out that fecond birth All-glorious, pure, and fair.

The perfedl beauty of that fphere

No mortal tongue may fpeak. We have no likenefs for it here.

Our words are far too weak ; And we muft wait till we behold

The hour of judgment true. That to the foul fhall all unfold

What God is, and can do.

For God ere long will fummon all

Who once on earth were born. This flefh fliall hear the trumpet's call

And live again that morn. And when in Chrift His Son we wake,

Thefe ikies afunder roll. And all the blifs of heaven fhall break

Upon the raptured foul

224 Ugra (Sermanlca.

And He will lead the white-robed throng

To His fair Paradife, Where from the marriage-feaft the fong

Of endlefs praife fhall rife. And from His fathomlefs abyfs

Of perfeft love and truth. Shall flow perpetual joy and blifs.

In never-ending youth.

Ah God, now lead me of Thy love

Through this dark world aright; Lord Chrift defend me left I rove.

Or lies delude my fight ; And keep me fteadfall: in the faith

Till thefe dark days have ceafed. And ready ftill in life or death

For Thy great marriage-feaft.

And herewith will I end the fong

Of that fair fummer-time ; The bloflbms fhall burft out ere long

Of heaven's eternal prime. The year begin, for ever new ;

God grant us then on high To fee our vifion here made true.

And eat the fruits of joy !

J. Walther. 1557.

Egra €rprmanica. 225

XII. Ztt dFinal fog.

AKE, awake, for night is flying, The watchmen on the heights are crying ; Awake, Jerufalem, at laft ! Midnight hears the welcome voices, And at the thrilling cry rejoices :

Come forth, ye virgins, night is pait ! The Bridegroom comes, awake. Your lamps with gladnefs take ; Hallelujah ■ And for His marriage-feaft prepare. For ye muft go to meet Him there.

Zion hears the watchmen finging. And all her heart with joy is fpringing. She wakes, fhe rifes from her gloom ; For her Lord comes down all-glorious, The ftrong in grace, in truth victorious. Her Star is rifen, her Light is come ! Ah come. Thou blefled One, God's own Beloved Son, Hallelujah ! We follow till the halls. we fee Where Thou haft bid us fup with Thee.

Now let all the heavens adore Thee, And men ana angels fing before Thee Q

226 iLgra iffirfrmanica.

With harp and cymbal's cleareft tone ; Of one pearl each fhining portal. Where we are with the choir immortal Of angels round Thy dazzling throne ; Nor eye hath feen, nor ear Hath yet attain'd to hear What there is ours. But we rejoice, and fing to Thee Our hymn of joy eternally.

Philip NicoLAi. 1598.

Egra ©mnnntra. 227

HEN the Lord recalls the banifli'd. Frees the captives all at laft. Every forrow will have vanifh'd Like a dream when night is paft; Then (hall all our hearts rejoice. And with glad refounding voice We fhall praife the Lord who fought us. For the freedom He hath wrought us.

Lift Thy hand to aid us. Father,

Look on us who widely roam. And Thy fcatter'd children gather

In their long'd-for promifed home ; Steep and weary is the way. Shorten Thou the fultry day. Faithful warriors haft Thou found us. Let Thy peace for aye furround us.

In that peace we reap in gladnefs What was fown in tearful Ihowers :

There the fruit of all our fadnefs Ripens, — there the palm is ours ;

There our God upon His throne

Is our full reward alone ;

They who all for God furrender

Bring their flieaves in heavenly fplendour.

S. G. BiJRDE. 179-}.

INDEX.

INDEX.

Page

'^^^ jBlDE among us with Thy grace .... 84

Ah God, my days are dark indeed . . . 185

Ah deareft Lord ! to feel that Thou . . . 168

Ah, Jefus, the merit 32

Alas! my Lord and God 130

All my heart this night rejoices i-;

All praife and thanks to God moft High 146

All things hang on our poflefling 189

Arife, the kingdom is at hand 4

A pilgrim here I wander 173

As a bird in meadows fair 73

Blefled Jefus, at Thy word 68

BlelTed Jefus, here we ftand 86

Can I my fate no more vvithftand 178

Chrift the Lord is rifen again 37

Chrift will gather in His own 120

Conquering Prince and Lord of glory 48

Courage, my forely-tempted heart 143

Deck thyfelf, my foul, with gladnefs 94

Ere yet the dawn hath fill'd the flties . .... 38

Ever would I fain be reading 24

Faith is a living power from heaven 160

Gentle Shepherd, Thou haft ftill'd . . ... iia

Hark, the Church proclaims her honour 59

Here behold me, as I caft me 170

Him on yonder crofs I love 33

Holy Spirit, once again S3

I am baptized into Thy name 91

I know my end muft furely come 203

I know in Whom I put my truft 162

In God's name let us on our way 107

In our fails all foft and fweetly 115

In Thee is gladnefs 155

I fay to all men, far and near 40

Is thy heart athirft to know 22

I who fo oft in deep diftrefs 149

Jerufalem, thou city fair and high 220

Jefus, pitjing Saviour, hear me 133

Jefus, whom Thy Church doth own 99

Light of light enlighten me 66

Lord, all my heart is fix'd on Thee 164

Lord, a whole long day of pain 81

Lord God, now open wide Thy heaven 215

Lord Jefus Chrift, my faithful Shepherd 93

Lord Jefus Chrift, in Thee alone . 129

Lord Jefus Chrift, my Life, my Light 213

Lord Jefus, who, our fouls to fave 36

Lo, heaven and earth, and fea and air 148

Lord, now let Thy fervant 216

My caufe is God's, and I am ftill 210

My God, in Thee all fulnei's lies lr,i

My Jefus, if the feraphim 50

Now at laft I end the ftrife if ^

Now darknefs over all is fpread 83

Now fain my joyous heart would fing 225

Now lay we calmly in the grave 117

Now weeping at the grave we ftanJ 118

Intifi. 233

Page

Now take my heart and all that is in me 98

Now thank we all our God 145

Now the pearly gates unfold 176

Now we muft leave our father-land 113

O BlefTed Jefus ! This 18

O Chrift, our true and only Light 21

O Chrift, Thou bright and Morning Star 179

O faithful God ! O pitying Heart 182

O Father-eye, that hath fo truly watch'd 63

O Father-heart, who haft created all 87

O God, Thou faithful God 138

Oh how could I forget Him 101

O Jefus, Lord of majefty 136

O King of glory ! David's Son 20

O Living Bread from Heaven 103

O Lord, be this our veffel now Ill

O Lord my God, I cry to Thee 214

O Love who formedft me to wear 96

O mighty Spirit ! Source whence 153

Once more the day-light fhines abroad 6^

O rifen Lord ! O conquering King 41

O Thou Moft Higheft ! Guardian of mankind ... 72

Oh, world ! behold upon the tree 29

Sad with longing, fick with fears 43

Seeing I am Jefus' lamb 90

Seems it in my anguifh lone 201

Since Chrift is gone to heaven, His home 47

Sink not yet, my foul, to flumber 78

Spread, oh fpread, thou mighty Word 60

Sweeteft joy the foul can know 55

Thank God it hath refounded 156

Thank God that towards eternity 9

The Church of Chrift that He 58

Thee Fount of blefling we adore 62

The golden morn flames up the Eaftern !k\ . . . . 74

The night is come, wherein at laft we "-eft .... 77

234

Jntifi.

Then now at laft the hour is come .

Thou faireft Child Divine

Though Love may weep with breaking heart Thou'rt mine, yes, (till thou art mine own Thou, folemn Ocean, rolleft to the ftrand Thou fore-opprefs'd, the Sabbath-reft . Thou Who breakeft every chain Thy parents' arms now yield thee To-day our Lord went up on high . True mirror of the Godhead ! Perfedl Light

Up ! yes, upward to thy gladnefs

Wake, awake, for night is flying Whate'er my God ordains is right What pleafes God, O pious foul . When anguifli'd and perplex'd Whene'er again thou linkeft . . When in the hour of utmoft need When the Lord recalls the banilh'd Where'er I go, whate'er my ta/k Wherefore doft Thou longer tarry Wherefore Ihould I grieve and pine Who keepeth not God's word, yet faith Who knows how near my end may be Who puts his trufl: in God moft juft . Who would make the prize his own Why art thou thus caft down, my heart World, farewell ! of thee I'm tired . .

Ye heavens, oh hafte your dews to fhed

Page

218

16

121

112

34 140 89 46 64

171

225 196 193 70 26 180 227 108 6 198 161 204 192 167 187 207

TABLE OF GERMAN HYMNS.

PART I.

Advent. Page

1. Ihr Himmel tropfelt Thau in Eil 3

2. Auf, auf, ihr Reichfgenoflen 4

3. Warum willft du draufzen ftehn 6

4.. Gottlob ein Schritt zur Ewigkeit 9

Christmas.

1. Frbhlich foil mein Herze fpringen 13

2. Du fchonftes Gotteskind 16

3. Herr Jefu Chrift dein Kripplein ift 18

Epiphany.

1. O Kbnig aller Ehren 20

2. O Jefu Chrifte wahres Licht 21

3. Wer im Herzen will erfahren 22

4. Immer mufs ich wieder lefen 24

Passion Week.

1. Wenn je du wieder zagft 26

2. O Welt, fieh hier dein Leben 29

3. Ach Jefu, dein Sterben 32

4. Der am Kreuz ift meine Liebe 33

5. Nun gingft auch Du 34

6. Der du, Herr Jefu, Ruh und Raft 36

Easter.

1 . Chriftus ift erftanden 37

2. Friihmorgens da die Sonn aufgeht .... 38

3. Ich fage Jedem dafs Er lebt 4c

236 Cafile of ©frman l^gmns.

Page

4. O auferftandener Siegesfiirft ^1

5. Trauernd und mit bangem Sehnen a^

Ascension.

I. Auf diefen Tag bedenken wir .g

47

2. Auf Chrifti Himmelfahrt

3. Siegesfiirft und Ehrenkonig ^g

4. Main Jefu, den die Seraphinen 50

Whitsuntide.

I.

2.

3- 4- 5-

Komm o komin, du Geift des Lebens O du allersiisfte Freude ....

• • • S3

• • • 55

Die Kirche Chrifti die Er geweiht eg

Diefs ift der Gemeinde Starke eg

Walte walte nah und fern 60

Trinity.

1. Brunn alles Hells, dich ehren wir . . .

2. O Vaterhand die tnich fo treu gefiihret

3. Dreieinigkeit, der Gottlieit wahrer Spiegel

Morning Prayer.

1. Licht von Licht erleuchte mich

2. Liebfter Jefu, wir find hier

3. Es geht daher des Tages Schein

4. Wenn ich in Angft und Noth

5. O allerhijchfter Menfchenhiiter

6. Wie ein Vogel lieblich finget

7. Im Often flammt empor die goldene Sonne

Evening Prayer.

1. Die Nacht ift kommen darin wir ruhen

2. Werde munter mein Gemiithe . . . ,

3. Herr, ein ganzer Leidenftag

4. Es ruht die Nacht auf Erden

5. Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade

Baptism.

1. Liebfter Jefu hier find wir ,

2. O Vaterherz das Erd und Himmel chuf

62 63

64

66 6g 69 70 72

73 74

77 78 81

83

84

86 87

^atU of (Kffrman J^gmns. 237

Page

3. Aus deiner Eltern Armen ". 89

4. Weil ich Jefu Schaflein bin 90

5. Ich bin getauft auf deinen Namen 91

Communion.

1. Herr Jefu Chrifte mein getreuer Hirte .... 93

2. Schmiicke dich o liebe Seek 94

3. Liebe die du mich Co milde 96

4. Nun nimm mein Herz und alles was ich bin . . 98

5. Jefu der du bift alleine . . • • 99

6. Wie Iconnt ich Sein vergeffen loi

7. Wie wohl haft du gelabet 103

For Travellers.

1. In Gottesnamen reifen wir 107

2. In alien unferen Thaten 108

3. O Herr lafs unfer SchifBein heute . . . . . 11 1

4. Wie fchaumt fo feierlich 112

5. Einft fahren wir vom Vaterland 1 13

6. In die Segel fanft und linde 115

Burial.

1. Nun lafst uns den Leib begraben 117

2. Am Grabe ftehn wir ftille 1 18

3. Aller Glaubigen Sammelplatz 120

4. Mag auch die Liebe weinen 121

5. Guter Hirt, du haft geftillet 122

6. Du bift zwar mein und bieibeft mein .... 123

PART II.

PiNITENCE.

1. Allein zu dir Herr Jefu Chrift 129

2. Acl^Gott und Herr wie grofs und fchwer . . . 130

3. Jciu mein Erbarmer hbre 133

4. O Jefu Konig hoch zu ehren 136

5. O Gott du frommer Gott 138

6. O Durchbrecher aller Gande 140

7. Brich durch mein angefochcnes . .... 143

;8 Caile of ©erman J^ymns.

Thanksgiving. Pj^^^

1. Nun danket alle Gott 145

2. Sei Lob und Ehr dem hochften Gut .... 146

3. Himmel Erde Lute und Meer 148

4. Ich der ich oft in groffer Noth I4g

5. O grofler Geift, o Urfprung 153

6. In dir ift Freude 155

7. Gottlob, nun ift erfchollen 156

The Life of Faith.

1. Der Glaub ift eine lebendige Kraft ifo

2. Wer halt nicht Gottes Wort doch fpricht . . . 161

3. Ich weifs an wen ich glaube 162

4. Herzlich lieb hab ich dich O Herr 164

5. Nun fo will ich denn mein Leben 165

6. Wer das fCleinod will erlangen 167

7. Ach mein Herr Jefu dein Nahefeyn . . . . 168

8. Sieh hier bin ich Ehrenkonig 170

9. Aufhinaufzu deiner Freude 171

10. Ich bin ein Gaft auf Erden 173

11. Oeffne nun die Perlenthoren 176

Songs of the Cross.

1. Mag ich Ungliick nicht widerftehn 178

2. O Chrifte Morgenfterne 179

3. Wenn wir in hochften Nbthen fein 180

4. Ach treuer Gott, barmherzigs Herz 1S2

5. Ach Gott wie manches Herzeleid 185

6. Warum betriibft du dich mein Herz .... 187

7. Alles ift an Gottes Segen 189

8. Mein Gott bei dir ift alle Fiille 191

9. Wer Gott vertraut hat wohl gebaut 192

10. Was Gott gefallt o frommes Kind ..... 193

11. Was Gott thut das ift wohlgethan 196

12. Warum follt ich mich denn gramen 19S

13. Sollt es denn bisweilen fcheinen 201

The Final Conflict and Heaven.

1. Ich weifs es wird mein Ende kommen .... 203

2. Wer weifs wie nahe mir mein Ende .... 204

(

^aW of ©rnnan if^p^^its. 239

3. Welt, lebwohl, ich bin dein miide 207

4. kh hab mein Sach Gotc heimgefteUt .... 210

5. O Herre Gott ich ruf zu dir 212

6. Herr Jefu Chrift mein Lebens Licht 213

7. Herr Gott nun fchleufs dein Himmel auf . . . 215

8. Herr nun lafs in Friede 216

9. So ifts an dem dafs ich mit Freude 218

10. Jerula'.em du hochgebaute Stadt 22c

11. Herzlich thut mich ertreuen 223

12. Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme 225

13. Wann der Herr elnft die Gefangenen .... 227

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