Full text of "Hymns from the land of Luther : translated from the German"

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FROM THE LIBRARY OF

REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D.

BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO

THE LIBRARY OF

PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

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HYMNS urcB?ii<88^

FROM THE

LAND OF LUTHER.

ttaslatrir frnm ijj? feman.

FIFTH THOUSAND.

EDINBURGH :
W. P. KENNEDY, 15, ST ANDREW STREET.

GLASGOW I D. BRYCE. LONDON : HAMILTON, ADAMS, AND CO.
DUBLIN : M'GLASHAN AND GILL.

mvkrav uro a.«. pb«t««. »n»"«V-

CONTENTS.

Page

A Little While, ....... 162

A Mother's Prayer in the Night,

Ah ! Grieve not so,

A Pastor's Parting Words,

. 179

All Things are yours,

Anticipation,

126

Arise!

As Thou Wilt,

184

At Last, ....

192

Be Thou My Friend.

181

Calvary,

118

Charity, .

170

Conflict, .

Discipline,

Dying Petitions, .

Evening Hymn, .

For Ever with the Lord,

202

Funeral Hymn, .

196

"God Calling Yet,"

128

God with Me,

4 CONTENTS.

Page

Going Home, ....... 98

Grief and Consolation by a Mother's Death-Bed,

Here is My Heart, ....

Here and There, .

. 142

Hymn sung at a Funeral,

. 138

Jesus All-Sufficient,

. 124

Jesus, still lead on,

Joy in Believing,

. 145

Joys to Come,

Let me find Thee,

Light in Darkness,

Lore to Christ,

Looking Home,

Looking to Jesus,

. 134

Lowly,

. 14S

Ministering Angels,

198

Morning Hymn, .

My Father is the Mighty Lord,

My God ! I know that I must D

Parting,

Pilgrim Song,

Praise,

136

Praise and Prayer,

115

Recall,

Rejoice, .

Resignation,

130

Rest,

132

Resurrection,

140

Re-Union,

122

CONTENTS. 5

Page

Sabbath Hymn, ....... 187

Sabbath Morning Hymn,

168

Shadow and Substance,

164

Song of the Sojourner, .

153

Submission,

107

Submission,

175

The Angel and the Infant,

The Angel of Patience, .

The Believer's Dying Testament

109

The Christian Cross,

151

The Christian Household,

156

The Communion of Saints,

The Desired Haven,

The Good Shepherd,

The Graveyard, .

194

The Midnight Cry,

200

The Missionary on the Sea Shore

166

The Journey to Jerusalem,

101

The Long Goodnight,

The Merchant,

104

The Service of the Lord,

The Two Journeys,

159

The Widow of Nain,

Thy Will be Done,

To a Dying Child,

Waiting, .

. 113

Weep Not,

We Too are Thine,

. 172

What Pleases God,

. 189

A few of the following Poems may be considered as
rather imitations than Translations, although the ideas
and structure are too much borrowed to allow them
to be called Original. It is hoped this small Selection
may give pleasure to some who are not acquainted
with the German language, and lead others to explore
further for themselves its treasures of Devotional
Poetry.

Edinburgh, December 1853.

Jqmtts

from it* f anil of f tttJjBf.

JOYS TO COME.

" Wlrd das nicht Freude seyn ? "

" Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain gladness

and joy."— Isa. li. 11

Will that not joyful be,

When

we walk by faith no more,

When the Lord we loved before,

As Brother-man we see ;

When He welcomes us above,

When

we share His smile of love,

Will that not joyful be ?

Will that not joyful be,

When

to meet us rise and come

All our buried treasures home.

A gladsome company !

When

our arms embrace again

Those

we mourned so long in vain,

Will that not joyful be ?

HYMNS FROM THE

Will that not joyful be,
When the foes we dread to meet,
Every one, beneath our feet

We tread triumphantly !
When we never more can know
Slightest touch of pain or woe,

Will that not joyful be ?

Will that not joyful be,
When we hear what none can tell,
And the ringing chorus swell

Of angels' melody !
When we join their songs of praise,
Hallelujahs with them raise,

Will that not joyful be ?

Yes ! that will joyful be.
Let the world her gifts recall,
There is bitterness in all ;

Her joys are vanity !
Courage, dear ones of my heart !
Though it grieves us here to part,

There, we will joyful be !

H. C. VON SCHWEINITZ.

LAND OF LUTHER.

DYING PETITIONS.

" Gedenke mein, mein Gott!"
11 Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." — Acts vii. 59.

" Remember me, my God ! remember me
In hour of deepest woe ;
Thou art my only hope, my only plea,

Against th' accusing foe.
Oh, show me now Thy full salvation,
Oh, hear my dying supplication !

Remember me ! "

" I think on thee, believer ! tremble not,
Thy Saviour still is near :
Here is My cross, My blood to cleanse each spot,

My promises to cheer.
Is not My love unchanged, unshaken ?
How shall Mine own be e'er forsaken ?

I think on thee!"

10 HYMNS FROM THE

" Remember me ! man's help can nought avail
In the dark valley's shade ;
My strength must faint, my flesh and heart
must fail,

Oh ! haste Thou to mine aid !
Silence and darkness o'er me stealing,
Oh, be Thou still Thyself revealing, —

Remember me !"

" I think on thee ! soon in the better land
Thou shalt with Me rejoice ;
The harps of heaven are waiting for thy hand,

The chorus for thy voice :
The angel bands are round thee bending,
Thy parting spirit close attending, —

I think on thee!"

" Remember me ! by Thine own hour of pain,
Appear in mine to save !
Smooth for my rest the couch where Thou hast lain.

The pillow of the grave ;
And while the years of time are flying,
In that lone place of darkness lying, —

Remember me ! "

LAND OF LUTHER. 1 1

" I think on thee ! thine own Redeemer lives,
Thy hope shall not be vain :
When the last trump its solemn summons
gives,

Thou shalt arise again.
Now, go in peace, securely sleeping,
Thy dust is safe in angels' keeping, —

I think on thee!"

" Remember me, and the afflicted band
Whom I must leave behind !
Pour consolation from Thine own rich hand

On mourning heart and mind.
Oh, hear this one, this last petition,
Then shall I go in glad submission, —

Remember me !"

" I think on thee ! with that sad band of love
I will in mercy deal ;
My tender sympathy their souls shall prove

My Spirit's power to heal.
The long-sought bliss shall yet be given,
The lost of earth are found in heaven, —

I think on thee I"

] 2 HYMNS FROM THE

CHORUS OF THE CHURCH.

; Now, sweetly sleep ! angels thy soul receive,

And bear to Jesus' breast !
Long in our hearts thy memory shall live,

Here let thy body rest.
Secure from earthly pain and sorrow,
Till dawns the resurrection morrow.

Now, sweetly sleep ! "

Unbekanntes.

LAND OF LUTHER.

WEEP NOT.

"Weine nicht!"
"The Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping."— Psalm vi i

Weep not, — Jesus lives on high,

Oh, sad and wearied one !
If thou with the burden sigh,
Of grief thou canst not shun,
Trust Him still,
Soon there will
Roses in the thicket stand,
Goshen smile in Egypt's land.

Weep not, — Jesus thinks of thee

When all beside forget,
And on thee so lovingly
His faithfulness has set,

That though all
Euin'd fall,
Everything on earth be shaken,
Thou wilt never be forsaken.

14 HYMNS FROM THE

Weep not, — Jesus heareth thee,
Hears thy moanings broken,
Hears when thou right wearily
All thy grief hast spoken.
Raise thy cry,
He is nigh,
And when waves roll full in view,
He shall fix their " Hitherto."

Weep not, — Jesus loveth thee,

Though all around may scorn,
And though poison'd arrows be
Upon thy buckler borne,

With His love,
Nought can move ;
All may fail, — yet only wait,
He shall make the crooked straight.

Weep not,— Jesus cares for thee,

Then what of good can fail ?
Why shouldst thou thus gloomily
At thought of trouble quail ?
He will bear
All thy care ;

LAND OF LUTHER.

And if He the burden take,
He will all things perfect make.

Weep not, — Jesus comforts thee,

He yet shall come and save,
And each sorrow thou shalt see
Lie buried in thy grave.

Sin shall die,
Grief shall fly,
Thou hast wept thy latest tears
TThen the Lord of life appears !

B. Schmolk.

16 HYMNS FROM THE

HERE IS MY HEART.

" Hier ist mein Herz."
" My son, give me thine heart"— Prov. xxiii, 26.

Here is my heart ! — my God, I give it Thee,

I heard Thee call and say,
" Not to the world, my child, but unto Me," —
I heard, and will obey.
Here is love's offering to my King,
Which in glad sacrifice I bring.
Here is my heart.

Here is my heart ! — surely the gift, though poor,

My God will not despise;
Vainly and long I sought to make it pure,
To meet Thy searching eyes ;
Corrupted first in Adam's fall,
The stains of sin pollute it all.

My guilty heart !

LAND OF LUTHER. 17

Here is my heart ! — my heart so hard before,

Now by Thy grace made meet ;
Yet bruised and wearied, it can only pour
Its anguish at Thy feet :
It groans beneath the weight of sin,
It sighs salvation's joy to win.

My mourning heart !

Here is my heart ! — in Christ its longings
end,

Near to His cross it draws ;
It says, " Thou art my portion, O my Friend,
Thy blood my ransom was."
And in the Saviour it has found
What blessedness and peace abound, —
My trusting heart !

Here is my heart ! — ah ! Holy Spirit, come,

Its nature to renew,
And consecrate it wholly as Thy home,
A temple fair and true.
Teach it to love and serve Thee more,
To fear Thee, trust Thee, and adore.
My cleansed heart !

18 HYMNS FROM THE

Here is rny heart ! — it trembles to draw near

The glory of Thy throne ;
Give it the shining robe Thy servants wear,
Of righteousness Thine own :
Its pride and folly chase away
And all its vanity, I pray.

My humbled heart !

Here is my heart ! — teach it, 0 Lord, to cling

In gladness unto Thee ;
And in the day of sorrow still to sing,
" Welcome, my God's decree."
Believing, all its journey through,
That Thou art wise, and just, and true.
My waiting heart !

Here is my heart ! — 0 Friend of friends, be near

To make each tempter fly,
And when my latest foe I wait with fear,
Give me the victory !
Gladly on Thy love reposing,
Let me say, when life is closing,

" Here is my heart !"

Ehrexfried Liedich.

LAND OF LUTHER. 19

DISCIPLINE.

" Zage nicht,"

44 It is good for me that I have been afflicted ; that I might learn thy
statutes."— Psalm cxix. 71.

Tremble not, though darkly gather
Clouds and tempest o'er thy sky,

Still believe, thy Heavenly Father

Loves thee best when storms are nigh.

When the sun of fortune shineth
Long and brightly on the heart,

Soon its fruitfulness declineth,
Parched and dry in every part.

Then the plants of grace have faded

In the dry and burning soil,
Thorns and briers their growth have shaded,

Earthly cares and earthly toil.

20 HYMNS FROM THE

But the clouds are seen ascending,
Soon the heavens are overcast,

And the weary heart is bending
'Neath affliction's stormy blast.

Yet the Lord, on high presiding,

Rules the storm with powerful hand ;

He the shower of grace is guiding
To the dry and barren land.

See at length the clouds are breaking,
Tempests have not pass'd in vain ;

For the soul, revived, awaking,
Bears its fruits and flowers again.

Love divine has seen and counted
Every tear it caus'd to fall,

And the storm which love appointed,
Was its choicest gift of all.

Unbekanntes.

LAND OF LUTHER. 21

A MOTHER'S PRAYER IN THE NIGHT.

" Dunkel ists."

"Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."—
Psalm cxxi 4.

Darkness reigns — the hum of life's commotion
On the listening ear no longer breaks ;

Stars are shining on the deep blue ocean,
All is silent, Love alone awakes.

Love on earth its lonely vigils keeping,

Love in heaven that rests or slumbers not ;

Peace, my anxious heart ! though thou wert sleeping,
Love divine has ne'er its charge forgot.

And for you, my brightest earthly flowers,
You, my children, Love divine has cared ;

Sleep, beloved ones ! through these dark hours
Angels by your pillow watch and guard.

22 HYMNS FROM THE

Here the winged messengers of heaven,

As beheld at Bethel, come and go,
Angel guardians, whom the Lord has given

To each little one while here below.

Thou, O Saviour, while on earth residing,
Never didst Thou scorn a mother's prayer,

Faith may still behold Thee here abiding,
Still commend her treasures to Thy care.

Were not all my hope on Thee reposing,
Thou sole refuge for a sinner's fears,

Then, the future all its ills disclosing,
I could give my children only tears.

From their earthly parents they inherit

Nought save sin and weakness, grief and pain,-

Give them, Lord, Thine all-sufficient merit,
Spiritual birth and life again.

Hide and guard them in Thy tender arms,
Till the wilderness of life be past ;

Save them from temptation's fatal charms,
Seal them for Thine own, from first to last !

LAND OF LUTHER. 23

Let Thy rod and staff in mercy lead them
In the footsteps of Thy flock below,

Till 'mid heavenly pastures Thou shalt feed them,
Where the streams of life eternal flow.

Christophe Agte.

24 HYMNS FROM THE

JESUS, STILL LEAD ON,

" Jesu, gen voran."
" They forsook all, and followed Him-"— Luke v. 11

Jesus, still lead on,

Till our rest be won !
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow, calm and fearless ;

Guide us by Thy hand

To our Fatherland.

If the way be drear,

If the foe be near,
Let not faithless fears o'ertake us,
Let not faith and hope forsake us,

For, through many a foe,

To our home we go !

LAND OF LUTHER. 25

When we seek relief

From a long-felt grief, —
When oppressed by new temptations,
Lord, increase and perfect patience ;

Show us that bright shore

Where we weep no more !

Jesus, still lead on,

Till our rest be won !
Heavenly Leader, still direct us,
Still support, console, protect us,

Till we safely stand

In our Fatherland !

LUDWIG VON ZlNZENDORF.

26 HYMNS FROM THE

TO A DYING CHILD.

" Zeuch-hin, mein Kind."

" Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not : for
of such is the kingdom of God'1 — Maek x. 14.

Depart, my child ! the Lord thy spirit calls

To leave a world of woe :
Sad on iny heart the heavenly summons falls ;

Yet since He wills it so,
I calm the rising agitation,
And say, with humble resignation,

Depart, my child !

Depart, my child ! lent for a little while

Our drooping hearts to cheer ;
Dear is thy loving voice, thy gentle smile,

Ah ! who can tell how dear ?
The sands are run, — too quickly falling,
The Giver comes, — His own recalling, —
Depart, my child !

LAND OF LUTHER. 27

Depart, my child ! enjoy in heaven's pure day

What earth must still deny,
Here many a storm awaits thy longer way,

And many a tear thine eye.
Go, where the flowers have never faded,
Where love may smile unchilled, unshaded, —
Depart, my child !

Depart, my child ! soon shall we meet again

In the good land of rest :
Thou goest, happy one ! ere grief or pain

Have reached thy gentle breast.
Happy, our thorny path forsaking,
From life's vain dream so early waking, —
Depart, my child !

Depart, my child ! angels are bending down

To set thy spirit free,
The Saviour holds in heaven the golden crown

He won on earth for thee.
Yes ! now in Him thou art victorious,
Go, share His rest and triumph glorious, —
Depart, my child !
Gottfried Hoffmann.

28 HYMNS FROM THE

ARISE!

Wachet auf."
" It is high time to awake out of sleep. —Rom. xiiL 14.

Arise ! ye lingering saints, arise !

Remember that the might of grace,
When guilty slumbers sealed your eyes,

Awakened you to run the race ;
And let not darkness round you fall,
But hearken to the Saviour's call.

Arise !

Arise ! because the night of sin
Must flee before the light of day ;

God's glorious Gospel shining in,

Must chase the midnight gloom away :

You cannot true disciples be

If you still walk in vanity.

Arise !

LAND OF LUTHER. 29

Arise ! although the flesh be weak,

The spirit willing is and true,
And servants of the Master seek

To follow where it guideth to.
Beloved ! oh, be wise indeed,
And let the spirit ever lead.

Arise !

Arise ! because our Serpent-foe

Unwearied strives by day and night,

Remembers time is short below,

And wrestles on with hellish might :

Then boldly grasp both sword and shield,

Who slumbers on the battle-field ?

Arise !

Arise ! before that hour unknown,

The hour of death that comes ere long,

And comes not to the weak alone,
But to the mighty and the strong.

Beloved ! oft in spirit dwell

Upon the hour that none can tell.

Arise !

30 HYMNS FROM THE

Arise ! that you prepared may stand
Before the coming of the Lord ;

The day of wrath draws nigh at hand,
According to th' eternal Word.

Ah ! think, perhaps this day shall see

The dawning of eternity !

Arise !

Arise ! it is the Master's will,

No more His heavenly voice despise,

Why linger with the dying still?
He calls — Arouse you, and arise !

No longer slight the Saviour's call,

It sounds to you, to me, to alh

Arise !

LUDWIG GOTTER.

LAND OF LUTHER.

GOD WITH ME.

" Gott bei mir in jedem Ort."

* When thou passest through the waters, I will he with thee; and through
the rivers, they shall not overflow thee : when thou -walkest through
the fire, thou shalt not he burned ; neither shall the flame kindle ufton
thee."— Isa. xliii. 2.

My God with me in every place !

Firmly does the promise stand,
On land or sea, with present grace

Still to aid us near at hand.

If you ask, " Who is with thee?"

God is here — my God with me !

No depth, nor prison, nor the grave,
Can exclude Him from His own ;

His cheering presence still I have,
If in crowds or all alone.
In whatever state I be,
Everywhere is God with me !

32 HYMNS FROM THE

My God for me ! — I dare to say,
God the portion of my soul !

Nor need I tremble in dismay
When around me troubles roll.
If you ask, " What comforts thee?"
It is this — God is for me !

Ah ! faith has seen Him cradled lie,
Here on earth a weeping child ;

Has seen Him for my vileness die,
He, the sinless, undefiled !
And thus I know it true to be,
God, my Saviour, is for me !

In life, in death, with God so near

Every battle I shall win ;
Shall boldly press through dangers here.

Triumph over every sin !
" What !" you say, "A victor be?"
No, not I, but God in me !

C. F. Zeller.

LAND OF LUTHER. 33

THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS.

" 0 wie selig seyd ihr doch, ihr Fromnien."

' Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth : Yea, saith
the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours ; and their works do
follow them."— Rev. xiv. 13.

CHURCH ON EARTH.

" Oh ! how blessed are ye, saints forgiven,
Through the gate of death now safe in heaven,

All trials over,
All the ills, which round us darkly hover ! "

church in heaven.
"Yes, dear friends, our joys are still increasing,
Our songs of praise are new and never ceasing.

All preparing
For the time when you shall all be sharing."

34 HYMNS FROM THE

CHURCH ON EARTH.

" We are now as in a prison dwelling,
Storms of care and trouble o'er us swelling ;

All around us
Only sins and griefs, to snare and wound us.:

CHURCH IN HEAYEN.

" Ah, beloved friends ! be not complaining,
Wish not joy while still on earth remaining,

Be still confiding
In your Father's love and tender guiding."

CHURCH ON EARTH.

" In your quiet home so gently resting,
Safe for evermore from all molesting,

No care or sorrow
Can you feel to-day, or fear to-morrow !"

CHURCH IN HEAVEN.

" In your conflicts we were once engaging,
Long with sin and Satan warfare waging ;

All your distresses
Once were ours, to weary and oppress us."

LAND OF LUTHER. 35

CHURCH ON EARTH.

" Christ has wiped away your every tear,
You enjoy what we are seeking here,

The harps of heaven
Sound in strains to mortals never given."

CHURCH IN HEAVEN.

" Yet in patience run the race before you,
Long for heaven, where Love is watching o'er you,

Sow in weeping,
Soon the fruit with joy you shall be reaping."

CHURCH ON EARTH.

" Come, come quickly, long expected Jesus,
From all sin and sorrow to release us,

Quickly take us
To Thyself, and blest for ever make us ! "

CHURCH IN HEAVEN.

" Ah, beloved souls ! your palms victorious,
Golden harps, and thrones of triumph glorious,

All are waiting, —
Follow on with courage unabating."

36 HYMNS FROM THE

CHORUS.

" Let us join to praise His name for ever,
To lis both of every good the Giver,

Life undying
We shall each obtain, on Him relying.

" Praise Him, men on earth, and saints in heaven !
To the Lamb be praise and glory given,

Praise unending,
Glory through eternity extending ! "

Simon Dach.

LAND OF LUTHER. 37

EVENING HYMN.

'Nun ruhen alle Walder."

* I will both lay me down in peace and sleep : for Thou, Lord, only makest
me dwell in safety."— Psalm iv. 8.

Quietly rest the woods and dales,
Silence round the hearth prevails,

The world is all asleep :
Thou, my soul, in thought arise,
Seek thy Father in the skies,
And holy vigils with Him keep.

Sun, where hidest thou thy light ?
Art thou driven hence by Night,
Thy dark and ancient foe ?
Go ! another Sun is mine,
Jesus comes with light divine,
To cheer my pilgrimage below.

38 HYMNS FROM THE

Now that day has past away,
Golden stars in bright array
Bespangle the blue sky :
Bright and clear, so would I stand,
When I hear my Lord's command
To leave this earth, and upward fly.

Now this body seeks for rest,
From its vestments all undrest,

Types of mortality :
Christ shall give me soon to wear,
Garments beautiful and fair, —
White robes of glorious majesty.

Head, and feet, and hands, once more
Joy to think of labour o'er,

And night with gladness see.
Oh, my heart, thou too shalt know
Eest from all thy toil below,
And from earth's turmoil soon be free.

Weary limbs, now rest ye here,
Safe from danger and from fear,
Seek slumber on this bed :

LAND OF LUTHER. 39

Deeper rest ere long to share,
Other hands shall soon prepare
My narrow couch among the dead.

While my eyes I gently close,
Stealing o'er me soft repose,

Who shall my guardian be ?
Soul and body now I leave
(And Thou wilt the trust receive),
O Israel's Watchman ! unto Thee.

O my friends, from you this day
May all ill have fled away,

No danger near have come ;
Now, my God, these dear ones keep,
Give to my beloved sleep,
And angels send to guard their home !

Paul Gerhard.

HYMNS FROM THE

MY GOD! I KNOW THAT I MUST DIE.

" Mein Gott! ich weiss wohl dass ich. sterbe."

1 All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come."
Job xiv. 14.

My God ! I know that I must die,
My mortal life is passing hence,

On earth I neither hope nor try
To find a lasting residence.

Then teach me by Thy heavenly grace,

With joy and peace to end my race.

My God ! I know not when I die,
What is the moment, or the hour,

How soon the clay may broken lie,
How quickly pass away the flower ;

Then may Thy child prepared be

Through time to meet Eternity.

LAKD OF LUTHER. 4J

My God ! I know not how I die,
For death has many ways to come,

In dark mysterious agony,
Or gently as a sleep to some.

Just as Thou wilt ! if but I be

For ever blessed, Lord, with Thee.

My God ! I know not where I die,

Where is my grave, beneath what strand,

Yet from its gloom I do rely
To be delivered by Thy hand.

Content, I take what spot is mine,

Since all the earth, my Lord, is Thine.

My gracious God ! when I must die,
Oh, bear my happy soul above,

With Christ, my Lord, eternally
To share Thy glory and Thy love !

Then comes it right and well to me,

When, where, and how my death shall be.

B. Schmolk.

42 HYMNS FROM THE

LIGHT IN DARKNESS.

" All things work together for good to them that love God. "—Rom. viii. 28.

How weary and how worthless this life at times

appears !
What days of heavy musings, what hours of bitter

tears !
How dark the storm-clouds gather along the wintry

skies,
How desolate and cheerless the path before us lies !

And yet these days of dreariness are sent us from
above,

They do not come in anger, but in faithfulness and
love ;

They come to teach us lessons which bright ones
could not yield,

And to leave us blest and thankful when their pur-
pose is fulfilled.

LAND OF LUTHER. 43

They come to draw us nearer to our Father and our
Lord,

More earnestly to seek His face, to listen to His
word,

And to feel, if now around us a desert land we see,

Without the star of promise, what would its dark-
ness be !

They come to lay us lowly, and humbled in the

dust,
All self-deception swept away, all creature-hope and

trust ;
Our helplessness, our vileness, our guiltiness to

own,
And flee for hope and refuge to Christ, and Christ

alone.

They come to break the fetters which here detain us

fast,
And force our long reluctant hearts to rise to heaven

at last ;
And brighten every prospect of that eternal home,
Where grief and disappointment and fear can never

come.

44 HYMNS FROM THE

Then turn not in despondence, poor weary heart

away,
But meekly journey onwards, through the dark and

cloudy day ;
Even now the bow of promise is above thee painted

bright,
And soon a joyful morning shall dissipate the night.

Thy God hath not forgot thee, and, when He sees it
best,

Will lead thee into sunshine, will give thee bowers
of rest ;

And all thy pain and sorrow, when the pilgrimage
is o'er,

Shall end in heavenly blessedness, and joys for ever-
more !

Spitta.

LAND OF LUTIIER. 45

LET ME FIND THEE!

" Sieh, hier bin ich, Ehren-Konig."
M Seek ye the Lord while He may he found Isa. Iv. 6.

Behold me here, in grief draw near,
Pleading at Thy throne, 0 King ;

To Thee each tear, each trembling fear,
Jesus, Son of man ! I bring.

Let me find Thee, — let me find Thee,
Me, a vile and worthless thing !

Look down in love, and from above,

"With Thy Spirit satisfy ;
Thou hast sought me, Thou hast bought me.

And Thy purchase, Lord, am I.
Let me find Thee, — let me find Thee,

Here on earth, and then on high !

46 HYMNS FROM THE

No other prayer to Thee I bear,
0 my Lord, but only this, —

To share Thy grace, to see Thy face,
And to know Thy people's bliss.

Let me find Thee, — let me find Thee,
Thee to find is blessedness !

Hear the broken, scarcely spoken
Utterance of my heart to Thee ;

All the crying, all the sighing
Of Thy child accepted be.

Let me find Thee, — let me find Thee,
Thus my soul longs vehemently !

Worldly pleasures, earthly treasures,
Joys and honours will not stay ;

They often pain, and, oh ! how vain,
Looking to eternity !

Let me find Thee, — let me find Thee,
Find Thee, 0 my God, this day !

Joachim Neander.

LAND OF LUTHER. 47

GRIEF AND CONSOLATION BY A MOTHER'S DEATHBED-

" Klage und Trost."

" Sorrov/ not, even as others which have no hope 1 Thess. iv. 13.

" Never couldst thou bear to grieve us,

Dearest mother, why to-day ?

Wherefore wilt thou thus forsake us,

Why, oh why, refuse to stay ? "

" Were it but our Father's will,

Gladly had I tarried still."

" Mother, see the bursting anguish
Of thy dear ones, loved so well ;
See our eyes with grief o'erflowing,
Grief which words refuse to tell ! "
" Children, bid me not remain,
Let me see our Carl again !"

" Ah ! and art thou really going
To that dark and distant shore ?
All our cares, our joys, our sorrows,
All forgotten, shared no more!"

48 HYMNS FROM THE

" Children, think not, say not so,
To the land of love I go."

" From the circle of affection,

Mother, must thou next depart ?
Ah ! how many a link is broken
Once uniting heart to heart ! "
" Closer draw that gentle chain
Round the lov'd who yet remain. "

" Canst thou then so gladly leave us,
Is our grief unheeded now ?
For thine eye is brightly beaming,
Calm and cloudless is thy brow."
" Yes ! for faith, and hope, and love,
Draw me to my Lord above."

" Yet even there, in bliss undying,
When thou numberest thine own,
Mother, shall not ive be wanting,
We, who here in bondage groan !"
" Come, beloved ! quickly come,
Join me in our heavenly home ! "

Mowes.

LAND OF LUTHER. 49

AH! GRIEVE NOT SO.

1 Xicht so traurig, nicht so sehr."
'Godliness with contentment is great gain." — 1 Tra. vi 6.

Ah ! grieve not so, nor so lament,
My soul ! nor troubled sigh,

Because some joys to others sent
Thy Father may deny ;

Take all as love that seems severe,

There is no want if God is near.

There is no right thou canst demand,
No title thou canst claim,

For all are strangers in the land
Who bear the human name ;

Earth and its treasures are the Lord's,

And He the lot of each accords.

50 HYMNS FROM THE

How thankless art thou, child of man !

For favours that abound ;
Thy God has given thee eyes to scan

The glory all around ;
Yet seldom for this priceless sight,
Hast thou been heard to praise aright.

Number thy limbs, thy members tell,
And ask thy thankless soul,

If to another thou wouldst sell
The smallest of the whole ?

There is not one from which thy heart

Would willingly submit to part.

Now, go and search the depths of mind,
Explore its wondrous power,

New proofs of benefits to find,
That meet thee every hour ;

More than the sand upon the shore,

And ever rising more and more.

He knows, who lives on Zion's hill,
What we in truth require,

Knows too how many blessings still
This flesh and blood desire ;

LAND OF LUTHER. 51

And could He safely all bestow,
He would not let thee sorrowing go.

Thou wert not born that earth should be

A portion fondly sought ;
Look up to heaven, and smiling see

Thy shining, golden lot !
Honours and joys, which thou shalt share,
Unending and unenvied there !

Then journey on to life and bliss,

God will protect to heaven ;
And every good that meets thee is

A blessing wisely given.
If losses come, — so let it be,
The God of heaven remains with thee.

Paul Gerhard.

HYMNS FROM THE

PILGRIM SONG.

" Kommt, Kinder, lass uns gehen."

' Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come,'1
Heb. xiiL 14.

Come, brothers, let us onward,

Night comes without delay,
And in this howling desert
It is not good to stay.
Take courage, and be strong,
We are hasting on to heaven,
Strength for warfare will be given,
And glory won ere long.

The Pilgrim's path of trial

We do not fear to view ;
We know His voice who calls us,
We know Him to be true.
Then, let who will contemn,
But, strong in His almighty grace,
Come, every one, with stedfast face.
On to Jerusalem !

LAND OF LUTHER. 53

If we would walk as pilgrims,

We must not riches heap ;
Much treasure to have gathered

But makes the way more steep.
We march with laggard speed,
Till every weight is cast aside,
Till with the little satisfied
That pilgrimage can need.

Here, all unknown we wander,

Despised on every hand,
Unnoticed, save when slighted
As strangers in the land.
Our joys they will not share,
Yet sing, — that they may catch the song
Of heaven, and the happy throng
That now await us there !

Come, gladly, let us onward,
Hand in hand still go,

Each helping one another

Through all the way below.

54 HYMNS FROM THE

One family of love, —
Oh, let no voice of strife be heard,
No discord, by the angel-guard

Who watch us from above.

Oh, brothers ! soon is ended
The journey we've begun,

Endure a little longer,

The race will soon be run.
And in the land of rest, —

In yonder bright, eternal home,

Where all the Father's loved ones comej
We shall be safe and blest !

Then, boldly, let us venture,

This, this is worth the cost !
Though dangers we encounter,
Though everything is lost.
Oh world ! how vain thy call !
We follow Him who went before,
We follow to th' eternal shore,
Jesus, our All in All !

Gerhard Tersteegen.

LAND OF LUTHER. 55

MY FATHER IS THE MIGHTY LORD.

" Mein Vater ist der grosse Herr der Welt.**
" All things are yours." — 1 Cor. iii. 21.

My Father is the mighty Lord, whose arm
Spans earth and sky, and shields his child from

harm,
Whose still, small voice of love is yet the same
As once from Horeb's fiery mount it came ;
Whose glorious works the angel-choirs declare,
He hears their praise, — and hearkens to my prayer.
My King is God's eternal, holy Son,
And He anoints me as a chosen one ;
He has redeemed me with His precious blood,
And for unnumber'd debts has surety stood,
He fought the foe, and drew me by His hand,
Out from His camp, into His Father's land.

HYMNS FROM THE

My Brotherhood's a circle, stretching wide
Around one fount, although a sea divide ;
With fathers, who behold the Lord in light,
With saints unborn, who shall adore His might,
With brothers, who the race of faith now run,
In union and communion, I am one !

My journey's end lies upward and afar,
It glimmers bright, but vaguely as a star,
And oft as faith has caught some glimpse serene,
So often clouds and mists obscure the scene ;
Yet, in this longing ends each vision dim,
To see my Lord ! — and to be made like Him !

My grave, so long a dark and drear abyss,
Is now scarce noticed on the way to bliss ;
Once at the gates of hell it yawning lay,
Now stands as portal to the land of day ;
It takes me to the Father's home so blest,
It brings me to the feast, a welcome guest.

Lange.

LAKD OF LUTHER. 57

THY WILL BE DONE.

11 Mein Jesu, wie du willt!"
*It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good."— 1 Sam. iii 1&,

My Jesus, as Thou wilt !

Oh, may Thy will be mine !
Into Thy hand of love

I would my all resign.
Through sorrow, or through joy,

Conduct me as Thine own,
And help me still to say,

My Lord, Thy will be done !

My Jesus, as Thou wilt !

If needy here and poor,
Give me Thy people's bread,

Their portion rich and sure.
The manna of Thy word

Let my soul feed upon ;
And if all else should fail —

My Lord, Thy will be done !

58 HYMNS FROM THE

My Jesus, as Thou wilt !

If among thorns I go,
Still sometimes here and there

Let a few roses blow.
But Thou on earth along

The thorny path hast gone,
Then lead me after Thee, —

My Lord, Thy will be done I

My Jesus, as Thou wilt !

Though seen through many a tear,
Let not my star of hope

Grow dim or disappear.
Since Thou on earth hast wept

And sorrowed oft alone,
If I must weep with Thee,

My Lord, Thy will be done !

My Jesus, as Thou wilt !

If loved ones must depart,
Suffer not sorrow's flood

To overwhelm my heart :

LAND OF LUTHER. 59

For they are blest with Thee,

Their race and conflict won,
Let me but follow them —

My Lord, Thy will be done !

My Jesus, as Thou wilt !

When death itself draws nigh,
To Thy dear wounded side

I would for refuge fly.
Leaning on Thee, to go

Where Thou before hast gone ;
The rest as Thou shalt please —

My Lord, Thy will be done !

My Jesus, as Thou wilt !

All shall be well for me,
Each changing future scene,

I gladly trust with Thee.
Straight to my home above

I travel calmly on,
And sing, in life or death,

My Lord, Thy will be done !

B. SCHMOLK.

HI1VINS FROM THE

THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

M Ja fuhrwahr! uns fiihrt mit sanften Hand
Ein Hirt durch Pilger-land."

* I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord
God."— Ezek. xxxiv. 15.

Yes ! our Shepherd leads with gentle hand
Through the dark pilgrim-land,
His flock, so dearly bought,
So long and fondly sought, —
Hallelujah !

When in clouds and mist the weak ones stray,
He shows again the way,
And points to them afar
A bright and guiding star.

Hallelujah !

LAND OF LUTHER. 61

Tenderly He watches from on high
With an unwearied eye ;
He comforts and sustains,
In all their fears and pains.

Hallelujah !

Through the parch'd, dreary desert He will guide
To the green fountain-side,
Through the dark, stormy night,
To a calm land of light.

Hallelujah !

Yes ! His " little flock" are ne'er forgot,
His mercy changes not ;
Our home is safe above,
Within His arms of love.

Hallelujah !

Krttmmacher,

HYJINS FROM THE

REJOICE.

" Ermuntert euch, ihr FrommeiL"

'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.'
Ma/tt. xxv. 6.

Rejoice, all ye believers,

And let your lights appear ;
The evening is advancing,

And darker night is near.
The Bridegroom is arising,

And soon He draweth nigh, —
Up ! pray, and watch, and wrestle,

At midnight comes the cry !

See that your lamps are burning,

Replenish them with oil,
And wait for your salvation

The end of earthly toil.
The watchers on the mountain

Proclaim the Bridegroom near,
Go, meet Him as He cometh,

With Hallelujahs clear !

LAND OF LUTHER. 63

Ye wise and holy virgins,

Now raise your voices higher,
Till in songs of jubilee

They meet the angel-choir.
The marriage-feast is waiting,

The gates wide open stand ;
Up ! up ! ye heirs of glory,

The Bridegroom is at hand !

Ye saints, who here in patience

Your cross and sufferings bore,
Shall live and reign for ever,

When sorrow is no more.
Around the throne of glory,

The Lamb ye shall behold,
In triumph cast before Him

Your diadems of gold !

Palms of victory are there,
There, radiant garments are,

There stands the peaceful harvest
Beyond the reach of war.

64: HYMNS FROM THE

There, after stormy winter,
The flowers of earth arise,

And from the grave's long slumber
Shall meet again our eyes !

Our Hope and Expectation,

O Jesus ! now appear ;
Arise, thou Sun, so longed for,

O'er this benighted sphere !
"With hearts and hands uplifted,

We plead, 0 Lord, to see
The day of earth's redemption

That brings us unto Thee !

Laurentius Laurenti.

LAND OF LUTHER. 65

THE ANGEL AND THE INCANT,

4 It is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these
little ones should perish." — Matt, xviii. 14.

Smiling, a bright-eyed seraph bent

Over an infant's dream,
To view his mirrored form he leant

As in the crystal stream.

" Fair infant, come," he whispered low,
u And leave the earth with me ;
To a bright and happy land we'll go,
This is no home for thee.

" Each sparkling pleasure knows alloy,
Nor cloudless skies are here,
A care there is for every joy,
For every smile a tear.

66 HYMNS FROM THE

" The heart that dances free and light,
May soon be chained by sorrow ;
The sun that sets in calm to-night.
May rise in storm to-morrow.

" Alas ! to cloud a brow so fair,

That griefs and pains should rise ;
Alas ! that this dark world of care
Should dim these laughing eyes !

" To seek a brighter land with me,
Infant, thou wilt not fear ;
For piteous heaven the sad decree
Recalls, that sent thee here."

It seemed on him the sweet babe smiled,
His wings the seraph spread ;

They're gone — the angel and the child,
Poor mother ! thy son is dead !

Unbekanntes.

LAND OF LUTHER. 67

THE SERVICE OF THE LORD,

"Der Dienst der Herrn."

1 If any man serve Me, let him follow Me ; and where I am, there fchaU
also My servant he."— John xii. 26.

How blessed, from the bonds of sin

And earthly fetters free,
In singleness of heart and aim,

Thy servant, Lord to be !
The hardest toil to undertake

With joy at Thy command,
The meanest office to receive

With meekness at Thy hand !

With willing heart and longing eyes,

To watch before Thy gate,
Ready to run the weary race,

To bear the heavy weight ;
No voice of thunder to expect,

But follow calm and still,
For love can easily divine

The One Beloved's will.

HYMNS FROM THE

Thus may I serve Thee, gracious Lord !

Thus ever Thine alone,
My soul and body given to Thee,

The purchase Thou hast won.
Through evil or through good report

Still keeping by Thy side,
By life or death, in this poor flesh

Let Christ be magnified !

How happily the working days

In this dear service fly,
How rapidly the closing hour,

The time of rest draws nigh !
When all the faithful gather home,

A joyful company,
And ever where the Master is,

Shall His blest servants be.

Spitta.

LAND OF LUTHER. 69

THE DESIRED HAVEN.

" Lord, now iertest Thou Thy sen-ant depart in peace, according to Thy
word."— Luke ii. 29.

u Lord, the waves are breaking o'er me and around,
Oft of coming tempests I hear the moaning sound,
Here there is no safety, rocks on either hand,
'Tis a foreign roadstead, a strange and hostile

land,
Wherefore should I linger ? others gone before
Long since safe are landed on a calm and friendly

shore :
Now the sailing orders in mercy, Lord, bestow, —
Slip the cable, let me go !

70 HY3INS FROM THE

" Lord, the night is closing round my feeble bark,
How shall I encounter its watches long and dark ?
Sorely worn and shattered by many a billow past,
Can I stand another rude and stormy blast?
Ah ! the promised haven I never may attain,
Sinking and forgotten amid the lonely main ;
Enemies around me, gloomy depths below, —

Slip the cable, let me go !

" Lord, I would be near Thee, with Thee where
Thou art,

Thine own word hath said it, 'tis ' better to de-
part,'

There to serve Thee better, there to love Thee
more,

With Thy ransomed people to worship and adore ;

Ever to Thy presence Thou dost call Thine own,

Why am I remaining, helpless and alone ?

Oh ! to see Thy glory, Thy wondrous love to
know, —

Slip the cable, let me go !

" Lord, the lights are gleaming from the distant shore,
Where no billows threaten, where no tempests roar.

LAND OF LUTHER. 71

Long beloved voices calling me I hear,

Oh, how sweet their summons falls upon my ear !

Here are foes and strangers, faithless hearts and

cold,
There is fond affection, fondly proved of old !
Let me haste to join them, may it not be so ?

Slip the cable, let me go ! "

Hark, the solemn answer ! — hark, the promise

sure !
" Blessed are the servants who to the end endure !
Yet a little longer hope and tarry on,
Yet a little longer, weak and weary one !
More to perfect patience, to grow in faith and love,
More my strength and wisdom, and faithfulness to

prove ;
Then the sailing orders the Captain shall bestow, —
Slip the cable, let thee go !,;

UXBEKANNTES.

72 HYMNS FROM THE

THE LONG GOODNIGHT.

" Ich fahr daliin mit Freuden."

* Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ ; which is far better/
Phil. i. 23.

I journey forth rejoicing,
From this dark vale of tears,

To heavenly joy and freedom,
From earthly bonds and fears :

TThere Christ our Lord shall gather
All His redeemed again,

His kingdom to inherit, —

Goodnight, till then !

Go to thy quiet resting,

Poor tenement of clay !
From all thy pain and weakness

I gladly haste away ;

LAND OF LUTHER. 73

But still in faith confiding

To find thee yet again,
All glorious and immortal,

Goodnight, till then !

Why thus so sadly weeping,
BelovM ones of my heart ?

The Lord is good and gracious,
Though now He bids us part.

Oft have we met in gladness,
And we shall meet again,

All sorrow left behind us, —

Goodnight, till then !

I go to see His glory,

Whom we have loved below ;
I go, the blessed angels,

The holy saints to know.
Our lovely ones departed,

I go to find again,
And wait for you to join us, —

Goodnight, till then !

74 HYMNS FROM THE LAND OF LUTHER.

I hear the Saviour calling,

The joyful hour has come,
The angel-guards are ready

To guide me to our home ;
Where Christ our Lord shall gather

All His redeemed again,
His kingdom to inherit, —

Goodnight, till then !

Unbekanntes.

Struts frjom t\t fanfc ai f txtljrr.

SECOND SERIES.

ALL THINGS ARE YOURS.

"Alios ist euer!— 0 Worte des ewigen Lebens/

"For all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the
world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come ; all are
yours."— 1 Cor. iii. 21, 22.

All things are yours ! O sweet message of mercy
divine !

Christian brothers, rejoice in your portion and mine !
Ours the high prize,
Which poor sinners despise,

And for a vain world resign.

76 HYMNS FROM THE

Raise your affections and heart to your home in the

sky,
Then let the earth and its vanities wither and die ;

Your joys shall last,

When theirs are long past.
Your treasure is laid up on high.

All things are yours, my beloved ! our Lord from

above
Watches His people with tender compassion and
love.

Hear His dear voice, —
" My brethren, rejoice !
Nothing your safety shall move !"

All of things present that earth and her fulness can

yield,
All of things future from knowledge and fancy con-
cealed,

Life's varied tale,
Death's dark, dreaded vale,
All as your portion revealed !

LAND OF LUTHER.

Heaven and earth, and the sea, and

the systems of

light,

Spirits unnumbered, angelic hosts holy and bright,

All are for thee,

Brother ! be joyful with me,

Let us in praises unite !

Does thy heart sink in the conflict

with fear and

despair ?

Are tears overflowing from fountains of sorrow and

care?

On yonder shore,

See, they are weeping no

more.

Old things have passed away there !

Praise to the Saviour, whose death

our salvation

secures !

Praise to the Father, whose mercy for

ever endures !

New songs of praise

Evermore let us raise,

Amen ! yes, all things are yours !

Schubart.

HYMNS FROM THE

THE WIDOW OF NAIN.

' 0 susses Wort."

' And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said unto
her, "Weep not.1'— Luke vii 13.

Oh, sweetest words that Jesus could have sought,
To soothe the mourning widow's heart, "Weep not !"

They fall with comfort on my ear.

When life is dark and trouble near.

They were not whispered accents, but aloud
The Saviour spake them to the silent crowd,

That each might hear His heavenly voice,

And in the widow's joy rejoice !

Words, that were spoken amid sorrow's strife,
And in the very midst of death and life ;
They shall refresh my soul at last,
And strengthen me till life is past.

LAND OF LUTHER. 79

If poverty obscures my earthly lot,

Then shall I hear my Saviour say, " Weep not.,;

To God the Father raise thine eye,

For still He hears the raven's cry.

And oh, should persecution's ruthless hand
Grant me no quiet possession in the land,
The voice of Jesus calms each thought,
Heaven is thy dwelling-place, "Weep not!"

Though death the dearest to my heart has slain,
Jesus shall yet restore my dead again ;
" Weep not," He says, " poor weary one,
But think what I at Nain have done ! "

When I myself am drawing near to death,
This Jesus shall be there, and thus He saith,
" The race is run, the battle fought,
I am thy light, thy life, ; Weep not ! ' "

Oh, sweetest words that Jesus could have sought,
To cheer His weary troubled ones, "Weep not!"

Thrice blessed words ! I listening stay,

Till grief and sorrow flee away !

Dr Johann Hofel.

80 HYMNS FROM THE

CONFLICT.

41 Schone Sonne, kommst du endlich wieder-

Why art thou cast down, 0 my soul ? and why art thou disquieted within
me ? hope thou in God ; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health
of my countenance, and my God." — Psalm xliii. 5.

Sun of comfort, art thou fled for ever ?

Light of joy, wilt thou return at last?
Shall I sing again the song of morning,

When the watches of the night are past ?
Ah, delay not, long expected dawning !

Scatter the thick clouds and mist away,
Which so dark on feeling and devotion,

Over heart and memory rest to-day !

Weeping I have stood alone in darkness,

Gloomy cliffs above, and depths below ;
On the narrow pathway all forsaken,

Left to wrestle with the accusing Foe.
Doubt and unbelief, and dark forebodings,

Fearful spectres gathering around ;
Ah ! my dizzy brain and foot were failing,

Tottering over the abyss profound !

LAND OF LUTHER. 81

Yet One held me back ! An arm almighty,

Strong to save, as Satan to destroy !
From the giddy precipice He caught me,

Drew me from despair to life and joy.
Jesus was my Helper ! Saving mercy

Is His work, His glory, His delight ;
Many a chain of darkness He has broken,

Changed to sunshine many a dismal night

I will trust again His love, His power ;

Though I cannot feel His hand to-day,
To His help anew I will betake me,

Though His countenance seem turned away !
Though without one smile, one gracious token,

Through the flames and floods my path must go;
When the fires subside, the waves pass over,

My Deliverer I again shall know.

Yes, the light of comfort shall return,
Joy's sweet sun shall shine again at last ;

I shall sing the gladsome song of morning,
"When the watches of the night are past ;

HYMNS FROM THE

It shall reappear, the welcome dawning,
Scattering the clouds and mist away,

Which so dark on feeling and devotion,
Over heart and memory rest to-day !

I shall find again the hopes long vanished,

Like the swallows when the storms are gone :
Fountains shall be opened in the desert,

Streams by the wayside, while journeying on.
Flowers of love and promise shall be springing

Where the cruel thorn and wormwood sprung,
And the homeward path lie bright in sunshine,

Where my sad harp on the willows hung !

Laxge.

LAND OF LUTHER. 83

LOVE TO CHRIST.

11 Ich will Dich lieben."
""Whom having not seen ye love."— 1 Pet. L 8.

I will love Thee, — all my treasure !

I will love Thee,— all my strength !
I will love Thee, — without measure,

And will love Thee right at length.
Oh, I will love Thee, Light Divine,
Till I die and find Thee mine !

Alas ! that I so lately knew Thee,
Thee, so worthy of the best ;

Nor had sooner turned to view Thee,
Truest Good, and only Rest !

The more I love, I mourn the more

That I did not love before !

84 HYMNS FROM THE

Far I ran, and wander'd blindly,
Seeking some created light ;

Then I sought, but could not find Thee,
I had wander'd from Thee quite ;

Until at last Thou art made known

Through Thy seeking, not my own !

I will praise Thee, Sun of Glory !

For Thy beams have gladness brought.
I will praise Thee, — will adore Thee,

For the light I vainly sought ;
Will praise Thee that Thy words so blest
Spake my sin-sick soul to rest !

In Thy footsteps now uphold me,
That I stumble not nor stray.

When the narrow way is told me,
Never let me ling'ring stay.

But come, my weary soul to cheer,

Shine, eternal Sunbeam, here !

Be my heart more warmly glowing,
Sweet and calm the tears I shed ;

And its love, its ardour showing,
Let my spirit onward tread.

LAND OF LUTHER. 85

Still, near to Thee, and nearer still,
Draw this heart, this mind, this will.

I will love, in joy and sorrow !

Crowning joy ! will love Thee well !
I will love, to-day, to-morrow,

While I in this body dwell !
Oh ! I will love Thee, Light Divine,
Till I die and find Thee mine !

JOHANN ANGELUS.

HYMNS FROM THE

PARTING.

" Was macht ihr, dass inr weinet."
" What mean ye to weep, and to break mine heart? " — Acts xxi. 13.

What mean ye by this wailing,

To break my bleeding heart f
As if the love that binds us

Could alter or depart !
Our sweet and holy union

Knows neither time nor place ;
The love that God has planted

Is lasting as His grace.

Ye clasp these hands at parting,
As if no hope could be, —

While stiil we stand for ever
In blessed unity !

LAND OF LUTHER. 87

Ye gaze, as on a vision

Ye never could recall,
While still each thought is with you,

And Jesus with us all !

Ye say, " We here, thou yonder,

Thou goest, and we stay ! "
And yet Christ's mystic body

Is one eternally.
Ye speak of different journeys,

A long and sad adieu !
While still one way I travel,

And have one end with you !

Why should ye now be weeping

These agonizing tears ?
Behold our gracious Leader,

And cast away your fears.
We tread one path to glory,

Are guided by one hand,
And led in faith and patience

Unto one Fatherland !

88 HYMNS FROM THE

Then let this hour of parting

No bitter grief record,
But be an hour of union

More blessed with our Lord !
With Him to guide and save us,

No changes that await,
No earthly separations

Can leave us desolate !

Spitta.

LAND OF LUTHER. 89

THE ANGEL OF PATIENCE.

" Es zieht ein stiller Engel durch dieses Erdenland."
" Ye have need of patience."— Heb. x. 36.

A gentle Angel walketh throughout a world of woe,
With messages of mercy to mourning hearts below,
His peaceful smile invites them to love and to

confide,
O follow in His footsteps, keep closely by His side !

So gently will He lead thee through all the cloudy

day,
And whisper of glad tidings to cheer the pilgrim

way,
His courage never failing, when thine is almost gone,
He takes thy heavy burden, and helps to bear it on.

To soft and tearful sadness he changes dumb despair,
And soothes to deep submission the storm of grief
and care ;

90 HYMNS FROM THE

Where midnight shades are brooding He pours the

light of noon,
And every grievous wound He heals, most surely, if

not soon.

He will not blame thy sorrows, while He brings the
healing balm,

He does not chide thy longings, while He soothes
them into calm ;

And when thy heart is murmuring, and wildly ask-
ing, why?

He smiling beckons forward, points upward to the
sky.

He will not always answer thy questions and thy

fear,
His watchword is, " Be patient, the journey's end is

near ! "
And ever through the toilsome way, He tells of joys

to come,
And points the pilgrim to his rest, the wanderer to

his home.

Spitta.

LAND OF LUTHER. 91

LOOKING HOME.

" Ach, this wird das Herz so leer."
"Having a desire to depart."— Phil. L 23.

Ah ! this heart is void and chill
'Mid earth's noisy thronging,

For the Father's mansions still
Veh'mently is longing !

In the garments, once so strong,
Now are rents distressing ,

And the sandals, borne so long,
Heavily are pressing.

Oh ! to be at home, and gain
All for which we're sighing,

From all earthly want and pain
To be swiftly flying.

92 HYMNS FROM THE

With this load of sin and care,
Then, no longer bending ;

But with waiting angels there,
On our Lord attending !

Ah ! how blessed, blessed they
Who have rightly striven,

And rejoice eternally

With their Lord in heaven.

Spitta.

LAND OF LUTHER. 93

MORNING HYMN,

" Morgen glanz der Ewigkeit."
1 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, 0 Lord." — Psalm v. 3.

Jesus, Sun of Righteousness
Brightest beam of Love Divine,

With the early morning rays
Do Thou on our darkness shine,

And- dispel with purest light

All our night !

As on drooping herb and flower
Falls the soft refreshing dew,

Let Thy Spirit's grace and power
All our weary souls renew,

Showers of blessing over all

Softly fall !

94 HYMNS FROM THE

Like the sun's reviving ray,

May Thy love, with tender glow,

All our coldness melt away,

Warm and cheer us forth to go,

Gladly serve Thee and obey

All the day !

0 our only Hope and Guide,
Never leave us, nor forsake ;

Keep us ever at Thy side,

Till the eternal morning break,

Moving on to Zion hill

Homeward still !

Lead us all our days and years
In Thy straight and narrow way ;

Lead us through the vale of tears
To the land of perfect day,

Where Thy people, fully blest,

Safely rest !

Knov. von Rosenmoth.

LAND OF LUTHER. 95

RECALL.

"Kehre wieder, kehre wieder."

* Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal yonr backsliding^"
Jer. iiL 22.

Return, return !
Poor long lost wanderer, home !

With all thy bitter tears,
Thy heavy burdens, come !
As thou art, all sin and pain,
Fear not to implore in vain,
See, the Father comes to meet thee,

Points to mercy's open door,
Words of life and promise greet thee,-

Ah, return, delay no more !

Return, return !
From strife and tumult vain

To quiet solitude,
To silent thought again.

96 HYMNS FROM THE

There the storms shall sink to rest,
Which now desolate thy breast,
There the Spirit, long neglected,

Waits with bliss before unknown ;
And the Saviour, long rejected,

Claims and seals thee for His own.

Return, return !
From all thy crooked ways ;

Jesus will save the lost,
The fallen He can raise.
Look to Him, who beckons thee
From the cross so lovingly.
See His gracious arms extended,

Fear not to seek shelter there,
Where no grief is unbefriended,

Where no sinner need despair.

Return, return !
To thy long- suffering Lord ;

Fear not to seek His grace,
To trust His faithful word,
Yield to Him thy weary heart.
He can heal its keenest smart,

LAND OF LUTHER. 97

He can soothe the deepest sorrow,
Wash the blackest guilt away ;

Then delay not till to-morrow,
Seek His offered gifts to-day.

Return, return !
From all thy wanderings, home !

From vanity and toil,
To rest and substance, come !
Come to Truth from Error's night,
Come from darkness unto light,
Come from death to life undying,

From a fallen earth to Heaven, —
Now the accepted time is flying,

Haste to take what God has given !

Spitta.

98 HYMNS FROM THE

GOING HOME.

" Unser Lieben sind geschieden."

'But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them
which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no
hope." — 1 Thess. iv. 13

Our beloved have departed,
While we tarry broken-hearted,

In the dreary, empty house ;
They have ended life's brief story,
They have reached the home of glory,

Over death victorious !

Hush that sobbing, weep more lightly ;
On we travel, daily, nightly,

To the rest that they have found, —
Are we not upon the river,
Sailing fast to meet for ever

On more holy, happy ground ?

LAND OF LUTHER. 99

Whilst with bitter tears we're mourning,
Thought to buried loves returning,

Time is hasting us along,
Downward to the grave's dark dwelling,
Upward to the fountain welling

With eternal life and song !

See ye not the breezes hieing ?
Clouds along in hurry flying ?

But ive haste more swiftly on, —
Ever changing our position,
Ever tossed in strange transition, —

Here to-day, to-morrow gone !

Every hour that passes o'er us
Speaks of comfort yet before us,

Of our journey's rapid rate,
And like passing vesper-bells,
The clock of time its chiming tells.

At eternity's broad gate.

On we haste, to home invited,
There with friends to be united
In a surer bond than here ;

100

HYMNS FROM THE

Meeting soon, and met for ever !
Glorious Hope ! forsake us never,
For Thy glimmering light is dear

Ah. the way is shining clearer.
As we journey ever nearer

To the everlasting home.
Friends, who there await our landing,
Comrades, round the throne now standing.

We salute you, and we come !

Lange.

LAND OF LUTHER. 101

THE JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM.

" Jesu, was hat dich getrieben."

4 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem ; and Jesus went before
them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid."
—Mark x. 32.

Jesus ! what was that which drew Thee
To Jerusalem's ancient gate ?

Ah ! the love that burned so truly
Would not suffer Thee to wait !

On Thou journey'dst, thus securing

Me a city more enduring !

To my spirit, now, draw nearer,

Lord ! as to Jerusalem !
Let each moment prove Thee dearer,

Make this heart a Bethlehem !
Thus my Saviour's love possessing,
Surely I have Salem's blessing !

102 HYMNS FROM THE

To the world Thou hast sent me,
Like the twelve that saw Thy face,

Lead ine through the journey gently,
Keep me near Thee by Thy grace.

My allotted work fulfilling,

Ever ready, ever willing.

Let me gladly see my calling,

When and where Thou sendest me,

Never into darkness falling,
Gazing on futurity ;

But obey when Thou hast bidden,

Though Thy counsel should be hidden.

Let me follow Thee, my Saviour,
Not with words or empty show ;

But my heart, my life, behaviour,
Prove Thy presence here below.

Meekly with the froward bearing,

And each brother's burden sharing !

Oh, my Lord ! if Thou shouldst ever
Call me desolate to roam,

For Thy truth and conscience sever
Every tie of house and home,

LAND OF LUTHER.

Then draw nearer, if Thou smite me,
Let not crosses disunite me.

103

So shall I hosannahs singing,

All the desert- way rejoice ;
Late and early, praises bringing,

But with feeble, earthly voice.
Though these broken notes distress me,
Jesus ! Thou wilt hear and bless me !

Laurentius Laurenti.

104

HYMNS FROM THE

THE MERCHANT.

"Einen Kaufmann sieht man ohne Gleichen."

'Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant-man seeking
goodly pearls : who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went
and sold all that he had, and nought it." — Matt, xiii 45, 46.

Once a merchant travelled far and wide,
Over mountain- chains and ocean's tide,
Slighted and despised on every hand,
Wearily he passed from land to land.

Not with treasure treasures to acquire,
Seemed the wanderer's purpose or desire ;
Gold and silver he regarded not, —
Pearls alone with eagerness he sought.

Many were produced to meet his call -, —
Strictly he examined, weighed them all ;
Nothing could deceive, or please his eye,
Calmly he surveyed, and passed them by.

LAND OF LUTHER.

105

Sadly he pursued his search around, —
Ah ! the One midst many was not found !
Stars indeed he saw, but not the Sun
All his longings sought and dwelt upon.

Weary now with all his wanderings vain,
To his native home he turns again ; —
There he finds a Fisher on the strand,
Stooping down to draw a net to land.

What new treasures of the deep are these ?
Who this unknown Stranger of the seas ?
Changed his aspect now, his bearing high,
While he speaks with gentle dignity.

" Peace be with thee ! Now thou mayest obtain
All so long desired and sought in vain, —
Thou 'mid many fools the only wise,
At thy journey's end behold the prize !"

" Yes, it is the One, beyond compare,
Sought so long, abandoned in despair ;
Stranger speak, how may it be my own?"

" All thou hast can be the price alone."

106

HYMNS FROM THE

" Be it so !" he joyfully replied ;

" Lord, take all, and take myself beside !
For in wondrous love Thou bring'stfrom heaven
What no monarch has or could have given."

And the world deceived and foolish call
Him, who for one jewel gave his all ;
But unheeding what they think or say,
Glad and satisfied he goes his away.

Food is his, which they have never known,
Cordials granted to himself alone :
From earth's vanities and cares set free,
Now he walks in peace and liberty.

Wondrous blessings reach him from above,
Love comes down to meet the heart of love ;
Ever as he views his treasure bright,
All his soul is filled with life and lteht.

Blessed they who find the priceless gem,
Blessed they who seek ! It shines for them
Brightly still, the prize by God revealed,
For the victor on Faith's battle-field.

From the Kirchex-freunde.

LAND OF LUTHER. 107

SUBMISSION.

"Stille, mem Wille! dein Jesu hilft siegen."
" Is your patience possess ye your souls." — Luke xxi. IS.

Be still, my soul ! — the Lord is on thy side,
Bear patiently the cross of grief and pain,

Leave to thy God to order and provide,
In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul ! — thy best, thy Heavenly Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul ! — thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past :

Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake,
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul! — the waves and winds still know

His voice, who ruled them while He dwelt below.

108

HYMNS FROM THE

Be still, my soul ! — when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,

Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.

Be still, my soul ! — thy Jesus can repay

From His own fulness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul ! — the hour is hastening on
When we shall be for ever with the Lord ;

When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, Love's purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul ! — when change and tears are past.

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul ! — begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to thy Lord on high ;
Acknowledge Him in all thy works and ways,

So shall He view thee with a well-pleased eye.
Be still, my soul ! — the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly
shine.

Unbekaxxtes.

LAND OF LUTHER. 109

THE BELIEVER'S DYING TESTAMENT,

" Ich habe Lust zu scheiden."

• I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at
hand."— 2 Tim. iv. 6.

Weary, waiting to depart,

My spirit longs for flight ;
Still I gaze with throbbing heart

To Zion's fields of light.
When His summons shall be sent.

No dweller here may know, —
To my dying testament,

Friends, hearken, ere I go !

God, my Father, to Thy hand

This spirit I bequeath ;
Guide it through this desert land,

And through the gates of death.
By Thy gift, this soul was mine,

Take it to Thyself again,
So shall it for ever Thine

In life and death remain.

110 HYMNS FROM THE

What, 0 Jesus, shall I make

An offering to Thee ?
Ah, these sins, these sorrows take,

So grievous, Lord, to me.
In the crimson stream that flows,

My Saviour, from Thy side,
Thus my faith each burden throws,

Hide them, for ever, hide !

Oh, Thou Spirit of all might !

I yield Thee my last sigh,
And to Thee, in death's dread fight,

I send my latest cry !
As life's pulses steal away,

0 speak peace to me !
And let my fainting soul that day

Nothing save Jesus see.

Angels, take these flowing tears
From my pale cheeks away !

Ye can pity earth-born fears,
And gladly will obey.

LAND OF LUTHER. Ill

Bear me to my Saviour's care,

In these kind arms of love,
And let me for ever share

Your tearless bliss above.

Ye beloved ones, and true,

Who weeping round me bend,
Though I go, I leave with you

Your everlasting Friend.
Take my parting blessing, then,

And weep for me no more,
Surely we shall meet again

On the eternal shore !

Earth, poor earth, I've spent on thee

A long and clouded day,
Take as my last legacy,

This dwelling-house of clay :
In Thy keeping it must fall

To humble dust once more ;
But, ere long, thy graves shall all

In living truth restore !

112 HYMNS FROM THE

This is my last testament —

God ! ^ Thy seal thereto !
Now I wait in calm content,

With Heaven full in view.
Resting on my Lord in faith,

I pass securely on,
Knowing when I conquer death

My heritage is won !

B. Schmolk.

LAND OF LUTHER. 113

WAITING,

11 Meine stund ist noch nicht kommen."
" Mine hour is not yet come." — John ii. 4.

" Jesus' hour is not yet come ;" —

Let this word thine answer be,
Pilgrim, asking for thy home,

Longing to be blest and free.
Yet a season tarry on,
Nobly borne, is nobly done.

While oppressing cares and fears
Night and day no respite leave,

Still prolonged through many years,
None to help thee or relieve ;

Hold the word of promise fast,

Till deliverance comes at last.

Every creature-hope and trust,
Every earthly prop or stay,

May lie prostrate in the dust,

May have failed or passed away ;-

1 1 4 HYMNS FROM THE

Then, when darkest falls the night,
Jesus comes, and all is light.

Yes, the Comforter draws nigh
To the breaking, bursting heart,

For, with tender sympathy,
He has seen and felt its smart :

Through its darkest hours of ill,

He is waiting, watching still.

Dost thou ask, When comes His hour?

Then, when it shall aid thee best.
Trust His faithfulness and power,

Trust in Him, and quietly rest.
Suffer on, and hope, and wait,
Jesus never comes too late.

Blessed day, which hastens fast,
End of conflict and of sin !

Death itself shall die at last,
Heaven's eternal joys begin.

Then eternity shall prove,

God is Light, and God is Love.

Spitta.

LAXD OF LUTHER. 115

PRAISE AND PRAYER.

" 0 treuer Heiland Jesu Christ."

"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed
away; behold, all things are become new."— 2 Cor. v. 17.

We praise and bless Thee, gracious Lord,

Our Saviour kind and true,
For all the old things passed away,

For all Thou hast made new.

The old security is gone,

In which so long we lay ;
The sleep of death Thou hast dispelled,

The darkness rolled away.

New hopes, new purposes, desires,
And joys, Thy grace has given ;

Old ties are broken from the earth,
New ones attach to heaven.

116 HYMNS FROM THE

But yet how much must be destroyed,
How much renewed must be,

Ere we can fully stand complete
In likeness, Lord, to Thee !

Ere to Jerusalem above,

The holy place, we come,
Where nothing sinful or defiled

Shall ever find a home !

Thou, only Thou, must carry on
The work Thou hast begun :

Of Thine own strength Thou must impart,
In Thine own ways to run.

Ah, leave us not ! from day to day

Revive, restore again ;
Our feeble steps do Thou direct,

Our enemies restrain.

Whate'er would tempt the soul to stray,

Or separate from Thee,
That, Lord, remove, however dear

To the poor heart it be !

LAND OF LUTHER. 1 1 7

When the flesh sinks, then strengthen Thou

The spirit from above ;
Make us to feel Thy service sweet,

And light Thy yoke of love.

So shall we faultless stand at last

Before Thy Father's throne,
The blessedness for ever ours,

The glory all Thine own !

Spitta.

118 HYMNS FROM THE

CALVARY.

" Fliesst, ihr Augen, Fliesst von Thranen."
''Surely He nath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows."— Isaiah liii. 4.

Flow, my tears, flow still faster,
Thus my guilt and sin bemoan ;

Mourn, my heart, in deeper anguish,
Over sorrows not thine own !
See, a spotless Lamb draw nigh
To Jerusalem, to die
For thy sins, the sinless One ; —
Think ! ah, think ! what thou hast done !

See Him stand while cruel fetters

Bind the hands that framed the world,
While around Him bitter mocking,

Laughter, and contempt are hurled.

Heathen rage and Jewish scorn,

Meekly for our sins are borne.

Sin has brought Him from above ;

Who can fathom such a love ?

LAND OF LUTHER. 119

Soon the heavy doom is spoken,

Even Pilate's pleading ceased ;
Jesus to the cross is chosen,

And Barabbas is released !

Ah ! there is no loving word,

Not one voice of pity heard !

But the loud and frenzied cry,

" Crucify Him, — crucify ! "

Can we view the Saviour given
To the smiter's hands for us ?

Can we all unmoved, unhumbled,

See Him mocked and slighted thus, —
View the thorny chaplet made
For His meek and silent head, —
Hear the loud and angry din,
And not tremble for our sin ?

Follow from the hall of judgment
This sad Saviour on His way ; —

But, in spirit, as ye journey,

Often pause, and humbly pray, —

120 HYMNS FROM THE

Pray the Father to behold
By the Son thy ransom told
And a substitute for thee
In His Well-beloved see !

Must I, Jesus, thus behold Thee
In Thy toil and sorrow here?

Can I nothing better yield Thee
Than my unavailing tear ?
Lamb of God ! I weep for Thee !
Weep, Thy cruel cross to see, —
Weep, for death that death destroys !
Weep, for grief that brings me joys !

Poor is all that I can offer,
Soul and body while I live ;

Take it, 0 my Saviour, take it, —
I have nothing more to give.
Come, and in this heart remain,
Let each enemy be slain, —
Let me live and die with Thee ;
To Thy kingdom welcome me !

LAND OF LUTHER. 121

Loud and louder, saints are singing,
Glory ! glory ! Christ, to Thee !

Over death and hell for ever

Thou hast triumphed gloriously.
I am Thine, and Thou art mine :
Oh ! to see Thy brightness shine !
Lord ! Thy day of grief is o'er,
Come ! in glory — come once more !

Laurentius Laurenti.

122 HYMNS FROM THE

REUNION.

" Wiedersehn ! ja, wiedersehn wird einst."

" I shall go to him."— 2 Sam. xii. 23.

Meet again ! yes. we shall meet again,

Though now we part in pain !

His people all

Together Christ shall call ; —

Hallelujah !

Soon the days of absence shall be o'er,

And thou shalt weep no more ;

Our meeting day

Shall wipe all tears away ; —

Hallelujah !

Now I go with gladness to our home,

With gladness thou shalt come ;

There I will wait

To meet thee at Heaven's gate ; —

Hallelujah !

LAND OF LUTHER. 123

Dearest ! what delight, again to share
Our sweet communion there !

To walk among

The holy ransom'd throng ; —

Hallelujah !

Here, in many a grief our hearts were one.
But there in joys alone ;

Joy fading never,

Increasing, deepening ever ; —

Hallelujah !

Not to mortal sight can it be given
To know the bliss of Heaven ;

But thou shalt be

Soon there, and sing with Me,

Hallelujah !

Meet again ! yes, we shall meet again,
Though now we part in pain !

Together all

His people Christ shall call ; —

Hallelujah!

M. A. ZlLLE.

124 HYMNS FROM THE

JESUS ALL-SUFFICIENT

" Wenn ich Ilin nur habe."
"The Lord is my portion, saith my soul1'— Lam. iii. 24.

If only He is mine, —

If but this poor heart
Never more, in grief or joy,
May from Him depart,
Then farewell to sadness,
All I feel is love, and hope, and gladness.

If only He is mine, —

Then, from all below,
Leaning on my pilgrim-staff,
Gladly forth I go.
From the crowd who follow
In the broad, bright road, their pleasures fals
and hollow.

LAND OF LUTHER. 125

If only He is mine, —

Then all else is given ;
Every blessing lifts my eyes
And my heart to Heaven.
Fill'd with heavenly love,
Earthly hopes and fears no longer tempt or move.

There, — where He is mine,

Is my Fatherland,
And my heritage of bliss

Daily cometh from His hand.
Now I find again

In His people love long lost, and mourn'd in vain.

Novalis.

126 HYMNS FROM THE

ANTICIPATION.

' Wie wird mir sevn ? ''

' beloved, now are we the sons of God ; and it doth not yet appear what
we shall he." — 1 John hi. 2.

What shall I be ? my Lord, when I behold Thee
In awful majesty at God's right hand ;

And 'mid th' eternal glories that enfold me,
In strange bewilderment, 0 Lord, I stand.

What shall I be? these tears, — they dim my sight,

I cannot catch the blissful vision right.

What shall I be? Lord, when Thy radiant glory,
As from the grave I rise, encircles me ;

When brightly pictured in the light before me,
What eye hath never seen, my eyes shall see.

W hat shall I be ? Ah, blessed and sublime

Is the dim prospect of that glorious time !

LAND OF LUTHER. 127

What shall I be ? When clays of grief are ended.
From earthly fetters set for ever free ;

When from the harps of saints and angels blended,
I hear the burst of joyful melody !

What shall I be ? when risen from the dead,

Sin, death, and hell, I never more shall dread.

What shall I be ! when all around are thronging,
The loved of earth, where I have come to dwell ;

When all is joy and praise, — no anxious longing,
No bitter parting, and no sad farewell.

What shall I be ? Ah, how the streaming light

Can lend a radiance to this dreary night !

Yes ! faith can never know the full salvation,
Which Jesus for His people will prepare ;

Then will I wait in peaceful expectation,

Till the Good Shepherd comes to take me there.

My Lord, my God, a blissful end I see,

Though now I know not what I yet shall be !

Langbeckek.

128 HYMNS FEOM THE

"GOD CALLING YET."

k Gott rafet nocli ! "

* Unto you, 0 men. I call ; and my voice is to the sons of man."—
Proy. viii 4.

God calling yet ! — and shall I never hearken.
But still earth's witcheries my spirit darken ?
This passing life, these passing joys, all flying,
And still ray soul in dreamy slumbers lying !

God calling yet ! — and I not yet arising,
So long His loving, faithful voice despising,
So falsely His unwearied care repaying,
He calls me still, and still I am delaying !

God calling yet ! — loud at my door is knocking,
And I my heart, my ear, still firmer locking :
He still is ready, willing to receive me,
Is waiting now, but ah ! He soon may leave me.

LAND OF LUTHER. 129

God calling yet ! — and I no answer giving ;
I dread His yoke, and am in bondage living ;
Too long I linger, but not yet forsaken,
He calls me still, oh, my poor heart, awaken !

Ah, yield Him all, — all to His care confiding ;
Where but with Him are rest and peace abiding?
Unloose, unloose, break earthly bonds asunder,
And let this spirit rise in soaring wonder.

God calling yet ! — I can no longer tarry.
Nor to my God a heart divided carry ;
Now, vain and giddy world, your spells are broken,
Sweeter than all, the voice of God has spoken !
Gerhard Tersteegen.

130 HYMNS FROM THE

RESIGNATION.

" Ich hat)' in guten Stunden."

* What ! shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not
receive evil" — Job ii. 19.

I haye had my days of blessing,
All the joys of life possessing,

Unnumber'd they appear !
Then, let faith and patience cheer me,
Now that trials gather near me,

Where is life without a tear ?

Yes, O Lord, a sinner looking
O'er the sins Thou art rebuking,

Must own Thy judgments light.
Surely, I so oft offending,
Must, in humble patience bending,

Feel Thy chastisements are right.

LAND OF LUTHER. 131

Let me, o'er transgression weeping,
Find the grace my soul is seeking ;

Receiving at Thy throne
Strength to meet each tribulation,
Looking for the great salvation

Trusting in my Lord alone !

While 'mid earthly tears and sighing,
Still to praise Thee feebly trying,

Still clinging, Lord, to Thee :
Quietly on Thy love relying,
I am Thine, — and living, dying,

Surely all is well with me !
Christian Furchtegott Gellert.

132 HYMNS FROM THE

REST.

" Ich bleib bei Dir ! wo konnt ich 's besser haben ?*'
" We which have believed do enter into rest" — Heb. iv. 3.

I rest with Thee, Lord ! whither should I go ?

I feel so blest within Thy home of love !
The blessings purchased by Thy pain and woe,

To Thy poor child Thou sendest from above.

0 never let Thy grace depart from me,

So shall I still abide, my Lord, with Thee.

1 rest with Thee ! Eternal life the prize

Thou wilt bestow, when faith's good fight is won.
What can earth give, but vain regrets and sighs,

To the poor heart, whose passing bliss is done?
For lasting joys I fleeting ones resign,
Since Jesus calls me His, and He is mine.

LAND OF LUTHER. 133

I rest with Thee ! no other place of rest
Can now attract, no other portion please :

The soul of heavenly treasure once possest,
All earthly glory with indifference sees.

Poor world, farewell ! thy splendours tempt no more,

The power of grace I feel, and thine is o'er.

I rest with Thee ! with Thee, whose wondrous love
Descends to seek the lost, the fallen raise.

O that my whole of future life might prove
One hallelujah, one glad song of praise !

So shall I sing, as time's last moments flee,

Now and for ever, Lord ! I rest with Thee !

Adolph Moraht.

134 HYMNS FROM THE

LOOKING TO JESUS.

' 0 stilles Lamm."

' He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her
shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth."— Isaiah liiL 7.

O silent Lamb ! for me Thou hast endured,
Jesus, Thou holy, perfect, sinless One !

Thy grief and bitter anguish have secured
My soul's salvation, when this race is run.
Then, let me, to Thine image true,

Thus meekly suffer, with the crown in view.

The narrow way that leads us up to Heaven,
Must here through strife and tribulation lie ;

Then, on the thorny path may strength be given,
This sinful flesh, O Lord, to crucify.
Oh, take this feebleness away,

And make me strong to meet each future day !

LAND OF LUTHER. 135

Here, daily crosses come to try our weakness,
Here, every member must a burden bear ;

But, 0 my Saviour, if I take with meekness
The cross appointed by Thy love and care,
Too great, too long, it will not be,

For it is weigh'd and measured out by Thee.

If thus we journey patiently through sadness,
Each grief will make us dearer to our Lord ;

But if we flee the cross, in search of gladness,
We cannot shun His dread, avenging sword.
Oh, blessed they ! who hear the call,

Who take the cross, and follow, leaving all !

So help me, Lord, Thy holy will to suffer,

And still a learner at Thy feet to be ;
Give faith and patience when the way is rougher,
And at the end a joyful victory.
Thus grief itself is changed to song,
Ofttimes on earth, but evermore ere long.

Karl Heinrich von Bogatzki.

136 HYMNS FROM THE

PRAISE.

1 Lobe den Herren!"

" Let every thing that hath hreath praise the Lord. Praise ye the
Lord." — Psalm cL 6.

Praise to Jehovah ! the almighty King of Creation !
Swell Heaven's chorus, chime in every heart, every
nation !

Oh, my soul, wake !
Harp, lute, and psaltery take,
Sound forth in glad adoration.

Praise to Jehovah ! whose love o'er thy course is

attending,
Redeeming thy life, and thee from all evil defending.
Through all the past,
O my soul, over thee cast,
His sheltering wings were bending !

LAND OF LUTHER. 137

Praise to Jehovah ! whose fence has been planted

around thee,
Who, from His heavens, with blessing and mercy
has crowned thee.

Think, happy one !
What He can do, and has done,
Since in His pity He found thee.

Praise to Jehovah ! all that has breath praise Him,

sing praises ;
Bless God, 0 my soul, and all that is in me, sing
praises.

In Him rejoice,
Until for ever thy voice,
The hymn of eternity raises !

Joachim Neander.

138 HYMNS FROM THE

HYMN SUNG AT A FUNERAL.

"Wohlauf! wohlan! zum letzten Gang,
Kurz ist der Weg, die Rune ist lang."

' Here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come."—
Heb. xiiL 14.

Come forth 1 come on, with solemn song !
The road is short, the rest is long !
The Lord brought here, He calls away,

Make no delay,
This home was for a passing day.

Here in an inn a stranger dwelt,
Here joy and grief by turns he felt :
Poor dwelling, now we close thy door !

The task is o'er,
The sojourner returns no more !

Now of a lasting home possest,

He goes to seek a deeper rest.

Good night ! the day was sultry here,

In toil and fear,
Good night ! the night is cool and clear.

LAND OF LUTHER. 139

Chime on, ye bells ! again begin,
And ring the Sabbath morning in ;
The labourer's week-day work is done,

The rest begun,
Which Christ hath for His people won !

Now open to us, gates of peace !
Here let the pilgrim's journey cease.
Ye quiet slumberers, make room

In your still home,
For the new stranger who has come !

How many graves around us lie !
How many homes are in the sky !
Yes, for each saint doth Christ prepare

A place with care,
Thy home is waiting, brother, there !

Jesus, Thou reignest, Lord alone,
Thou wilt return and claim Thine own.
Come quickly, Lord ! return again !

Amen ! Amen !
Thine seal us ever, now and then !

F. Sachse.

140 HY3IXS FROM THE

RESURRECTION.

' Auferstehn, ja, auferstehn.,:

"This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on
immortality." — 1 Cor. xt. 53.

Thou shalt rise ! my dust, thou shalt arise !

Not always closed thine eyes ;
Thy life's first Giver
Will give thee life for ever,

Ah, praise His name !

Sown in darkness, but to bloom again,
When, after winter's reign,

Jesus is reaping

The seed now quietly sleeping,

Ah, praise His name !

LAND OF LUTHER. 14]

Day of praise ! for thee, thou wondrous day,

In my quiet grave I stay ;

And when I number

My days and nights of slumber,

Thou wakest me !

Then, as they who dream, we shall arise
With Jesus to the skies,

And find that morrow,

The weary pilgrim's sorrow,

All past and gone !

Then, within the Holiest, I tread
By my Redeemer led,

Through Heaven soaring,
His holy name adoring

Eternally !

Klopstock.

142 HYMNS FROM THE

HERE AND THERE.

" Was kein Auge hat gesehen."

1 Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart
of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."
—1 Coe. iL 9.

What no human eye hath seen,
What no mortal ear hath heard.

What on thought hath never been
In its noblest nights conferred, —

This hath God prepared in store
For His people evermore !

When the shaded pilgrim land
Fades before my closing eye,

Then reveal'd on either hand,
Heaven's own scenery shall lie :

Then the veil of flesh shall fall,

Now concealing, darkening all.

LA^D OF LUTHER. 143

Heavenly landscapes, calmly bright,
Life's pure river murmuring low,

Forms of loveliness and light,
Lost to earth long time ago, —

Yes, mine own, lamented long,

Shine amid the angel throng !

Many a joyful sight was given,

Many a lovely vision here,
Hill, and vale, and starry even,

Friendship's smile, Affection's tear;
These were shadows, sent in love,
Of realities above !

When upon my wearied ear

Earth's last echoes faintly die.
Then shall angel harps draw near,

All the chorus of the sky ;
Long-hushed voices blend again,
Sweetly, in that welcome-strain.

Here were sweet and varied tones,
Bird, and breeze, and fountain's fall^

Yet Creation's travail-groans
Ever sadly sigh'd through all.

144 HYMNS FROM THE LAND OF LUTHER.

There no discord jars the air,
Harmony is perfect there !

When this aching heart shall rest,

All its busy pulses o'er,
From her mortal robes undrest

Shall my spirit upward soar.
Then shall unim agin ed joy,
Ail my thoughts and powers employ.

Here devotion's healing balm
Often came to soothe my breast,

Hours of deep and holy calm,
Earnests of Eternal rest.

But the bliss was here unknown,

Which shall there be all my own !

Jesus reigns, the Life, the Sun,
Of that wondrous world above ;

All the clouds and storms are gone,
All is light, and all is love.

All the shadows melt away

In the blaze of perfect day !

Lange.

jqmns ft am i\t fob ai %vX\ix.

THIRD SERIES.

JOY IN BELIEVING.

"Ich glaube, Hallelujah!"
1 If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature."— 1 Cor. v. 17.

Hallelujah ! I believe !

Now the giddy world stands fast,
Now my soul has found an anchor

Till the night of storm is past.
All the gloomy mists are rising,

And a clue is in my hand,
Through earth's labyrinth to guide me

To a bright and heavenly land.

146 HY3INS FROM THE

Hallelujah ! I believe !

Sorrow's bitterness is o'er,
And affliction's heavy burden

Weighs my spirit down no more
On the cross the mystic writing

Now revealed before me lies,
And I read the words of comfort.

'•Asa father, I chastise."

Hallelujah ! I believe !

Now no longer on my soul
All the debt of sin is lying, —

One great Friend has paid the whole !
Ice-bound fields of legal labour

I have left, with all their toil ;
While the fruits of love are growing

From a new and genial soil.

Hallelujah ! I believe !

Now life's mystery is gone,
Gladly through its fleeting shadows,

To the end I journey on.

LAND OF LUTHER.

147

Through the tempest, or the sunshine.

Over flowers or ruins led,
Still the path is homeward hasting,

Where all sorrow shall have fled.

Hallelujah ! I believe !

Now, O Love, I know thy power,
Thine no false or fragile fetters,

Not the rose-wreaths of an hour !
Christian bonds of holy union,

Death itself does not destroy ;
Yes, to live, and love for ever,

Is our heritage of joy !

Mowes.

148

HYMNS FROM THE

LOWLY.

" Hinab geht Christi Weg.M

' Blessed are the poor in spirit : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'
Matt. v. 3.

Christ's path was sad and lowly,

But yet thou, in thy pride,
Wouldst climb the highest summit,

And on the height abide !
Wouldst thou to heaven arise ?

Thy Lord the way will show thee ;
For who would climb these skies,

Must first with Him be lowly.

Lowly, my soul, be lowly, —
Follow the paths of old :

The feather riseth lightly,
But never so the gold !

LAND OF LUTHER. 149

The stream, descending fast,

Has gathered, quietly, slowly, —

A river rolls at last, —

Therefore, my soul, be lowly.

Lowly, my eyes, be lowly :

God, from His throne above,
Looks down upon the humble

In kindness and in love.
Still, as I rise, I shall

Have greater depths below me,
And haughty looks must fall, —

Therefore, mine eyes, be lowly.

Lowly, my hands, be lowly :

Christ's poor around us dwell,
Stoop down, and kindly cherish

The flock He loves so well.
Not toiling to secure

This world's fame and glory, —
Thy Saviour blessed the poor,

Therefore, my hands, be lowly.

150

HYMNS FROM THE

Lowly, my heart, be lowly :

So God shall dwell with thee ;
It is the meek and patient

Who shall exalted be.
Deep in the valley rest

The Spirit's gifts most holy,
And they who seek are blest, —

Therefore, my heart, be lowly.

Lowly, I would be lowly !

This frame, to earth allied,
Must first to dust be humbled

Ere it be glorified !
My God, prepare me here

For all that lies before me ;
I would in heaven appear,

And so I would be lowly.

Ingolsteller.

LAND OF LUTHER.

151

THE CHRISTIAN CROSS.

'Der Christen Schmuck und Ordensband,"

4 Then said Jesus nnto His disciples, If any man will come after Mc; let
him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'1 — Matt.
x\i. 24.

The Christian's badge of honour here,

Has ever been the cross ;
And when its hidden joys appear,

He counts it gain, not loss.

He bears it meekly, as is best,
While struggling here with sin ;

He wears it not upon his breast,
Ah ! no, it is within.

152 hymns from: the

And if it bring him pain or shame,

He takes it joyfully,
For well he knows from whom it came,

And what its end shall be.

Only a little while 'tis borne,

And as a pledge is given,
Of robes of triumph, to be worn

For evermore in heaven.

Spitta.

LAND OF LUTHER. 3 53

SONG OF THE SOJOURNER.

" Ich bin ein Gast auf Erden."

1 1 am a stranger with Thee, and a sojourner, as all ray fathers were.'
Psalm xxxix. 12.

A pilgrim and a stranger,

I journey here below ;
Far distant is my country,

The home to which I go.
Here I must toil and travel,

Oft weary and opprest,
But there my God shall lead me

To everlasting rest.

I've met with storms and danger,

Even from my early years,
With enemies and conflicts,

With fightings and with fears.
There's nothing here that tempts me

To wish a longer stay,
So I must hasten forwards,

No halting or delay.

154 HYMNS FROM THE

It is a well-worn pathway, —

Many have gone before :
The holy saints and prophets,

The patriarchs of yore.
They trod the toilsome journey

In patience and in faith ;
And them I fain would follow,

Like them in life and death !

Who would share Abraham's blessing,

Must Abraham's path pursue,
A stranger and a pilgrim,

Like him, must journey through.
The foes must be encountered,

The dangers must be passed ;
Only a faithful soldier

Receives the crown at last.

So I must hasten forwards. —
Thank God, the end will come !

This land of my sojourning
Is not my destined home.

LAND OF LUTHER. 155

That evermore abideth,

Jerusalem above,
The everlasting city,

The land of light and love.

There still my thoughts are dwelling,

'Tis there I long to be !
Come, Lord, and call Thy servant

To blessedness with Thee !
Come, bid my toils be ended,

Let all my wanderings cease ;
Call from the wayside lodging,

To the sweet home of peace !

There I shall dwell for ever,

No more a stranger guest,
With all Thy blood-bought children

In everlasting rest.
The pilgrim toils forgotten,

The pilgrim conflicts o'er,
All earthly griefs behind us.

Eternal joys before !

Paul Gerhardt.

156 HY^DsS FROM THE

THE CHRISTIAN HOUSEHOLD.

" 0 selig Haus, wo man dich allfgenommen.,,
4 And they constrained him, saying, Ahide with us." — Luke xxiv. 29.

Oh, happy house ! where Thou art loved the best.

Dear Friend and Saviour of our race,
Where never comes such welcom'd honour'd Guest,

Where none can ever fill Thy place ;
Where every heart goes forth to meet Thee,

Where every ear attends Thy word,
Where every lip with blessing greets Thee,

Where all are waiting on their Lord.

Oh, happy house ! where two are one in heart,

In holy faith and hope are one,
Whom death can only for a little part,

Not end the union here begun ;

LAND OF LUTHER. 157

Who share together one salvation,

Who would be with Thee, Lord, always,

In gladness, or in tribulation,
In happy or in evil days.

Oh, happy house ! whose little ones are given

Early to Thee, in faith and prayer, —
To Thee, their Friend, who from the heights of heaven

Guards them with more than mother's care.
Oh, happy house ! where little voices

Their glad hosannahs love to raise,
And childhood's lisping tongue rejoices

To bring new songs of love and praise.

Oh, happy house ! and happy servitude !

Where all alike one Master own ;
Where daily duty, in Thy strength pursued,

Is never hard nor toilsome known ;
Where each one serves Thee, meek and lowly,

Whatever Thine appointment be,
Till common tasks seem great and holy,

When they are done as unto Thee.

158 HYMNS FROM THE

Oh, happy house ! where Thou art not forgot

When joy is flowing full and free ;
Oh, happy house ! where every wound is brought,

Physician, Comforter, to Thee.
Until at last, earth's day's- work ended.

All meet Thee in that home above,
From whence Thou earnest, where Thou hast ascended,

Thy heaven of glory and of love !

Spitta.

LAND OF LUTHER.

159

THE TWO JOURNEYS.

M Wohin, wchin ?"

11 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous ana the
wicked; between him that serveth God, and him that serveth Him
not."— Mal. iii 18.

" Whithek, oh, whither I " — "With blindfolded eves.
Down a wild torrent under stormy skies,
A gulf between two dark eternities,

Drifting, we know not where !"

" Whither, oh, whither?"—" To a land of light,
A home of loveliness serene and bright,
Joyfully hastening, with steady flight,

Our hearts before us there ! "

160 HYMNS FROM THE

" Whither, oh, whither?" — " Life's short pleasures
past,
Hope's funeral knell the sound on every blast,
Heaven's entrance closed, to ruin hurried fast,
A leaf before the wind ! "

"Whither, oh, whither?" — "Pilgrims near their
home,
No longer in a foreign land to roam ;
Bright and belov'd ones waiting till we come,
All sorrow left behind ! "

" Whither, oh, whither?"—" Who the path can say
To where some star will lend a cheering ray ?
Or through earth's labyrinth direct our way,
So wildly sought in vain ! "

"Whither, oh, whither?" — " Christ the risen One,
Through life and death, hath now to glory gone,
He sends His messengers to lead us on,

The way is broad and plain ! "

LAXD OF LUTHER. 161

"Whither, oh, whither?"— "Terrible reply
From yon white throne of judgment in the sky :
' Depart, accursed ! from My presence fly
For ever' — awful word !"

"Whither, oh, whither?" — "Washed from earthly
stain,
No more to wander or to fall again ;
For ever with the Father to remain,

For ever with the Lord ! "
Mowes.

102

IIY3TNS FROM THE

A LITTLE WHILE.

11 Ueber ein kleines!" so sprach Er in nachtlicher Stunde.

' A little while, and ye shall not see Me : and again a little while, and ye
shall see Me ; because I go to the Father."— John xvi. 16.

" A little while !" — so spake our gracious Lord
To the sad band around that sacred board,

While His long-burdened heart

Already felt the smart
Of His own Father's sin-avenging sword.

'Tis for thee also, weeping, weary one !

Are not all things around thee hastening on f
Thy Father's hand ordains
All these, thy griefs and pains, —
" A little while !" — they too are past and gone.

Have all the lights of love quite died away ?

Has thy last star withdrawn its cheering ray ?
Till the long night wears past,
Weeping and prayer must last ;

But joy approaches with the daw^ning day.

LAND OF LUTHER. 163

Do friends misunderstand, or mock thy pain ?

Hast thou too fondly trusted, loved in vain ?
The Faithful One and True
Can blighted hopes renew,

And hearts long severed re-unite again.

" A little while !" — the fetters clasp no more,
The spirit, long enthralled, is free to soar,
And takes its joyful flight,
On radiant wings of light,
To the blest mansions of the heavenly shore.

There end the longings of the weary breast,
The good sought after here is there possest ;
Eide o'er the stormy sea,
Poor bark ! soon shalt thou be
In the calm haven of eternal rest.

" A little while !" look forward and hope on !
Soon shall the troubled dreams of night be gone.
The shadows pass away
Before the abiding day,
The Saviour comes, to claim and bless His own !

Meta Hauser.

164 HYMNS FROM THE

SHADOW AND SUBSTANCE.

"Das Leben ist gleich einem Traum."

' The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away : but the word
of the Lord endureth for ever." — 1 Pet. i. 24, 25.

This life is like a flying dream,
Or like the vapour from the stream,
Or like the grass that grows to-day,

But fades away,
When winds across it roughly play.

Only Thyself, my God, art now

Just as Thou wert, — my Refuge Thou, —

Though rock and mountain be destroyed,

There is no void,
With Thy loved presence still enjoyed.

LAND OF LUTHER. 165

Thus sojourning in this low scene,
Upon my Saviour I would lean,
And learn, as moments quickly fly,

Self to deny,
Dead to the world, before I die.

Vain joys, away ! yea, spread your wings !
For I have tasted better things.
I seek a portion all divine,

Ever to shine ;
Lord Jesus, make me wholly Thine.

Joachim Neaxder.

166 HYMNS FROM THE

THE MISSIONARY ON THE SEA SHORE.

" Wie schaumt so feierlich zu unsern Fibsen."

" And a vision appeared to Paul in the night : There stood a man of Mace-
donia, and prayed him, saving. Come over into Macedonia, and help
us."— Acts xvi. 9.

Dark mighty Ocean, rolling to our feet !
In thy low murmur many voices meet.
The sounds of distant lands, brought strangely near
To Fancy's ear.

From shores unknown comes the sweet Sabbath bell,
New languages the old glad tidings tell,
"We hear the hymn of praise, — the martyr's song. —
All borne along.

And starting at the summons, we obey.
And o'er thy waves prepare to find our way,
Leaving the ties of country and of home,
Ocean, we come !

LAND OF LUTHER. 167

Our chariot thou, to bear us to the lands
Where fields of promise wait our willing hands ;
Thou and ourselves are servants, to fulfil

Our Master's will !

And whether in thy depths we find a grave.
Or with our heart's-blood dye thy distant wave,
Or with glad hopes, upon thy billows borne,
Homewards return ; —

Whether to death or life our course leads on, —
The Master knows, — His holy will be done !
To life eternal, when all storms are past,
We come at last !

F. DE LA MOTTE FOUQUE.

163 HYMNS FROM THE

SABBATH MORNING HYMN.

4i Hallelujah ! Schemer Morgen !"

Iliis is the day which the Lord hath made ; we -will rejoice and be glad
in it.'" — Psalm cxviii. 24.

Hallelujah ! Fairest morning,
Fairer than my words can say,

Down 1 lay the heavy burden
Of life's toil and care to-day ;

While this morn of joy and love

Brings fresh vigour from above.

Sun-day, full of holy glory !

Sweetest rest-day of the soul,
Light upon a darkened world

From thy blessed moments roll.
Holy, happy, heavenly day,
Thou canst charm my grief away !

Now, 1 taste my Father's goodness,
Falling like the morning dew,

While of pastures even fairer
I would take a distant view ;

LAND OF LUTHER. 1 GO

Where nay Shepherd's flock I see,
Where my dwelling soon shall be !

Oh, be silent, earthly turmoil,

I have work more sweet and blest,

And each thought would gather homeward
On this happy day of rest.

Thus with clearer faith to see

All my Lord has done for me.

In the gladness of His worship,

I will seek my joy to-day :
It is then I learn the fulness

Of the grace for which I pray ;
When the word of life is given,
Like the Saviour's voice from heaven.

Let the day's sweet hours be ended
Prayerfully, as they've begun ;

And Thy blessing, Lord, be granted,
Till earth's days and weeks are done ;

That at last Thy servant may

Keep eternal Sabbath day.

Schmolk.

1 70 HYMNS FROM THE

CHARITY.

" Christ ! wenn die Armen manchesmaL"

• And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you.
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren,
ye have done it unto Me."— Matt. xxy. 40.

Ah, Christian ! if the needy poor

Have e'er unheeded been,
Beware, lest at Thy closed door

The Saviour stood unseen.

Let heart and house be open thrown,
Thy gifts with others share ;

Let holy charity be shown
To all who need thy care.

Then, while thy glance abroad is cast,

The Lord is by thy side ;
For through the open door He pass'd,

Because it was so wide.

LAND OF LUTHER. 171

And ere thy beating heart can guess

Who entered by the door,
His gracious hands are raised to bless

Thy basket and thy store ; —

To bless thee all time's little day.

With His almighty love ;
To bless the long eternity

That waits for thee above, —

Where soon the pearly gates, which stand,

To all He'll open throw,
Who, for His sake, with willing hand,

Did minister below.

Hey.

172 hymns from the

WE TOO ARE THINE.

" Herr, unser Gott, mit ehrfurcht dienen."
1 The Lord reigneth ; let the earth rejoice." — Psalm xcviL L

Lord our God, in reverence lowly,
The hosts of heaven call Thee " holy."
From cherubim and seraphim,
From angel phalanx, far extending,
In fuller tones is still ascending
The " holy, holy," of their hymn.

The fount of joy Thou art,

Ever filling every heart,
Ever ! ever !
We too are Thine, and with them sing,
" Thou, Lord, and only Thou art King."

Lord, there are bending now before Thee
The elders, with their crowned glory,
The first-born of the blessed band.

LAND OF LUTHER. YJ\

There, too, earth's ransomed and forgiven,
Brought by the Saviour safe to heaven,
In glad unnumbered myriads stand.

Loud are the songs of praise

Their mingled voices raise,
Ever ! ever !
We too are Thine, and with them sing.
" Thou, Lord, and only Thou art King."

They sing, in sweet, and sinless numbers,
The wondrous love that never slumbers,
And of the wisdom, power, and might,
The truth and faithfulness abiding,
And over all Thy works presiding.
But they can scarcely praise aright ;

For all is never sung,

Even by seraph's tongue.
Never ! never !
We too are Thine, and with them sing.
" Thou, Lord, and only Thou art King."

Oh ! come, reveal Thyself more fully,
That we may learn to praise more truly ;
Make ever}' heart a temple true,

1 74 HYMNS FROM THE

Filled with Thy glory overflowing,
More of Thy love each morning showing,
And waking praises loud and new, —
Here let Thy peace divine
Over Thy children shine,
Ever ! ever !
And glad or sad, we joining sing,
" Thou, Lord, and only Thou art King."

G. Tersteegen.

LAND OF LUTHER. 175

SUBMISSION.

M Du sollst," so sprach der HeiT, udu sollst ermatten."
" It is the Lord ; let Him do what seemeth Him good."— 1 Sam. iii. 18.

Tnus said the Lord — " Thy days of health are over !"

And, like the mist, my vigour fled away ;

Till but a feeble shadow was remaining,

A fragile form, fast hasting to decay.

The May of life, with all its blooming flowers, —

The joys of life, in colours bright arrayed, —

The hopes of life, in all their airy promise, —

I saw them in the distance slowly fade :

Then sighs of sorrow in my soul would rise,
Then silent tears would overflow my eyes !
But a warm sunbeam, from a higher sphere,
Stole through the gloom, and dried up every tear
Is this Thy will, good Lord ? — the strife is o'er,
Thy servant weeps no more.

176 HYMNS FROM THE

" Thy cherished flock thou mayest feed no longer ! "-
Thus said the Lord, who gave them to my hand ;
Nor even was my sinking heart permitted
To ask the reason of the stern command.
The Shepherd's rod had been so gladly carried,
The flock had followed long, and loved it well :
Alas ! the hour was dark, the stroke was heavy,
When sudden from my nerveless grasp it fell. —
Then sighs of sorrow in my soul would rise,
Then rushing tears would overflow my eyes !
But I beheld Thee, O my Lord and God,
Beneath the Cross, lay down the Shepherd's rod ;-
Is this Thy will, good Lord ? — the strife is o'er,
Thy servant weeps no more.

"Never again thou mayest feed My people !" —
Thus said the Lord, with countenance severe ;
And bade me lay aside, at once, for ever,
The robes of office, honoured long and dear.
The sacred mantle from my shoulders falling,—
The sacred girdle loosening at His word, —
I could but think and say, while sadly gazing,
I have been once a pastor of the Lord !

LAND OF LUTHER. 1 7 /

Then groans of anguish in my soul would rise,
Then burning tears would overflow my eyes !- -
But His own garment once was torn away,
To the rude soldiery a spoil and prey ; —
Is this Thy will, good Lord ! — the strife is o'er,
Thy servant weeps no more.

1 From the calm port of safety rudely severed,
Through stormy waves thy shattered bark must go,
And dimly see, amid the darkness sinking,
Nothing but heaven above, and depths below !" —
Thus said the Lord, — and through a raging ocean
Of doubts and fears my spirit toiled in vain.
Ah ! many a dove went forth, of hope inquiring,
But none with olive leaf returned again !

Then groans of anguish in my soul would rise,
Then tears of bitterness o'erflowed my ejes I —
But through the gloom the promised light was given,
From the dark waves I could look up to heaven ; —
Is this Thy will, good Lord ? — the strife is o'er,
Thy servant weeps no more.

' Thou shalt find kindred hearts, in love united,
And with them in the wilderness rejoice.

178 HYMNS FROM THE

Yet stand prepared, each gentle tie untwining,
To separate, at My commanding voice. " —
Thus said the Lord. — He gave, as He had promised,-
How many a loving heart has met my own !
But — ever must the tender bonds be broken,
And each go forwards, distant and alone !

Then sighs of sorrow in my soul would rise,
Then tears of anguish overflowed my eyes! —
But Thou hast known the bitter parting day,
From the beloved John hast turned away, —
Is this Thy will, good Lord? — the strife is o'er,
Thy servant weeps no more.

Mowes.

These stanzas were written by the devoted pastor, Ileinrich Mowes,
1832, when obliged by illness to resign the ministerial office.

LAND OF LUTHER. 1 79

A PASTOR'S PARTING WORDS.

"Merkt Ihr's, Freunde! Mein Auge wird miide."
"To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."— Phil. i. 21.

Hear me, my friends ! the hour has come,
Soon I must leave you, and hasten home ;
Then, ere our Father shall call me to rest,
Hear my last wishes, my last request.

When my last moments on earth draw near,
When my own voice you no longer hear,
Then gather round me, and sing the song
We have sung together and loved so long.

Sing of His love, who has died to save,
Him who has entered and spoiled the grave ;
Sing with glad accents and grateful heart,
Sing till my spirit in peace depart.

130 HYMNS FROM THE

Fold niy cold hands on my quiet breast,
Close my tired eyelids in gentle rest,
One farewell kiss of affection take. —
Leave me till Christ shall my slumber break.

To our last dwelling-place bear me along
With sweetest music of chimes and song ;
There let the evergreen branches wave,
And bright flowers blossom around my grave.

Though a long darkness has veiled my eyes,
Still let them look to the eastern skies ;
There, where the Morning Star rose bright,
Jesus, the Sun of our darkest night.

Carve but these words on the simple stone,
" Living and dying , of Jesus alone
Ever he spoke to the Church beneath ;
Sweet to him, therefore, was life and death.'"

When ye revisit the peaceful spot,
Come with soft tears and with tender thought ;
Look up to heaven in hope and prayer,
Jesus again will unite us there !

Mowes.

LATsT) OF LUTHER. 181

BE THOU MY FRIEND.

11 Sey du mein Freund, und schau in meine Brnst"

" Henceforth, I call you not servants, out I have called you friends. v —
John xv. 15.

Be Thou my Friend, and look upon my heart,

Lord Jesus, Son of man !
Each seed of good or ill that there has part
Do Thou in mercy scan.
The burning springs there lurking,

O Lord, Thou canst control,
And each wild passion, working
Within my sinful soul.

In mortal weakness, once was veiled Thy might,

Light of Eternal Day !
Before Thee lay temptation's dreary fight,
And yet, — Thou wentst that way !
And Thou couldst weep with sorrow,

Or share our bridal mirth,
And yet no tarnish borrow
From this polluted earth.

182

HYMNS FROM THE

Beneath Thy feet the realms of earth were spread,

All bathed in golden gloss ;
One word had laid their crowns upon Thy head,
Yet, — Thou couldst choose the cross !
And from Thy throne descending,
Couldst take the pilgrim's path,
And with Thy hosts attending,
Couldst die a murderer's death !

How the world hated Thee, and vengeance
hurled
Against Thee, — great Unknown !
How Thou didst love this poor and blinded
world,
And bought her for Thine own !
Her arrows pierced through Thee,

From cruel, willing hands ;
Yet Thou wouldst draw her to Thee
With loving, gentle bands.

Thou hast returned, all pure and holy, home,

My Brother, and my Lord !
And when with trembling to Thy throne I come,

My Refuge is Thy word.

LAND OF LUTHER. 183

There, by Thine arm fast holding,

And hidden, by Thy grace,
Within Thy robe's deep folding,

Let me behold God's face.

Yes ! be my Friend, and look upon my heart,

On all that's hidden there ;
The deeper guilt that stings me with its dart,
The unknown sins I bear,
The passions that distress me,

Let Thy pure presence slay ;
The sorrows that oppress me
Before Thee flee away.

Oh, shine upon me with Thy holy light,

When gathering gloom I see,
And leave me not in tribulation's night,
But send sweet peace to me !
The chains of sin dissever,

Bind fancy's wildest play ;

Then, then, my Lord, for ever

Take grief and sin away !

Lange.

184 HYMNS FROM THE

AS THOU WILT.

" Wie Gott will S also "will ich sagen.1
" The ^vill of the Lord be done." — Acts xxi 14.

As Thou wilt, my God ! I ever say ;

What Thou wilt is ever best for me ;
What have I to do with earthly care,

Since to-morrow I may leave' with Thee ?
Lord, Thou knowest, I am not my own,
All my hope and help depend on Thee alone.

As Thou wilt ! still I can believe ;

Never did the word of promise fail.
Faith can hold it fast, and feel it sure.

Though temptations cloud and fears assail.
Why art Thou disquieted, 0 my soul ?
When Thy Father knows, and rules the whole.

LAND OF LUTHER. J °^

As Thou wilt ! still I can endure ;

Patiently my daily cross can bear ;
Why should I complain, a pardoned child,

If the children's portion here I share ?
As Thou wilt, my Father and my God !
I can drink the cup, and kiss the rod.

As Thou wilt ! still I can hope on.

Sunshine may return when storms have past ;
Thine All-seeing Eye of sleepless love

Watches o'er my path from first to last.
When Thou wilt, upon the desert plain
Springs may rise anew, and rivers flow again.

As Thou wilt ! all life's journey through,
To Thy will my own I would resign ;

If on earth I have but little store,
Be it so ! all heaven shall be mine ;

Or if but Thyself, my God, art given,

Nothing more I need, or ask in earth or heaven.

As Thou wilt ! when Thine hour has come,
Let Thy servant, Lord, in peace depart ;

186 HYMNS FROM THE

Good it is to love and serve Thee here,

Better to be with Thee where Thou art.
When, or where, or how the call may be,
It will not come too early, or too late for me.

As Thou wilt, O Lord ! I ask no more.

With the promise, Faith pursues her way ;
Patience can endure through sorrow's night,

Hope can look beyond, to heaven's own day,
Love can wait, and trust, and labour still ; —
Life and death shall be, according to Thy will !

Neumeister

LAND OF LUTHER. 187

SABBATH HYMN.

" Zeige Dich tins ohne Hiille."
" I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day."— Rev. L 10.

Lord, remove the veil away,
Let us see Thyself to-day !
Thou who earnest from on high,
For our sins to bleed and die,
Help us now to cast aside
All that would our hearts divide,
With the Father and the Son
Let Thy living Church be one.

Oh, from earthly cares set free,
Let us find our rest in Thee !
May our toils and conflicts cease
In the calm of Sabbath peace,

188 HYMNS FROM TIIE

That Thy people, here below,
Something of the bliss may know,
Something of the rest and love
In the Sabbath-home above.

From beyond the grave's dark night
What mild radiance meets my sight ?
Softly stealing on the ear,
What strange music do I hear ?
'Tis the golden crowns on high,
'Tis the chorus of the sky !
Lord, Thy sinful child prepare
For a place and portion there.

Give my soul the spotless dress
Of Thy perfect righteousness ;
Then at length, a welcome guest,
I shall enter to the feast,
Take the harp, and raise the song,
All Thy ransomed ones among ;
Earthly cares and sorrows o'er,
Joys to last for evermore !

Klopstock.

LAND OF LUTHER. 139

WHAT PLEASES GOD.

" Waa Gott gefallt, mein fronmies Kind."

' 'Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did He in heaven, and in earth, in
the seas, and all deep places."— Psalm cxxxv. 6.

What God decrees, child of His love,
Take patiently, though it may prove
The storm that wrecks thy treasure here,
Be comforted ! thou needst not fear
What pleases God.

The wisest will is God's own will ;
Rest on this anchor, and be still ;
For peace around thy path shall flow,
When only wishing here below
What pleases God.

190 HYMX8 FROM THE

The truest heart is God's own heart.
Which bids thy grief and fear depart ;
Protecting, guiding, day and night,
The soul that welcomes here aright
What pleases God.

Oh ! could I sing, as I desire,
My grateful voice should never tire.
To tell the wondrous love and power.
Thus working out, from hour to hour,
What pleases God.

The King of Kings, He rules on earth.
He sends us sorrow here, or mirth,
He bears the ocean in His hand ;
And thus we meet, on sea or land,
What pleases God.

His Church on earth He dearly loves,
Although He oft its sin reproves ;
The rod itself, His love can speak,
He smites till we return to seek
What pleases God.

LAND OF LUTHER. 191

Then let the crowd around thee seize
The joys that for a season please,
But willingly their paths forsake,
And for thy blessed portion take
What pleases God.

Art thou despised by all around ?
Do tribulations here abound ?
Jesus will give the victory,
Because His eye can see in thee
What pleases God.

Thy heritage is safe in heaven :
There, shall the crown of joy be given ;
There, shalt thou hear, and see, and know,
As thou couldst never here below,
What pleases God.

Gerhardt.

192 EmiNTS FROM THE

AT LAST.

" Zuletzt geht's wohL"

"For surely there is an end ; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.'
--Pro v. xxiii. 18.

At last all shall be well with those, His own,

Whom Christ from sin and Satan has made free ;
At last shall come the year of jubilee,

The time of rest, when all their fears are flown.

At last shall come the glory and reward,

When we have stood the world's reproach and loss,
When faith and love have meekly borne the cross,

And the good servants are made like their Lord.

At last the soldier shall receive his crown,

Brought from the field, home to his fatherland ;
For ever in a peaceful lot to stand,

His foes all vanquished, and his arms laid down.

LAND OF LUTHER. 193

At last the water shall be turned to wine,
And all the marriage guests, in bliss above,
The wonders trace of God's redeeming love,

His counsels all fulfilled, and plans divine.

At last, not yet, into the heavenly rest

The Lord shall lead His saints, and give them there,
Made like the angels, angel joys to share,

Ever with Him and with each other blest.

At last, not yet ; — O weary heart, be still !

Trust to thy God, thy Saviour, and thy Friend,
Who chastens now, but loves unto the end.

So be it, Lord ! good is Thy holy will.

C. A. Bernstein.

194 HYMNS FROM THE

THE GRAVEYARD.

"Ich weiss ein stilles, liebes Land"'
'"Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan 111™.'' — Jer. xxii. 10.

I know a sweet and silent spot,

And gladly there I stay,
Though many near me heed it not,

Or wish it far away.

'Tis but a narrow strip of land,

Hedged in, and decked with flowers ;

Yet all around it tokens stand,
Of other world than ours.

These little mounds men scarcely see,
Nor dream of gold concealed ;

But they are precious mines to me,
Where treasures vast are sealed.

LAND OF LUTHER. 195

Here, as beside some boundary-stone,

The child of troubled time
Looks upward, where his friends are gone,

And seeks their brighter clime.

Here, I have gathered strength and light

For all my future way ;
Here, faith is nearly turned to sight,

And night almost to day.

And not afar, I see the day
Which daily draws more near,

When passing friends shall pause, and say,
" Our brother's grave is here !"

But I'll have journeyed, glad and free.

Far from this silent spot,
While leaving to its sanctuary

What other's hands have brought ;

And in my Father's happy land

Have met my own once more,
Where we shall scarcely understand

Why we have wept before.

Lange.

196 HYMNS FROM THE

FUNERAL HYMN.

' Lebwohl ! die Erde wartet dein."

' Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was ; and the spirit shall
return to God who gave it."— Eccles. xii. 7.

Beloved and honoured, fare thee well !
Go in thy last long home to dwell ;
Softly our loving hands prepare
Thy narrow bed, — sleep softly there !

Love looks below, with weeping eyes,
Where her long- cherished treasure lies.
Our sweet companionship is o'er,
Our pilgrim friend returns no more !

Earth takes her own — this mortal frame ;
Eternity her part shall claim ;
And so we say, in humble trust,
The soul to God — the dust to dust.

LAND OF LUTHER. 197

Then, looking up through sorrow's night,
We trace the spirit's homeward flight ;
The Prince of Life has marked that road,
Through the dark valley, home to God.

Where once the Master lowly lay,
Let the tired servant rest to-day,
And in the Father's house above
For ever share his Master's love.

Thanks for thy joy, all danger past !
Thanks for our own good hope at last !
Weeping endureth for a night,
Joy cometh with the morning light.

Lord, will that morning soon appear ?
May our own summons now be near?
Shall sorrow soon be past and gone ?
Thy will be done ! Thy will be done !

Only prepare us, all Thy will
Gladly to suffer, or fulfil ;
Then call us to Thy heavenly rest,
With Thee, and with our brother blest.

F. Saciise.

198 HYMNS FROM THE

MINISTERING ANGELS.

' Um die Erd' und um ihr Kinder."

' Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who
shall be heirs of salvation ? "— Heb. l 14.

Round this earth, and round her children,

Floats a spirit land unseen ;
When our earthly course is ended,

When the veil shall rise between,
When we cross this mortal threshold,

When we take our heavenward way,
Angel brothers shall uphold us —

Brothers of Eternity.

God's own children, pure and holy !

You the messengers He sends ;
"Tis an ever sweet remembrance,

That you are our guardian friends, —

LAND OF LUTHER. 199

That you watch our life -long journey,

That, unseen, you oft are near,
Holy thoughts and deeds to strengthen,

Or to dry the mourner's tear.

Who would not retreat in terror

From the evil yet undone ;
Who not turn with shame and mourning,

From the evil course begun ?
Who would ere be found forgetful

Of his calling and his vow,
If the thought had only risen,

" Angels are among us now?"

Rise, my soul, in heart to meet them,

When this earth would chain thee fast ;
Rise among these free-born spirits,

When her coils are round thee cast.
Be courageous, 'tis thy journey

Out of darkness into light ;
God and angels are around thee,

Tremble not, but rise and fight.

Sperl.

200 HYMNS FROM THE

THE MIDNIGHT CRY.

" Der Herr bricht ein, urn Mitternacht."
"And what I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch."— Mae,k xiii 37.

The Lord shall come in dead of night,

When all is stillness round ;
How happy they, whose lamps are bright,

Who hail the trumpet's sound !

How blind and dead the world appears !

How deep her slumbers are !
Still dreaming that the day she fears

Is distant and afar !

Who spends his day in holy toil ?

His talent used aright,
That he may haste, with heavenly spoil,

To meet his Lord that night?

LAND OF LUTHER. 201

Are ye arousing from their sleep,

The saints who dare to rest,
And calling every one to keep

A watch more true and blest ?

Wake up, my heart and soul, anew,

Let sleep no moment claim ;
But hourly watch, as if ye knew

This night the Master came.

The Lord shall come in dead of night,

When all is stillness round ;
How happy they whose lamps are bright,

Who hail the trumpet's sound !

ZlNZENDORF.

202 HYMNS FROM THE

FOR EVER WITH THE LORD.

" Wir werden bei dem Herm seyn allezeit"
11 And so sliall we ever be with the Lord.1'— 1 Thess. iv. 17.

O sweet home echo on the pilgrim's way,

Thrice welcome message from a land of light !

As through a clouded sky the moonbeams stray,
So on Eternity's deep shrouded night

Streams a mild radiance, from that cheering word,
" So shall we be for ever with the Lord."

At home with Jesus ! He who went before,
For His own people mansions to prepare ;

The soul's deep longings stilled, its conflicts o'er,
All rest and blessedness with Jesus there. —

What home like this can the wide earth afford ?
" So shall we be for ever with the Lord."

LAND OF LUTIIEU.

203

With Him all gathered ! to that blessed home,
Through all its windings, still the pathway
tends;

While ever and anon bright glimpses come
Of that fair city where the journey ends.

Where all of bliss is centred in one word,
" So shall we be for ever with the Lord."

Here, kindred hearts are severed far and wide,
By many a weary mile of land and sea,

Or life's all-varied cares, and paths divide ; —
But yet a joyful gathering shall be,

The broken links repaired, the lost restored,
" So shall we be for ever with the Lord."

And is there ever perfect union here ?

Ah ! daily sins, lamented and confest,
They come between us and the friends most
dear,

They mar our blessedness and break our rest.
With life we leave the evils long deplored :

" So shall we be for ever with the Lord."

204 HYMNS FROM THE LAND OF LUTHER.

All prone to error — none set wholly free

From the old serpent's soul-ensnaring chain,

The truths one child of God can clearly see,
He seeks to make his brother feel in vain ;

But all shall harmonize in heaven's full chord,
" So shall we be for ever with the Lord."

O precious promise, mercifully given,

Well may it .hush the wail of earthly woe ;

O'er the dark passage to the gates of heaven
The light of hope and resurrection throw !

Thanks for the blessed, life -inspiring word,
" So shall we be for ever with the Lord !"

Met a Ha user.

MDRBAT AND GIBB. PRINTERS, EDINBURGH-

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Full text of "Hymns from the land of Luther : translated from the German"

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