__________________________________________________________________ Title: The Chorale Book for England Creator(s): Winkworth, Catherine Print Basis: London: Longman, Green, Longman, and Roberts, 1863. Rights: Public Domain LC Call no: M2136.C46 1979 LC Subjects: Music Vocal music Sacred vocal music Hymnals. Hymn collections __________________________________________________________________ THE CHORALE BOOK FOR ENGLAND; A COMPLETE HYMN-BOOK FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE WORSHIP, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SERVICES AND FESTIVALS OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. THE HYMNS FROM THE LYRA GERMANICA AND OTHER SOURCES, TRANSLATED BY CATHERINE WINKWORTH; THE TUNES FROM THE SACRED MUSIC OF THE LUTHERAN, LATIN, AND OTHER CHURCHES, FOR FOUR VOICES, WITH HISTORICAL NOTES, ETC., ETC., COMPILED AND EDITED BY WILLIAM STERNDALE BENNETT, PROFESSOR OF MUSIC IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, AND OTTO GOLDSCHMIDT. LONDON: LONGMAN, GREEN, LONGMAN, ROBERTS, AND GREEN. ALSO TO BE HAD OF MESSRS COCK, HUTCHINGS, AND CO., AND ADDISON AND LUCAS. 1863. THE CHORALE BOOK FOR ENGLAND. JOHN CHILDS AND SON, PRINTERS. Electronic Edition featuring [1]Comprehensive Indexes __________________________________________________________________ TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. The present volume fulfils the promise which was made in the [2]Second Series of the Lyra Germanica, that the hymns contained there should be brought out in another edition, accompanied by their proper tunes. It constitutes, however, at the same time, an independent work, with an object different from that of the two preceding volumes of translations from the German hymnology. The Lyra Germanica was intended chiefly for use as a work of private devotion; the Chorale Book for England is intended primarily for use in united worship in the church and family, and in meetings for the practice of church music. This aim has throughout governed the choice of the hymns and tunes, and the form given to them; many beautiful hymns contained in the Lyra Germanica have thus been excluded, because their length or their purely reflective character rendered them ill-adapted for congregational singing, while a large number of new translations--about one-third of the whole--have been introduced, either for the sake of their tunes, or to supply necessary requirements of our services. These have been selected from various sources, chiefly from some very early German hymn-books, from the collections of Tucher and Wackernagel, from the new Bavarian hymnbook of the Lutheran Church, and from the Evangelisches Kirchengesangbuch, Stuttgart, 1855, published by the Church Conference held in Eisenach in 1853. With regard to the form of the hymns, considerable difficulty has arisen on two points;--the great length of many of them, and the peculiarity of their metres involving the constant use of dissyllable rhymes. It has seemed best, in many cases, considerably to curtail the longer hymns, to bring them within limits which, though they may still appear long to those accustomed to the English allowance of four verses only, may yet, it is thought, be used without inconvenience. The hymn may frequently be found in its complete form in the Lyra Germanica. This course has, however, been deemed inadmissible, where the hymn was very well known, or its meaning would have been seriously injured by abbreviation, and it has then been omitted altogether, or given at full length, as is the case with Luther's version of the Lord's Prayer, his Christmas Carol, and the fine old hymn on the Seven Words of our Lord on the Cross, here assigned to Good Friday. As a rule, the hymn and tune have been considered as one and indivisible, and the original metres therefore strictly preserved for the sake of the tunes, which would not admit of any deviation without detriment to their characteristic beauty. This has necessitated the frequent use of the double rhymes, which the structure of the German language renders as common, and indeed inevitable, in German, as monosyllabic rhymes are with us. The comparatively small number of the former in our language presents a serious obstacle to rendering the German hymns into English with the force and simplicity they possess in their own tongue, and without which they cannot become truly naturalized among us; yet it is one which must be encountered if the tunes also are to be introduced with them, as they ought to be, and in their proper form. In this work the question has been dealt with in detail, according to the special character of each hymn and tune; in some few instances, mostly of more modern date, where the tune admitted without injury of adaptation to single rhymes, it has been thus arranged; in the greater number, the versions previously given in the Lyra Germanica have been remodelled to suit the music. Apart from the rhymes, it will be observed that these hymns possess a great variety of metres, some of which will at first, no doubt, strike an English ear as strange. But it must be remembered that by far the greater part of these hymns and tunes date from the earlier ages of German hymnology, when hymns were always written to be sung, not read; for this reason the long and monotonous lines which mark the compositions of a later period and of a more didactic character, were instinctively avoided, and metres of more complex movement, and capable of conveying more variety of sentiment, were invented. These metres will be found to follow a strict rule of their own, both in the varying number of feet, and the frequent alternation of Trochaic and Iambic lines; and it is believed that when the ear has once learnt to perceive this, and to associate them with the appropriate rhythm of their tune, there is no reason why they should not become naturalized in England. A few, included here for the sake of the tunes only, may probably always retain an alien sound to us; but these are very few indeed, and, in general, it would certainly be greatly to the advantage of our hymn-books if we could widen the range both of form and thought which is now given to this class of compositions. At the present time, when the whole subject of church music and congregational singing is receiving far more attention than ever before, it seems peculiarly desirable to seize the opportunity to enrich our own hymnology from the stores of a country so pre-eminently distinguished in this way. That these hymns and tunes first sprang up on a foreign soil is no reason why they should not take root among us; all who use our Common Prayer know well how the unity of Christian sentiment is felt to swallow up all diversity of national origin. In truth, any embodiment of Christian experience and devotion, whether in the form of hymn or prayer or meditation, or whatever shape art may give it, if it do but go to the heart of our common faith, becomes at once the rightful and most precious inheritance of the whole Christian Church. Much more, then, where the country is so nearly akin to our own, may we feel that it is at once our privilege and our duty to appropriate all that she can bestow on us, and to hope that her gifts will find a welcome and a home here. C. W. Clifton, September, 1862 __________________________________________________________________ EDITORS' PREFACE. In laying before the public the "Chorale Book for England," the Editors desire that it should be accompanied by some observations explanatory of its contents, and also of the principles by which they have been guided in its compilation. __________________________________________________________________ This work is based upon the translation of German hymns by Mrs C. Winkworth, well known under the title of "Lyra Germanica," and contains [1] hymns and tunes chiefly of German origin, and belonging more especially to the 16th and two following centuries. Had the "Chorale Book" however been restricted to a republication of the "Lyra Germanica" with music, it would not have comprised all that is requisite to illustrate the beauty of German Hymnology and to fit the work for use in the Church of England. It will be found therefore that, in addition to the principal contents of the "Lyra Germanica," much fresh matter has been brought forward. Though the "Chorale Book" contains hymns for all the festivals and services of the Church of England, the Editors have abstained, with one exception, [2] from inserting either hymns or tunes of English origin: to do so would have detracted from the special character which they believe the work to possess, as the first introduction into England of all that ranks as the essence of German Hymnology in words and music united. __________________________________________________________________ [1] Whenever in this work the term hymn occurs, it is applied to the words as distinguished from the music. [2] Tune No. XCII. __________________________________________________________________ During the 16th and 17th centuries Hymnology was in its height in Germany, and bore its most precious blossoms; hymn and tune were then justly considered indivisible, and, though the beauty and popularity of a tune would cause fresh hymns to be written for it, the tune still continued to be known by the name of the original hymn with which it was associated. In accordance with this precedent, the same original connection between hymn and tune has--with few exceptions--been maintained in this book. [3] Many hymns rightly forming part of a German hymn-book, which in a great measure takes the place in Germany of the Book of Common Prayer in England, have for obvious reasons been excluded from this compilation, and the Editors have thus been enabled to limit the number to two hundred, believing at the same time, that none have been omitted which are essential to the purpose in view. While the "Chorale Book" contains no English tunes, it nevertheless includes some already well known in this country, such as the "Old Hundredth," the "Veni Creator," that called "Luther's Hymn," [4] and others. The origin of every tune, as far as it can be traced, as also the names of the authors of the hymns, are given in the various Indexes at the end of the work, to which the reader is referred. It may however be desirable to give here a short sketch of the growth of hymnology on the continent, and more particularly in Germany, since the Reformation. When Luther took up the cause of the Reformation, and had to remodel the services of the Church, he believed he could not better enhance their beauty than by appealing to his nation's love for song, and fostering the practice of congregational singing (Gemeindegesang). With this view he made translations from the Latin hymns previously in use in the Church, paraphrased several of the Psalms and Canticles of Holy Scripture, himself wrote many new hymns, and requested his friends to contribute others. As to music, he availed himself in many cases of tunes already existing in the Church, which he sparingly modified to suit his new metres; of other tunes the origin is unknown, and of those ascribed to Luther, three only can be traced with any certainty to him as the composer; [5] two of which have been received into this work, [3]No. 124, and [4]No. VI. in the Appendix. The first important German hymn-book, preceded in the same year by several smaller books, published under the name of "Enchiridion," Erfurt, &c. &c., appeared under the auspices of Luther in the year 1524. It was edited by his friend, Johann Walther, [6] and was accompanied by a preface from the pen of Luther himself. Walther's work (printed with the music for five voices, the melody in the Tenor, as usual at that time), with successive additions, went through several editions (1537 and 1551), and was followed in rapid sequence by numerous similar works, of which those published at Wittenberg, Nürnberg, and Strasburg, are the most important. [7] Every new book brought fresh additions, and by the end of the 16th century the number of hymns introduced into the Church was counted by hundreds. Among the tunes of this century and the early part of the next, the Editors would especially name V, XIII, XXVI, XXXIX, CVI, CXVII. The first metrical versions of the Psalms were published in France and Switzerland about the same period. Among the best known, though not the earliest in appearance, is that edited (with the music for four voices) by Goudimel (1565). This work was introduced into Germany by Dr Lobwasser--the Psalms metrically translated by him--in 1373, and its contents soon found their way as a whole or in parts into the Lutheran Church. Several of Goudimel's Psalm tunes are believed to be of secular origin, and the same should be stated with regard to some among the finest tunes of the 16th century appropriated to the Lutheran service. It speaks well for the character of the secular music of that period, that any of its melodies should have taken a place in the Church, and should have retained it undisputed to the present day. (See XI, XL, LXXXV.) As another source from which the Lutheran Church gladly drew, the Editors must name the rich store of the early Moravian hymn-books; specimens from which, as well as tunes from Goudimel's edition of the Psalms, will be found in this work. About the same time Lutheran hymn-books were introduced into Scandinavia, where, especially in Sweden, the hymns and tunes of Germany, with numerous additions of home growth, have remained up to the present time the stock of the national hymn-book. Courland, Livonia, and Finland also received these sacred strains into their service, and still retain them, and it should be mentioned here that a Lutheran hymn-book was printed and published in the Icelandic language at Skalholt in Iceland, in the year 1594, of which a sixth edition appeared in 1691. [8] Towards the middle of the following century (the 17th) Music enters into a new phase. Until then its sole purpose was to serve the Church, through the medium of the human voice and the organ. But now instrumental music, though at first subordinate, begins to make its appearance. Secular Cantatas, forerunners of the Opera, are produced on festive occasions at the courts, particularly of Italy; and German musicians, like those of other countries, who had gone to Italy for study or other purposes, on their return spread the influence which they had themselves received. In Protestant Germany, Church music gradually became less an object of ambition to composers; fewer tunes, and most of them inferior in quality and vigour to those of the first century after the Reformation, sprung up; nor did the nation at large any longer set its seal upon them by adopting or rejecting them, as before. In the hymn-books of the latter part of the 17th and beginning of the 18th century we also find some of the best old tunes omitted, others deprived of the triple time (3/2) peculiar to them, others again without their distinct rhythm, all levelled to a general standard of lifeless uniformity. Before passing on to the last period which calls for notice in this place, the Editors would direct the attention of readers to the most prominent tune-composer of the 17th century, Johann Crüger (1598-1662), of whose writing many specimens will be found in this work; also to the tunes composed by Schein, H. Albert, and Schop, and lastly to the celebrated hymn and tune of G. Neumark, [10] $$"Wer nur ben lieben Gott ä??t waften" (No. 134). In the beginning of the 18th century, Freylinghausen of Halle published a hymn-book which soon became widely circulated. Further reference being made to it in another place, few words respecting it will suffice here. Among the numerous tunes published for the first time in that work, and of which the individual authors are not known, some are very fine, though differing in character from those of an earlier date. With the exception of one or two tunes most probably composed by Bach, one by Kühnau, one by Layriz [11] of a still more recent date, and some few others, which need not be specified, Freylinghausen's work in its several enlarged editions is the latest source from which materials for the "Chorale Book for England", have been drawn; nor could it be otherwise, as from that time sacred tunes of real worth rarely make their appearance; and with the diminished interest which Religion commanded in Germany towards the close of the 18th century, the distinctive outward feature of its Church, the hymn-book, also decays. The old standard hymns are improved, as it is termed, by recasting them; the tunes disappear from the hymn-books and are collected separately for the use of the organist, and, the control of the congregation having thus ceased, it is with the organist and the precentor alone that the responsibility for their correct performance rests in future. [12] If we further remember the many Principalities of which Germany is made up, each with sovereign authority in Church as well as State, and each possessing its own distinct hymn-book, we can hardly wonder at the unsettled and unsatisfactory state into which the congregational singing of Germany fell. __________________________________________________________________ [3] In these cases the term Original Tune is used, with the quotation of the first line of the corresponding hymn in German above it; whenever the same tune appears in the book again, it is quoted with the first line of the English translation. In the few exceptional cases alluded to, the German name of the tune has been given, and the Psalms of Gaudimel have been quoted as they stand in his edition. [4] See tunes XC, CI, LXXI. [5] C. von Winterfeld "Der evangelische Kirchengesang??" Vol. 1. p. 160. [6] Choirmaster ("Sängermeister") of the Palatine of Saxony. [7] We find Luther further contributing to hymn-books or supplying them with a preface in that of Kluge, Wittenberg, 1543, and the one printed by Babst, Leipzig, 1545. [8] Winterfeld, $$"Bar Geschichte heiliger Zonlunst," Vol. II. [10] The tune became so popular, that within 100 years after its appearance no less than 400 hymns had been written to be sung to it. [11] Kühnau and Layriz have both compiled very good Chorale books. [12] One of the immediate consequences was the predominance of the organ in the service at the expense of the singing of the congregation. This led eventually to a practice in every respect to be deprecated, and which we still find all over Germany, that of introducing between every line of the hymn an interlude performed by the organist. __________________________________________________________________ Of late years however Christian men interested in the services of the Church have raised their voices, trying to revive the interest of the Protestant part of the German nation in their congregational music, and urging a complete revision of the existing hymn-books. Recent publications, the result of these efforts, clearly show, that owing to the desire to see these tunes re-introduced with their exact rhythm and harmony as originally composed, too little allowance is made either for the progress of music or for the musical feelings prevalent in our own time. Much however had to be remedied, and these praiseworthy endeavours have not only already borne fruit, but will doubtless continue to do so. In this sketch, some brief mention of John Sebastian Bach, the great master, whose name, in the minds of all interested in the subject, is so closely associated with the Chorales of Germany, must necessarily find a place. While during the 17th century the strictly congregational Church music declined, the sacred Cantata (subsequently expanding into the Oratorio) arose; not only did the solemn festival of the Passion offer the opportunity for cultivating it, as we find from Bach's "Passionsmusik" the text of which, with slight modifications, was set to music by his predecessors and contemporaries, Keyser, Mattheson, and Handel; but the other festivals also recommended themselves to Bach for the exercise of his great powers, and Cantatas of his composition exist for nearly every Sunday in the year, many of which in all probability were performed during or after the evening service, from the Organ gallery of St Thomas's, Leipzic, by an orchestra and choir under his direction. Bach, fully alive to the beauty of the tunes and hymns of his country, adopted the practice, in which he was followed by his successors, Mendelssohn and others, of introducing Chorales into all his numerous sacred works, either to their own words or to new ones suiting better the subject of the Cantata, thereby doubtless bringing it more readily home to the appreciation of the congregation, well acquainted with the old familiar tunes. How Bach harmonized these Chorales is well known, and need not be dwelt upon here, but his introduction of them in the manner described has much contributed to the confusion of the titles of hymns, which has continued to the present time. After J. S. Bach's death, his son, Ph. E. Bach, undertook to extract the Chorales from his father's work, and to publish them in a separate collection. One hundred of these, edited by him, appeared in 1765. A second volume containing another hundred was published in 1769 (though not with Ph. E. Bach's name as editor). Then followed in 1784 an edition compiled by Kirnberger, and subsequently several others, all with the title, "Joh. Seb. Bach's Vierstimmige Choralgesänge." They are well known, and the impression generally prevails that Bach is the author of the tunes, which is not surprising, considering the manner in which these compilations, with the single exception of the most recent one by Erck, have been published. After what has been stated, this erroneous belief requires no further refutation, but it should be mentioned, that a few tunes, probably justly ascribed to Bach, and contained in the "Choralgefänge," have been inserted by the Editors in the "Chorale Book." Under the circumstances the correctness of the version of the tunes given in the following work must not be judged of from a comparison with those in Bach's works, or elsewhere in the compositions of Mendelssohn and other great masters. These masters could handle such Chorales freely for their own purposes, but the Editors were bound to go back to the sources, from which their melodies might be obtained not only most accurately, but also in the form most suitable for their object. They have therefore drawn either from the works in which the tunes originally appeared, or from those of Winterfeld, Tucher, and others of high standing into which they had been literally copied. In determining the form in which to admit these tunes, the Editors were naturally beset with doubts, in consequence of the unsettled state of hymnology in Germany at the present moment. For while one party there insists on retaining the tunes even more than the hymns in the state of lifeless uniformity into which they have fallen, the other calls for their complete restitution to their original form. Without going into detail, the Editors wish to state that they deemed it best to select the middle path. They have treated the tunes individually, not collectively; those written in 3/2 time (as, for example, V, LX, LXII, LXXXII, CXV, etc.) they have seen no right or reason to change, and in every case they have endeavoured to give the tune as nearly as possible according to its original version, and in a shape which might at the same time justify the hope of its being accepted by the English public. This however refers only to the rhythmical flow of the tune, not to the melody itself, which in no instance has been touched by the Editors, but is given according to the best-authenticated versions. [13] A few words have still to be said respecting the harmonization of the tunes in this work. The Editors have in many cases retained the harmonies of the authors of the tunes, and in general have striven to preserve as far as possible the character belonging to the period of their composition; thus the melodies of the 16th and 18th century called for different styles of harmony, clearly indicated by their different flow in respect of distances. In all cases, however, the Editors have endeavoured to combine solemnity with simplicity, and to give harmonies, which, though offering no difficulty in execution, should yet approach the strength and purity peculiar to the best Church music of all times. The Editors cannot bring this Preface to a close without pointing to the names of the meritorious inquirers into the interesting subject of Hymnology, who have of late years appeared in Germany, and without whose writings they believe no satisfactory hymn-book of modern times could be compiled; they mean G. von Tucher, P. Wackernagel, Layriz, and others, but particularly C. von Winterfeld, who, in his remarkable work on the "Evangelische Kirchengesange,"$$ [14] and other smaller writings, has vindicated the real importance of this sacred branch of music, and shown its historical basis and development in a manner at once to raise it in general estimation and to guide all who follow him in this difficult path. To his memory the grateful thanks of the Editors are due, and from his works, as well as from those previously named, they have drawn freely--as was their duty--and as seemed best for this work. That the "Chorale Book for England" may be received into the new sphere for which it is intended, and that its sacred strains may contribute to the comfort of the troubled soul, the sanctification of home, and the glory of God's name in His Church on earth, is the earnest prayer of those who compiled it. London, November, 1862. __________________________________________________________________ [13] A few specimens of tunes are given in the Appendix to illustrate the form in which those of an early date were originally published, and in which it is desired in some quarters to re-introduce them. They will be found divided not into the musical bars of modern music, but according to the length of the lines of the poetry, which would appear the only way to render legibly tunes containing recurring mixtures of common and triple time, in Germany now called $$"~?~Vtmif~er vecef.ll [14] Der evangelische Kirchengesang, und sein berhältnik zur Kunst des Zonfates. Dargestefft von Carl v. Winterfeld. 3 vols. Leipzig, 1843-47. __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS. __________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION. PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING 1-10 PUBLIC WORSHIP 11-19 __________________________________________________________________ I. THE CHURCH. 1. HOLY SEASONS. ADVENT 20-28 CHRISTMAS 29-35 EPIPHANY 36-39 LENT 40-45 PASSION WEEK 46-50 GOOD FRIDAY 51-53 EASTER EVE 54-56 EASTER 57-62 ASCENSION 63-68 WHITSUNTIDE 69-74 TRINITY 75, 76 SAINTS' DAYS 77-85 EMBER WEEKS 86-88 2. SERVICES. FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP, see INTRODUCTION. BAPTISM 89, 90 CONFIRMATION 91, 92 HOLY COMMUNION 93-95 BURIAL OF THE DEAD 96-99 __________________________________________________________________ THE WORD OF GOD 100-103 THE CHURCH ON EARTH 104-106 __________________________________________________________________ II. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. 1. PENITENCE 107-113 2. PRAYER 114-122 3. PRAISE, see INTRODUCTION. 4. CHRISTIAN FAITH AND RESOLVE 123-132 5. SONGS OF THE CROSS AND CONSOLATION 133-148 6. LOVE TO THE SAVIOUR 149-153 __________________________________________________________________ III. SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 1. MORNING 159-164 2. EVENING 165-170 3. NEW YEAR 171-173 4. MARRIAGE 174-175 5. MISSIONS, see also HYMNS FOR EPIPHANY AND ON THE WORD OF GOD 176, 177 6. SCHOOLS 178, 179 7. ON A JOURNEY 180 8. HARVEST 181 9. PEACE AND WAR. FOR FASTS, see HYMNS FOR LENT AND ON PENITENCE 182 __________________________________________________________________ IV. THE CLOSE. 1. FOR THE SICK AND DYING 185-794 2. THE LIFE TO COME 195-200 __________________________________________________________________ APPENDIX INDEX OF FIRST LINES INDEX OF TUNES (WITH HISTORICAL NOTES). TABLE OF GERMAN FIRST LINES. __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION. PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING 1-10 PUBLIC WORSHIP 11-19 __________________________________________________________________ Praise and Thanksgiving [5]1. All glory be to God on High [6]2. All praise and thanks to God most High [7]3. Lo, heaven and earth, and sea and air [8]4. Cometh sunshine after rain [9]5. Oh would, my God, that I could praise Thee [10]6. I praise Thee, O my God and Father [11]7. My soul, now praise thy Maker [12]8. All my hope is grounded surely [13]9. Praise to the Lord! the Almighty, the King of creation [14]10. Shall I not sing praise to Thee __________________________________________________________________ [15]Praise and Thanksgiving [15] (V.--"Allein Gott in der Höh' sei Ehr'.") 1. [16] Original Tune. Sheet Music 8.7.8.7.8.8.7 Allein Gott in der Höh' sei Ehr' [16]N. Von Hofe, 1529 All glory be to God on High, Who hath our race befriended! To us no harm shall now come nigh, The feud at last is ended; God showeth His goodwill toward men, And peace shall dwell on earth again, Oh thank Him for His goodness. We praise, we worship Thee, we trust, And give Thee thanks for ever, O Father, that Thy rule is just And wise, and changes never: Thy boundless power o'er all things reigns, Done is whate'er Thy will ordains; Well for us that Thou rulest! O Jesu Christ, our God and Lord, Son of Thy heavenly Father, O Thou who hast our peace restored And the lost sheep dost gather, Thou Lamb of God, to Thee on high From out our depths we sinners cry, Have mercy on us, Jesus! O Holy Ghost, Thou precious Gift, Thou Comforter unfailing, O'er Satan's snares our souls uplift, And let Thy power availing Avert our woes and calm our dread, For us the Saviour's blood was shed We trust in Thee to save us! __________________________________________________________________ [15] The Roman Numerals which precede the German headings to each Hymn refer in all cases to the corresponding Numerals in the "Index of Tunes." [16] By the title "Original Tune" is meant the particular tune originally associated with the hymn.--See page ix. __________________________________________________________________ [17]Praise and Thanksgiving (XXIX.--"Es ist das Heil uns kommen her.") 2. Sheet Music 8.8.8.8.8.8.8 Sei Lob und Ehr dem höchsten Gut [18]Schutz, 1673 All praise and thanks to God most High, The Father who is perfect love; The God who doeth wondrously, The God who from His throne above My soul with richest solace fills, The God who every sorrow stills; Give glory now to Him, our God! The host of heaven thy praises tell, All powers and thrones bow down to Thee, And all who in Thy shadow dwell, Alike in earth and air and sea, Declare and laud their Maker's might, Whose wisdom orders all things right: Give glory then to Him, our God! And for the creatures He hath made, Our God will ceaselessly provide, His grace will be their constant aid, And guard them round on every side; His kingdom ye may surely trust, There all is equal, all is just; Give glory then to Him, our God! I sought Him In my hour of need, I cried,--Lord God, now hear my prayer! For death He gave me life indeed, And hope and comfort for despair; For this my thanks shall endless be, O thank Him, thank Him too with me; Give glory now to Him, our God! The Lord is never far away, Is never sundered from His flock, He is their refuge and their stay, He is their peace, their trust, their rock; And with a mother's watchful love He guides them wheresoe'er they rove: Give glory then to Him, our God! Ah yes! till life hath reached its bound, My faithful God, I'll worship Thee! The chorus of Thy praise shall sound From henceforth over land and sea. Oh soul and body, now rejoice, My heart, send forth a gladsome voice; Give glory now to Him, our God! All ye who name Christ's holy name, Give all the glory to our God! Ye who the Father's power proclaim, Give all the glory to our God! All idols under foot be trod, The Lord is God, the Lord is God! Give glory evermore to Him! __________________________________________________________________ [19]Praise and Thanksgiving (Index of Tunes, XC.) 3. Sheet Music 8.8.8.8 Himmel, Erde, Luft und Meer [20]J. Neander, 1679 Lo, heaven and earth, and sea and air, Their Maker's glory all declare; And thou, my soul, awake and sing, To Him Thy praises also bring. Through Him the glorious Source of Day Drives all the clouds of night away; The pomp of stars, the moon's soft light, Praise Him through all the silent night. Behold, how He hath everywhere Made earth so wondrous rich and fair; The forest dark, the fruitful land, All living things do show His hand. Behold, how through the boundless sky The happy birds all swiftly fly! And fire and wind and storm are still The ready servants of His will. Behold the waters' ceaseless flow, For ever circling to and fro; The mighty sea, the bubbling well, Alike their Maker's glory tell. My God, how wondrously dost Thou Unfold Thyself to us e'en now! O grave it deeply on my heart What I am, Lord, and what Thou art! __________________________________________________________________ [21]Praise and Thanksgiving (LI.--"In natali Domini.") 4. Sheet Music 7.7.7.7.7.7.7 Auf den Nebel folgt die Sonn' [22]Gerhardt, 1659 Cometh sunshine after rain, After mourning joy again, After heavy bitter grief Dawneth surely sweet relief! And my soul, who from her height Sank to realms of woe and night, Wingeth new to heav'n her flight. Bitter anguish have I borne, Keen regret my heart hath torn, Sorrow dimm'd my weeping eyes, Satan blinded me with lies; Yet at last am I set free, Help, protection, love, to me Once more true companions be. None was ever left a prey, None was ever turn'd away, Who had given himself to God, And on Him had cast his load. Who in God his hope hath placed Shall not life in pain outwaste, Fullest joy he yet shall taste. Though to-day may not fulfil All thy hopes, have patience still, For perchance to-morrow's sun Sees thy happier days begun; As God willeth march the hours, Bringing joy at last in showers, When whate'er we ask'd is ours. Now as long as here I roam, On this earth have house and home, Shall this wondrous gleam from Thee Shine through all my memory. To my God I yet will cling, All my life the praises sing That from thankful hearts outspring. Every sorrow, every smart, That the Eternal Father's heart Hath appointed me of yore, Or hath yet for me in store, As my life flows on, I'll take Calmly, gladly for His sake, No more faithless murmurs make. I will meet distress and pain, I will greet e'en Death's dark reign, I will lay me in the grave, With a heart still glad and brave; Whom the Strongest doth defend, Whom the Highest counts His friend, Cannot perish in the end. __________________________________________________________________ [23]Praise and Thanksgiving (LXXVIII.--"O das ich tausand Zungen hätte.") 5. Original Tune. Sheet Music 9.8.9.8.8.8 O dass ich tausend Zungen hätte [24]J. Mentzer, 1704 Oh would, my God, that I could praise Thee With thousand tongues, by day and night! How many a song my lips should raise Thee, Who order'st all things here aright. My thankful heart would ever be Telling what God hath done for me. O all ye powers that He implanted, Arise, keep silence thus no more, Put forth the strength that He hath granted, Your noblest work is to adore; O soul and body, make ye meet With heartfelt praise your Lord to greet. Ye forest leaves so green and tender, That dance for joy in summer air; Ye meadow grasses bright and slender, Ye flowers, so wondrous sweet and fair; Ye live to thow His praise alone, Help me to make His glory known. O all things that have breath and motion, That throng with life earth, sea, and sky, Now join me in my heart's devotion, Help me to raise His praises high, My utmost powers can ne'er aright Declare the wonders of His might. But I will tell, while I am living, His goodness forth with every breath, And greet each morning with thanksgiving, Until my heart is still in death, Nay, when at last my lips grow cold, His praise shall in my sighs be told. O Father, deign Thou, I beseech Thee, To listen to my earthly lays; A nobler strain in heaven shall reach Thee, When I with angels hymn Thy praise, And learn amid their choirs to sing Loud hallelujahs to my King. __________________________________________________________________ [25]Praise and Thanksgiving (Index of Tunes, LXXVIII.) 6. Tune.--"Oh would, my God, that I could praise Thee." Sheet Music 9.8.9.8.8.8 Lob sei Dir, treuer Gott und Vater [26]Mentzer, 1704 I praise Thee, O my God and Father, For all I am and all I have, The blessings that we daily gather, Ev'n from our cradle to our grave; For Thy rich grace hath scatter'd here Whate'er we need to help and cheer. I praise Thee, Saviour, whose compassion Hath brought Thee down to succour me; Thy pitying heart sought my salvation, Though keenest woes were heaped on Thee, Wrought me from bondage full release, Made me Thine own, and gave me peace. Thee too I praise, O Holy Spirit, By whose deep teachings I am made A heavenly kingdom to inherit, Who art my Comforter, my aid; Whate'er of good by me is done Is of Thy grace and light alone. And as my life is onward gliding, With each fresh scene anew I mark How Thou art holding me and guiding, Where all seems troubled, strange, and dark; When cares oppress and hopes depart, Thy light hath never failed my heart. Shall I not then be filled with gladness, Shall I not praise Thee evermore? And triumph o'er all fears and sadness, E'en when my cup of woe runs o'er? Though heaven and earth may pass away, I know Thy word stands fast for aye. __________________________________________________________________ [27]Praise and Thanksgiving (LXXIV.--"Nun lob' mein Seel' den Herren.") 7. Original Tune. Sheet Music 7.8.7.8.7.6.7.6.7.6.7.6 Nun lob' mein Seel' den Herren [28]Gramann, 1540 My soul, now praise thy Maker! Let all within me bless His name, Who maketh thee partaker Of mercies more than thou dar'st claim! Forget him not, whose meekness Still bears with all thy sin, Who healeth all thy weakness, Renews thy life within, Whose grace and care are endless, And sav'd thee thro' the past; Who leaves no suff'rer friendless, But rights the wrong'd at last! He shows to man His treasure Of judgment, truth, and righteousness, His love beyond our measure, His yearning pity o'er distress; Nor treats us as we merit, But lays His anger by, The humble contrite spirit Finds His compassions nigh; And high as heaven above us, As break from close of day, So far, since He doth love us, He puts our sins away. For as a tender father Hath pity on his children here, He in His arms will gather All who are His in childlike fear; He knows how frail our powers, Who but from dust are made, We flourish as the flowers, And even so we fade, A storm-wind o'er them passes, And all their bloom is o'er,-- We wither like the grasses, Our place knows us no more. His grace alone endureth, And children's children yet shall prove How God with strength assureth The hearts of all that seek His love. In heaven is fixed His dwelling, His rule is over all, Angels in might excelling, Bright hosts, before Him fall! Praise Him who ever reigneth, All ye who hear His word; Nor our poor hymns disdaineth,-- My soul, O praise the Lord! __________________________________________________________________ [29]Praise and Thanksgiving (LXVI.--"Meine Hoffnung stehet feste.") 8. Original Tune. Sheet Music 8.6.8.6.6.7 Meine Hoffnung stehet feste [30]Neander, 1679 All my hope is grounded surely On the ever-living God, I can trust His aid securely, He shall be my highest Good; For this Rock fears no shock, And our trust will never mock. Tell me, if no dread e'er seizes You, who lean on some frail man? Can you build on waves and breezes? Dare you trust your wisest plan? Soon 'tis past, cannot last, Nought that earth has standeth fast. But His goodners still shall flourish Evermore, nought changes here; Man and beast His hand doth nourish Day by day through all the year; Morn and eve, doth He give All they need to all that live. Are we not by gifts surrounded More than we dare ask of good? For His mercies are unbounded, Flowing like a mighty flood; Earth and air to us bear Tokens of His loving care. Let not then His gifts upbraid us, Who His very Son hath given; Thank, O thank Him who hath made us From the dust, yet heirs of heaven. God is our shield and tower, Great in wisdom, love, and power. __________________________________________________________________ [31]Praise and Thanksgiving (LXII.--"Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren.") 9. Sheet Music 14.14.4.7.8 Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren [32]J. Neander, 1679 Praise to the Lord! the Almighty, the King of creation! O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation! All ye who hear, Now to His temple draw near, Join me in glad adoration! Praise to the Lord! who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth, Shelters thee under His wings, yea so gently sustaineth; Hast thou not seen How thy desires have been Granted in what He ordaineth? Praise to the Lord! who doth prosper thy work and defend thee, Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee; Ponder anew What the Almighty can do, If with His love He befriend thee! Praise to the Lord! Oh let all that is in me adore Him! All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him! Let the Amen Sound from His people again, Gladly for aye we adore Him! __________________________________________________________________ [33]Praise and Thanksgiving (LX.--"Lasset uns den Herren preisen.") 10. Sheet Music 7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7 Sollt' ich meinem Gott nicht singen [34]Gerhardt, 1659 Shall I not sing praise to Thee, Shall I not give thanks, O Lord? Since for us in all I see How Thou keepest watch and ward; How the truest, tend'rest love Ever fills Thy heart, my God, Helping, cheering, on their road All who in Thy service move. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. As the eagle o'er her nest Spreads her sheltering wings abroad, So from all that would molest Doth Thine arm defend me, Lord; From my youth up e'en till now Of the being Thou did'st give, And the earthly life I live, Faithful Guardian still wert Thou. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. When I sleep my Guardian wakes, And revives my wearied mind; Every morning on me breaks With some mark of love most kind; Had my God not stood my Friend, Had His countenance not been Here my guide, I had not seen Many a trial reach its end. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. As a father ne'er withdraws From a child his all of love, Though it often break his laws, Though it careless, wilful, prove: Even so my loving Lord Doth my faults with pity see; With His rod He chastens me, Not avenging with His sword. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. When His strokes upon me light, Bitterly I feel their smart, Yet are they, if seen aright, Tokens that my Father's heart Yearns to bring me back again Through these crosses to His fold, From the world that fain would hold Soul and body in its chain. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. All my life I still have found, And I will forget it never, Every sorrow hath its bound, And no cross endures for ever. After all the winter's snows Comes sweet summer back again; Patient souls ne'er wait in vain, Joy is given for all their woes. All things else have but their day, God's love only lasts for aye. Since then neither change nor end In Thy love can e'er have place, Father! I beseech Thee send Unto me Thy loving grace. Help Thy feeble child, and give Strength to serve Thee day and night, Loving Thee with all my might, While on earth I yet must live; So shall I, when Time is o'er, Praise and love Thee evermore. __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Public Worship [35]11. Now thank we all our God [36]12. Blessed Jesus, at Thy word [37]13. Lord Jesus Christ, be present now [38]14. Abide among us with Thy grace [39]15. Open now Thy gates of beauty [40]16. Thou, Fount of blessing, we adore [41]17. Light of light, enlighten me [42]18. Once more the daylight shines abroad [43]19. Lord Jesu Christ, with us abide __________________________________________________________________ [44]Public Worship (LXX.--"Nun danket alle Gott.") 11. Original Tune. Sheet Music 6.7.6.7.6.6.6.6 Nun danket alle Gott [45]Rinckart, 1648 Now thank we all our God, With heart and hands and voices, Who wondrous things hath done, In whom the world rejoices; Who from our mother's arms Hath bless'd us on our way With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today. Oh may this bounteous God Through all our life be near us, With ever joyful hearts And blessied peace to cheer us; And keep us in His grace, And guide us when perplex'd, And free us from all ills In this world and the next. All praise and thanks to God The Father now be given, The Son, and Him who reigns With them in highest heaven, The One eternal God, Whom earth and heaven adore, For thus it was, is now, And shall be evermore! __________________________________________________________________ [46]Public Worship (LXI.--"Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier.") 12. Original Tune. Sheet Music 7.8.7.8.8.8 Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier. [47]Clausnitzer, 1671 Blessed Jesus, at Thy word We are gather'd all to hear Thee; Let our hearts and souls be stirr'd Now to seek and love and fear Thee; By Thy teachings sweet and holy Drawn from earth to love Thee solely. All our knowledge, sense, and sight Lie in deepest darkness shrouded, Till Thy Spirit breaks our night With the beams of truth unclouded; Thou alone to God canst win us, Thou must work all good within us. Glorious Lord, Thyself impart! Light of light from God proceeding, Open Thou our ears and heart, Help us by Thy Spirit's pleading, Hear the cry Thy people raises, Hear, and bless our prayers and praises! __________________________________________________________________ [48]Public Worship (XXXVII.--"Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend'.") 13. Original Tune. Sheet Music 8.8.8.8 Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend' [49]W. August II, Duke of Saxeweimar, 1651 Lord Jesus Christ, be present now! And let thy Holy Spirit bow All hearts in love and fear today, To hear the truth and keep Thy way. Open our lips to sing Thy praise, Our hearts in true devotion raise, Strengthen our faith, increase our light, That we may know Thy name aright: Until we join the host that cry "Holy, Holy art Thou most High," And 'mid the light of that blest place Shall gaze upon Thee face to face. Glory to God, the Father, Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One! To Thee, O blessed Trinity, Be praise throughout eternity! __________________________________________________________________ [50]Public Worship (Index of Tunes, LXXVI.) 14. Tune.--"Now that the sun doth shine no more." Sheet Music 8.6.8.6 Ach bleib' mit deiner Gnade [51]Stegmann, 1629 Abide among us with Thy grace, Lord Jesus, evermore, Nor let us e'er to sin give place, Nor grieve Him we adore. Abide among us with Thy word, Redeemer whom we love, Thy help and mercy here afford, And life with Thee above. Abide among us with Thy ray, O Light that lighten'st all, And let Thy truth preserve our way, Nor suffer us to fall. Abide with us to bless us still, O bounteous Lord of peace; With grace and power our souls fulfill, Our faith and love increase. Abide among us as our shield, O Captain of Thy host; That to the world we may nut yield, Nor e'er forsake our post. Abide with us in faithful love, Our God and Saviour be, Thy help at need, Oh let us prove, And keep us true to Thee. __________________________________________________________________ [52]Public Worship (XCVIII.--"Unser Herrscher, unser König.") 15. Sheet Music 8.7.8.7.7.7 Thut mir auf die schöne Pforte [53]Schmolck, 1704 Open now Thy gates of beauty, Zion, let me enter there, Where my soul in joyful duty Waits for Him who answers pray'r; Oh, how blessed is this place, Fill'd with solace, light, and grace. Yes, my God, I come before Thee, Come Thou also down to me; Where we find Thee and adore Thee There a heaven on earth must be. To my heart oh enter Thou, Let it be Thy temple now. Here Thy praise is gladly chanted, Here Thy seed is duly sown, Let my soul where it is planted, Bring forth precious sheaves alone, So that all I hear may be Fruitful unto life in me. Thou my faith increase and quicken, Let me keep Thy gift divine Howsoe'er temptations thicken, May Thy word still o'er me shine, As my pole-star through my life, As my comfort in my strife. Speak, O God, and I will hear Thee, Let Thy will be done indeed; May I undisturbed draw near Thee While Thou dost Thy people feed; Here of Life the Fountain flows, Here is balm for all our woes. __________________________________________________________________ [54]Public Worship (Index of Tunes, CXXI.) 16. Tune.--"O blest the house, whate'er befall." Sheet Music 8.8.8.8 Brunn alles Heils, dich ehren wir [55]Tersteegen, 1731 Thou, Fount of blessing, we adore! Lo! we unlock our lips once more Before Thy deep of holiness, Oh deign to hear us now and bless. The Lord, the Maker, with us dwell, In soul and body shield us well, And guard us with His sleepless might From every ill by day and night! The Lord, the Saviour, Light Divine, Now cause His face on us to shine, That seeing Him, with perfect faith We sruft His love for life and death! The Lord, the Comforter, be near, Imprint His image deeply here, From bonds of sin and dread release, And give us His unchanging peace! O Triune God! Thou vast abyss! Thou ever-flowing Fount of bliss, Flow through us, heart and soul and will With endless praise and blessing fill! __________________________________________________________________ [56]Public Worship (LXVII.--"Meinen Jesum lass ich nicht.") 17. Sheet Music 7.8.7.8.7.7 Licht von Licht erleuchte mich [57]Schmolck, 1731 Light of light, enlighten me Now anew the day is dawning; Sun of grace, the shadows flee, Brighten Thou my Sabbath morning, With Thy joyous sunshine blest Happy is my day of rest! Fount of all our joy and peace! To Thy living waters lead me, Thou from earth my soul release And with grace and mercy feed me; Bless Thy word that it may prove Rich in fruits that Thou dest love. Kindle Thou the sacrifice That upon my lips is lying; Clear the shadows from mine eyes, That, from every error flying, No strange fire may in me glow That Thine altar doth not know. Let me with my heart to-day, Holy, Holy, Holy, singing, Rapt awhile from earth away, All my soul to Thee upspringing, Have a foretaste inly given How they worship Thee in Heaven. Rest in me and I in Thee, Build a Paradise within me; Oh reveal Thyself to me; Blessed Love, who diedst to win me; Fed from Thine exhaustless urn, Pure and bright my lamp shall burn. Hence all care, all vanity, For the day to God is holy; Come, Thou glorious Majesty, Deign to fill this temple lowly; Nought to-day my soul shall move, Simply resting in Thy love. __________________________________________________________________ [58]Public Worship (XXI.--"Der tag bricht und zeiget sich.") 18. Sheet Music 8.8.8.8 Es geht daher des Tages Schein [59]B. Brethren Once more the daylight shines abroad, O brethren, let us praise the Lord, Whose grace and mercy thus have kept The nightly watch while we have slept. To Him let us together pray With all our heart and soul to-day, That He would keep us in His love, And all our guilt and sin remove. Eternal God! Almighty Friend, Whose deep compassions have no end, Whose never-failing strength and might Have kept us safely through the night: Now send us from Thy heavenly throne Thy grace and help through Christ Thy Son, That with Thy strength our hearts may glow, And fear nor man nor ghostly foe. Lord God! oh, hear us, we implore! Be Thou our Guardian evermore, Our mighty Champion and our Shield That goeth with us to the field. We offer up ourselves to Thee, That heart and word and deed may be In all things guided by Thy mind, And in Thine eyes acceptance find. Thus, Lord, we bring, through Christ Thy Son, Our morning offering to Thy throne; Now be Thy precious gift outpour'd, And help us for Thine honour, Lord! __________________________________________________________________ [60]Public Worship (I.--"Ach bleib' bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ.") 19. Original Tune. Sheet Music 8.8.8.8 Ach bleib' bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ [61]Selnecker, 1587 Lord Jesu Christ, with us abide, For round us falls the ev'ning tide; Nor let Thy Word, our glorious light, For us be ever veil'd in night. In these dark days that yet remain, May we Thy Sacraments maintain, And keep Thy Word still free and pure, And steadfast in the faith endure. __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ I. THE CHURCH. 1. HOLY SEASONS. ADVENT 20-28 CHRISTMAS 29-35 EPIPHANY 36-39 LENT 40-45 PASSION WEEK 46-50 GOOD FRIDAY 51-53 EASTER EVE 54-56 EASTER 57-62 ASCENSION 63-68 WHITSUNTIDE 69-74 TRINITY 75, 76 SAINTS' DAYS 77-85 EMBER WEEKS 86-88 2. SERVICES. FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP, see INTRODUCTION. BAPTISM 89, 90 CONFIRMATION 91, 92 HOLY COMMUNION 93-95 BURIAL OF THE DEAD 96-99 __________________________________________________________________ THE WORD OF GOD 100-103 THE CHURCH ON EARTH 104-106 __________________________________________________________________ Advent [62]20. Ye heav'ns, oh haste your dews to shed [63]21. Ah! Lord, how shall I meet Thee [64]22. Arise, the kingdom is at hand [65]23. Redeemer of the nations, come [66]24. Let the earth now praise the Lord [67]25. Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates [68]26. Once he came in blessing [69]27. Awake, thou careless world, awake [70]28. A dread hath come on me __________________________________________________________________ [71]Advent (Index of Tunes, CIV.) 20. Tune.--"From heaven above to earth I come." Sheet Music Ihr Himmel tröpfelt Tau in Eil' [72]J. Franck, 1653 Ye heav'ns, oh haste your dews to shed, Ye clouds, rain gladness on our head, Thou earth, behold the time of grace, And blossom forth in righteousness! O living Sun, with joy break forth, And pierce the gloomy clefts of earth; Behold, the mountains melt away Like wax beneath Thine ardent ray! O Life-dew of the Churches, come, And bid this arid desert bloom! The sorrows of Thy people see, And take our human flesh on Thee. Refresh the parch'd and drooping mind, The broken limb in mercy bind, Us sinners from our guilt release, And fill us with Thy heavenly peace. O wonder! night no more is night! Comes then at last the long'd-for light? Ah yes, Thou shinest, O true Sun, In whom are God and man made one! __________________________________________________________________ [73]Advent (CXVIII.--"Wie soll ich dich empfangen.") 21. Original Tune. Sheet Music Wie soll ich dich empfangen [74]Gerhardt, 1653 Ah! Lord, how shall I meet Thee, How welcome Thee aright? All nations long to greet Thee, My hope, my sole delight! Brighten the lamp that burneth But dimly in my breast, And teach my soul, that yearneth To honour such high guest. Thy Zion strews before Thce Her fairest buds and palms, And I too will adore Thee With sweetest songs and psalms; My soul breaks forth in flowers Rejoicing in Thy fame, And summons all her powers To honour Jesus' name. Nought, nought, 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! O ye sad hearts that sicken With hope deferred, and see The gloom around you thicken, The joys ye hoped for flee,-- Despair not, He is near you, Yea, at the very door, Who best can help and cheer you, He will not linger more. Nor sin shall make you fearful, Ashamed to see His face, The contrite heart and tearful He covers with His grace; He comes to heal the spirit That mourneth sin-oppressed, And raise us to inherit With Him our proper rest. 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 of cheering And guide us safely home! __________________________________________________________________ [75]Advent (Index of Tunes, XII.) 22. Tune.--"My inmost heart now raises." Sheet Music Auf, auf, ihr Reichsgenossen [76]Rist, 1651 Arise, the kingdom is at hand, The king is drawing nigh; Arise with joy, ye faithful band, To greet the Lord most High! Ye Christians, hasten forth, With holy ardours greet your King, And glad Hosannas to Him sing, Nought else your love is worth. Look up, ye drooping hearts, to-day! The King is very near, Oh cast your griefs and fears away, For lo! your Help is here; And comfort rich and sweet In many a place for us is stored, Where in His sacraments and word Our Saviour we can meet. Look up, ye souls weigh'd down with care! The Sovereign is not far; Look up, faint heart, from your despair, Behold the Morning Star! The Lord is with us now, Who shall the sinking spirit feed With strength and comfort at its need, To whom e'en Death shall bow. Hope, O ye broken hearts, at last! The King comes on in might, He loved us in the ages past When we sat wrapp'd in night; Now are our sorrows o'er, And fear and wrath to joy give place, Since God hath made us in His grace His children evermore. O rich the gifts Thou bringest us, Thyself made poor and weak; O love beyond compare that thus Can foes and sinners seek! For this to Thee alone We raise on high a gladsome voice, And evermore with thanks rejoice Before Thy glorious throne. __________________________________________________________________ [77]Advent (LVI.--"Komm, Heiden Heiland, Lösegeld.") 23. Original Tune. Sheet Music Komm Heiden Heiland, Lösegeld [78]after St. Ambrose [79]J. Franck Redeemer of the nations, come! Ransom of earth, here make Thy home! Bright Sun, oh dart Thy flame to earth, For so shall God in Christ have birth! Thou comest from Thy kingly throne, O Son of God, the Virgin's Son! Thou Hero of a twofold race, Dost walk in might earth's darkest place. Thou stoopest once to suffer here, And risest o'er the starry sphere; Hell's gates at thy descent were riven, Thy ascent is to highest Heaven. One with the Father! Prince of might! O'er nature's realm assert Thy right, Our sickly bodies pine to know Thy heavenly strength, Thy living glow, How bright Thy lowly manger beams! Down earth's dark vale its glory streams, The splendour of Thy natal night Shines through all time in deathless light. __________________________________________________________________ [80]Advent (XXXIII.--"Gott sei Dank durch alle Welt.") 24. Original Tune. Sheet Music Gott sei Dank durch alle Welt [81]H. Held, 1643 Let the earth now praise the Lord, Who hath truly kept His word, And the sinner's help and Friend Now at last to us doth send. What the fathers most desired, What the prophets' heart inspired, What they long'd for many a year, Stands fulfill'd in glory here. Abram's promised great reward, Zion's Helper, Jacob's Lord; Him of twofold race behold, Truly come, as long foretold. Welcome, O my Saviour, now! Hail! my portion, Lord, art Thou! Here too in my heart, I pray, Oh prepare Thyself a way. Enter, King of Glory, in! Purify the wastes of sin As Thou hast so often done; It belongs to Thee alone. As Thy coming was in peace, Noiseless, full of gentleness, Let the same mind dwell in me That was ever found in Thee. Bruise for me the serpent's head, That, set free from doubt and dread, I may cleave to Thee in faith, Safely kept through life and death! And when Thou dost come again As a glorious King to reign, I with joy may see Thy face, Freely ransom'd by Thy grace. __________________________________________________________________ [82]Advent (LXIV.--"Macht hoch die Thür, die Thor' macht weit.") 25. Original Tune. Sheet Music Macht hoch die Thür, die Thor macht weit [83]Weiszel, 1635 Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates, Behold the King of glory waits; The King of kings is drawing near, The Saviour of the world is here; Life and salvation doth He bring, Wherefore rejoice and gladly sing: We praise Thee, Father, now! Creator, wise art Thou! The Lord is just, a Helper tried, Mercy is ever at His ride, His kingly crown is holiness, His sceptre, pity in distress, The end of all our woe He brings; Wherefore the earth is glad and sings: We praise Thee, Saviour, now, Mighty in deed art Thou! Oh blest the land, the city blest, Where Christ the Ruler is confest! Oh happy hearts and happy homes To whom this King in triumph comes! The cloudless Sun of joy He is, Who bringeth pure delight and bliss: O Comforter Divine, What boundless grace is Thine! Fling wide the portals of your heart, Make it a temple set apart From earthly use for Heaven's employ, Adorn'd 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! Redeemer, come! I open wide My heart to Thee,--here, Lord, abide! Let me Thy inner presence feel, Thy grace and love in me reveal, Thy Holy Spirit guide us on Until our glorious goal is won! Eternal praise and fame We offer to Thy name. __________________________________________________________________ [84]Advent (XXXVIII.--"Herr nun lass in Friede.") 26. Sheet Music Gottes Sohn ist kommen [85]M. Weiss, 1531 Once he came in blessing, All our ills redressing, Came in likeness lowly, Son of God most holy, Bore the cross to save us, Hope and freedom gave us. Still He comes within us, Still His voice would win us From the sins that hurt us; Would to Truth convert us From our foolish errors, Ere He comes in terrors. Thus if thou hast known Him, Not ashamed to own Him, Nor dost love Him coldly, But wilt trust Him boldly, He will now receive thee, Heal thee, and forgive thee. But through many a trial, Deepest self-denial, Long and brave endurance, Must thou win assurance That His own He makes thee, And no more forsakes thee. He who thus endureth Bright reward secureth; Come then, O Lord Jesus, From our sins release us. Let us here confess Thee, Till in heaven we bless Thee. __________________________________________________________________ [86]Advent (CV.--"Wach auf, wach auf, du sich're Welt.") 27. Original Tune. Sheet Music Wach auf, wach auf, du sich're Welt [87]Rist, 1651 Awake, thou careless world, awake! That final Judgment day will surely come; What Heav'n hath fix'd no Time can shake, Time never more shall sweep away thy doom. Know what the Lord Himself hath spoken Shall come at last and not delay: Though heav'n and earth shall pass away, His steadfast Word can ne'er be broken. Awake! thou careless world, awake! For none can tell how soon our God may please That suddenly that day should break, No human wisdom fathoms depths like these: O flee earth's base delights and pride, For as the bird is in the snare, Or ever of its foe aware, So comes that day so long denied. Yet He in love delayeth long That awful day, and grants the sinner space To turn away from sin and wrong, And mourning seek in time His love and grace. He holdeth back that best of days Until the righteous shall approve Their faith and hope, their constant love; So gentle us-ward are His ways! And those found faithful then shall see That glorious morning dawn in love and joy, Their Saviour comes to set them free, Their Judge Himself shall all their bonds destroy; He the true Joshua then shall bring His people with a mighty hand Into their promised fatherland, Where songs of victory they thall sing. Arise, and let us night and day Watch for our Lord, and study o'er His word, And in the Spirit ever pray, That we be ready when His call is heard; Arise, and let us haste to meet The Bridegroom standing at the door, That with the angels evermore We too may worship at His feet. __________________________________________________________________ [88]Advent (XLVII.--"Ich steh' in Angst und Pein.") 28. Original Tune. Sheet Music Ich steh' in Angst und Pein [89]S. Dach, 1640 A dread hath come on me, I know not where to flee, My pow'rs can nought avail me; My trembling limbs grow weak, My lips refuse to speak, My heart and senses fail me: For thinking on that sound That once shall pierce the ground And make its slumb'rers tremble,-- "Arise! the Day of Doom Is come at last,--is come! Before the judge assemble! Ah God! no tempest's shock That cleaves the solid rock Could make my spirit shiver As doth that awful tone; Were my heart steel or stone 'T would hear that voice and quiver. I eat, or wake, or sleep, I talk, or smile, or weep, Yet still that voice of thunder Is sounding through my heart,-- "Forget not what thou art, The doom thou liest under! For daily do I see How many deaths there be, How swiftly all things wither; How sickness fills the grave, Or fire, or sword, or wave Is sweeping thousands thither. My turn will soon be here, The end is drawing near, I hear its warning plainly; Death knocketh at my door And tells me all is o'er, And I would fly him vainly. Ah! who in this my strait Will be mine Advocate? Will all things leave me friendless? My wealth and power are dust, This Judge is ever just, His righteous doom is endless. Lord Jesus Christ! 't is Thou Alone canst help me now, But 't was for this Thou camest, To save us in this hour;-- Then show Thy mercy's power, For they are safe Thou claimest. Speak Thou for me! Thou art The refuge of my heart; With gladness let me hear Thee; Bid me to Thee ascend, Where praise shall never end, And love shall aye be near Thee. __________________________________________________________________ Christmas [90]29. Let us all with gladsome voice [91]30. From heaven above to earth I come [92]31. All my heart this night rejoices [93]32. Rejoice, rejoice, ye Christians [94]33. O rejoice, ye Christians, loudly [95]34. We Christians may rejoice to-day [96]35. Thee, O Immanuel, we praise __________________________________________________________________ [97]Christmas (LIX.--"Lasst uns alle fröhlich sein.") 29. Original Tune. Sheet Music Lasst uns alle fröhlich sein [98]Anon., appears 1682 ||:Let us all with gladsome voice Praise the God of heaven,:|| Who to bid our hearts rejoice His own Son hath given. ||:Down to this sad earth He comes, Here to serve us deigning,:|| That with Him in yon fair homes We may once be reigning. ||:We are rich, for He was poor, Gaze upon this wonder!:|| Let us praise God evermore, Here on earth, and yonder! . ||:Look on all who sorrow here, Lord, in pity bending,:|| Grant us now a glad New Year, And a blessed ending! __________________________________________________________________ [99]Christmas (CIV.--"Vom Himmel hoch da komm' ich her.") 30. Original Tune. Sheet Music Vom Himmel hoch da komm' ich her [100]Luther, 1538 From heaven above to earth I come To hear good news to ev'ry home; Glad tidings of great joy I bring, Whereov I now will say and sing: To you this night in born a child of Mary, chosen mother mild; This little child, of lowly birth, Shall be the joy of all your earth. 'Tis Christ, our God, who far on high Hath heard your sad and bitter cry Himself will your Salvation be, Himself from sin will make you free. He brings those blessings, long ago Prepared by God for all below; Henceforth His kingdom open stands To you, as to the angel bands. There are the tokens ye shall mark, The swaddling clothes and manger dark; There shall ye find the young child laid, By whom the heavens and earth were made. Now let us all with gladsome cheer Follow the shepherds, and draw near To see this wondrous gift of God, Who hath His only Son bestow'd. Give heed, my heart, lift up thine eyes! Who is it in yon manger lies? Who is this child, so young and fair? The blessed Christ-child lieth there. Welcome to earth, Thou noble guest, Through whom e'en wicked men are blest! Thou com'st to share our misery, What can we render, Lord, to Thee! Ah Lord, who hast created all, How hast Thou made Thee weak and small, That Thou must choose Thy infant bed Where ass and ox but lately fed! Were earth a thousand times as fair, Beset with gold and jewels rare, She yet were far too poor to be A narrow cradle, Lord, for Thee. For velvets soft and silken stuff Thou hast but hay and straw so rough, Whereon Thou King, so rich and great, As 'twere Thy heaven, art throned in state. Thus hath it pleased Thee to make plain The truth to us poor fools and vain, That this world's honour, wealth, and might Are nought and worthless in Thy fight. Ah! dearest Jesus, Holy Child, Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled, Within my heart, that it may be A quiet chamber kept for Thee. My heart for very joy doth leap, My lips no more can silence keep; I too must raise with joyful tongue That sweetest ancient cradle-song-- Glory to God in highest heaven, Who unto man His Son hath given! While angels sing with pious mirth A glad New Year to all the earth. __________________________________________________________________ [101]Christmas (CVIII.--"Warum sollt' ich mich denn grämen.") 31. Sheet Music Frölich soll mein Herze springen, [102]Gerhardt, 1656 All my heart this night rejoices, As I hear, Far and near, Sweetest angel voices; "Christ is born," their choirs are singing, Till the air Ev'rywhere Now with joy is ringing. Hark! a voice from yonder manger, Soft and sweet, Doth entreat, "Flee from woe and danger; Brethren, come, from all doth grieve you, You are freed, All you need I will surely give you."; Come then, let us hasten yonder; Here let all, Great and small, Kneel in awe and wonder, Love Him who with love is yearning; Hail the Star That from far Bright with hope is burning! Ye who pine in weary sadness, Weep no more, For the door Now is found of gladness. Cling to Him, for He will guide you Where no cross, Pain or loss Can again betide you. Hither come, ye heavy-hearted, Who for sin Deep within, Long and sore have smarted; For the poison'd wounds you're feeling Help is near, One is here Mighty for their healing! Hither come, ye poor and wretched! Know His will Is to fill Every hand outstretched; Here are riches without measure, Here forget All regret, Fill your hearts with treasure. Thee, dear Lord, with heed I'll cherish, Live to Thee, And with Thee Dying, shall not perish; But shall dwell with Thee for ever, Far on high, In the joy That can alter never. __________________________________________________________________ [103]Christmas (XXX.--"Freut euch, ihr lieben Christen.") 32. Original Tune. Sheet Music Freut euch, ihr lieben Christen [104]Anon., early Rejoice, rejoice, ye Christians, With all your hearts this morn! O hear the blessed tidings, "The Lord, the Christ, is born," Now brought us by the angels That stand about God's throne; Oh lovely are the voices ||:That make such tidings known.:|| Oh hearken to their singing, "This Child shall be your Friend, The Father so hath will'd it, That thus your woes should end; The Son is freely given, That in Him ye may have The Father's grace and blessing, ||:And know He loves to save.:|| Nor deem the form too lowly That clothes Him at this hour; For know ye what it hideth? 'Tis God's almighty power. Though now within the manger So poor and weak He lies, He is the Lord of all things, ||:He reigns above the skies.:|| Sin, Death, and Hell, and Satan Have lost the victory; This Child shall overthrow them, As ye shall surely see; Their wrath shall nought avail them, Fear not, their reign is o'er; This Child shall overthrow them,-- ||:Oh hear and doubt no more.":|| __________________________________________________________________ [105]Christmas (XXXI.--"Freuet euch, ihr Christen alle.") 33. Original Tune. Sheet Music To be sung only at the beginning and end of the hymn. Freuet euch, ihr Christen alle [106]Keimann, 1656 ||:Hallelujah:|| Oh rejoice, ye Christians, loudly, For your joy is now begun; Wondrous things our God hath done; Tell abroad His goodness proudly, Who our race hath honour'd thus That he deigns to dwell with us: Joy, O joy, beyond all gladness! Christ hath done away with sadness! Hence, all sorrow and repining, For the Son of grace is shining. See, my soul, thy Saviour chooses Weakness here and poverty, In such love He comes to thee, Nor the hardest couch refuses; All He suffers for thy good, To redeem thee by His blood: Joy, then, joy beyond all gladness! Christ hath done away with sadness! Hence, all sorrow and repining, For the Sun of grace is shining. Lord, how thall I thank Thee rightly? I acknowledge that from Thee Every blessing flows to me. Let me not forget it lightly, But to Thee through all things cleave; So shall heart and mind receive Joy, yea, joy beyond all gladness! Christ hath done away with sadness! Hence, all sorrow, all repining, For the Sun of grace is shining! Jesu, guard and guide Thy members, Fill Thy brethren with Thy grace, Hear their prayers in every place, Quicken now life's faintest embers; Grant all Christians, far and near, Holy peace, a glad New Year! Joy, O joy, beyond all gladness! Christ hath done away with sadness! Hence, all sorrow, all repining, For the Sun of grace is shining! __________________________________________________________________ [107]Christmas (CXIX.--"Wir Christenleut'.") 34. Original Tune. Sheet Music Wir Christenleut' han jetzund Freud' [108]Anon., Appears 1645 [109]? Author Gaspar Fugger, +1617 We Christians may rejoice to-day, When Christ was born to comfort and to save us; Who thus believes no longer grieves, For none are lost who grasp the hope He gave us. O wondrous joy, that God most high Should take our flesh, and thus our race should honour; A virgin mild hath borne this Child, Such grace and glory God hath put upon her. Sin brought us grief, but Christ relief, When down to earth He came for our salvation; Since God with us is dwelling thus, Who dares to speak the Christian's condemnation? Then hither throng, with happy song To Him whose birth and death are our assurance; Through whom are we at last set free From sins and burdens that surpassed endurance. Yes, let us praise our God and raise Loud hallelujahs to the skies above us The bliss bestowed to-day by God, To ceaseless thankfulness and joy should move us. __________________________________________________________________ [110]Christmas (Index of Tunes, XXVIII.) 35. Tune.--"Ere yet the dawn hath fill'd the skies." Sheet Music Wir singen dir, Immanuel [111]Gerhardt, 1653 Thee, O Immanuel, we praise, The Prince of Life and Fount of Grace, The Morning Star, the Heav'nly Flower, The Virgin's Son, the Lord of Power. Hallelujah. With all Thy saints, Thee, Lord, we sing, Praise, honour, thanks to Thee we bring, That Thou, O long-expected guest, Hast come at last to make us blest! Hallelujah. Since first the world began to be, How many a heart hath long'd for Thee; Long years our fathers hoped of old Their eyes might yet Thy Light behold: Hallelujah. The prophets cried; "Ah, would He came To break the fetters of our shame: That help from Zion came to men, Israel were glad, and prosper'd then!" Hallelujah. Now art Thou here; we know Thee now, In lowly manger lieth Thou; A child, yet makest all things great, Poor, yet is earth Thy robe of state. Hallelujah. From Thee alone all gladness flows, Who yet shalt bear such bitter woes Earth's light and comfort Thou shalt be, Yet none shall watch to comfort Thee. Hallelujah. All heavens are Thine, yet Thou dost come To sojourn in a stranger's home; Thou hangest on Thy mother's breast Who art the joy of spirits blest. Hallelujah. Now fearless I can look on Thee, From sin and grief Thou sett'st me free; Thou bearest wrath, Thou conquerest Death, Fear turns to joy Thy glance beneath. Hallelujah. Thou art my Head, my Lord Divine, I am Thy member, wholly Thine, And in Thy Spirit's strength would still Serve Thee according to Thy will. Hallelujah. Thus will I sing Thy praises here With joyful spirit year by year; And they shall sound before Thy throne, Where time nor number more are known. Hallelujah. __________________________________________________________________ Epiphany [112]36. How brightly beams the Morning Star [113]37. O Jesu, King of Glory [114]38. Rise, O Salem, rise and shine [115]39. Is thy heart athirst to know __________________________________________________________________ [116]Epiphany (Index of Tunes, CXVII.) 36. Tune.--"O Morning Star! how fair and bright." Sheet Music Wie herrlich strahlt der Morgenstern [117]J. A. Schlegel, 1765 How brightly beams the Morning Star! What sudden radiance from afar Doth glad us with its shining, Brightness of God that breaks our night And fills the darken'd souls with light Who long for truth were pining! Thy Word, Jesu, Inly feeds us, Rightly leads us, Life bestowing; Praise, oh praise such love o'erflowing. Thou here my Comfort, there my Crown, Thou King of Heaven, who camest down To dwell as man beside me; My heart doth praise Thee o'er and o'er, If Thou art mine I ask no more, Be wealth or fame denied me; Thee I seek now; None who proves Thee, None who loves Thee Finds Thee fail him; Lord of life, Thy powers avail him! Through Thee alone can I be blest, Then deep be on my heart imprest The love that Thou hast borne me; So make it ready to fulfil With burning zeal Thy holy will, Though men may vex or scorn me; Saviour, let me Never lose Thee, For I choose Thee, Thirst to know Thee; All I am and have I owe Thee! O God, our Father far above, Thee too I Praise, for all the love Thou in Thy Son dost give me! In Him am I made one with Thee, My Brother and my Friend is He; Shall aught affright or grieve me? He is Greatest, Best, and Highest, Ever nighest To the weakest; Fear no foes, if Him thou seekest! O praise to Him who come to save, Who conquer'd death and burst the grave; Each day new praise resoundeth To Him the Lamb who once was slain, The Friend whom none shall trust in vain, Whose grace for aye aboundeth; Sing, ye Heavens, Tell the story Of His glory, Till His praises Flood with light Earth's darkest places. __________________________________________________________________ [118]Epiphany (XLIV.--"Ich dank' Dir lieber Herre.") 37. Sheet Music O König aller Ehren [119]M. Behemb, 1606 O Jesu, King of Glory! Our Sov'reign and our Friend! Thy throne is fix'd in Heaven, Thy kingdom hath no end: Oh now to all men, far and near, Lord, make it known, we pray, That as in Heaven all creatures here May know Thee and obey. The Eastern sages bringing Their tribute-gifts to Thee, Bear witness to Thy Kingdom, And humbly how the knee; To Thee the Morning Star doth lead, To Thee th' inspired Word, We hail Thee, Saviour in our need, We worship Thee, the Lord. Ah, look on me with pity, Though I am weak and poor, Admit me to Thy kingdom To dwell there blest and sure. Oh rescue me from all my woes, And shield me with Thine arm From Sin and Death, the mighty foes That daily seek our harm. And bid Thy Word within us Shine as the fairest Star; Keep sin and all false doctrine From all Thy people far: Let us Thy name aright confess, And with Thy Christendom, Our King and Saviour own and bless Through all the world to come. __________________________________________________________________ [120]Epiphany (Index of Tunes, LV.) 38. Tune.--"Jesus Christ, my sure Defence." Sheet Music Werde Licht, du Stadt der Heiden [121]Rist, 1655 Rise, O Salem, rise and shine! Lo! the Gentiles hail thy waking; Herald of a morn divine, See the dayspring o'er us breaking, Telling God has call'd to mind Those who long in darkness pined. Ah, how blindly did we stray, Ere this sun our earth had brightened, Heaven we sought not, for no ray Had our 'wilder'd eyes enlighten'd! All our looks were earthward bent, All our strength on earth was spent. But, the day-spring from on high Hath arisen with beams unclouded, And we aee before it fly All the heavy gloom that shrouded This sad earth, where sin and woe Seem'd to reign o'er all below. Thy appearing, Lord, shall fill All my thoughts in sorrow's hour; Thy appearing, Lord, shall still All my dread of death's dark power; Whether joy or tears be mine, Through them still Thy light shall shine. Let me, when my course is run, Calmly leave a world of sadness For the place that needs no sun, For Thou art its light and gladness, For the mansions fair and bright, Where Thy saints are crown'd with light. __________________________________________________________________ [122]Epiphany (Index of Tunes, IV.) 39. Tune.--"What shall I, a sinner, do?" Sheet Music Wer im Herzen will erfahren [123]Laurenti, 1700 Is thy heart athirst to know That the King of heav'n and earth Deigns to dwell with man below, Yea, hath stoop'd to mortal birth? Search the Word with ceaseless care Till thou find this treasure there. With the sages from afar Journey on o'er sea and land, Till thou see the Morning Star O'er thy heart unchanging stand, Then shalt thou behold His face Full of mercy, truth, and grace. For if Christ be born within, Soon that likeness shall appear Which the heart had lost through sin, God's own image fair and clear, And the soul serene and bright Mirrors back His heavenly light. Jesus, let me seek for nought But that Thou shouldst dwell in me Let this only fill my thought, How I may grow liker Thee, Through this earthly care and strife, Through the calm eternal life. With the wise who know Thee right, Thongh the world accounts them fools, I will praise Thee day and night; I will order by Thy rules All my life, that it may be Fill'd with praise and love of Thee. __________________________________________________________________ Lent [124]40. Out of the depths I cry to Thee [125]41. Not in anger, mighty God [126]42. Against Thee only have I sinn'd, I own it [127]43. Am I on earth alone and friendless stranger? [128]44. Lord, to Thee I make confession [129]45. Hear, O my God, low at Thy feet I bend me __________________________________________________________________ [130]Lent (XIII.--"Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu Dir.") 40. Original Tune. Sheet Music Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu Dir [131]Luther, 1524 Out of the depths I cry to Thee, Lord, hear me, I implore Thee! Bend down Thy gracious ear to me, Let my prayer come before Thee! If Thou rememb'rest each misdeed, If each should have its rightful meed, Who may abide Thy presence? Our pardon is Thy gift, Thy love And grace alone avail us; Our works could ne'er our guilt remove, The strictest life must fail us, That none may boast himself of aught, But own in fear Thy grace hath wrought What in him seemeth righteous. And thus my hope is in the Lord, And not in mine own merit; I rest upon His faithful word To them of contrite spirit; That He is merciful and just-- Here is my comfort and my trust, His help I wait with patience. And though it tarry till the night, And round till morning waken, My heart shall ne'er mistrust His might, Nor count itself forsaken. Do thus, O ye of Israel's aeed, Ye of the Spirit born indeed, Wait for our God's appearing. Though great our sins and sore our woes. His grace much more aboundeth; His helping love no limit knows, Our utmost need it soundeth; Our kind and faithful Shepherd, He Who shall at last set Israel free From all their sin and sorrow. __________________________________________________________________ [132]Lent (XCVII.--"Straf' mich nicht in deinem Zorn.") 41. Original Tune. Sheet Music Straf' mich nicht in deinem Zorn [133]Albinus, 1652 Not in anger, mighty God, Not in anger smite us; We must perish if Thy rod Justly should requite us. We are nought, Sin hath brought, Lord, thy wrath upon us, Yet have mercy on us! Show me now a Father's love, And His tender patience, Heal my wounded soul, remove These too sore temptations! I am weak, Father, speak Thou of peace and gladness, Comfort Thou my sadness. Weary am I of my pain, Weary with my sorrow, Sighing still for help in vain, Longing for the morrow; Why wilt Thou Tarry now? Wilt Thou friendless leave me, And of hope bereave me? Hence, ye foes! He comes in grace, God hath deign'd to hear me; I may come before His face, He is inly near me; He o'erthrows All my foes, Death and hell are vanquish'd In Whose bonds I languish'd. Father, hymns to Thee we raise, Here and once in heaven! And the Son and spirit praise, Who our bonds have riven; Evermore We adore Thee whose grace hath stirr'd us, And whose pity heard us. __________________________________________________________________ [134]Lent (IX.--"An dir allein, an dir hab' ich gefündigt.") 42. Original Tune. Sheet Music An dir allein, an dir hab' ich gefündigt [135]Gellert, 1757 Against Thee only have I sinn'd, I own it, And done this evil in Thy sight; My guilt deserves Thy wrath, and Thou hast shown it,-- Ah! see my grief, my wretched plight. My secret prayers and sighs Thou hearest plainly, My tears are ever known to Thee; Ah God, my God, and shall I seek Thee vainly? How long wilt Thou be far from me? Lord, not according to my guilt requite me, But deal with me in tender grace; Thy patience and long-suffering still invite me, I come! Ah hide Thou not thy face! Make me to sing once more of joy and gladness, Father of mercies, hear my voice! For Thy name's sake, oh raise me from this sadness, Thou, God, dost love that we rejoice. Teach me Thy law, with spirit glad and fervent Let me go forth upon my way; Thou art my God, I am Thy willing servant To do Thy pleasure day by day. Oh haste Thou, my Defence, be now beside me! Behold, the Lord hath heard my prayer! Now on a plainer path His hand shall guide me, My soul is safe beneath His care. __________________________________________________________________ [136]Lent (LXXXVII.--Psalm 8, Goudimel.) 43. Sheet Music Hier lieg' ich nun, mein Gott, zu deinen Füssen [137]Raiszner, 1678 Am I on earth alone and friendless stranger? When shall these days be past of fear and danger, When shall I find some respite, some relief, From this unsleeping pain, this haunting grief? The joyful sun may bring another morning, I wake to care, to conscience' voice of warning; The soft moon comes with silent night and sleep, And bringeth nought to me but time to weep. My heart and soul faint, smitten by Thine arrow, Keen as a fire that pierceth to the marrow; From morn to eventide where'er I flee I find no hiding-place, great God, from Thee. Vain are my prayers, vainly I weep my errors, While Thou dost strive against me with Thy terrors; The zeal of Thy just anger and Thy might Have plunged my soul in blackest depths of night. Oh that I had a dove's swift wings, I'd hie me To some far mountain-top where none came nigh me! Yet could I not escape His mighty hand Before whom all things bare and open stand. Nay, all He sends me let me suffer rather, Though still His angry storms around me gather; A willing heart and patient mind, O God, I bring to Thy severe but righteous rod. Much have I sinn'd, and utterly I perish, If memory of my sin Thou still will cherish; Yet, Lord of Hosts, doth not Thy Word proclaim The Merciful is Thy most glorious name! __________________________________________________________________ [138]Lent (XXXVI.--"Herr, ich habe missgehandelt.") 44. Original Tune. Sheet Music Herr, ich habe missgehandelt [139]J. Franck, 1653 Lord, to Thee I make confession, I have sinn'd and gone astray, I have multiplied transgression, Chosen for myself my way; Forced at last to see my errors, Lord, I tremble at Thy terrors. But from Thee how can I hide me, Thou, O God, art everywhere; Refuge from Thee is denied me, Or by land or sea or air; Nor death's darkness can enfold me So that Thou shouldst not behold me. Yet though conscience' voice appall me, Father, I will seek Thy face; Though Thy child I dare not call me, Yet accept me to Thy grace; Do not for my sins forsake me, Let not yet Thy wrath o'ertake me. For Thy Son hath suffer'd for me, And the blood He shed for sin, That can heal'me and restore me, Quench this burning fire within; 'Tis alone His cross can vanquish These dark fears and soothe this anguish. Then on Him I cast my burden, Sink it in the depths below! Let me feel Thy inner pardon, Wash me, make me white as snow. Let Thy Spirit leave me never, Make me only Thine for ever! __________________________________________________________________ [140]Lent (Index of Tunes, LXXXVII.) 45. Tune.--"Am I on earth alone, a friendless stranger?" Sheet Music Bin ich allein ein Fremdling auf der Erden [141]Anon., 18th century Hear, O my God, low at Thy feet I bend me, Ready to suffer whatsoe'er Thou send me, Yet look on me, great God, with pitying eyes, Reward me not for mine iniquities. My heart hath cherish'd sin, and fear'd no morrow, Loved the broad, easy road that ends in sorrow; Till now I learn, O sin, how keen thy smart, O wrath of God, how terrible thou art! Can I escape no I more? will no one find me Some help to break the heavy chains that bind me? Will man nor creature show me any place Where I may flee and hide me from God's face? Nay, I must flee to Him who can deliver, In whom our life and hope are hid for ever; What all the world must unaccomplish'd leave, Thou, for Thou art Almighty, canst achieve. Think on the covenant Thou hast never broken, Think on the steadfast word Thyself hast spoken, Know that I am a God, Thy promise saith, Who hath no pleasure in a sinner's death. Then let the arms of love be thrown around me Have pity on me, Thou who thus hast found me, Call back Thy sheep that, wandering far astray, Was lost in sin, nor knew the homeward way. O God, most merciful! my thankful spirit Adores the goodness that I did not merit; 'T is meet in praising Thee my time I spend, Here, and above, where praise shall never end. __________________________________________________________________ Passion Week [142]46. O Lamb of God most stainless [143]47. O Love, who formedst me to wear [144]48. When o'er my sins I sorrow [145]49. Christ the Life of all the living [146]50. Ah Jesus, the merit __________________________________________________________________ [147]Passion Week (LXXXIII.--"O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig.") 46. Original Tune. Sheet Music O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig [148]N. von Hofe, 1534 O Lamb of God most stainless! Who on the cross didst languish, Patient through all Thy sorrows, Though mock'd amid Thine anguish; Our sins Thou barest for us, Else had despair reign'd o'er us: Have mercy upon us, O Jesu! O Lamb of God most stainless! Who on the cross didst languish, Patient through all Thy sorrows, Though mock'd amid Thine anguish; Our sins Thou barest for us, Else had despair reign'd o'er us: Have mercy upon us, O Jesu! O Lamb of God, most stainless! Who on the cross didst languish, Patient through all Thy sorrows, Though mock'd amid Thine anguish; Our sins Thou barest for us, Else had despair reign'd o'er us: Grant us Thy peace to-day, O Jesu! __________________________________________________________________ [149]Passion Week (Index of Tunes, LXIII.) 47. Tune.--"Deal with me, God, in mercy now." Sheet Music Liebe, die du mich zum Bilde [150]Scheffler, 1657 O Love, who formedst me to wear The image of Thy Godhead here; Who soughtest me with tender care Through all my wand'rings wild and drear; O Love, I give myself to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be. O Love, who ere life's earliest dawn On me Thy choice hast gently laid; O Love, who here as man wast born And like to us in all things made; O Love, I give myself to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be. O Love, who once in Time wast slain, Pierced through and through with bitter woe; O Love, who wrestling thus didst gain That we eternal joy might know; O Love, I give myself to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be. O Love, of whom is truth and light, The Word and Spirit, life and power, Whose heart was bared to them that smite, To shield us in our trial hour; O Love, I give myself to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be. O Love, who thus hast bound me fast, Beneath that gentle yoke of Thine; Love, who hast conquer'd me at last And rapt away this heart of mine; O Love, I give myself to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be. O Love, who lovest me for aye, Who for my soul dost ever plead; O Love, who didst my ransom pay, Whore power sufficeth in my stead; O Love, I give myself to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be. O Love, who once shalt bid me rise From out this dying life of ours; O Love, who once above yon skies Shalt set me in the fadeless bowers: O Love, I give myself to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be. __________________________________________________________________ [151]Passion Week (Index of Tunes, XXXV.) 48. Tune.--"O Thou, of God the Father." Sheet Music Wenn meine Sünd' mich kränken [152]Gesenius, 1646 When o'er my sins I sorrow, Lord, I will look to Thee, And hence my comfort borrow, That Thou wast slain for me! Yea, Lord, Thy precious blood was spilt For me, O most unworthy, To take away my guilt. Then let Thy woes, Thy patience, My heart with strength inspire To vanquish all temptations, And spurn all low desire; This thought I fain would cherish most-- What pain my soul's redemption To Thee, O Saviour, cost! Whate'er may be the burden, The cross here on me laid; Be shame or want my guerdon, I'll bear it with Thine aid; Give patience, give me strength to take Thee for my bright example, And all the world forsake. And let me do to others As Thou hast done to me, Love all men as my brothers, And serve them willingly, With ready heart, nor seek my own, But as Thou, Lord, hast help'd us, From purest love alone. And let Thy cross upbear me With strength, when I depart; Tell me that nought can tear me From my Redeemer's heart, But since my trust is in Thy grace Thou wilt accept me yonder, Where I shall see Thy face! __________________________________________________________________ [153]Passion Week (LIV.--"Jesu, meines Lebens Leben.") 49. Original Tune. Sheet Music Jesu, meines Lebens Leben [154]Homburg, 1659 Christ the Life of all the living, Christ the Death of death our foe, Who Thyself for us once giving To the darkest depths of woe, Patiently didst yield Thy breath But to save my soul from death; Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, Blessed Jesus, brought to Thee. Thou, ah Thou, hast taken on Thee Bitter strokes, a cruel rod, Pain and scorn were heap'd upon Thee O Thou sinless Son of God, Only thus for me to win Rescue from the bonds of sin; Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, Blessed Jesus, brought to Thee. Thou didst bear the smiting only That it might not fall on me; Stoodest falsely charged and lonely, That I might be safe and free; Comfortless that I might know Comfort from Thy boundless woe; Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, Blessed Jesus, brought to Thee. That Thou wast so meek and stainless Doth atone for my proud mood; And Thy death makes dying painless, All Thy ills have wrought our good; Yea, the shame Thou didst endure Is my honour and my cure; Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, Blessed Jesus, brought to Thee. Then for all that wrought our pardon, For Thy sorrows deep and sore, For Thine anguish in the garden, I will thank Thee evermore; Thank Thee with my latest breath For Thy sad and cruel death, For that last most bitter cry, And shall praise Thee, Lord, on high. __________________________________________________________________ [155]Passion Week (III.--"Ach Jesu, dein Sterben.") 50. Original Tune. Sheet Music Ach Jesu, dein Sterben Layritz, 1854? Ah Jesus, the merit Of all that Thou hast borne Maketh me inherit The crown that hath no thorn! Ah then, teach me duly To worship at Thy crossv Owning inly, truly, The Love that bore our loss. To sin, there, oh let me From henceforth daily die; Nor in death forget me, Then grant me life on high. __________________________________________________________________ Good Friday [156]51. Ah wounded Head that bearest [157]52. Alas, dear Lord, what law then hast Thou broken [158]53. When on the cross the Saviour hung __________________________________________________________________ [159]Good Friday (XL.--"Herzlich thut mich verlangen." "O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden.") 51. Sheet Music O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden [160]Gerhardt, 1659 Ah wounded Head that bearest Such bitter shame and scorn, That now so meekly wearest The mocking crown of thorn! Erst reigning in the highest In light and majesty, Dishonour'd here Thou diest, Yet here I worship Thee. Thou noble Face, whose anger Shall make a world to quail, That glance is quench'd in languor To which the sun were pale; How hath its brightness vanish'd! Those gracious eyes how dim! What foe their light hath banish'd, Who dared to scoff at Him? All lovely hues have faded That glow'd with warmth and life As He endures unaided The last and mortal strife; The Mighty One of valour Must yield Him as a prey, Death triumphs in his pallour O'er all His strength to-day. Ah Lord, this cruel burden Of right belongs to me; Of my misdeeds the guerdon Hath all been laid on Thee; I cast me down before Thee, Wrath were my rightful lot, Yet hear me, I implore Thee, Redeemer, spurn me not! My Guardian, deign to own me, My Shepherd, I am Thine; What goodness hast Thou shewn me, O Fount of Love Divine! How oft Thy lips have fed me On earth with angels' food! How oft Thy Spirit led me To stores of heavenly good! Ah would that I were bidden To share Thy cross and woes! There all true joy lies hidden, Thence all true comfort flows. Ah well for me, if lying Here at Thy feet, my Life, I too with Thee were dying, And thus might end my strife! My soul doth melt within me, O Jesus, dearest Friend, That Thou shiouldst bear to win me Such woes, for such an end! Ah make me cling the firmer To One so true to me, And sink without a murmur To sleep at last in Thee. Yes, when I hence betake me, Lord, do not Thou depart; Oh I never more forsake me When death is at my heart, And faith and hope are sinking, O'erwhelm'd with dread dismay; Thou barest all unshrinking,-- Oh chase my fears away! Appear then, my Defender, My Comfort, ere I die! This life I can surrender If but I see Thee nigh; My dim eyes shall behold Thee, Upon Thy cross thall dwell, My heart by faith enfold Thee Who dieth thus, dies well! __________________________________________________________________ [161]Good Friday (XLI.--"Herzliebster Jesu, was hast Du verbrochen.") 52. Original Tune. Sheet Music Herzliebster Jesu, was hast Du verbrochen [162]J. Heerman, 1630 Alas, dear Lord, what law then hast Thou broken, That suck sharp sentence should on The be spoken? Of what great crime hast Thou to make confession-- What dark transgression? They crown His head with thorns, they smite, they scourge Him, With cruel mockings to the cross they urge Him, They give Him gall to drink, they still decry Him,-- They crucify Him. Whence come these sorrows, whence this mortal anguish It is my sins for which my Lord must languish; Yes, all the wrath, the woe He doth inherit, 'T is I do merit! What strangest punishmnent is suffer'd yonder!-- The Shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander! The Master pays the debts His servants owe Him, Who would not know Him. There was no spot in me by sin untainted, Sick with its venom all my heart had fainted; My heavy guilt to hell had well-nigh brought me, Such woe it wrought me. O wondrous love! whose depths no heart hath sounded, That brought Thee here by foes and thieves surrounded; All worldly pleasures, heedless, I was trying, While Thou wert dying! O mighty King! no time can dim Thy glory! How shall I spread abroad Thy wondrous story? How shall I find some worthy gift to proffer? What dare we offer? For vainly doth our human wisdom ponder-- Thy woes, Thy mercy still transcend our wonder. Oh how should I do aught that could delight Thee! Can I requite Thee? Yet unrequited, Lord, I would not leave Thee, I can renounce whate'er doth vex or grieve Thee, And quench with thoughts of Thee and prayers most lowly, All fires unholy. But since my strength alone will ne'er suffice me To crucify desires that still entice me, To all good deeds, oh let Thy Spirit win me, And reign within me! I'll think upon Thy mercy hour by hour, I'll love Thee so that earth must lose her power; To do Thy will shall be my foic endeavour Henceforth for ever. Whate'er of earthly good this life may grant me I'll rlsk for Thee,--no shame, no cross shall daunt me; I shall not fear what man can do to harm me, Nor death alarm me. But worthless is my sacrifice, I own it, Yet, Lord, for love's sake Thou wilt not disown it; Thou wilt accept my gift in Thy great meekness, Nor shame my weakness. And when, dear Lord, before Thy throne in heaven To me the crown of joy at last is given, Where sweetest hymns Thy saints for ever raise Thee, I too shall praise Thee! __________________________________________________________________ [163]Good Friday (XVII.--"Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund.") 53. Original Tune. Sheet Music Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund [164]Ancient When on the cross the Saviour hung, And that sore load that on Him weigh'd With bitter pangs his nature wrung, Seven words amid His pain He said: Oh let them well to heart be laid! "Father, forgive these men;" He spake; "For lo! they know not what they do, Nor of my sufferings vengeance take!" And when we sin in error too, For us, dear Lord, this prayer renew! He thought upon the thief, and said,-- "Thou shalt behold my Paradise With me, ere yet this day be fled." Lord, see us too with pitying eyes, And raise us from our miseries! His mother stood beside Him there; "Behold thy son! Oh let her find A son, O John, in thy true care," Lord, care for those we leave behind, Nor let the world prove all unkind! Once more He saith,--"I thirst, I thirst!" O Prince of Life! that we might be Rescued from death, Thou dar'st the worst. So dost Thou long to set us free! Not fruitless be that thirst in Thee! Again, "My God, My God," He cried, Ah why dost Thou forsake me thus?" Thou art forsaken at this tide, To win acceptance, Lord, for us; Oh comfort deep and marvellous! He saith,--"Lo! it is finish'd now!" Saviour, Thy perfect work is done! O make us faithful, Lord, as Thou, No trial and no cross to shun Till all Thou lay'st on us be done. And last,--"My Father, to Thine hands My parting soul I now commend." Lord, when my spirit trembling stands Upon life's verge, this cry I send To Thee, and with Thy words I end. Whoso shall ponder oft these words When long-past sins his soul alarm, Shall find the hope Thy cross accords, And in Thy grace a healing balm That brings the wounded conscience calm. Lord Jesu Christ, who diedst for us, This one thing grant us evermore; To ponder o'er Thy passion thus, Till truer, deeper than before We learn to love Thee and adore! __________________________________________________________________ Easter Eve [165]54. O darkest woe [166]55. Lord Jesus, who, our souls to save [167]56. Thou sore-oppress'd __________________________________________________________________ [168]Easter Eve (LXXXIV.--"O Trauerigkeit, O Herzeleid.") 54. Original Tune. Sheet Music O Trauerigkeit, O Herzeleid [169]Rist, 1637 O darkest woe! Ye tears forth flow! Has earth so sad a wonder, That the Father's only Son Now lies buried yonder! O son of man! It was the ban Of death on thee that brought Him Down to suffer for thy sins, And such woe hath wrought Him. Behold thy Lord, The Lamb of God, Blood-sprinkled lies before thee, Pouring out His life that He May to life restore thee. O Ground of faith Laid low in death! Sweet lips now silent sleeping! Surely all that live must mourn Here with bitter weeping. Yea, blest is he Whose heart shall be Fix'd here, and apprehendeth Why the Lord of glory thus To the grave descendeth. O Jesu blest! My help and rest! With tears I pray--Lord, hear me; Make me love Thee to the last, In the grave be near me! __________________________________________________________________ [170]Easter Eve (XX.--"Der Du Herr Jesu Ruh und Rast.") 55. Sheet Music Der du, Herr Jesu, Ruh und Rast [171]G. Werner, 1638 Lord Jesus, who, our souls to save, Didst rest and slumber in the grave, Now grnt us all in Thee to rest, And here to live as seems Thee best. Give us the strength, the dauntless faith, That Thou hast purchased with Thy death, And lead us to that glorious place Where we shall see the Father's face. O Lamb of God! who once wast slain, We thank Thee for that bitter pain! Let us partake Thy death, that we May enter into life with Thee! __________________________________________________________________ [172]Easter Eve (Index of Tunes, LXXXIV.) 56. Tune.--"O darkest woe! Ye tears, forth flow!" Sheet Music Nun gingst auch du [173]Viktor Strauss, modern Thou sore-oppress'd, The Sabbath rest In yon still grave art keeping! All thy labour now is done, Past is all Thy weeping! The strife is o'er, Nought hurts Thee more, The heart at last hath slumber'd, That in conflict sore for us Bore our sins unnumber'd. Thou awful tomb, Once fill'd with gloom! How blessed and how holy Art thou now, since in the grave Slept the Saviour lowly! How calm and blest The dead now rest Who in the Lord departed! All their works do follow them, Yes, they sleep glad-hearted. O lead us Thou To rest e'en now, With all who, sorely anguish'd 'Neath the burden of their sins, Long in woe have languish'd. O Blessed Rock! Soon grant Thy flock To see Thy Sabbath morning! Strife and pain will all be past When that day is dawning. __________________________________________________________________ Easter [174]57. Ere yet the dawn hath fill'd the skies [175]58. Christ the Lord is risen again [176]59. Jesus Christ, my sure Defence [177]60. In Death's strong grasp the Saviour lay [178]61. Welcome, Thou victor in the strife [179]62. O risen Lord! O conqu'ring King __________________________________________________________________ [180]Easter (XXVIII.--"Erschienen ist der herrlich' Tag.") 57. Sheet Music Frühmorgens da sie Sonn' aufgeht [181]J. Heermann, 1630 Ere yet the dawn hath fill'd the skies Behold my Saviour Christ arise, He chaseth from us sin and night, And brings us joy and life and light. Hallelujah. O stronger Thou than Death and Hell, Where is the foe Thou canst not quell? What heavy stone Thou canst not roll From off the prison'd anguish'd soul? Hallelujah. If Jesus lives, can I be sad? I know He loves me, and am glad; Though all the world were dead to me, Enough, O Christ, if I have Thee! Hallelujah. He feeds me, comforts and defends, And when I die His angel sends To bear me whither He is gone, For of His own He loseth none. Hallelujah. No more to fear or grief I bow, God and the angels love me now; The joys prepared for me to-day Drive fear and mourning far away; Hallelujah. Strong Champion! For this comfort see The whole world brings her thanks to Thee; And once we too shall raise above More sweet and loud the song we love! Hallelujah. __________________________________________________________________ [182]Easter (XVI.--"Christus ist erstanden.") 58. Original Tune. Sheet Music Christus ist erstanden [183]B. Brethren, 1531 Christ the Lord is risen again! Christ has broken ev'ry chain! Hark, the angels shout for joy, Singing evermore on high, Hallelujah. He who gave for us His life, Who for us endured the strife, Is our Paschal Lamb to-day! We too sing for joy, and say: Hallelujah. He who bore all pain and loss Comfortless upon the cross, Lives in glory now on high, Pleads for us and hears our cry: Hallelujah. He whose path no records tell, Who descended into hell, Who the strong man arm'd hath bound, Now in highest heaven is crown'd: Hallelujah. He who slumber'd in the grave Is exalted now to save; Now through Christendom it rings That the Lamb is King of kings! Hallelujah. Now He bids us tell abroad How the lost may be restored, How the penitent forgiven, How we too may enter heaven. Hallelujah. Thou our Paschal Lamb indeed, Christ, to-day Thy people feed; Take our sins and guilt away, That we all may sing for aye, Hallelujah. __________________________________________________________________ [184]Easter (LV.--"Jesus, meine Zuversicht.") 59. Original Tune. Sheet Music Jesus, meine Zuversicht [185]Louisa Henrietta of Brandenburgh, 1653 Jesus Christ, my sure Defence And my Saviour, ever liveth; Knowing this, my confidence Rests upon the hope it giveth, Though the night of death be fraught Still with many an anxious thought. Jesus, my Redeemer, lives! I too unto life must waken; He will have me where He is, Shall my courage then be shaken? Shall I fear? Or could the Head Rise and leave its members dead? Nay, too closely am I bound Unto Him by hope for ever; Faith's strong hand the Rock hath found, Grasped it, and will leave it never; Not the ban of death can part From its Lord the trusting heart. What now sickens, mourns, and sighs, Christ with Him in glory bringeth; Earthly is the seed and dies, Heavenly from the grave it springeth; Natural is the death we die, Spiritual our life on high. Then take comfort, nay, rejoice, For His members Christ will cherish; Fear not, they will know His voice, Though awhile they seem to perish, When the final trump is heard, And the deaf, cold grave is stirred. Laugh to scorn the gloomy grave, And at death no longer tremble, For the Lord, who comes to save, Round Him shall His saints assemble, Raising them o'er all their foes, Mortal weakness, fear, and woes. Only draw away your heart Now from pleasures base and hollow; Would ye there with Christ have part, Here His footsteps ye must follow; Fix your heart beyond the skies, Whither ye yourselves would rise! __________________________________________________________________ [186]Easter (XIV.--"Christ lag in Todesbanden.") 60. Original Tune. Sheet Music Christ lag in Todesbanden [187]Luther, 1524 In Death's strong grasp the Saviour lay, For our offences given; But now the Lord is risen to-day, And brings us life from heaven; Wherefore let us all rejoice And praise our God with cheerful voice, And sing loud Hallelujahs.--Hallelujah! No son of man could conquer Death, Such mischief sin had wrought us, For innocence dwelt not on earth, And therefore Death had brought us Into thraldom from of old, And ever grew more strong and bold, His shadow lay athwart us.--Hallelujah! But Jesus Christ, God's only Son, Hath come to conquer for us, Hath put away our sins, and won Death's power and title o'er us. Now 'tis but his form is left, For of his sting he is bereft Since Jesus will restore us.--Hallelujah! It was a wondrous war, I trow, When Life and Death contended; But Life hath triumphed o'er the foe, The reign of Death is ended; Yea, 'tis as the Scripture saith, That Christ in dying conquered Death, And from his realm ascended.--Hallelujah! Then let us keep the feast to-day That God Himself hath given; And His pure Word shall do away The old and evil leaven; Christ to-day will meet His own, And faith will feed on Him alone, The Living Bread from heaven.--Hallelujah! __________________________________________________________________ [188]Easter (XCII.--Psalm 33, Ravenscroft.) 61. Sheet Music Willkommen, Held im Streite [189]Schmolck, 1712 Welcome, Thou victor in the strife, Now welcome from the cave! Today we triumph in Thy life Around Thine empty grave. The dwellings of the just resound With songs of victory; For in their midst, Lord, Thou art found, And bringest peace with Thee. Oh share with us the spoils, we pray, Thou diedst to achieve; We meet within Thy house to-day Our portion to receive! We die with Thee; oh let us live Henceforth to Thee aright; The blessings Thou hast died to give, Be daily in our sight, Fearless we lay us in the tombs And sleep the night away, if Thou art there to break the gloom, And call us back to day. Death hurts us not; his power is gone, And pointless all his darts; Now hath God's favour on us shone, And joy fills all our hearts. __________________________________________________________________ [190]Easter (Index of Tunes, CIX.) 62. Tune.--"Whate'er my God ordains is right." Sheet Music O auferstandner Siegesfürst [191]Böhmer, 1706 O risen Lord! O conqu'ring King! O Life of all the living! To-day that peace of Easter bring Which comes but of Thy giving! Once Death, our foe, Had laid Thee low, Now hast Thou rent his bonds in twain, Now art Thou risen who once wast slain! Oh that to know Thy victory To us were inly granted, And there cold hearts might catch from Thee The glow of faith undaunted! Thy quenchless light, Thy glorious might Still comfortless and lonely leave The soul that cannot yet believe. Then break through our hard hearts Thy way, O Jesus, Lord of glory! Kindle the lamp of faith to-day, Teach us to sing before Thee For joy at length, That in Thy strength We too may rise whom sin had slain, And Thine eternal rest attain. And when our tears for sin o'erflow, Do Thou in love draw near us, Thy precious gift of peace bestow, Let Thy bright presence cheer us, That so may we, O Christ, from Thee Drink in the life that cannot die, And keep true Easter feasts on high. __________________________________________________________________ Ascension [192]63. Conqu'ring Prince and Lord of Glory [193]64. Since Christ has gone to heav'n His home [194]65. Heavenward doth our journey tend [195]66. Lord, on earth I dwell sad-hearted [196]67. My Jesus, if the Seraphim [197]68. Draw us to Thee, Lord Jesus __________________________________________________________________ [198]Ascension (Index of Tunes, VII.) 63. Tune.--"Hark! a voice saith, All are mortal." Sheet Music Siegesfürst und Ehrenkönig [199]Tersteegen, 1731 Conqu'ring Prince and Lord of Glory, Majestly enthroned in light; All the heav'ns are bow'd before Thee, Far beyond them spreads Thy might; Shall I fall not at Thy feet, And my heart with rapture beat, Now Thy glory is display'd, Thine ere yet the worlds were made? As I watch Thee far ascending To the right hand of the throne, See the host before Thee bending, Praising Thee in sweetest tone, Shall not I too at Thy feet Here the angels' strain repeat, And rejoice that heaven doth ring With the triumph of my King? Power and Spirit are o'erflowing, On me also be they pour'd; Every hindrance overthrowing, Make Thy foes Thy footstool, Lord! Yea, let earth's remotest end To Thy righteous sceptre bend, Make Thy way before Thee plain, O*er all hearts and spirits reign. Lo! Thy presence now is filling All Thy Church in every place; Fill my heart too, make me willing In this season of Thy grace; Come, Thou King of glory, come, Deign to make my heart Thy home, There abide and rule alone, As upon Thy heavenly throne! Thou art leaving me, yet bringing God and heaven most inly near; From this earthly life upspringing, As though still I saw Thee here, Let my heart, transplanted hence, Strange to earth and time and sense, Dwell with Thee in heaven e'en now, Where our only joy art Thou! __________________________________________________________________ [200]Ascension (Index of Tunes, XXIX.) 64. Tune.--"All praise and thanks." Sheet Music Auf Christ Himmelfahrt allein [201]Wegelin, 1636 Since Christ has gone to heav'n His home, I too that home one day must share; And in this hope I overcome All doubt, all anguish, and despair; For where the Head is, well we know, The members he hath left below In time He surely gathers there. Since Christ hath reached His glorious throne, And mighty gifts henceforth are His, My heart can rest in heaven alone, On earth my Lord I daily miss; I long to be with Him on high, And heart and thoughts would hourly fly Where now my only treasure is. From Thy ascension let such grace, Dear Lord, be ever found in me, That steadfast faith may guide my ways With step unfault'ring up to Thee, And at Thy voice I may depart With joy to dwell where Thou, Lord, art: O Saviour, grant this prayer to me! __________________________________________________________________ [202]Ascension (Index of Tunes, LV.) 65. Tune.--"Jesus Christ, my sure defence." Sheet Music Himmelan geht unsre Bahn [203]Schmolck, 1731 Heavenward doth our journey tend, Here on earth we are but strangers, Towards our Promised Land we wend, Through a wilderness of dangers; Here we roam, a pilgrim band, Yonder is our native land. Heavenward stretch, my soul, thy wings, Thou canst claim a heavenly nature; Cleave not to these earthly things, Thou canst rest not in the creature. Every soul that God inspires, Back to Him, its Source, aspires. Heavenward! doth His Spirit cry, Oft as in His word I hear Him; Pointing to the rest on high Where I shall be ever near Him. When His word fills all my thought, Oft to heaven my soul is caught. Heavenward still I long to haste, When Thy supper, Lord, is given; Heavenly strength on earth I taste, Feeding on the Bread of Heaven; Such is e'en on earth our fare, Who Thy marriage feast will share. Heavenward! T