Chapter L: M. 6 l

The Lord my pasture shall prepare
And feed me with a shepherd’s care;
His presence shall my wants supply
And guard me with a watchful eye;
My noonday walks He shall attend
And all my midnight hours defend.

2. While on the sultry glebe I faint
Or on the thirsty mountain pant,
To fertile vales and dewy meads
My ever wandering steps He leads,
Where peaceful rivers soft and slow
Amid the verdant landscape flow.

3. Though in a bare and rugged way,
Through devious lonely wilds, I stray,
Thy bounty shall my pains beguile;
The barren wilderness shall smile,
With sudden greens and herbage crowned,
And streams shall murmur all around.

4. Though in the paths of death I tread,
With gloomy horrors overspread,
My steadfast heart shall fear no ill,
For Thou, O Lord, art with me still;
Thy friendly crook shall give me aid
And guide me through the dreadful shade.

J. Addison, 1712.

86

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus only
Can my heartfelt longing still;
Without Him my soul is lonely,
And I wish what Jesus will.
For my heart, which He hath filled,
Ever cries: Lord, as Thou wilt.

2. One it is for whom I’m living,
Whom I’m loving faithfully;
Jesus, unto whom I’m giving
What in love He gave to me.
Jesus’ blood hides all my guilt;
Lord, O lead me as Thou wilt.

3. What to me may seem a treasure,
But displeasing is to Thee,
O remove such harmful pleasure;
Give instead what profits me.
Let my heart by Thee be stilled,
Make me Thine, Lord, as Thou wilt.

4. Grant that always I endeavor
Thy good pleasure to fulfil;
In me, through me, with me ever,
Lord, accomplish Thou Thy will.
Let me die, Lord, on Thee built,
When and where and as Thou wilt.

5. Lord, my praise shall be unceasing,
For Thou gav’st Thyself to me
And, besides, so many a blessing,
That I sing most joyfully:
Be it unto me, my Shield,
As Thou wilt, Lord, as Thou wilt.

Ludaemilia Elizabeth, Countess of Schwarzburg, 1668; A. Crull, tr.

87

11, 4, 4, 11, 6, 6, 6, 7, 8

I leave Thee not; Thou art my Jesus ever,
Though earth rebel,
And death and hell
Would from its steadfast hold my faith dissever.
Ah, no! I ever will
Cling to my Helper still.
Hear what my love is taught:
Thou art my Jesus ever,
I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

2. I leave Thee not, O Love! of love the highest,
Though doubt display
Its battle-day;
I own the power which Thou, my Lord, appliest.
Thou didst bear guilt and woe;
Shall I to torment go
When into Judgment brought?
O Love! of love the highest,
I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

3. I leave Thee not, O Thou who sweetly cheerest,
Whose fresh supplies
Cause strength to rise
Just in the hour when faith’s decay is nearest.
If sickness chill the soul
And nights of languor roll,
My heart one hope hath caught.
O Thou who sweetly cheerest,
I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

4. I leave Thee not, Thou Help in tribulation!
Heap ill on ill,
I trust Thee still;
I hope when all seems near to desolation.
Do what Thou wilt with me,
Yet will I cling to Thee;
Thy grace I have besought.
Thou Help in tribulation,
I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

5. I leave Thee not; shall I forsake salvation?
No, Jesus, no!
Thou shalt not go;
Mine still Thou art, to free from condemnation.
Beyond this fleeting night
Thy presence brings me light,
Whose ray my soul hath sought;
Shall I forsake salvation?
I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

6. I leave Thee not; Thy Word my way shall brighten.
With Thee I go
Through weal and woe;
Thy precept wise shall every burden lighten.
My Lord, on Thee I hang
Nor heed the journey’s pang,
Though thorny be my lot;
Thy Word my way shall brighten.
I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

7. I leave Thee not, Thou Source of all my pleasure;
For should I stray
From Thee away,
My richest joy must cease to be a treasure.
All joys are dross to me,
Unless delight from Thee
Doth cheer my earthly lot.
Thou Source of all my pleasure,
I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

8. I leave Thee not! I fear no condemnation;
For how could share
Thy child and heir
The lot of those who spurn their soul’s salvation?
Thy blood, Lord, cleanseth me,
And therefore I am free
From hell, the sinners’ lot.
I fear no condemnation;
I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

9. I leave Thee not, my God, my Lord, my Heaven!
Nor death shall rend
From Thee, my Friend,
Who for my sake Thyself to death hast given.
Thou diedst for love to me,
My love goes back to Thee;
My heart has but one thought:
My God, my Lord, my Heaven,
I leave Thee not, I leave Thee not!

W. C. Dessler, 1692; J. W. Alexander, tr., 1851.

88

7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7

My dear Jesus I’ll not leave,
Who for me Himself has given;
Therefore unto Him I’ll cleave,
Nor from Him be ever driven;
Life from Him doth light receive,—
My dear Jesus I’ll not leave.

2. Jesus I will never leave
While on earth I am abiding;
My full trust He shall receive;
What I have, without dividing,
All to Him I freely give,—
My dear Jesus I’ll not leave.

3. Though my eyesight pass away,
Hearing, taste, and feeling fail me;
Though the earth’s last light of day
Shall o’ertake and sore assail me;
When my dying sigh I heave,—
My dear Jesus I’ll not leave.

4. Nor will I my Jesus leave
When at length I shall come thither
Where His saints He will receive,
Where in bliss they live together;
Endless joy to me He’ll give,—
My dear Jesus I’ll not leave.

5. Not for earth’s vain joys I crave,
Not for heaven’s glorious pleasure;
Jesus, who my soul did save,
Shall be my Desire and Treasure;
He redemption did achieve,—
My dear Jesus I’ll not leave.

6. Jesus I shall never leave,
To His side still firmly clinging.
Christ leads all who Him receive
To life’s waters ever springing.
Blessed they who to Him cleave!—
My dear Jesus I’ll not leave.

Chr. Keymann, c. 1656.

89

7, 4, 7, 4, 7, 4, 6

Jesus, Thou my heart’s Delight,
Sweetest Jesus!
Thrill’st my soul with rapture quite,
Sweetest Jesus!
All cares vanish at Thy sight,
Sweetest Jesus!
Jesus, sweetest Jesus!

2. Evermore I think of Thee,
My Redeemer!
And I long for none but Thee,
My Redeemer!
Yearns my soul with Thee to be,
My Redeemer!
Jesus, my Redeemer!

3. Feed Thou me and fill my soul,
Heavenly Manna!
Quench my thirst, my heart make whole,
Help, Hosanna!
Be the Rest unto my soul,
Rest of weary,
Jesus, Rest of weary!

4. Naught is lovelier than Thou,
Fairest Lover!
Naught is friendlier than Thou,
Gentle Lover!
And naught sweeter is than Thou,
Sweetest Lover,
Jesus, sweetest Lover!

5. I am weak; come, strengthen me,
Strength in weakness!
Faint am I, refresh Thou me,
Sweetest Jesus!
When I die, console Thou me,
Thou Consoler,
Jesus, my Consoler!

J. Flittner, 1661; J. A. Rimbach, tr., 1903, a.

90

C. M.

O Jesus, King most wonderful,
Thou Conqueror renowned,
Thou Sweetness most ineffable,
In whom all joys are found!

2. When once Thou visitest the heart,
Then truth begins to shine,
Then earthly vanities depart,
Then kindles love divine.

3. O Jesus, Light of all below,
Thou Fount of life and fire,
Surpassing all the joys we know,
All that we can desire,—

4. May every heart confess Thy name,
And ever Thee adore,
And, seeking Thee, itself inflame
To seek Thee more and more.

5. Thee may our tongues forever bless,
Thee may we love alone,
And ever in our lives express
The image of Thine own.

Bernard of Clairvaux, † 1153; E. Caswall, tr., 1848.

91

L. M.

Jesus, and shall it ever be,
A mortal man ashamed of Thee?
Ashamed of Thee, whom angels praise,
Whose glories shine through endless days?

2. Ashamed of Jesus! Sooner far
Let evening blush to own a star;
He sheds the beams of light divine
O’er this benighted soul of mine.

3. Ashamed of Jesus! Just as soon
Let midnight be ashamed of noon.
’Tis midnight with my soul till He,
Bright Morning-Star, bids darkness flee.

4. Ashamed of Jesus! that dear Friend
On whom my hopes of heaven depend!
No; when I blush, be this my shame,
That I no more revere His name.

5. Ashamed of Jesus! Yes, I may,
When I’ve no guilt to wash away,
No tear to wipe, no good to crave,
No fears to quell, no soul to save.

6. Till then—nor is my boasting vain—
Till then I boast a Savior slain;
And oh, may this my glory be,
That Christ is not ashamed of me!

J. Grigg, 1765; B. Francis, 1787.

92

L. M.

Awake, my soul, to joyful lays
And sing Thy great Redeemer’s praise;
He justly claims a song from me,—
His loving-kindness, O how free!

2. He saw me ruined in the Fall,
Yet loved me notwithstanding all;
He saved me from my lost estate,—
His loving-kindness, O how great!

3. When I was Satan’s easy prey
And deep in debt and bondage lay,
He paid His life for my discharge,—
His loving-kindness, O how large!

4. Though numerous hosts of mighty foes,
Though earth and hell my way oppose,
He safely leads my soul along,—
His loving-kindness, O how strong!

5. When trouble, like a gloomy cloud,
Has gathered thick and thundered loud,
He near my soul has always stood,—
His loving-kindness, O how good!

6. When earthly friends forsake me quite
And I have neither skill nor might,
He’s sure my Helper to appear,—
His loving-kindness, O how near!

7. Often I feel my sinful heart
Prone from my Jesus to depart;
But though I have Him oft forgot,
His loving-kindness changes not.

8. When I shall pass death’s gloomy vale
And all my mortal power must fail,
O may my last, expiring breath
His loving-kindness sing in death!

9. Then shall I mount and soar away
To the bright world of endless day
And sing with rapture and surprise
His loving-kindness in the skies.

S. Medley, 1782.

93

C. M.

All hail the power of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem
And crown Him Lord of all!

2. Crown Him, ye martyrs of our God,
Who from His altar call;
Extol the Stem of Jesse’s rod
And crown Him Lord of all!

3. Ye seed of Israel’s chosen race,
Ye ransomed from the Fall,
Hail Him, who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all!

4. Hail Him, ye heirs of David’s line,
Whom David Lord did call,
The God incarnate, Man divine,
And crown Him Lord of all!

5. Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget
The wormwood and the gall,
Go, spread your trophies at His feet,
And crown Him Lord of all!

6. Let every kindred, every tribe,
On this terrestrial ball
To Him all majesty ascribe
And crown Him Lord of all!

7. O that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall,
Join in the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all!

E. Perronet, 1780.

94

C. M.

Thou art the _Way_; to Thee alone
From sin and death we flee;
And he who would the Father seek,
Must seek Him, Lord, by Thee.

2. Thou art the _Truth_; Thy Word alone
True wisdom can impart;
Thou only canst inform the mind
And purify the heart.

3. Thou art the _Life_; the rending tomb
Proclaims Thy conquering arm;
And those who put their trust in Thee
Nor death nor hell shall harm.

4. Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life;
Grant us that Way to know,
That Truth to keep, that Life to win,
Whose joys eternal flow.

G. W. Doane, 1824.

95

8, 7, 8, 7

In the Cross of Christ I glory,
Towering o’er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.

2. When the woes of life o’ertake me,
Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
Never shall the Cross forsake me;
Lo! it glows with peace and joy.

3. When the sun of bliss is beaming
Light and love upon my way,
From the Cross the radiance streaming
Adds new luster to the day.

4. Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
By the Cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure,
Joys that through all time abide.

John Bowring, 1825.

96

C. M.

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.

2. It makes the wounded spirit whole
And calms the troubled breast;
’Tis manna to the hungry soul
And to the weary, rest.

3. Dear name! the Rock on which I build
My Shield and Hiding-place;
My never-failing Treasury, filled
With boundless stores of grace.

4. By Thee my prayers acceptance gain,
Although with sin defiled:
Satan accuses me in vain,
And I am owned a child.

5. Jesus! my Shepherd, Guardian, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest, and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring.

6. Weak is the effort of my heart
And cold my warmest thought;
But when I see Thee as Thou art,
I’ll praise Thee as I ought.

7. Till then I would Thy love proclaim
With every fleeting breath;
And may the music of Thy name
Refresh my soul in death.

John Newton, 1779.

97

8, 7, 8, 7

Jesus, Thou art mine forever,
Dearer far than earth to me;
Neither life nor death shall sever
Those sweet ties which bind to Thee.

2. All were drear to me and lonely,
If Thy presence gladdened not;
While I sing to Thee, Thee only,
Mine’s an ever blissful lot.

3. Thou alone art all my Treasure,
Who hast died that I may live;
Thou conferrest noblest pleasure,
Who dost all my sins forgive.

4. Brightest gems and fairest flowers
Lose their beauty in Thy frown;
Joy and peace, like balmy showers,
In Thy smile come gently down.

5. Jesus, Thou art mine forever,
Suffer not myself to stray;
Let me in my weakness never
Cast my priceless pearl away.

6. Lamb of God, I do implore Thee,
Guard, support me, lest I fall;
Let me evermore adore Thee,
Be my everlasting All!

M. Loy, 1863.

98

C. M.

Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast;
But sweeter far Thy face to see
And in Thy presence rest.

2. Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find
A sweeter sound than Thy blest name,
O Savior of mankind!

3. O Hope of every contrite heart,
O Joy of all the meek!
To those who fall, how kind Thou art,
How good to those who seek!

4. But what to those who find?—Ah! this
Nor tongue nor pen can show;
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.

5. Jesus, our only Joy be Thou!
As Thou our Prize wilt be;
Jesus, be Thou our Glory now
And through eternity!

Bernard of Clairvaux, † 1153; E. Caswall, tr., 1849, a.

99

7s

Chief of sinners though I be,
Jesus shed His blood for me;
Died that I might live on high,
Lived that I might never die;
As the branch is to the vine,
I am His, and He is mine.

2. O the height of Jesus’ love!
Higher than the heavens above,
Deeper than the depths of sea,
Lasting as eternity;
Love that found me,—wondrous thought!—
Found me when I sought Him not.

3. Jesus only can impart
Balm to heal the smitten heart;
Peace that flows from sin forgiv’n,
Joy that lifts the soul to heav’n;
Faith and hope to walk with God,
In the way that Enoch trod.

4. Chief of sinners though I be,
Christ is all in all to me;
All my wants to Him are known,
All my sorrows are His own;
Safe with Him from earthly strife,
He sustains the hidden life.

5. O my Savior, help afford
By Thy Spirit and Thy Word!
When my wayward heart would stray,
Keep me in the narrow way;
Grace in time of need supply
While I live and when I die.

Wm. McComb, 1848.

100

7s 6 l

Christ, whose glory fills the skies,
Christ, the true, the only Light,
Sun of Righteousness, arise,
Triumph o’er the shades of night.
Day-spring from on high, be near;
Day-star, in my heart appear.

2. Dark and cheerless is the morn
Unaccompanied by Thee;
Joyless is the day’s return
Till Thy mercy’s beams I see;
Till they inward light impart,
Cheer my eyes, and warm my heart.

3. Visit, then, this soul of mine,
Pierce the gloom of sin and grief;
Fill me, Radiancy Divine,
Scatter all my unbelief;
More and more Thyself display,
Shining to the perfect day.

Charles Wesley, 1740.

101

C. M.

To our Redeemer’s glorious name
Awake the sacred song!
O may His love, immortal flame,
Tune every heart and tongue!

2. His love, what mortal thought can reach!
What mortal tongue display!
Imagination’s utmost stretch
In wonder dies away.

3. He left His radiant throne on high,
Left the bright realms of bliss,
And came to earth to bleed and die,—
Was ever love like this?

4. Dear Lord, while we adoring pay
Our humble thanks to Thee,
May every heart with rapture say,
“The Savior died for me!”

5. O may the sweet, the blissful theme
Fill every heart and tongue
Till strangers love the charming name
And join the sacred song!

Anne Steele, 1760.

102

C. M.

Come, let us join our cheerful songs
With angels round the throne.
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues,
But all their joys are one.

2. “Worthy the Lamb that died,” they cry,
“To be exalted thus.”
“Worthy the Lamb,” our lips reply,
For He was slain for us.

3. Jesus is worthy to receive
Honor and power divine;
And blessings more than we can give,
Be, Lord, forever Thine.

4. Let all that dwell above the sky,
And air, and earth, and seas
Conspire to lift Thy glories high
And speak Thine endless praise!

5. The whole creation join in one
To bless the sacred name
Of Him that sits upon the throne,
And to adore the Lamb.

Isaac Watts, 1707.

103

8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 4, 8, 4, 8

O Morning Star, how fair and bright
Thou beamest forth in truth and light!
O Sovereign meek and lowly!
Sweet Root of Jesse, David’s Son,
My King and Bridegroom, Thou hast won
My heart to love Thee solely!
Lovely art Thou,
Fair and glorious, All victorious,
Rich in blessing,
Rule and might o’er all possessing.

2. O King high-born, Pearl dearly won,
True Son of God and Mary’s Son,
Crown of exceeding glory!
My heart calls Thee a Lily, Lord,
Pure milk and honey is Thy Word,
Thy sweetest Gospel-story.
Rose of Sharon,
Hail! hosanna! Heavenly Manna,
Feed us ever;
Lord, I can forget Thee never!

3. Clear Jasper, Ruby fervent red,
Deep, deep into my heart now shed
Thy love’s pure fire forever;
Fill me with joy, grant me to be
Thy member, closely joined to Thee,
Whom naught from Thee may sever;
Toward Thee longing
Doth possess me: Come and bless me,
For Thy gladness
Eye and heart here pine in sadness.

4. But if Thou look on me in love,
There straightway falls from God above
A ray of purest pleasure;
Thy Word and Spirit, flesh and blood,
Refresh my soul with heavenly food,
Thou art my hidden Treasure.
Let Thy grace, Lord,
Warm and cheer me, O draw near me;
Thou hast taught us
Thee to seek since Thou hast sought us.

5. Lord God, my Father, mighty Shield,
Thou in Thy Son art all revealed
As Thou hast loved and known me;
Thy Son hath me with Him betrothed,
In His own whitest raiment clothed,
He for His bride will own me.
Hallelujah!
Life in heaven Hath He given,
With Him dwelling,
Still shall I His praise be telling.

6. Then touch the chords of harp and lute,
Let no sweet music now be mute,
But, joyously resounding,
Tell of the marriage-feast, the bride,
The heavenly Bridegroom at her side,
Mid love and joy abounding.
Shout for triumph,
Loudly sing ye, Praises bring ye,
Fall before Him,
King of kings, let all adore Him!

7. Here rests my heart and holds it fast;
The Lord I love is First and Last,
The End and the Beginning.
I welcome death, for I shall rise
Through Him to His own Paradise,
Above all tears and sinning.
Amen! Amen!
Come, Lord Jesus. Soon release us!
With deep yearning,
Lord, we look for Thy returning!

P. Nicolai, 1597; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

104

S. M. 8 l

Crown Him with many crowns,
The Lamb upon His throne;
Hark! how the heav’nly anthem drowns
All music but its own;
Awake, my soul, and sing
Of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity.

2. Crown Him the Virgin’s Son,
The God incarnate born,
Whose arm those crimson trophies won
Which now His brow adorn;
Fruit of the mystic rose,
As of that rose the stem;
The root whence mercy ever flows,
The Babe of Bethlehem.

3. Crown Him the Lord of love
Behold His hands and side,
Rich wounds, yet visible above,
In beauty glorified.
No angel in the sky
Can fully bear that sight,
But downward bends his wond’ring eye
At mysteries so bright.

4. Crown Him the Lord of peace,
Whose power a scepter sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease
And all be prayer and praise.
His reign shall know no end,
And round His piercèd feet
Fair flowers of paradise extend
Their fragrance ever sweet.

5. Crown Him the Lord of years,
The Potentate of time,
Creator of the rolling spheres,
Ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
For Thou hast died for me;
Thy praise shall never, never fail
Throughout eternity.

M. Bridges, 1851.

105

S. M. 8 l

I was a wandering sheep,
I did not love the fold;
I did not love my Shepherd’s voice,
I would not be controlled;
I was a wayward child,
I did not love my home;
I did not love my Father’s voice,
I loved afar to roam.

2. The Shepherd sought His sheep,
The Father sought His child;
They followed me o’er vale and hill,
O’er deserts waste and wild;
They found me nigh to death,
Famished and faint and lone;
They bound me with the bands of love,
They saved the wandering one.

3. Jesus my Shepherd is,
’Twas He that loved my soul,
’Twas He that washed me in His blood,
’Twas He that made me whole;
’Twas He that sought the lost,
That found the wandering sheep;
’Twas He that brought me to the fold,
’Tis He that still doth keep.

4. I was a wandering sheep,
I would not be controlled.
But now I love my Shepherd’s voice,
I love, I love, the fold.
I was a wayward child,
I once preferred to roam,
But now I love my Father’s voice,
I love, I love, His home.

H. Bonar, 1844.

106

7s

Jesus, Savior, come to me!
Let me ever be with Thee;
Come and nevermore depart,
Thou who reignest in my heart.

2. Lord, for Thee I ever sigh,
Nothing else can satisfy;
’Tis my constant cry to Thee:
Jesus, Jesus, come to me!

3. Earthly joys can give no peace,
Cannot bid my longing cease;
But to have my Jesus near,
This is perfect pleasure here.

4. All that makes the angels glad,
In their garb of glory clad,
Only fills me with distress
If Thy presence do not bless.

5. Take Thou all away from me,
I shall still thus minded be;
Thou who madest me Thine own
Shalt be e’er my Joy alone.

6. Lord, to none on earth beside
Thee my heart I open wide;
Enter Thou, possess it all,
Thee alone mine own I call.

7. Thou alone, my God and Lord,
Art my Glory and Reward;
Thou hast bled for me and died,
I will be no other’s bride.

8. Come, then, Lamb for sinners slain,
Come and ease me of my pain;
Evermore I cry to Thee:
Jesus, Jesus, come to me!

9. Patiently I wait Thy Day;
For this gift yet, Lord, I pray,
That, when death shall come to me,
My sweet Jesus Thou wilt be.

J. Scheffler, c. 1657.

107

7s 8 l

Jesus, Lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the waters nearer roll,
While the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide,
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide;
O receive my soul at last!

2. Other refuge have I none;
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah, leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me!
All my trust on Thee is stayed,
All my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head
With the shadow of Thy wing.

3. Wilt Thou not regard my call?
Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall;
Lo! on Thee I cast my care.
Reach me out Thy gracious hand!
While I of Thy strength receive,
Hoping against hope I stand,
Dying, and, behold, I live!

4. Thou, O Christ, art all I want;
More than all in Thee I find.
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
Heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy name;
I am all unrighteousness:
False and full of sin I am,
Thou art full of truth and grace.

5. Plenteous grace with Thee is found,
Grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound;
Make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the Fountain art,
Freely let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart,
Rise to all eternity.

Charles Wesley, 1740.

108

C. M.

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

2. My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.

3. Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’Tis life and health and peace.

4. He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean;
His blood avails for me.

5. Look unto Him, ye nations; own
Your God, ye fallen race;
Look and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.

6. See all your sins on Jesus laid;
The Lamb of God was slain;
His soul was once an offering made
For every soul of man.

7. Glory to God and praise and love
Be ever, ever giv’n
By saints below and saints above,
The Church in earth and heav’n.

Charles Wesley, 1739.

109

8s 10 l

O friend of souls, how blest am I
Whene’er Thy love my spirit calms!
From sorrow’s dungeon forth I fly
And hide me in Thy shelt’ring arms.
The night of weeping flies away
Before the heart-reviving ray
Of love that beams from out Thy breast;
Here is my heaven on earth begun.
Who is not joyful that has won
In Thee, O Lord, his joy and rest?

2. The world may call herself my foe,
So be it; for I trust her not,
E’en though a friendly face she show
And heap with her good things my lot.
In Thee alone will I rejoice,
Thou art the Friend, Lord, of my choice,
For Thou art true when friendships fail;
Mid storms of woe Thy truth is still
My anchor; hate me as she will,
The world shall o’er me ne’er prevail.

3. The Law may threaten endless death
From awful Sinai’s burning hill,
Straightway from its consuming breath
My soul through faith mounts higher still;
She throws herself at Jesus’ feet
And finds with Him a safe retreat,
Where curse and death can never come.
Though all foes threaten condemnation,
Yet, Jesus, Thou art my Salvation,
For in Thy love I find my home.

4. Through deserts of the cross Thou leadest;
I follow, leaning on Thy hand;
From out the clouds Thy child Thou feedest
And giv’st him water from the sand.
I know Thy wondrous ways will end
In love and blessing, Thou true Friend;
Enough, if Thou art ever near.
I know whom Thou wilt glorify
And raise o’er sun and stars on high,
Thou lead’st through depths and darkness here.

5. To others death seems dark and grim,
But not, Thou Life of life, to me.
I know Thou ne’er forsakest him
Whose heart and spirit rest in Thee.
Oh, who would fear his journey’s close
If from dark woods and lurking foes
He then find safety and release?
Nay, rather, with a joyful heart
From this dark region I depart
To Thy eternal light and peace.

6. O Friend of souls, then blest indeed
Am I when on Thy love I lean!
The world nor pain nor death I heed,
Since Thou, my God, my Joy hast been.
O let this peace that Thou hast giv’n
Be but a foretaste of Thy heav’n,
For goodness infinite is Thine.
Hence, world, with all thy flattering toys!
In God alone lie all my joys;
O rich delight, my Friend is mine!

W. C. Dessler, 1692; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

GOD’S WORD.

110

L. M.

Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide,
For round us falls the eventide;
Let not Thy Word, that heavenly light,
For us be ever veiled in night.

2. In these last days of sore distress
Grant us, dear Lord, true steadfastness,
That pure we keep, till life is spent,
Thy holy Word and Sacrament.

3. Lord Jesus, help, Thy Church uphold,
For we are sluggish, thoughtless, cold;
Indue Thy Word with power and grace
And spread its truth in every place.

4. O keep us in Thy Word, we pray;
The guile and rage of Satan stay;
Unto Thy Church grant, Lord, Thy grace,
Peace, concord, patience, fearlessness.

5. O God! how sin’s dread works abound!
Throughout the earth no rest is found,
And wide has falsehood’s spirit spread,
And error boldly rears its head.

6. Those haughty spirits, Lord, restrain
Who o’er Thy Church with might would reign
And always offer something new,
Devised to change Thy doctrine true.

7. And since the cause and glory, Lord,
Are Thine, not ours, do Thou afford
Us help and strength and constancy;
With all our heart we trust in Thee.

8. A trusty weapon is Thy Word,
Thy Church’s buckler, shield, and sword;
Lord, let us in this Word abide,
That we may seek no other guide.

9. O grant that in Thy holy Word
We here may live and die, dear Lord;
And when our journey endeth here,
Receive us into glory there.

N. Selnecker, 1611 (3-9 anon.).

111

C. M.

How precious is the Book Divine,
By inspiration given!
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine
To guide our souls to heaven.

2. Its light, descending from above,
Illumes this world so drear,
Displays a Savior’s boundless love,
And brings His glories near.

3. It shows to man his wandering ways
And where his feet have trod,
And brings to view the matchless grace
Of a forgiving God.

4. O’er all the straight and narrow way
Its radiant beams are cast;
A light whose never weary ray
Grows brightest at the last.

5. It sweetly cheers our drooping hearts
In this dark vale of tears;
Life, light, and joy it still imparts
And quells our rising fears.

6. This lamp, through all the tedious night
Of life shall guide our way
Till we behold the clearer light
Of an eternal day.

J. Fawcett, 1782, abr.

112

C. M.

How shall the young secure their hearts
And guard their lives from sin?
Thy Word the choicest rules imparts
To keep the conscience clean.

2. ’Tis like the sun, a heavenly light,
That guides us all the day,
And through the dangers of the night
A lamp to lead our way.

3. The starry heavens Thy rule obey,
The earth maintains her place;
And these Thy servants, night and day,
Thy skill and power express.

4. But still Thy Law and Gospel, Lord,
Have lessons more divine;
Not earth stands firmer than Thy Word,
Nor stars so nobly shine.

5. Thy Word is everlasting truth;
How pure is every page!
That holy Book shall guide our youth
And well support our age.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

113

7s, 6s 8 l

O Word of God Incarnate,
O Wisdom from on high,
O Truth unchanged, unchanging,
O Light of our dark sky,—
We praise Thee for the radiance
That from the hallowed page,
A lantern to our footsteps,
Shines on from age to age.

2. The Church from her dear Master
Received the gift divine,
And still that light she lifteth
O’er all the earth to shine.
It is the golden casket,
Where gems of truth are stored;
It is the heaven-drawn picture
Of Christ, the living Word.

3. It floateth like a banner
Before God’s host unfurled;
It shineth like a beacon
Above the darkling world;
It is the chart and compass
That o’er life’s surging sea,
Mid mists and rocks and quicksands,
Still guides, O Christ, to Thee.

4. Oh, make Thy Church, dear Savior,
A lamp of burnished gold,
To bear before the nations
Thy true light as of old;
Oh, teach Thy wandering pilgrims
By this their path to trace,
Till, clouds and darkness ended,
They see Thee face to face.

W. W. How, 1867, a.

114

L. M.

The heavens declare Thy glory, Lord,
In every star Thy wisdom shines;
But when our eyes behold Thy Word,
We read Thy name in fairer lines.

2. The rolling sun, the changing light,
And nights and days, Thy power confess;
But the blest Volume Thou didst write
Reveals Thy justice and Thy grace.

3. Thy Gospel-heralds dare not rest
Till through the world Thy truth has run;
Till Christ has all the nations blest
That see the light or feel the sun.

4. Great Sun of Righteousness, arise;
Bless the dark world with heavenly light;
The Gospel makes the simple wise,
Thy laws are pure, Thy judgments right.

5. Thy noblest wonders here we view
In souls renewed and sins forgiv’n.
Lord, cleanse our sins, our souls renew,
And make Thy Word our guide to heav’n.

Isaac Watts, 1719, abr.

115

L. M.

The Law of God is good and wise
And sets His will before our eyes,
Shows us the way of righteousness,
And dooms to death when we transgress.

2. Its light of holiness imparts
The knowledge of our sinful hearts,
That we may see our lost estate
And seek deliv’rance ere too late.

3. To those who help in Christ have found
And would in works of love abound
It shows what deeds are His delight
And should be done as good and right.

4. When men the offered help disdain
And wilfully in sin remain,
Its terror in their ear resounds
And keeps their wickedness in bounds.

5. The Law is good; but since the Fall
Its holiness condemns us all;
It dooms us for our sin to die
And has no power to justify.

6. To Jesus we for refuge flee,
Who from the curse has set us free,
And humbly worship at His throne,
Saved by His grace through faith alone.

M. Loy, 1863.

116

L. M.

The Gospel shows the Father’s grace,
Who sent His Son to save our race,
Proclaims how Jesus lived and died
That man might thus be justified.

2. It sets the Lamb before our eyes
Who made th’ atoning sacrifice
And calls the souls with guilt opprest
To come and find eternal rest.

3. It brings the Savior’s righteousness
Our souls to robe in royal dress;
From all our guilt it brings release
And gives the troubled conscience peace.

4. It is the power of God to save
From sin and Satan and the grave;
It works the faith which firmly clings
To all the treasures which it brings.

5. It bears to all the tidings glad
And bids their hearts no more be sad;
The heavy-laden soul it cheers
And banishes their guilty fears.

6. May we in faith its tidings learn,
Nor thanklessly its blessings spurn;
May we in faith its truth confess
And praise the Lord, our Righteousness!

M. Loy, 1863.

117

C. M.

Father of mercies, in Thy Word
What endless glory shines!
Forever be Thy name adored
For these celestial lines.

2. Here the Redeemer’s welcome voice
Spreads heavenly peace around;
And life and everlasting joys
Attend the blissful sound.

3. Oh, may these heavenly pages be
My ever dear delight;
And still new beauties may I see
And still increasing light!

4. Divine Instructor, gracious Lord!
Be Thou forever near;
Teach me to love Thy sacred Word
And view my Savior there.

Anne Steele, 1760.

118

L. M.

When Israel through the desert passed,
A fiery pillar went before
To guide them through the dreary waste
And lessen the fatigues they bore.

2. Such is Thy glorious Word, O God!
’Tis for our light and guidance giv’n;
It sheds its luster all abroad
And points the path to bliss and heav’n.

3. It fills the soul with sweet delight
And quickens its inactive powers;
It sets our wand’ring footsteps right,
Displays Thy love, and kindles ours.

4. Its promises rejoice our hearts,
Its doctrines are divinely true;
While highest wisdom it imparts,
It comforts and instructs us too.

5. Ye favored lands, that have this Word,
Ye saints, who feel its saving power,
Unite your tongues to praise the Lord
And His distinguished grace adore!

B. Beddome, 1769.

119

C. M.

Lamp of our feet, whereby we trace
Our path when wont to stray,
Stream from the fount of heav’nly grace,
Brook by the traveler’s way;

2. Bread of our souls, whereon we feed,
True manna from on high;
Our guide and chart, wherein we read
Of realms beyond the sky;

3. Pillar of fire, through watches dark,
Or radiant cloud by day;
When waves would break our tossing bark,
Our anchor and our stay:—

4. Word of the ever-living God,
Will of His glorious Son;
Without thee, how could earth be trod
Or heaven itself be won?

5. Lord, grant us all aright to learn
The wisdom it imparts
And to its heavenly teaching turn
With simple, childlike hearts.

B. Barton, 1826, a.

120

L. M.

We have a sure prophetic Word,
By inspiration of the Lord;
And though assailed on every hand,
Jehovah’s Word shall ever stand.

2. By powers of empire banned and burned,
By pagan pride rejected, spurned,
The Word still stands the Christian’s trust
While haughty empires lie in dust.

3. Lo! what the Word in times of old
Of future days and deeds foretold
Is all fulfilled, while ages roll,
As traced on the prophetic scroll.

4. Abiding, steadfast, firm, and sure,
The teachings of the Word endure:
Blest he who trusts this steadfast Word,
His anchor holds in Christ, the Lord!

E. Cronenwett, 1880.

121

8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

Christians, come, in sweetest measures,
Sing of those who spread the treasures
In the holy Gospel shrined;
Blessed tidings of salvation,
Peace on earth their proclamation,
Love from God to lost mankind.

2. See the rivers four that gladden
With their streams the better Eden,
Planted by our Savior dear:
Christ the Fountain, these the waters.
Drink, O Zion’s sons and daughters,
Drink, and find salvation here.

3. Here our souls, by Jesus sated,
More and more shall be translated
Earth’s temptations far above;
Freed from sin’s abhorred dominion,
Soaring on angelic pinion,
They shall reach the source of love.

4. Then shall thanks and praise ascending,
For Thy mercies without ending,
Rise to Thee, O Savior blest.
With Thy gracious aid defend us,
Let Thy guiding light attend us,
Bring us to Thy place of rest.

Adam of St. Victor, 1150; R. Campbell, tr., 1850, a.

122

L. M.

In vain would boasting reason find
The path to happiness and God;
Her weak directions leave the mind
Bewildered in a doubtful road.

2. Jesus, Thy words alone impart
Eternal life; on these I live;
Here sweeter comforts cheer my heart
Than all the powers of nature give.

3. Here let my constant feet abide;
Thou art the true, the living Way.
Let Thy good Spirit be my guide
To the bright realms of endless day.

4. The various forms that men devise
To shake my faith with treacherous art
I scorn as vanity and lies
And bind Thy Gospel to my heart.

Anne Steele, 1760, a.

THE LORD’S DAY.

123

7s 6 l

Father, who the light this day
Out of darkness didst create,
Shine upon us now, we pray,
While within Thy courts we wait.
Wean us from the works of night,
Make us children of the light.

2. Savior, who this day didst break
From the bondage of the tomb,
Bid our slumbering souls awake
And dispel their doubt and gloom;
Let us, from our bonds set free,
Rise from sin and live to Thee.

3. Blessed Spirit, Comforter,
Sent this day from Christ on high,
Lord, on us Thy gifts confer,
Cleanse, illumine, sanctify;
All Thine influence shed abroad;
Lead us to the truth of God.

Julia A. Elliott, 1833, a.

124

6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)

Welcome, delightful morn,
Thou day of sacred rest;
I hail thy kind return:
Lord, make these moments blest.
From the low train of mortal toys
I soar to reach immortal joys.

2. Now may the King descend
And fill His throne of grace;
Thy scepter, Lord, extend
While saints address Thy face;
Let sinners feel Thy quickening Word
And learn to know and fear the Lord.

3. Descend, O heavenly Dove,
With all Thy quickening powers,
Disclose a Savior’s love,
And bless these sacred hours.
Then shall my soul new life obtain,
Nor Lord’s Days e’er be spent in vain.

Hayward, in Dobell’s New Sel., 1806.

125

7s 6 l

Safely through another week
God has brought us on our way;
Let us now a blessing seek,
Waiting in His courts to-day:
Day of all the week the best,
Emblem of eternal rest.

2. Mercies multiplied each hour
Through the week our praise demand;
Guarded by almighty power,
Fed and guided by His hand,
Though ungrateful we have been
And repaying love with sin.

3. While we pray for pardoning grace,
Through the dear Redeemer’s name,
Show Thy reconcilèd face,
Take away our sin and shame;
From our worldly cares set free,
May we rest this day in Thee.

4. As we come Thy name to praise,
May we feel Thy presence near;
May Thy glory meet our eyes
While we in Thy house appear.
Here afford us, Lord, a taste
Of our everlasting feast.

5. May Thy Gospel’s joyful sound
Conquer sinners, comfort saints;
Make the fruits of grace abound,
Bring relief for all complaints.
Thus may all our Sabbaths prove
Till we join the Church above.

John Newton, 1774.

126

7s

On this day, the first of days,
God the Father’s name we praise,
Who, creation’s Fount and Spring,
Did the world from darkness bring.

2. On this day th’ eternal Son,
Over death His triumph won;
On this day the Spirit came
With His gifts of living flame.

3. Oh, that fervent love to-day
May in every heart have sway,
Teaching us to praise aright
God, the Source of life and light!

4. Father, who didst fashion me
Image of Thyself to be,
Fill me with Thy love divine,
Let my every thought be Thine.

5. Holy Jesus, may I be
Dead and buried here with Thee,
And, by love inflamed, arise
Unto Thee a sacrifice.

_Die Parente Temporum_, 1748; H. W. Baker, tr., 1861.

127

L. M.

This day at Thy creating word
First o’er the earth the light was poured.
O Lord, this day upon us shine
And fill our souls with light divine.

2. This day the Lord for sinners slain
In might victorious rose again.
O Jesus, may we raised be
From death of sin to life in Thee.

3. This day the Holy Spirit came
With fiery tongues of cloven flame.—
O Spirit, fill our hearts this day
With grace to hear and grace to pray.

4. O day of light and life and grace,
From earthly toils sweet resting-place,
Thy hallowed hours, best gift of love,
Give we again to God above!

W. W. How, 1854.

128

C. M.

With joy we hail the sacred day
Which we have called God’s own;
With joy the summons we obey
To worship at His throne.

2. Thy chosen temple, Lord, how fair!
As here Thy servants throng
To breathe the humble, fervent prayer
And pour the choral song.

3. Spirit of Grace, O deign to dwell
Within Thy Church below;
Make her in holiness excel,
With pure devotion glow.

4. Let peace within her walls be found;
Let all her sons unite
To spread with holy zeal around
Her clear and shining light.

5. Great God, we hail the sacred day
Which we have called Thine own;
With joy the summons we obey
To worship at Thy throne.

H. Auber, 1833, a.

129

C. M.

This is the day the Lord hath made;
He calls the hours His own;
Let heaven rejoice, let earth be glad,
And praise surround the throne.

2. To-day He rose and left the dead,
And Satan’s empire fell;
To-day the saints His triumph spread
And all His wonders tell.

3. Hosanna to th’ anointed King,
To David’s holy Son!
Help us, O Lord; descend and bring
Salvation from Thy throne.

4. Blest be the Lord, who comes to men
With messages of grace;
Who comes in God His Father’s name
To save our sinful race.

5. Hosanna in the highest strains
The Church on earth can raise!
The highest heavens, in which He reigns,
Shall give Him nobler praise.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

ADVENT.

130

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8

Comfort, comfort ye My people,
Speak ye peace, thus saith your God;
Comfort those who sit in darkness,
Mourning ’neath their sorrow’s load;
Speak ye to Jerusalem
Of the peace that waits for them;
Tell her that her sins I cover,
And her warfare now is over.

2. For the Herald’s voice is crying
In the desert far and near,
Bidding all men to repentance,
Since the kingdom now is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way!
Let the valleys rise to meet Him
And the hills bow down to greet Him.

3. Make ye straight what long was crooked,
Make the rougher places plain;
Let your hearts be true and humble,
As befits His holy reign;
For the glory of the Lord
Now o’er earth is shed abroad,
And all flesh shall see the token
That His Word is never broken.

J. Olearius, 1671; C. Winkworth, tr., 1862.

131

8, 7, 6 l

Jesus came, the heav’ns adoring,
Came with peace from realms on high;
Jesus came for man’s redemption,
Lowly came on earth to die;
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Came in deep humility.

2. Jesus comes again in mercy,
When our hearts are bowed with care;
Jesus comes again in answer
To an earnest, heartfelt prayer;
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Comes to save us from despair.

3. Jesus comes to hearts rejoicing,
Bringing news of sins forgiv’n;
Jesus comes in sounds of gladness,
Leading souls redeemed to heav’n;
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Now the gate of death is riv’n.

4. Jesus comes in joy and sorrow,
Shares alike our hopes and fears;
Jesus comes, whate’er befalls us,
Glads our hearts and dries our tears;
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Cheering e’en our failing years.

5. Jesus comes on clouds triumphant
When the heavens shall pass away;
Jesus comes again in glory,
Let us, then, our homage pay,
Alleluia! ever singing
Till the dawn of endless day.

G. Thring, 1864.

132

7, 6, 8 l

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed,
Great David’s greater Son!
Hail, in the time appointed,
His reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression,
To set the captive free,
To take away transgression,
And rule in equity.

2. He comes with succor speedy
To those who suffer wrong,
To help the poor and needy,
And bid the weak be strong;
To give them songs for sighing,
Their darkness turn to light,
Whose souls, condemned and dying,
Were precious in His sight.

3. He shall come down like showers
Upon the fruitful earth;
And love, joy, hope, like flowers,
Spring in His path to birth.
Before Him on the mountains
Shall peace, the herald, go,
And righteousness, in fountains,
From hill to valley flow.

4. To Him shall prayer unceasing
And daily vows ascend,
His kingdom still increasing,
A kingdom without end.
The tide of time shall never
His covenant remove;
His name shall stand forever,—
That name to us is Love.

James Montgomery, 1821.

133

8, 7, 8, 7

Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding:
“Christ is nigh!” it seems to say;
“Cast away the dreams of darkness,
O ye children of the day!”

2. Startled at the solemn warning,
Let the earth-bound soul arise;
Christ, her Sun, all sloth dispelling,
Shines upon the morning skies.

3. Lo, the Lamb, so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from heav’n.
Let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
One and all, to be forgiv’n.

4. So, when next He comes with glory,
Wrapping all the earth in fear,
With His mercy He may shield us
And with words of love draw near.

From the Latin (c. 5th cent.); E. Caswall, tr. 1849.

134

7, 6, 8 l

The Bridegroom soon will call us:
Come, all ye wedding-guests!
May not His voice appall us
While slumber binds our breasts!
May all our lamps be burning
And oil be found in store,
That we, with Him returning,
May open find the door!

2. There shall we see delighted
Our dear Redeemer’s face,
Who leads our souls benighted
To glory by His grace;
The patriarchs shall meet us,
The prophets’ holy band,
Apostles, martyrs, greet us
In that celestial land.

3. They will not blush to own us
As brothers, sisters dear,
Love ever will be shown us
When we with them appear.
We all shall come before Him
Who for us man became,
As Lord and God adore Him,
And ever bless His name.

4. Our Father, rich in blessing,
Will give us crowns of gold
And, to His bosom pressing,
Impart a bliss untold,
Will welcome with embraces
Of never-ending love,
And deck us with His graces
In blissful realms above.

5. In yonder home shall never
Be silent music’s voice;
With hearts and lips forever
We shall in God rejoice.
The angels shall adore Him,
All saints shall sing His praise,
And bring with joy before Him
Their sweetest heavenly lays.

6. In mansions fair and spacious
Will God the feast prepare
And, ever kind and gracious,
Bid us its riches share;
There bliss that knows no measure
From springs of love shall flow,
And never-changing pleasure
His bounty will bestow.

7. Thus God shall from all evil
Forever make us free,
From sin and from the devil,
From all adversity,
From sickness, pain, and sadness,
From troubles, cares, and fears,
And grant us heavenly gladness,
And wipe away our tears.

Johann Walther, † c. 1566.

135

7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7

Come, Thou precious Ransom, come!
Only Hope for sinful mortals!
Come, O Savior of the world!
Open are to Thee all portals;
Come, Thy beauty let us see:
Anxiously we wait for Thee.

2. O great King of Glory, come!
Let me be Thy living temple;
Enter Thou into my heart;
Though I am but poor and simple,
Yet my riches then shall be
That Thou reignest, Lord, in me.

3. My hosannas and my palms
Graciously receive, I pray Thee;
Evermore, as best I can,
Savior, I will homage pay Thee,
And in faith I will embrace,
Lord, Thy merit through Thy grace.

4. Hail! Hosanna! David’s Son,
Help, Lord, hear our supplication!
Let Thy kingdom, scepter, crown
Bring us blessing and salvation
That forever we may sing:
Hail! Hosanna! to our King.

J. G. Olearius, 1644; A. Crull, tr.

136

7, 6, 8 l

O Lord, how shall I meet Thee,
How welcome Thee aright?
All nations long to greet Thee,
My Hope, my heart’s Delight!
O kindle, dearest Jesus,
Thy lamp within my breast
That I may know what pleases
Thee, Lord, my heav’nly Guest.

2. Thy Zion strews before Thee
Green boughs and fairest palms,
And I, too, will adore Thee
With sweetest songs and psalms.
My heart shall bloom forever
For Thee with praises new
And from Thy name shall never
Withhold the honor due.

3. What hast Thou left ungranted
To give me glad relief?
When soul and body panted
In utmost depth of grief,
In deepest degradation,
Devoid of joy and peace,
Then Thou, my soul’s Salvation,
Didst come to bring release.

4. I lay in fetters groaning,
Thou com’st to set me free;
I stood, my shame bemoaning,
Thou com’st to honor me;
A glory Thou dost give me,
A treasure safe on high,
That will not fail or leave me
As earthly riches fly.

5. Naught, naught, dear Lord, could move Thee
To leave Thy rightful place
Save love, for which I love Thee;
A love that could embrace
A world where sorrow dwelleth,
Which sin and suffering fill,
More than the tongue e’er telleth;—
Yet Thou couldst love it still!

6. Rejoice, then, ye sad-hearted,
Who sit in deepest gloom,
Who mourn o’er joys departed
And tremble at your doom.
Despair not, He is near you,
Yea, standing at the door,
Who best can help and cheer you
And bid you weep no more.

7. No care nor effort either
Is needed day or night
How ye may draw Him hither
In your own strength and might.
He comes, He comes with gladness,
Moved by His love alone,
To calm your fear and sadness,
To Him they well are known.

8. Sin’s debt, that fearful burden,
Let not your souls distress;
Your guilt the Lord will pardon
And cover with His grace.
He comes, He comes, procuring
The peace of sin forgiv’n,
To all God’s sons securing
Their part and lot in heav’n.

9. Why should the wicked move you?
Heed not their craft and spite!
Your Savior, who doth love you,
Will scatter all their might.
He comes, a King most glorious,
And all His earthly foes
In vain His course victorious
Endeavor to oppose.

10. He comes to judge the nations,
A terror to His foes,
A Light of consolations
And blessed Hope to those
Who love the Lord’s appearing.
O glorious Sun, now come,
Send forth Thy beams so cheering
And guide us safely home!

Paul Gerhardt, 1653.

137

S. M.

The Advent of our God
Our prayers must now employ,
And we must meet Him on His road
With hymns of holy joy.

2. The everlasting Son
Incarnate deigns to be;
Himself a servant’s form puts on
To set His people free.

3. Daughter of Zion, rise
And greet thy lowly King,
And do not wickedly despise
The mercies He will bring.

4. As Judge, in clouds of light,
He will come down again
And all His scattered saints unite
With Him in heaven to reign.

5. Before that dreadful day
May all our sins be gone;
May the old man be put away
And the new man put on!

6. Praise to the Savior Son
From the created host;
Like praise be to the Father done
And to the Holy Ghost.

John Chandler, 1837, a.

138

8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 6, 6

Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates!
Behold, the King of Glory waits;
The King of kings is drawing near,
The Savior of the world is here;
Life and salvation He doth bring,
Wherefore rejoice and gladly sing:
We praise Thee, Father, now,
Creator, wise art Thou!

2. The Lord is just, a Helper tried,
Mercy is ever at His side,
His kingly crown is holiness,
His scepter, pity in distress;
The end of all our woe He brings,
Wherefore the earth is glad and sings:
We praise Thee, Savior, now,
Mighty in deed art Thou!

3. O blest the land, the city blest,
Where Christ, the Ruler, is confessed!
O happy hearts and happy homes
To whom this King in triumph comes!
The cloudless Sun of Joy He is,
Who bringeth pure delight and bliss.
We praise Thee, Spirit, now,
Our Comforter art Thou!

4. Fling wide the portals of your heart,
Make it a temple set apart
From earthly use for heaven’s employ,
Adorned with prayer and love and joy;
So shall your Sovereign enter in
And new and nobler life begin.
To Thee, O God, be praise
For word and deed and grace!

5. Redeemer, come! I open wide
My heart to Thee; here, Lord, abide!
Let me Thy inner presence feel,
Thy grace and love in me reveal;
Thy Holy Spirit guide us on
Until our glorious goal be won!
Eternal praise and fame
We offer to Thy name.

G. Weissel, 1633; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

139

C. M.

Hark the glad sound! the Savior comes,
The Savior promised long;
Let every heart prepare a throne
And every voice a song.

2. He comes the prisoners to release,
In Satan’s bondage held;
The gates of brass before Him burst,
The iron fetters yield.

3. He comes from thickest films of vice
To clear the mental ray
And on the eyeballs of the blind
To pour the heav’nly day.

4. He comes the broken heart to bind,
The bleeding soul to cure
And with the treasures of His grace
T’ enrich the humble poor.

5. Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,
Thy welcome shall proclaim.
And heaven’s eternal arches ring
With Thy beloved name.

Philip Doddridge, 1735.

140