24 (XXXIII.--"Gott sei Dank durch alle Welt.")
24.
Original Tune.
Gott sei Dank durch alle Welt
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. | |