LYRA 
 
 UC-NRLF.. 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 NEWNES" 
 
 DEVOTIONAL 
 
 SERIES 
 
BY ALB RE CUT DTTRER 
 
 dbrit beiru} raiscb from tbe beab 
 "Cictb no more : beatb batb no 
 more "Dominion over 
 
LYRA 
 GERMAN ICA 
 
 TRANSLATED 
 
 BY 
 
 CATHARINE 
 WINKWORTH 
 
 LONDON 
 GEORGE NEWNES LIMITED 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON STREET STRAND "W.C. 
 
 NEWYORK 
 CHARLES SCRIBNER~S 'SONS- 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 HYMNS FOR THE SUNDAYS 
 AND CHIEF FESTIVALS OF 
 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 TRANSLATED FROM 
 THE GERMAN BY 
 CATHARINE 
 
 WINKWORTH 
 i) 
 
 LONDON: GEORGE NEWNES, LIMITED 
 SOUTHAMPTON STREET, STRAND, W.C. 
 NEW YORK : CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 THE CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Preface ... xi 
 
 First Sunday in Advent . i 
 
 Second Sunday in Advent . 3 
 Third Sunday in Advent ... 5 
 Fourth Sunday in Advent ... 7 
 
 Christmas Eve ... 9 
 
 Christmas Day . 1 1 
 
 St. Stephen's Day . ... . .13 
 
 St. John the Evangelist . 14 
 
 Innocents' Day . . . 16 
 
 Sunday after Christmas Day . . 18 
 
 The Circumcision of Christ . . 20 
 
 Epiphany . 23 
 
 First Sunday after Epiphany . . 24 
 
 Second Sunday after Epiphany . 25 
 
 Third Sunday after Epiphany . 28 
 
 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 29 
 
 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany . 3 1 
 
 Sixth Sunday after Epiphany . -33 
 
 Septuagesima Sunday . 35 
 
 Sexagesima Sunday . .36 
 
 Quinquagesima Sunday . . 38 
 
 251203 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Quinquagesima Sunday . 40 
 
 Ash Wednesday ... .42 
 
 First Sunday in Lent . . . .43 
 
 Second Sunday in Lent . 45 
 
 Third Sunday in Lent . . . ..46 
 
 Fourth Sunday in Lent .... 47 
 Fifth Sunday in Lent . .49 
 
 Palm Sunday ..... 50 
 
 Monday in Passion Week . 52 
 
 Tuesday in Passion Week . . .54 
 
 Wednesday in Passion Week . . 5^ 
 
 Thursday in Passion Week . 5# 
 
 Good Friday Morning . . 60 
 
 Good Friday Evening . 63 
 
 Easter Even ... 65 
 
 Easter Day, Morning . 66 
 
 Easter Day, Evening . .68 
 
 Monday in Easter Week. . . 69 
 
 Tuesday in Easter Week . . 71 
 
 First Sunday after Easter . . 73 
 
 Second Sunday after Easter ... 74 
 Third Sunday after Easter . -75 
 
 Fourth Sunday after Easter . . 78 
 
 Fifth Sunday after Easter . . 79 
 
 Ascension Day ..... 80 
 Sunday after Ascension Day . . .82 
 Whit Sunday . 83 
 
 Monday in Whitsun-week . . .86 
 
 Tuesday in Whitsun week . . 90 
 
 Trinity Sunday . . . . .91 
 
 First Sunday after Trinity ... 92 
 Second Sunday after Trinity . . -95 
 
 Third Sunday after Trinity ... 97 
 Fourth Sunday after Trinity . , .100 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Fifth Sunday after Trinity . . 101 
 
 Sixth Sunday after Trinity - .104 
 
 Seventh Sunday after Trinity . . .105 
 
 Eighth Sunday after Trinity . . . 108 
 
 Ninth Sunday after Trinity . . . no 
 
 Tenth Sunday after Trinity . . .112 
 
 Eleventh Sunday after Trinity . . 113 
 
 Twelfth Sunday after Trinity . . 1 1 5 
 
 Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity . . 117 
 
 Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity . .119 
 
 Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity . . 121 
 
 Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity . .124 
 
 Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity . . 125 
 
 Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity . .128 
 
 Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity . .129 
 
 Twentieth Sunday after Trinity . .132 
 
 Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity . .134 
 
 Twenty-second Sunday after Trinity . 136 
 
 Twenty- third Sunday after Trinity . .140 
 
 Twenty- fourth Sunday after Trinity . 142 
 
 Twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity . .144 
 St. Andrew's Day . . 145 
 
 St. Thomas the Apostle . . . 147 
 
 Presentation in the Temple . . .149 
 
 St. Matthias' Day 150 
 
 The Annunciation . . . . .152 
 
 St. Barnabas' Day. . . . ,154 
 
 St. Michael and All Angels . . .158 
 
 All Saints' Day 160 
 
 Morning Hymns . . . . .162 
 
 Evening Hymns . . . . .171 
 
 Hymns for the Sick and Dying . .176 
 
 For the Burial of the Dead . . .187 
 
CONTENTS 
 THE CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Preface , . . . . . . 195 
 
 AIDS OF THE CHURCH 
 
 HOLY SEASONS : 
 
 Advent ....... 201 
 
 Christmas ...... 209 
 
 Epiphany . . . . . .215 
 
 Passion Week . . . . .220 
 
 Easter ..... . 229 
 
 Ascension ...... 237 
 
 Whitsuntide ...... 243 
 
 Trinity . . . . . . .250 
 
 SERVICES : 
 
 Morning Prayer . . . . 253 
 
 Evening Prayer . . . . .261 
 
 Baptism ...... 269 
 
 The Holy Communion . . . .274 
 
 For Travellers . . . . .287 
 
 At the Burial of the Dead . . -295 
 
 THE INNER LIFE 
 
 Penitence ....... 304 
 
 Praise and Thanksgiving . . . .318 
 
 The Life of Faith 330 
 
 Songs of the Cross ..... 347 
 The Final Conflict and Heaven . . -369 
 
THE CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
PREFACE 
 
 THE following hymns are selected from the 
 Chevalier Bunsen's " Versuch eines allgemeinen 
 Gesang und Gebetbuchs," published in 1833. 
 From the large number there given, about nine 
 hundred, little more than one hundred have 
 been chosen. This selection contains many 
 of those best known and loved in Germany ; 
 but in a work of this size it is impossible to 
 include all that have become classical in that 
 home of Christian poetry. In reading them it 
 must be remembered that they are hymns, 
 not sacred poems, though from their length 
 and the intricacy of their metres, many of 
 them may seem to English readers adapted 
 rather to purposes of private than of public 
 devotion. But the singing of hymns forms a 
 much larger and more important part of public 
 worship in the German Reformed Churches 
 than in our own services. Tt is the mode by 
 which the whole congregation is enabled to 
 bear its part in the worship of God, answering 
 in this respect to the chanting of our own 
 Liturgy. 
 
 Ever since the Reformation, the German 
 
PREFACE 
 
 Church has been remarkable for the number 
 and excellence of its hymns and hymn-tunes. 
 Before that time it was not so. There was no 
 place for congregational singing in public 
 worship, and therefore the spiritual songs of 
 the latter part of the middle ages assumed 
 for the most part an artificial and unpopular 
 form. Yet there were not wanting germs of a 
 national Church poetry in the verses rather 
 than hymns which were sung in German on 
 pilgrimages and at some of the high festivals, 
 many of which verses were again derived from 
 more ancient Latin hymns. Several of Luther's 
 hymns are amplifications of verses of this class, 
 such as the Pentecostal hymn here given, 
 " Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord," which 
 is founded on a German version of the " Veni 
 Sancte Spiritus, Reple." By adopting these 
 verses, and retaining their well-known melodies, 
 Luther enabled his hymns to spread rapidly 
 among the common people. He also composed 
 metrical versions of several of the Psalms, 
 the Te Deum, the Ten Commandments, the 
 Lord's Prayer, the Nunc Dimittis, the Da nobis 
 Pacem, &c., thus enriching the people, to whom 
 he had already given the Holy Scriptures in 
 their own language, with a treasure of that 
 sacred poetry which is the precious inheritance 
 of every Christian Church. 
 
 The hymn, " In the Midst of Life," is one of 
 those founded on a more ancient hymn, the 
 " Media in Vita " of Notker, a learned Bene- 
 dictine of St. Gall, who died in 912. He is 
 said to have composed it while watching some 
 xii 
 
PREFACE 
 
 workmen, who were building the bridge of 
 Martinsbruck at the peril of their lives. It 
 was soon set to music, and became universally 
 known ; indeed it was used as a battle-song, 
 until the custom was forbidden on account of 
 its being supposed to exercise magical influences. 
 In a German version it formed part of the 
 service for the burial of the dead, as early as 
 the thirteenth century, and is still preserved 
 in an unmetrical form in the Burial Service of 
 our own Church. 
 
 The carol, " From Heaven above to Earth 
 I Come," is called by Luther himself, " A 
 Christmas Child's Song Concerning the Child 
 Jesus." He wrote it for his little boy Hans, 
 when the latter was five years old, and it is 
 still sung from the dome of the Kreuzkirche in 
 Dresden before da} T break on the morning of 
 Christmas Day. It refers to the custom, then 
 and long afterwards prevalent in Germany, of 
 making at Christmas-time representations of the 
 manger with the infant Jesus. But the most 
 famous of his hymns is his noble version of the 
 46th Psalm, " A Sure Stronghold Our God is 
 He," which may be called the national hymn 
 of his Protestant countrymen. Luther's hymns 
 are wanting in harmony and correctness of 
 metre to a degree which often makes them 
 jarring to our modern ears, but they are always 
 full of fire and strength, of clear Christian faith, 
 and brave joyful trust in God. 
 
 From his time there has been a constant 
 succession of hymn-writers in the German 
 Church. Paul Eber, an intimate friend of 
 
PREFACE 
 
 Melancthon, wrote for his children the hymn, 
 " Lord Jesus Christ, True Man and God," 
 which soon became a favourite hymn for the 
 dying. Hugo Grotius asked that it might be 
 repeated to him in a his last moments, and 
 expired ere its conclusion. Another hymn of 
 the same class is, " Now Hush Your Cries, 
 and Shed no Tear," the " Jam moesta quiesce 
 querela " of Prudentius II. translated by 
 Nicholas Hermann, the pious old precentor of 
 Joachimsthal, a hymn long sung at every 
 funeral. 
 
 The terrible times of the Thirty Years' War 
 were rich in sacred poetry. Rist, a clergyman 
 in North Germany, who suffered much in his 
 youth from mental conflicts, and in after years 
 from plunder, pestilence, and all the horrors of 
 war, used to say, " the dear cross hath pressed 
 many songs out of me," and this seems to have 
 been equally true of many of his contemporaries. 
 It certainly was true of Johann Hermann, the 
 author of some of the most touching hymns for 
 Passion Week, who wrote his sweet songs under 
 great physical sufferings from ill health, and 
 amidst the perils of war, during which he more 
 than once escaped murder as by a miracle. 
 So, too, the hymns of Simon Dach, Professor of 
 Poetry in the University of Konigsberg, speak 
 of the sufferings of the Christian, and his longing 
 to escape from the strife of earth to the peace of 
 heaven. 
 
 But the Christians of those days had often not 
 only to suffer, but to fight for their faith, and in 
 the hymns of Altenburgh and von Lowenstern 
 
PREFACE 
 
 we have two that may be called battle-songs 
 of the Church. The former published his hymn, 
 " Fear Not, O Little Flock, the Foe," in 1631, 
 with this title : "A heart-cheering song of 
 comfort on the watch-word of the Evangelical 
 Army in the battle of Leipsic, September 7, 1631, 
 God with us." Tt was called Gustavus Adolphus' 
 battle-song, because the pious hero often sang 
 it with his army ; and he sang it for the last 
 time immediately before the battle of Liitzen. 
 The latter, von Lowenstern, was the son of a 
 saddler, but was ennobled by the Emperor, 
 Ferdinand III., for his public services : he was 
 at once a statesman, poet, and musician. His 
 hymn, " Christ, Thou the Champion of the 
 Band," was a favourite of Niebuhr. 
 
 Another favourite hymn of Niebuhr was the 
 hymn to Eternity, the greater part of which is 
 of very ancient but uncertain date. It received 
 its present form about the middle of the seven- 
 teenth century. 
 
 Many of the hymns of Paul Gerhardt belong 
 to this period, though he lived until 1676, long 
 after the conclusion of peace. He is without 
 doubt the greatest of the German hymn writers, 
 possessing loftier poetical genius, and a richer 
 variety of thought and feeling than any other. 
 His beautiful hymn, " Commit Thou All Thy 
 Ways," is already well known to us through 
 Wesley's translation, and many others of his 
 are not inferior to it. He was a zealous preacher 
 for several years at the Nicolai-Kirch in Berlin ; 
 whence he retired because he had not sufficient 
 freedom in preaching the truth, and became 
 xv 
 
PREFACE 
 
 Archdeacon of Liibben. With him culminated 
 the elder school of German sacred poetry, a 
 school distinguished by its depth and sim- 
 plicity. Most of its hymns are either written 
 for the high festivals and services of the Church, 
 or are expressive of a simple Christian faith, 
 ready to dare or suffer all things for God's 
 sake. To this school we must refer, from their 
 spirit, two hymns written a little later ; the 
 first is, " Jesus My Redeemer Lives," one of the 
 most favourite Easter hymns, written by the 
 pious Electress of Brandenburg, who founded 
 the Orphan House at Oranienburgh. The 
 other, " Leave God to Order All Thy Ways," 
 was written by George Neumarck, Secretary 
 to the Archives at Weimar. It spread rapidly 
 among the common people, at first without 
 the author's name. A baker's boy in New 
 Brandenburg used to sing it over his work, 
 and soon the whole town and neighbourhood 
 flocked to him to learn this beautiful new song. 
 In the latter half of the seventeenth century a 
 new school was founded by Johann Franck, and 
 Johann Scheffler, commonly called Angelus. 
 The former was burgomaster of Guben in 
 Lusatia ; the latter physician to Ferdinand III. ; 
 but in 1663 he became a Roman Catholic, and 
 afterwards a priest. The pervading idea of this 
 school is the longing of the soul for that intimate 
 union with the Redeemer of the world, which 
 begins with the birth of Christ in the heart, and 
 is perfected after death. This longing breathes 
 through the hymns of Franck given in this 
 collection ; one of them, " Redeemer of the 
 xvi 
 
PREFACE 
 
 Nations, Come," is a translation of the " Veni, 
 Redemptor Gentium " of St. Ambrose. Angelus 
 dwells rather on the means of attaining this 
 union by the sacrifice of the Self to God through 
 the great High-priest of mankind, an idea 
 expressed in his hymns with peculiar tender- 
 ness and sweetness. We find much of his 
 spirit and sweetness lingering in modern times 
 about the few hymns of the gifted Novalis. 
 
 The greatest poet of this school is, however, 
 Gerhardt Tersteegen, who lived during the 
 early part of the eighteenth century as a ribbon 
 manufacturer at Muhlheim. His hymns have 
 great beauty, and bespeak a tranquil and child- 
 like soul filled and blessed with the contempla- 
 tion of God. The well-known hymn of Wesley's, 
 " Lo, God is Here ! Let Us Adore," belongs to 
 him, and in its original shape is one of the most 
 beautiful he ever wrote, but is frequently met 
 with only in a disfigured and mutilated form. 
 To this school belong a large number of the 
 hymns in this collection, among which those of 
 Deszler, an excellent philologist of Nuremburgh, 
 and of Anton Ulrich, the pious and learned 
 Duke of Brunswick, are particularly good. 
 Those of Schmolck, the pastor of Schweidnitz, 
 who exercised great influence over the hymn- 
 writing of his day, have more simplicity than 
 most of the rest, but are characterised by a 
 curious mixture of real poetry and deep feeling 
 with occasional vulgarities of expression. The 
 defects of this school, which showed them- 
 selves strongly in the course of the eighteenth 
 century, were a tendency that the feeling should 
 
PREFACE 
 
 degenerate into sentimentality, and the devout 
 dwelling of the heart on Christ's great sacrifice 
 into compassion and gratitude for His physical 
 sufferings defects which greatly disfigure many 
 of the Moravian hymns. In some of the hymns 
 here translated the expression " Christi Wunden- 
 hohle " occurs, which has been rendered by 
 the blood or cross of Christ, as being phrases 
 at once more scriptural arid more consonant to 
 our feelings. There were not wanting, however, 
 even at this period, many hymns fit for good 
 soldiers of Jesus Christ, such as " Who Seeks 
 in Weakness an Excuse," and others of the 
 same kind. 
 
 Germany is rich in Morning and Evening 
 Hymns, and Hymns for the Dying, of which a 
 few are given in these translations. Among 
 these is the morning hymn of Baron von Canitz : 
 I was not aware until after translating it that 
 it had been already published at the close of 
 one volume of Dr. Arnold's sermons. 
 
 The hymn, " How Blest to All Thy Followers, 
 Lord, the Road," was the favourite hymn of 
 Schelling. 
 
 In translating these hymns the original form 
 has been retained, with the exception, that 
 single rhymes are generally substituted for 
 the double rhymes which the structure of the 
 language renders so common in German poetry, 
 but which become cloying to an English ear 
 when constantly repeated ; and that English 
 double common or short metre is used instead 
 of what may be called the German common 
 metre, the same that we call Gay's stanza, to 
 xviii 
 
PREFACE 
 
 which it approximates closely in the number of 
 syllables, while its associations in our minds 
 are somewhat more solemn. In a few instances 
 slight alterations have been made in the metre, 
 when, as is the case with some excellent hymns 
 in our own language, it is hardly grave and 
 dignified enough for the poetry. These altera- 
 tions are but slight, and seemed justifiable, since 
 these hymns have been translated, not so much 
 as specimens of German hymn-writing, as in 
 the hope that these utterances of Christian 
 piety which have comforted and strengthened 
 the hearts of many true Christians in their 
 native country, may speak to the hearts of 
 some among us, to help and cheer those who 
 must strive and suffer, and to make us feel 
 afresh what a deep and true Communion of 
 Saints exists among all the children of God 
 in different Churches and lands. 
 
 ALDERLEY EDGE. 
 July 1 6, 1855. 
 
THE CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 3fit6t SunfcaE in Btwent 
 
 THE night is far spent, the day is at hand ; 
 let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, 
 and let us put on the armour of light. 
 
 From the Epistle 
 
 O WATCHMAN, will the night of sin 
 
 Be never past ? 
 
 O watchman, doth the tarrying day begin 
 To dawn upon thy straining sight at last ? 
 
 Will it dispel 
 Ere long the mists of sense wherein I dwell ? 
 
 Now all the earth is bright and glad 
 
 With the fresh morn ; 
 
 But all my heart is cold and dark and sad 
 Sun of the soul, let me behold Thy dawn ! 
 
 Come, Jesus, Lord ! 
 O quickly come, according to Thy word ! 
 
 Do we not live in those blest days 
 
 So long foretold, 
 
 When Thou shouldst come to bring us light 
 and grace ? 
 
 i 
 
LYRA GBRMANICA 
 
 And yet I sit in darkness as of old, 
 
 Pining to see 
 Thy glory ; but Thou still art far from me. 
 
 Long since Thou earnest for the light 
 
 Of all men here ; 
 
 And still in me is nought but blackest night. 
 Yet am I thine, O hasten to appear, 
 
 Shine forth and bless 
 My soul with vision of Thy righteousness ! 
 
 If thus in darkness ever left, 
 
 Can I fulfil 
 
 The works of light, while yet of light bereft ? 
 Or how discern in love and meekness still 
 
 To follow Thee, 
 And all the sinful works of darkness flee ? 
 
 The light of reason cannot give 
 
 Life to my soul ; 
 
 Jesus alone can make me truly live, 
 One glance of His can make my spirit whole. 
 
 Arise, and shine, 
 O Jesus, on this longing heart of mine ! 
 
 Single and clear, not weak or blind, 
 
 The eye must be, 
 
 To which Thy glory shall an entrance find ; 
 For if Thy chosen ones would gaze on Thee, 
 
 No earthly screen 
 Between their souls and Thee must intervene. 
 
 Jesus, do Thou mine eyes unseal, 
 
 And let them grow 
 
 Quick to discern whate'er Thou dost reveal, 
 2 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 So shall I be deliver' d from that woe, 
 
 Blindly to stray 
 Through hopeless night, while all around is day. 
 
 RICHTER. 1704 
 
 Second SunfcaE in BSvent 
 
 BEHOLD the -fig-tree and all the trees; 
 when they now shoot forth, ye see and know 
 of your own selves that summer is now nigh 
 at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these 
 things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom 
 of God is nigh at hand. From the Gospel 
 
 AWAKE, thou careless world, awake ! 
 
 The final day shall surely come ; 
 What Heaven hath fix'd Time cannot shake, 
 
 It cannot sweep away thy doom. 
 Know, what the Lord Himself hath spoken 
 
 Shall come at last and not delay ; 
 
 Though heaven and earth shall pass away, 
 His steadfast word can ne'er be broken. 
 
 Awake ! He comes to judgment, wake ! 
 
 Sinners, behold His countenance 
 In beauty terrible, and quake 
 
 Condemn' d beneath His piercing glance. 
 Lo ! He to whom all power is given, 
 
 Who sits at God's right hand on high, 
 
 In fire and thunder draweth nigh, 
 To judge all nations under Heaven. 
 
 Awake, thou careless world, awake ! 
 
 Who knows how soon our God shall please 
 That suddenly that day should break ? 
 
 We fathom not such depths as these. 
 3 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O guard thee well from lust and greed ; 
 
 For as the bird is in the snare, 
 
 Or ever of its foe aware, 
 So comes that day with silent speed. 
 
 The Lord in love delayeth long 
 The final day, and grants us space 
 
 To turn away from sin and wrong, 
 
 And mourning seek His help 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 ! 
 
 But ye, O faithful souls, shall see 
 That morning rise in love and joy ; 
 
 Your Saviour comes to set you free, 
 
 Your Judge shall all your bonds destroy : 
 
 He, the true Joshua, then shall bring 
 His people with a mighty hand 
 Into their promised father-land, 
 
 Where songs of victory they shall sing. 
 
 Rejoice ! the fig-tree shows her green, 
 The springing year is in its prime, 
 
 The little flowers afresh are seen, 
 
 We gather strength in this great time ; 
 
 The glorious summer draweth near, 
 When all this body's earthly load, 
 In light that morning sheds abroad, 
 
 Shall wax as sunshine pure and clear. 
 
 Arise, and let us day and night 
 
 Pray in the Spirit ceaselessly, 
 That we may heed our Lord aright, 
 
 And ever in his presence be ; 
 4 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 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. 
 
 RIST. 
 
 In B&v>ent 
 
 AND it shall be said in that day, Lo, this 
 is our God ; we have waited for Him, and 
 He will save us ; this is the Lord ; we have 
 waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice 
 in His salvation. From the Lesson 
 
 HOW shall I meet Thee ? How my heart 
 
 Receive her Lord aright ? 
 Desire of all the earth Thou art ! 
 
 My hope, my sole delight ! 
 Kindle the lamp, Thou Lord, alone, 
 
 Half-dying in my breast, 
 And make thy gracious pleasure known 
 
 How I may greet Thee best. 
 
 Her budding boughs and fairest palms 
 
 Thy Zion strews around ; 
 And songs of praise and sweetest psalms 
 
 From my glad heart shall sound. 
 My desert soul breaks forth in flowers, 
 
 Rejoicing in Thy fame ; 
 And puts forth all her sleeping powers, 
 
 To honour Jesus' name. 
 
 In heavy bonds I languish' d long, 
 
 Thou com'st to set me free ; 
 The scorn of every mocking tongue 
 
 Thou com'st to honour me. 
 5 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 A heavenly crown wilt Thou bestow, 
 
 And gifts of priceless worth, 
 That vanish not as here below 
 
 The fading wealth of earth. 
 
 Nought, nought, dear Lord, had power to move 
 
 Thee from Thy rightful place, 
 Save that most strange and blessed Love 
 
 Wherewith Thou dost embrace 
 This weary world and all her woe, 
 
 Her load of grief and ill 
 And sorrow, more than man can know ;-- 
 
 Thy love is deeper still. 
 
 O write this promise in your hearts, 
 
 Ye sorrowful, on whom 
 Fall thickening cares, while joy departs 
 
 And darker grows your gloom. 
 Despair not, for your help is near, 
 
 He standeth at the door 
 Who best can comfort you and cheer, 
 
 He comes, nor stayeth more. 
 
 Nor vex your souls with care, nor grieve 
 
 And labour longer thus, 
 As though your arm could ought achieve, 
 
 And bring him down to us. 
 He comes, He comes with ready will, 
 
 By pity moved alone, 
 To soothe our every grief and ill, 
 
 For all to Him are known. 
 
 Nor ye, O sinners, shrink aside, 
 
 Afraid to see His face, 
 Your darkest sins our Lord will hide 
 
 Beneath His pitying grace. 
 6 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 He comes, He comes, to save from sin, 
 
 And all its pangs assuage, 
 And for the sons of God to win 
 
 Their proper heritage. 
 
 Why heed ye then the craft and noise, 
 
 The fury of His foes ? 
 Lo, in a breath the Lord destroys 
 
 All who His rule oppose. 
 He comes, He comes, as King to reign ! 
 
 All earthly powers may band 
 Against Him, yet they strive in vain, 
 
 His might may none withstand. 
 
 He comes to judge the earth, and ye 
 
 Who mock'd Him, feel His wrath ; 
 But they who loved and sought Him see 
 
 His light o'er all their path. 
 O Sun of Righteousness ! arise, 
 
 And guide us on our way 
 To yon fair mansion in the skies 
 
 Of joyous cloudless day. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1653 
 
 ffourtb SunfcaE in Bfcvent 
 
 REJOICE in the Lord alway, and again 
 I say. Rejoice. The Lord is at hand. 
 From the Epistle 
 
 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 ; 
 7 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Life and salvation doth He bring, 
 Wherefore rejoice, and gladly sing 
 
 Praise, O my God, to Thee ! 
 
 Creator, wise is Thy decree ! 
 
 The Lord is just, a helper tried, 
 
 Mercy is ever at His side, 
 
 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 
 Praise, O my God, to Thee 
 O Saviour, great Thy deeds shall be 
 
 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 ; 
 Praise, O my God, to Thee 
 Comforter, for Thy comfort free ! 
 
 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. 
 Praise, O my God, be Thine, 
 For word, and deed, and grace divine. 
 
 Redeemer, come ! I open wide 
 My heart to Thee, here, Lord, abide ! 
 Let me Thy inner presence feel, 
 Thy grace and love in me reveal, 
 8 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thy Holy Spirit guide us on 
 
 Until our glorious goal is won ! 
 Eternal praise and fame, 
 Be offer'd, Saviour, to Thy Name ! 
 
 WEISZEL. 1635 
 
 Gbrtetmas Bve 
 
 BEHOLD, I bring you good tidings of 
 great joy, which shall be to all people. 
 Luke ii. 10 
 
 FROM heaven above to earth I come 
 To bear good news to every home ; 
 Glad tidings of great joy I bring, 
 Whereof I now will say and sing : 
 
 To you this night is 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. 
 
 These 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. 
 9 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 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 sight. 
 10 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 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 sing 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. 
 
 LUTHER. 
 Written for his little son Hans. 1540 
 
 Cbriatmas Bag 
 
 AND the Word was made flesh, and 
 dwelt among us. From the Gospel 
 
 O THOU essential Word, 
 
 Who from eternity 
 Didst dwell with God, for thou wast God, 
 
 Who art ordain'd to be 
 
 The Saviour of our race ; 
 
 Welcome indeed Thou art, 
 Blessed Redeemer, Fount of Grace 
 
 To this my longing heart ! 
 
 Come, self-existent Word, 
 And speak within my heart, 
 That from the soul where Thou art heard 
 Thy peace may ne'er depart, 
 ii 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 - Thou light that lightenest all, 
 
 Abide through faith in me, 
 And let me never from Thee fall, 
 And seek no guide but Thee. 
 
 Why didst Thou leave Thy throne, 
 O Jesus, what could bring 
 
 Thee to a world where e'en Thine own 
 Knew not their rightful King ? 
 Thy love beyond all thought 
 Stronger than Death or Hell, 
 
 And my deep woe, this wonder wrought. 
 That Thou on earth dost dwell. 
 
 Then help me, Lord, to give 
 
 My whole heart unto Thee, 
 That all my life while here I live 
 
 One song of praise may be. 
 
 Yes, Jesus, form anew 
 
 This stony heart of mine, 
 And let it e'en in death be true 
 
 To Thee, for ever Thine. 
 
 Let nought be left within 
 But cometh of Thy hand ; 
 
 Root quickly out the weeds of sin, 
 My cunning foe withstand. 
 From Thee comes nothing ill, 
 'Tis he doth sow the tares ; 
 
 Make plain my path before me still, 
 And save me from his snares. 
 
 Thou art the Life, O Lord ! 
 Sole Light of Life Thou art ! 
 Let not Thy glorious rays be pour'd 
 In vain on my dark heart. 
 
 12 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Star of the East, arise ! 
 Drive all my clouds away, 
 Guide me till earth's dim twilight dies 
 Into the perfect day ! 
 
 LAURENTI. 1700 
 
 5t Stephen's Ba 
 
 A ND Stephen, full of faith and power, 
 did great wonders and miracles among 
 the people. . . . Then they stirred up 
 the people . . . and caught him, and 
 set up false witnesses against him. 
 
 From the Lesson 
 
 FEAR not, O little flock, the foe 
 Who madly seeks your overthrow, 
 
 Dread not his rage and power : 
 What though your courage sometimes faints, 
 His seeming triumph o'er God's saints 
 
 Lasts but a little hour. 
 
 Be of good cheer ; your cause belongs 
 To Him who can avenge your wrongs, 
 
 Leave it to Him our Lord. 
 Though hidden yet from all our eyes, 
 He sees the Gideon who shall rise 
 
 To save us, and His word. 
 
 As true as God's own word is true, 
 Nor earth nor hell with all their crew 
 
 Against us shall prevail. 
 A jest and by -word are they grown ; 
 God is with us, we are His own; 
 
 Our victory cannot fail. 
 13 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Amen, Lord Jesus, grant our prayer ! 
 Great Captain, now Thine arm make bare ; 
 
 Fight for us once again ! 
 So shall Thy saints and martyrs raise 
 A mighty chorus to Thy praise, 
 World without end. Amen. 
 
 GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS' Battle-song. 
 
 Altenburg. 1631 
 
 St. 3obn tbe 
 
 IF I will that he tarry till I come, what 
 is that to thee ? Follow thou me. 
 
 From the Gospel 
 
 IF Thou, True Life, wilt in me live, 
 Consume whate'er is not of Thee ; 
 One look of Thine more joy can give 
 
 Than all the world can offer me. 
 O Jesus, be Thou mine for ever, 
 Nought from Thy love my heart can sever, 
 As Thou hast promised in Thy Word ; 
 O deep the joy whereof I drink, 
 Whene'er my soul in Thee can sink, 
 And own her Bridegroom and her Lord ! 
 
 O Heart, that glow'd with love and died, 
 Kindle my soul with fire divine ; 
 
 Lord, in the heart Thou'st won, abide, 
 And all in it that is not Thine 
 
 O let me conquer and destroy, 
 
 Strong in Thy love, Thou Fount of Joy, 
 14 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Nay, be Thou conqueror, Lord, in me ; 
 
 So shall I triumph o'er despair, 
 O'er death itself Thy victory share, 
 Thus suffer, live, and die in Thee. 
 
 And let the fire within me move 
 
 My heart to serve Thy members here ; 
 
 Let me their need and trials prove, 
 That I may know my love sincere 
 
 And like to Thine, Lord, pure and warm ; 
 
 For when my soul hath won that form 
 
 Is likes t to Thy holy mind. 
 
 Then I shall love both friends and foes, 
 And learn to grieve o'er others' woes, 
 
 Like Thee, my Pattern, true and kind. 
 
 The light and strength of Faith, O grant, 
 That I may bring forth holy fruit, 
 
 A living branch, a blooming plant, 
 Fast clinging to my vine my root : 
 Thou art my Saviour, whom I trust, 
 
 My Rock, I build not on the dust, 
 
 The ground of faith, eternal, sure. 
 
 When hours of doubt o'ercloud my mind, 
 Thy ready help then let me find, 
 
 Thy strength my sickening spirit cure ! 
 
 And grant that Hope may never fail, 
 But anchor 'd safely on Thy cross, 
 
 Through Thee who art mine All, prevail 
 O'er every anguish, dread, and loss. 
 
 The world may build on what decays, 
 
 O Christ, my Sun of Hope, my gaze 
 15 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Cares not o'er lesser lights to range ; 
 To Thee in love I ever cleave, 
 For well I know Thou ne'er wilt leave 
 
 My soul, Thy love can never change. 
 
 Wouldst Thou that I should tarry here, 
 I live because Thou wiliest it ; 
 
 Or Death should suddenly appear, 
 I shall not fear him, Lord, one whit, 
 
 If but Thy life still in me live, 
 
 If but Thy death my strength shall give, 
 
 When earthly life draws near its end ; 
 To Thee I give away my will, 
 In life and death remembering still 
 
 Thou wilt my good, O truest Friend. 
 
 SINOLD. 1710 
 
 Snnocents 
 
 EXCEPT ye be converted, and become 
 as little children, ye shall not enter the 
 kingdom of Heaven. Matt, xviii. 3 
 
 DEAR Soul, couldst thou become a child 
 While yet on earth, meek, undented, 
 Then God Himself were ever near, 
 And Paradise around thee here. 
 
 A child cares nought for gold or treasure, 
 Nor fame nor glory yield him pleasure ; 
 In perfect trust, he asketh not 
 If rich or poor shall be his lot. 
 16 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Little he recks of dignity, 
 Nor prince nor monarch feareth he ; 
 Strange that a child so weak and small 
 Is oft the boldest of us all ! 
 
 He hath not skill to utter lies, 
 His very soul is in his eyes ; 
 Single his aim in all, and true. 
 And apt to praise what others do. 
 
 No questions dark his spirit vex, 
 No faithless doubts his soul perplex, 
 Simply from day to day he lives, 
 Content with what the present gives. 
 
 Scarce can he stand alone, far less 
 Would roam abroad in loneliness ; 
 Fast clinging to his mother still, 
 She bears and leads him at her will. 
 
 He will not stay to pause and choose, 
 His father's guidance e'er refuse, 
 Thinks not of danger, fears no harm, 
 Wrapt in obedience' holy calm. 
 
 For strange concerns he careth nought 
 What others do, although were wrought 
 Before his eyes the worst offence, 
 Stains not his tranquil innocence. 
 
 His dearest work, his best delight, 
 Is, lying in his mother's sight, 
 To gaze for ever on her face, 
 And nestle in her fond embrace. 
 
 17 B 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O childhood's innocence ! the voice 
 Of thy deep wisdom is my choice ! 
 Who hath thy lore is truly wise, 
 And precious in our Father's eyes. 
 
 Spirit of childhood ! loved of God, 
 By Jesu's Spirit now bestow'd ; 
 How often have I long'd for Thee ; 
 O Jesus, form Thyself in me ! 
 
 And help me to become a child 
 While yet on earth, meek, undefiled, 
 That I may find God always near, 
 And Paradise around me here. 
 
 GERHARDT TERSTEEGEN. 1731 
 
 after 
 
 BEHOLD, a Virgin shall be with child. 
 and shall bring forth a Son, and they 
 shall call his name Emmanuel, which 
 being interpreted is, God with us. 
 
 From the Gospel 
 
 THEE, O Immanuel, we praise, 
 The Prince of Life, and Fount of Grace, 
 The Morning Star, the Heavenly Flower, 
 The Virgin's Son, the Lord of Power. 
 
 With all Thy 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 ! 
 
 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 : 
 18 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 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 ! " 
 
 Now art Thou here ; we know Thee now, 
 In lowly manger liest Thou ; 
 A child, yet makes t all things great, 
 Poor, yet is earth Thy robe of state. 
 
 From Thee alone all gladness flows, 
 Who yet shall bear such bitter woes ; 
 Earth's light and comfort Thou shalt be, 
 Yet none shall watch to comfort Thee. 
 
 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 jo)^ of spirits blest. 
 
 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. 
 
 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. 
 
 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. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1650 
 
 19 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 ZTbe Gttcumcteion of Cbrist 
 
 HYMN FOR NEW YEAR'S DAY 
 
 SO teach us to number our days, 
 that we may apply our hearts unto 
 wisdom. Psalm xc. 12 
 
 ETERNITY ! Eternity ! 
 How long art thou, Eternity ! 
 And yet to thee Time hastes away, 
 Like as the warhorse to the fray, 
 Or swift as couriers homeward go, 
 Or ship to port, or shaft from bow. 
 Ponder, O Man, Eternity ! 
 
 Eternity ! Eternity ! 
 How long art thou, Eternity ! 
 For even as on a perfect sphere 
 End nor beginning can appear, 
 Even so, Eternity, in thee 
 Entrance nor exit can there be. 
 Ponder, O Man, Eternity ! 
 
 Eternity ! Eternity ! 
 
 How long art thou, Eternity \ 
 
 A circle infinite art thou, 
 
 Thy centre an Eternal Now, 
 
 Never, we name thy outer bound ; 
 
 For never end therein is found. 
 
 Ponder, O Man, Eternity ! 
 
 Eternity ! Eternity ! 
 How long art thou, Eternity ! 
 A little bird with fretting beak 
 Might wear to nought the loftiest peak, 
 20 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Though but each thousand years it came, 
 Yet thou wert then, as now, the same. 
 Ponder, O Man, Eternity ! 
 
 Eternity ! Eternity ! 
 How long art thou, Eternity ! 
 As long as God is God, so long 
 Endure the pains of sin and wrong, 
 So long the joys of heaven remain ; 
 Oh lasting joy, Oh lasting pain ! 
 Ponder, O Man. Eternity ! 
 
 Eternity ! Eternity ! 
 
 How long art thou, Eternity ! 
 
 O man, full oft thy thoughts should dwell 
 
 Upon the pains of sin and hell, 
 
 And on the glories of the pure, 
 
 That both beyond all time endure. 
 
 Ponder, O Man, Eternity ! 
 
 Eternity ! Eternity ! 
 
 How long art thou, Eternity ! 
 
 How terrible art thou in woe, 
 
 How fair where joys for ever glow ! 
 
 God's goodness sheddeth gladness here, 
 
 His justice there wakes bitter fear. 
 
 Ponder, O Man, Eternity ! 
 
 Eternity ! Eternity ! 
 How long art thou, Eternity ! 
 They who lived poor and naked rest 
 With God, for ever rich and blest, 
 And love and praise the Highest Good, 
 In perfect bliss and gladsome mood. 
 Ponder, O Man, Eternity I 
 21 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Eternity ! Eternity ! 
 How long art thou, Eternity ! 
 A moment lasts all joy below, 
 Whereby man sinks to endless woe, 
 A moment lasts all earthly pain, 
 Whereby an endless joy we gain. 
 Ponder, O Man, Eternity ! 
 
 Eternity ! Eternity 1 
 
 How long art thou, Eternity ! 
 
 Who ponders oft on thee, is wise, 
 
 All fleshly lusts will he despise, 
 
 The world finds place with him no more ; 
 
 The love of vain delights is o'er. 
 
 Ponder, O Man, Eternity ! 
 
 Eternity ! Eternity ! 
 
 How long art thou, Eternity ! 
 
 Who marks thee well would say to God, 
 
 Here judge, burn, smite me with Thy rod, 
 
 Here let me all Thy justice bear, 
 
 When time of grace is past, then spare ! 
 
 Ponder, O Man, Eternity 1 
 
 Eternity ! Eternity ! 
 
 How long art thou, Eternity ! 
 
 Lo, I, Eternity, warn thee, 
 
 O Man, that oft thou think on me, 
 
 The sinner's punishment and pain, 
 
 To them who love their God, rich gain ! 
 
 Ponder, O Man, Eternity! 
 
 WULFFER 1648 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 ARISE, shine, for thy light is come, 
 and the glory of the Lord is risen 
 upon thee 1 From the Lesson 
 
 ALL ye Gentile lands awake ! 
 
 Thou, O Salem, rise and shine ! 
 See the day-spring o'er you break 
 
 Heralding a morn divine, 
 Telling, God hath call'd to mind 
 Those who long in darkness pined. 
 
 Lo ! the shadows flee away, 
 
 For our Light is come at length, 
 
 Brighter than all earthly day, 
 
 Source of being, life, and strength 1 
 
 Whoso on this Light would gaze 
 
 Must forsake all evil ways. 
 
 Ah how blindly did we stray 
 
 Ere shone forth this glorious Sun, 
 
 Seeking each his separate way, 
 
 Leaving Heaven, unsought, unwon ; 
 
 All our looks were earthward bent, 
 
 Ml our strength on earth was spent. 
 
 Earthly were our thoughts and low, 
 
 In the toils of Folly caught, 
 Toss'd of Satan to and fro, 
 
 Counting goodness all for nought ; 
 By the world and flesh deceived, 
 Heaven's true joys we disbelieved. 
 
 Then were hidden from our eyes 
 All the law and grace of God ; 
 Rich and poor, the fools and wise, 
 23 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Wanting light to find the road 
 Leading to the heavenly life, 
 Wander'd lost in care and strife. 
 
 But the glory of the Lord 
 
 Hath arisen on us to-day, 
 We have seen the light outpour* d 
 
 That must surely drive away 
 All things that to night belong, 
 All the sad earth's woe and wrong. 
 
 Thy arising, Lord, shall fill 
 
 All my thoughts in sorrow's hour ; 
 
 Thy arising, Lord, shall still 
 
 All my dread of Death's dark power : 
 
 Through my smiles and through my tears 
 
 Still Thy light, O Lord, appears. 
 
 Let me, Lord, in peace depart 
 
 From this evil world to Thee ; 
 Where Thyself sole Brightness art, 
 
 Thou hast kept a place for me : 
 In the shining city there 
 Crowns of light Thy saints shall wear. 
 
 RIST. 1655 
 
 ffirst Sun&aE after 
 
 / BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by 
 the mercies of God, that ye present your 
 bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable 
 unto God, which is your reasonable ser- 
 vice. From the Epistle 
 
 GREAT High-priest, who deign'dst to be 
 Once the sacrifice for me, 
 Take this living heart of mine, 
 Lay it on Thy holy shrine. 
 24 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Love I know accepteth nought, 
 
 Save what Thou, O Love, hast wrought ; 
 
 Offer Thou my sacrifice, 
 
 Else to God it cannot rise. 
 
 Slay in me the wayward will, 
 Earthly sense and passion kill, 
 Tear self-love from out my heart., 
 Though it cost me bitter smart. 
 
 Kindle, Mighty Love, the pyre, 
 Quick consume me in Thy fire, 
 Fain were I of self bereft, 
 Nought but Thee within me left. 
 
 So may God, the Righteous, brook 
 On my sacrifice to look ; 
 In whose sight no gift has worth 
 Save a Christ-like life on earth. 
 
 ANGELUS. 1657 
 
 Second Sunday attet 
 
 LIFT up your eyes unto the heavens, 
 and look upon the earth beneath ; for the 
 heavens shall vanish away like smoke, 
 and the earth shall wax old like a gar- 
 ment, and the people that dwell therein 
 shall die in like manner ; but my 
 salvation shall be for ever, and my 
 righteousness shall not be abolished. 
 
 From the Lesson 
 
 GOD liveth ever ! 
 
 Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never i 
 Our God is good, in every place 
 
 His love is known, His help is found, 
 His mighty arm, and tender grace 
 25 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Bring good from ill that hem us round ; 
 Easier than we think can He 
 Turn to joy our agony ; 
 Soul, remember 'mid thy r3ains, 
 God o'er all for ever reigns. 
 
 God liveth ever ! 
 
 Wherefore, Soul despair thou never ! 
 Say, shall He slumber, shall He sleep, 
 Who gave the eye its power to see ? 
 Shall He not hear His children weep 
 Who made the ear so wondrously ? 
 God is God ; He sees and hears 
 All their troubles, all their tears. 
 Soul, forget not 'mid thy pains, 
 God o'er all for ever reigns. 
 
 God liveth ever ! 
 
 Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never ! 
 He who can earth and heaven control, 
 
 Who spreads the clouds o'er sea and land, 
 Whose presence fills the mighty Whole, 
 In each true heart is close at hand ; 
 Love Him, He will surely send 
 Help and joy that never end. 
 Soul, remember in thy pains, 
 God o'er all for ever reigns. 
 
 God liveth ever ! 
 
 Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never ! 
 Scarce canst thou bear thy cross ? Then fly 
 
 To Him where only rest is sweet ; 
 Thy God is great, His mercy nigh, 
 
 His strength upholds the tottering feet ; 
 26 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Trust Him, for His grace is sure, 
 Ever doth His truth endure ; 
 Soul, forget not in thy pains, 
 God o'er all for ever reigns. 
 
 God liveth ever ! 
 
 Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never 
 When sins and follies long forgot 
 
 Upon thy tortured conscience prey, 
 O come to God, and fear Him not, 
 His love shall sweep them all away ; 
 Pains of hell at look of His, 
 Change to calm content and bliss. 
 Soul, remember in thy pains, 
 God o'er all for ever reigns. 
 
 God liveth ever ! 
 
 Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never ! 
 Those whom the thoughtless world forsakes 
 
 Who stand bewilder 'd with their woe, 
 God gently to His bosom takes, 
 
 And bids them all His fulness know ; 
 In thy sorrows' swelling flood 
 Own His hand who seeks thy good. 
 Soul, forget not in thy pains, 
 God o'er all for ever reigns. 
 
 God liveth ever ! 
 
 Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never ! 
 Let earth and heaven outworn with age, 
 Sink to the chaos whence they came ; 
 Let angry foes against us rage, 
 
 Let hell shoot forth his fiercest flame ; 
 Fear not Death, nor Satan's thrusts, 
 God defends who in Him trusts ; 
 27 
 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Soul, remember in thy pains, 
 God o'er all for ever reigns. 
 
 God liveth ever ! 
 
 Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never ! 
 What though thou tread with bleeding feet 
 
 A thorny path of grief and gloom, 
 Thy God will choose the way most meet 
 To lead thee heavenwards, lead thee home, 
 For this life's long night of sadness 
 He will give thee peace and gladness ; 
 Soul, remember in thy pains, 
 God o'er all for ever reigns. 
 
 ZIHN. 1682 
 
 after JEpfpbang 
 
 FOR as the rain cometh down, and 
 the snow from heaven ; and returneth 
 not thither, but watereth the earth, 
 and maketh it bring forth and bud, 
 that it may give seed to the sower, and 
 bread to the eater ; so shall my word 
 be that goeth forth out of my mouth : 
 it shall not return unto me void, but 
 it shall accomplish that which I please, 
 and it shall prosper in the thing whereto 
 I sent it. From the Lesson 
 
 THY Word, O Lord, like gentle dews, 
 
 Falls soft on hearts that pine ; 
 Lord, to Thy garden ne'er refuse 
 This heavenly balm of Thine. 
 Water'd from Thee 
 Let every tree 
 
 Bud forth and blossom to Thy praise, 
 And bear much fruit in after days. 
 28 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thy word is like a. flaming sword, 
 
 A wedge that cleaveth stone ; 
 Keen as a fire so burns Thy Word, 
 And pierceth flesh and bone. 
 O send it forth 
 O'er all the earth, 
 To shatter all the might of sin, 
 The darken'd heart to cleanse and win. 
 
 Thy Word a wondrous guiding star, 
 
 pilgrim hearts doth rise, 
 Leads to their Lord who dwell afar, 
 
 And makes the simple wise. 
 Let not its light 
 E'er sink in night, 
 But still in every spirit shine, 
 That none may miss Thy light divine. 
 
 ANON. 
 
 jfourtb SunfcaB after ;6pfpbang . 
 
 A ND He saith unto them, Why are 
 ye fearful, O ye of little faith ? Then 
 He arose and rebuked the winds and 
 the sea, and there was a great calm. 
 From the Gospel 
 
 MY God, lo, here before Thy face 
 
 1 cast me in the dust ; 
 
 Where is the hope of happier days, 
 
 Wliere is my wonted trust ? 
 Where are the sunny hours I had 
 
 Ere of Thy light bereft ? 
 Vanish' d is all that made me glad, 
 
 My pain alone is left. 
 29 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 I shrink with fear and sore alarm 
 
 When threatening ills I see, 
 As though in time of need Thine arm 
 
 No more could shelter me ; 
 As though Thou couldst not see the grief 
 
 That makes my courage quail, 
 As though Thou wouldst not send relief, 
 
 When human helpers fail. 
 
 Cannot Thy might avert e'en nov/ 
 
 What seems my certain doom, 
 And still with light and succour bow 
 
 To him who weeps in gloom ? 
 Art Thou not evermore the same ? 
 
 And hast not Thou revealed 
 That Thou wilt be our strength, Thy Name 
 
 Our tower of hope, our shield ? 
 
 O Father, compass me about 
 
 With love, for I am weak ; 
 Forgive, forgive my sinful doubt, 
 
 Thy pitying glance I seek ; 
 For torn and anguish' d is my heart, 
 
 Thou seest it, my God, 
 
 soothe my conscience' bitter smart, 
 Lift off my sorrows' load. 
 
 1 know that I am in Thy hands, 
 Whose thoughts are peace toward me, 
 
 That ever sure Thy counsel stands, 
 
 Could I but build on Thee ! 
 I know that Thou wilt give me all 
 
 That Thou hast promised, Lord ; 
 Here will I cling, nor yield, nor fall, 
 
 1 live but by Thy Word. 
 30 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Though mountains crumble into dust, 
 
 Thy covenant standeth fast ; 
 Who follows Thee in pious trust 
 
 Shall reach the goal at last. 
 Though strange and winding seem the way 
 
 While yet on earth I dwell, 
 In heaven my heart shall gladly say, 
 
 Thou, God, dost all things well ! 
 
 Take courage then, my soul, nor steep 
 
 Thy days and nights in tears, 
 Thou soon shalt cease to mourn and weep, 
 
 Though dark are now thy fears. 
 He comes, He comes, the Strong to save, 
 
 He comes nor tarries more, 
 His light is breaking o'er the wave, 
 
 The clouds and storms are o'er ! 
 
 DREWES. 1797 
 
 jfiftb Sun&aB after 
 
 O that Thou wouldest rend the heavens, 
 that Thou wouldest come down, that 
 the mountains might flow down at Thy 
 presence ... To make Thy name known 
 to Thine adversaries, that the nations may 
 tremble at Thy presence. 
 
 From the Lesson 
 
 AWAKE Thou Spirit, who of old 
 Didst fire the watchmen of the Church's youth, 
 
 Who faced the foe, unshrinking, bold, 
 Who witness'd day and night the eternal truth, 
 Whose voices through the world are ringing still, 
 And bringing hosts to know and do Thy will ! 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O that Thy fire were kindled soon, 
 That swift from land to land its flame might leap ! 
 
 Lord, give us but this priceless boon 
 Of faithful servants, fit for Thee to reap 
 The harvest of the soul ; look down and view 
 How great the harvest, yet the labourers few. 
 
 Lord, let our earnest prayer be heard, 
 The prayer Thy Son Himself hath bid us pray ; 
 
 For, lo ! Thy children's hearts are stirr'd 
 In every land in this our darkening day, 
 To cry for help with fervent soul to Thee ; 
 O hear us, Lord, and speak, Thus let it be ! 
 
 O haste to help ere we are lost ! 
 Send forth evangelists, in spirit strong, 
 
 Arm'd with Thy Word, a dauntless host, 
 Bold to attack the rule of ancient wrong, 
 And let them all the earth for Thee reclaim, 
 To be Thy kingdom, and to know Thy name. 
 
 Would there were help within our walls ! 
 O let Thy promised Spirit come again, 
 
 Before whom every barrier falls, 
 And ere the night once more shine forth as then ! 
 O rend the heavens and make Thy presence felt, 
 The chains that bind us at Thy touch would melt i 
 
 And let Thy Word have speedy course, 
 Through every land the truth be glorified, 
 
 Till all the heathen know its force, 
 And gather to Thy churches far and wide ; 
 And waken Israel from her sleep, O Lord ! 
 Thus bless and spread the conquests of Thy Word 1 
 32 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The Church's desert paths restore, 
 That stumbling-blocks which long in them have lain, 
 
 May hinder now Thy Word no more ; 
 Destroy false doctrine, root out notions vain, 
 Set free from hirelings, let the Church and school 
 Bloom as a garden 'neath Thy prospering rule ! 
 
 BOGATZKY. 1727 
 
 Stetb Sunfcag after lEpfpbang 
 
 EVERY man that hath this hope in him 
 purifieth himself even as He is pure. 
 
 From the Epistle 
 
 PURE Essence ! Spotless Fount of Light, 
 
 That fadeth never into dark ! 
 O Thou, whose eyes more clear and bright 
 
 Than noonday sun are quick to mark 
 Our sins ; lo, bare before Thy face 
 
 Lies all the desert of my heart, 
 
 My once fair soul in every part 
 Now stain'd with evil foul and base. 
 
 Since but the pure in heart are blest 
 
 With promised vision of their God, 
 Sore fear and anguish .fill my breast, 
 
 Rememb'ring all the ways I trod ; 
 Mourning I see my lost estate, 
 
 And yet in faith I dare to cry, 
 
 O let my evil nature die, 
 Another heart in me create ! 
 
 Enough, Lord, that my foe too well 
 
 Hath lured me once away from Thee ; 
 Henceforth I know his craft how fell, 
 And all his deep-laid snares I flee. 
 
 33 c 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Lord, through the Spirit whom Thy Son 
 Hath bidden us in prayer to ask, 
 Arm us with might that every task, 
 
 Whate'er we do, in Thee be done. 
 
 Unworthy am I of Thy grace, 
 
 So deep are my transgressions, Lord, 
 
 And yet once more I seek Thy face ; 
 My God, have mercy, nor reward 
 
 My sins and follies, dark and vain ; 
 Reject, reject me not in wrath, 
 But let Thy sunshine now beam forth, 
 
 And quicken me with hope again. 
 
 The Holy Spirit Thou hast given, 
 The wondrous pledge of love divine, 
 
 Who fills our hearts with joys of heaven, 
 And bids us earthly joys resign ; 
 
 O let His seal be on my heart, 
 O take Him nevermore away, 
 Until this fleshly house decay, 
 
 And Thou shalt bid me hence depart. 
 
 But ah ! my coward spirit droops, 
 Sick with the fear that enters in 
 
 Whene'er a soul to bondage stoops, 
 And wears the shameful yoke of sin ; 
 
 quicken with the strength that flows 
 From out the Eternal Fount of Life, 
 My soul half-fainting in the strife, 
 
 And make an end of all my woes. 
 
 1 cling unto Thy grace alone, 
 
 Thy steadfast oath my only rest ; 
 To Thee, Heart-searcher, all is known 
 That lieth hidden in my breast ; 
 34 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thy joy, O Spirit, on me ponr, 
 Thy fervent will my sloth inspire, 
 So shall I have my heart's desire, 
 
 And serve and praise Thee evermore. 
 
 FREYLINGHAUSEN. 1713 
 
 Septuasestma 
 
 / THEREFORE so run, not as un- 
 certainly ; so fight I, not as one that 
 beateth the air. From the Epistle 
 
 STRIVE when thou art call'd of God, 
 When He draws thee by His grace, 
 
 Strive to cast away the load 
 
 That would clog thee in the race ! 
 
 Fight, though it may cost thy life ; 
 
 Storm the kingdom, but prevail ; 
 Let not Satan's fiercest strife 
 
 Make thee, warrior, faint or quail. 
 
 Wrestle, till through every vein 
 
 Love and strength are glowing warm, 
 
 Love that can the world disdain, 
 Half-love will not bide the storm. 
 
 Wrestle with strong prayers and cries, 
 Think no time too much to spend, 
 
 Though the night be pass'd in sighs, 
 Though all day thy voice ascend. 
 
 Hast thou won the pearl of price, 
 
 Think not thou hast reach'd the goal, 
 
 Conquer'd every sin and vice 
 
 That had power to harm thy soul. 
 35 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Gaze with mingled joy and fear 
 On the refuge thou hast found ; 
 
 Know, while yet we linger here 
 Perils ever hem us round. 
 
 Art thou faithful ? Then oppose 
 Sin and wrong with all thy might ; 
 
 Care not how the tempest blows, 
 Only care to win the fight. 
 
 Art thou faithful ? Wake and watch, 
 Love with all thy heart Christ's ways, 
 
 Seek not transient ease to snatch, 
 Look not for reward or praise. 
 
 Art thou faithful ? Stand apart 
 
 From all worldly hope and pleasure, 
 
 Yonder fix thy hopes and heart, 
 
 On .the heaven where lies our treasure. 
 
 Soldiers of the Cross, be strong, 
 
 Watch and war 'mid fear and pain, 
 
 Daily conquering woe and wrong, 
 Till our King o'er earth shall reign 1 
 
 WINKLER. 1703 
 
 Sexagestma Sunfcag 
 
 LET them praise the name of the Lord, 
 for His name alone is excellent ; His 
 glory is above the earth and heaven. 
 
 Psalm xlviii. 13 
 
 NOTHING fair on earth I see 
 But I straightway think on Thee ; 
 Thou art fairest in mine eyes, 
 Source in whom all beauty lies ! 
 36 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 When the golden sun forth goes, 
 And the east before him glows, 
 Quickly turns this heart of mine 
 To Thy heavenly form divine. 
 
 On Thy light I think at morn, 
 With the earliest break of dawn ; 
 Ah, what glories lie in Thee, 
 Light of all Eternity ! 
 
 When I watch the moon arise 
 'Mid Heaven's thousand golden eyes, 
 Then I think, more glorious far 
 Is the Maker of yon star. 
 
 Or I cry in spring's sweet hours, 
 When the fields are gay with flowers, 
 As their varied hues I see, 
 What must their Creator be ! 
 
 When along the brook I wander, 
 
 Or beside the fountain ponder, 
 
 Straight my thoughts take wing and mount 
 
 Up to Thee, the purest Fount. 
 
 Sweetly sings the nightingale, 
 Sweet the flute's soft plaintive tale, 
 Sweeter than their richest tone, 
 Is the name of Mary's Son. 
 
 Sweetly all the air is stirr'd 
 When the Echo's call is heard ; 
 But no sounds my heart rejoice 
 Like to my Beloved's voice. 
 37 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Come then, fairest Lord, appear, 
 Come, let me behold Thee here, 
 I would see Thee face to face, 
 On Thy proper light would gaze. 
 
 Take away these veils that blind, 
 Jesus, all my soul and mind ; 
 Henceforth ever let my heart 
 See Thee trulv as Thou art ! 
 
 ANGELUS. 1657 
 
 <aufnquagesfma Sunday 
 
 AND now abideth faith, hope, charity, 
 these three ; but the greatest of these is 
 charity. From the Epistle 
 
 MANY a gift did Christ impart, 
 ISoblest of them all is Love ; 
 
 Love, a balm within the heart 
 That can all its pains remove ; 
 
 Love, a star most bright and pure ; 
 Love, a gem of priceless worth, 
 Richer than man knows on earth ; 
 
 Love, like beauty, strong to lure ; 
 
 Love, like joy, makes man her thrall, 
 Strong to please and conquer all. 
 
 Love can give us all things ; here 
 
 Use and beauty cannot sever ; 
 Love can raise us to that sphere 
 
 Whence the soul tends heavenwards ever i 
 Though one speak with angel tongues 
 
 Bravest words of strength and fire, 
 
 If no love his heart inspire, 
 
 38 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 They are but as fleeting songs ; 
 All his eloquence shall pass, 
 As the noise of sounding brass. 
 
 Science with her keen-eyed glance, 
 All the wisdom of the world, 
 
 Mysteries that the soul entrance, 
 Faith that mighty hills had huiTd 
 
 From their ancient seats ; all this, 
 Wherein man takes most his pride. 
 Valueless is cast aside, 
 
 If the spirit there we miss, 
 
 That can work from love alone, 
 Not from pride in what is known. 
 
 Though I lavish'd all I have 
 
 On the poor in charity ; 
 Though I shrank not from the grave, 
 
 Or unmoved the stake could see ; 
 Though my body here were given 
 
 To the all-consuming flame ; 
 
 If my mind were still the same, 
 Meeter were I not for heaven, 
 
 Till by Love my works were crown'd, 
 
 Till in Love my strength were found. 
 
 Faith must conquer, Hope must bloom, 
 As our onward path we wend, 
 
 Else we came not through the gloom, 
 But with earth they also end : 
 
 Thou, O Love, doth stretch afar 
 Through the wide eternity, 
 And the soul array 'd in Thee 
 
 Shines for ever as a star. 
 
 Faith and Hope must pass away, 
 Thou, O Love, endurest aye. 
 39 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Come, thou Spirit of pure Love, 
 Who dost forth from God proceed, 
 
 Never from my heart remove, 
 Let me all Thy impulse heed ; 
 
 All that seeks self -profit first, 
 Rather than anoth rr's good, 
 Whether foe or link'd in blood, 
 
 Let me hold such thought accurst ; 
 And my heart henceforward be 
 Ruled, inspired, O Love, by thee ! 
 
 ERNST LANGE. 1711 
 
 A ND Jesus said unto him, Receive thy 
 sight ; thy faith hath saved thee. And 
 immediately he received his sight, and 
 followed him, glorifying God. 
 
 From the Gospel 
 
 MY Saviour, what Thou didst of old, 
 
 When Thou wast dwelling here, 
 Thou doest yet for them, who bold 
 
 In faith to Thee draw near. 
 As Thou hadst pity on the blind, 
 
 According to Thy Word, 
 Thou sufferedst me Thy grace to find, 
 
 Thy Light hast on me pour'd. 
 
 Mourning I sat beside the way, 
 
 In sightless gloom apart, 
 And sadness heavy on me lay, 
 
 And longing gnaw'd my heart ; 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 I heard the music of the psalms 
 
 Thy people sang to Thee, 
 I felt the waving of their palms, 
 
 And yet I could not see. 
 
 My pain grew more than I could bear, 
 
 Too keen my grief became, 
 Then I took heart in my despair 
 
 To call upon Thy name ; 
 " O Son of David, save and heal, 
 
 As Thou so oft hast done ! 
 
 dearest Jesus, let me feel 
 My load of darkness gone." 
 
 And ever weeping as I spoke 
 
 With bitter prayers and sighs, 
 My stony heart grew soft and broke, 
 
 More earnest yet my cries. 
 A sudden answer still'd my fear, 
 
 For it was said to me, 
 " O poor blind man, be of good cheer, 
 
 Rejoice, He calleth thee." 
 
 1 felt, Lord, that Thou stoodest still, 
 Groping Thy feet I sought, 
 
 From off me fell my old self-will, 
 A change came o'er my thought. 
 
 Thou saidst, " What is it thou wouldst have ? 
 " Lord, that I might have sight ; 
 
 To see Thy countenance I crave : " 
 " So be it, have thou Light." 
 
 And words of Thine can never fail, 
 
 My fears are past and o'er ; 
 My soul is glad with light, the veil 
 
 Is on my heart no more. 
 41 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thou blessest me, and forth I fare 
 
 Free from my old disgrace, 
 And follow on with joy where'er 
 
 Thy footsteps, Lord, I trace. 
 
 DE LA MOTHE FOQUE 
 
 GA THER the people . . . and let the 
 priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep 
 between the porch and the altar, and let 
 them say, Spare Thy people, Lord. 
 From the Passage for the Epistle 
 
 NOT in anger smite us, Lord, 
 
 Spare Thy people, spare ! 
 If Thou mete us due reward 
 We must all despair. 
 Let the flood 
 Of Jesus' blood 
 
 Quench the flaming of Thy wrath, 
 That our sin enkindled hath. 
 
 Father ! Thou hast patience long 
 
 With the sick and weak ; 
 Heal us, make us brave and strong, 
 Words of comfort speak. 
 Touch my soul, 
 And make me whole 
 With Thy healing precious balm ; 
 Ward off all would bring me harm. 
 
 Weary am I, Lord, and worn 
 
 With my ceaseless pain ; 
 Sad the heart that night and morn 
 
 Sighs for help in vain. 
 42 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Wilt Thou yet 
 
 My soul forget, 
 Waiting anxiously for Thee 
 In the cave of misery ? 
 
 Hence, ye foes ! God hears my prayei 
 
 From His holy place ; 
 Once again with hope I dare 
 Come before His face. 
 Satan flee, 
 Hell touch not me ; 
 God hath given me power o'er all, 
 Who once mock'd and sought my fall. 
 
 ALBINUS. 1652 
 
 ffivet Sun&aB in 3Lent 
 
 THEN was Jesus led up of the Spirit into 
 the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 
 And he fasted forty days and forty nights. 
 From the Gospel 
 
 AM I a stranger here, on earth alone, 
 W T hen shall my weary days be past and gone ? 
 When shall I find some respite, some relief 
 From this unsleeping pain, this haunting grief ? 
 
 The joyful sun another morning brings, 
 I only wake to feel care's piercing stings ; 
 The soft moon comes with silent night and sleep, 
 And bringeth nought to me but time to weep. 
 
 My heart and conscience sorely wounded lie, 
 Struck by the arrows of Thy wrath, Most High ! 
 From morn till eventide where'er I flee, 
 I find no hiding-place, great God, from Thee ! 
 43 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O Lord, be not so strict to mark my crimes ! 
 Great God, dost Thou remember yet those times 
 Of foolish thoughtlessness, when blind and young 
 My heart to vain delights of earth still clung ? 
 
 Wilt Thou then alway bear my sins in mind ? 
 What offering, what atonement can I find ? 
 Nought have I of mine own but sin and wrong, 
 But love and mercy, Lord, to Thee belong ! 
 
 therefore leave me not the wretched prey 
 Of those who seek to take my life away ! 
 
 Yet though with streaming eyes to Thee I cry, 
 No answering voice comes from Thy throne on 
 high. 
 
 Vain are my tears and prayers, vain all my woe, 
 While Thou dost fight against me as a foe ; 
 The zeal of Thy just anger and Thy might 
 Have plunged my soul in blackest depths of night. 
 
 1 sit alone ; with tears I bathe my cheeks, 
 With bitter sighs and groans my spirit seeks 
 For Him, who veils behind the clouds His face, 
 And hears not, as of old in happier days. 
 
 that I had a dove's swift wings ! I'd fly 
 Away to some far mountain lone and high, 
 Yet could I not escape His mighty hand 
 Before whom all things bare and open stand. 
 
 Nay, rather let me suffer all His will, 
 Though his fierce anger beat upon me still, 
 A willing heart and patient mind, O God ! 
 
 1 bring to Thy severe but righteous rod. 
 
 44 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Much have I sinn'd, I perish utterly 
 
 If my misdeeds be all avenged of Thee ; 
 
 Yet, Lord of Hosts, doth not Thy Word proclaim, 
 
 The Merciful is Thy most glorious name ! 
 
 RAISNER. 1678 
 
 Seconfc Sunday in 3Lent 
 
 AND the disciples said, Send her away, 
 for she crieth after us ; . . . But He said, 
 Great is thy faith, be it unto thee even as 
 thou wilt. From the Gospel 
 
 I WILL not let Thee go ; Thou Help in time of need ! 
 Heap ill on ill 
 I trust Thee still, 
 
 E'en when it seems that Thou wouldst slay indeed ! 
 Do as Thou wilt with me, 
 I yet will cling to Thee, 
 
 Hide Thou Thy face, yet, Help in time of need, 
 I will not let Thee go ! 
 
 I WILL not let Thee go ; should I forsake my 
 bliss ? 
 
 No, Lord, Thou'rt mine, 
 And I am Thine, 
 
 Thee will I hold when all things else I miss. 
 Though dark and sad the night, 
 Joy cometh with Thy light, 
 
 Thou my Sun ; should I forsake my bliss ? 
 
 I will not let Thee go ! 
 
 1 WILL not let Thee go, my God, my Life, my 
 
 Lord ! 
 
 . Not Death can tear 
 Me from His care, 
 45 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Who for my sake His soul in death outpour'd. 
 Thou diedst for love to me, 
 I say in love to Thee, 
 
 E'en when my heart shall break, my God, my 
 Life, my Lord, 
 
 I will not let Thee go ! 
 
 DESZLER. 1692 
 
 Gbfrfc Sunfcag in Xent 
 
 A WA KE, thou that steepest, and arise 
 from the dead, and Christ shall give thee 
 light. From the Epistle 
 
 AWAKE, O man, and from thee shake 
 
 This heavy sleep of sin ! 
 Soon shall the Highest vengeance take. 
 
 Soon shall His wrath begin 
 
 To smite the wretched sinner home ; 
 
 In awful terrors He shall come, 
 
 To mete to all on earth their due reward, 
 
 Only the righteous spares our angry Lord. 
 
 Come then, ye sinners, great and small, 
 
 Weeping and mourning sore, 
 Low down before His footstool fall, 
 
 And vow to sin no more. 
 In faith and godliness array 
 Your souls against that final day, 
 So shall ye 'scape His wrath, aud blessed die, 
 Heirs of the kingdom with your Lord on high. 
 
 O lay to heart this wondrous thought, 
 
 Through what sore agony 
 And death was your redemption bought, 
 
 And to your Saviour flee 
 46 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Ere yet too late ; the world disown, 
 
 And fix your love on Christ alone, 
 And do His will ; for at the final doom, 
 Those who dishonour'd Him shall wrath consune. 
 
 Turn Thou us, and we shall be turn'd ; 
 
 Thou broughtest back of old 
 Thy straying people, when they yearn'd 
 
 After their proper fold : 
 Even so forgive what we have done, 
 Accept us in Thy blessed Son, 
 And let Thy Holy Spirit be our guide, 
 That we may spread Thy praises far and wide ! 
 
 CRASSELIUS. 1697 
 
 ffourtb Sunfcag in Hent 
 
 GRANT, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, 
 that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily 
 deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy 
 grace may mercifully be relieved ; through 
 our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 
 
 From the Collect 
 
 HERE, O my God, I cast me at Thy feet, 
 Ready to suffer what Thou thinkest meet ; 
 Yet look on me, great God, with pitying eyes, 
 Reward me not for mine iniquities ! 
 
 Too oft, alas ! my heart hath loved to stray 
 Downward along Sin's broad and easy way ; 
 And worldly pride and carnal lusts most foul 
 Were shameless cherish'd in my inmost soul. 
 47 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thy Majesty have I offended, Lord, 
 And set at nought Thy law, Thy holy Word ; 
 I had not learnt Thy righteous wrath to dread, 
 Nor saw the vengeance gathering o'er my head. 
 
 wretched man, what evil have I wrought ! 
 Now in the snares of Sin a captive caught, 
 
 1 learn, O Sin, how fell and keen thy smart ! 
 O wrath of God, how terrible thou art ! 
 
 Is there no way, can I no helper find, 
 Who may these heavy chains of sin unbind ? 
 Can man nor creature show me any place, 
 Where I may flee and hide me from God's face ? 
 
 Nay, I must flee to God Himself, from whom 
 Our life and help, our hope and safety come ; 
 What all the world must un accomplish' d leave, 
 Thou, for Thou art Almighty, canst achieve. 
 
 Think on the covenant Thou hast never broken, 
 Think on the steadfast oath 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 round me thrown, 
 Have pity on me, hear my bitter moan, 
 Call back Thy sheep, that wandering far astray, 
 Was lost in sin, nor knew its homeward way. 
 
 Grant me to rule my inner life aright, 
 And act and speak as ever in Thy sight, 
 A friend to all true virtue, but a foe 
 To all Thou hatest, sins and follies low 
 48 
 
LYRA GF.RMANICA 
 
 Thou Merciful ! what thanks and praise shall be 
 For Thy great goodness offer'd unto Thee, 
 As is most meet, while here my days I spend, 
 And yonder in the world that shall not end ! 
 
 ANON. 
 
 ffiftb Sunfcag in Xent 
 
 OUT of the depths have I called unto 
 Thee, O Lord ; Lord, hear my voice. 
 If Thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark 
 what is done amiss, O Lord, who may 
 abide it ? Psalm cxxx. I, 3 
 
 OUT of the depths I cry to Thee, 
 
 Lord God ! O hear my prayer ! 
 Incline a gracious ear to me, 
 
 And bid me not despair : 
 If Thou rememberest each misdeed, 
 If each should have its rightful meed, 
 Lord, who shall stand before Thee ? 
 
 'Tis through Thy love alone we gain 
 
 The pardon of our sin ; 
 The strictest life is but in vain, 
 
 Our works can nothing win. 
 That none should boast himself of aught, 
 But own in fear Thy grace hath wrought 
 What in him seemeth righteous. 
 
 Wherefore my hope is in the Lord, 
 
 My works I count but dust, 
 I build not there, but on His word, 
 
 And in His goodness trust. 
 
 49 D 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Up to His care myself I yield, 
 He is my tower, my rock, my shield, 
 And for His help I tarry. 
 
 And though it linger till the night, 
 
 And round again to morn, 
 My heart shall ne'er mistrust Thy might, 
 
 Nor count itself forlorn. 
 Do thus, O ye of Israel's seed, 
 Ye of the Spirit born indeed, 
 
 Wait for your God's appearing. 
 
 Though great our sins and sore our wounds, 
 
 And deep and dark our fall, 
 His helping mercy hath no bounds, 
 
 His love surpasseth all. 
 Our trusty loving Shepherd He, 
 Who shall at last set Israel free 
 From all their sin and sorrow. 
 
 LUTHER. 1524 
 
 palm Simfcag 
 
 AND the multitudes that went before, and 
 that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to 
 the Son of David; Blessed is He that 
 cometh in the name of the Lord ; Hosanna 
 in the highest. Matt. xxi. 9 
 
 HOSANNA to the Son of David ! Raise 
 Triumphal arches to His praise, 
 
 For Him prepare a throne 
 Who comes at last to Zion to his own ! 
 Strew palms around, make plain and straight 
 
 the way 
 For Him who His triumphal entry holds to-day ! 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Hosanna ! Welcome above all Thou art I 
 Make ready each to lay his heart 
 
 Low down before His feet ! 
 Come, let us hasten forth our Lord to meet, 
 And bid Him enter in at Zion's gates, 
 Where thousand-voiced welcome on His coming 
 waits. 
 
 Hosanna ! Prince of Peace and Lord of Might 1 
 We hail Thee Conqueror in the fight 1 
 
 All Thou with toil hast won, 
 Shall be our booty when the battle's done. 
 Thy right hand ever hath the rule and sway, 
 Thy kingdom standeth fast when all things else 
 decay. 
 
 Hosanna ! Best-beloved and noble Guest I 
 Who makes t us by Thy behest 
 
 Heirs of Thy realm with Thee. 
 O let us therefore never weary be 
 To stand and serve before Thy righteous throne, 
 W r e know no king but Thee, rule Thou o'er us alone ! 
 
 Hosanna ! Come, the time draws on apace, 
 We long Thy mercy to embrace ; 
 
 This servant's form can ne'er 
 Conceal the majesty Thy acts declare : 
 Too well art Thou here in Thy Zion known, 
 Who art the Son of God, and yet art David's Son. 
 
 Hosanna ! Lord, be Thou our help and friend, 
 Thy aid to us in mercy send, 
 
 That each may bring his soul 
 An offering unto Thee, unstain'd and whole. 
 Thou wilt have none for Thy disciples, Lord, 
 But those who truly keep, not only hear Thy word. 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Hosanna ! Let us in Thy footsteps tread, 
 Nor that sad Mount of Olives dread 
 Where we must weep and watch, 
 Until the far-off song of joy we catch 
 From Heaven our Bethphage, where we shall 
 
 sing 
 Hosanna in the highest to our God and King 1 
 
 Hosanna ! Let us sound it far and wide ! 
 Enter Thou in and here abide, 
 
 Thou Blessed of the Lord ! 
 Why standest Thou without, why roam'st 
 
 abroad ? 
 
 Hosanna ! Make Thy home with us for ever ! 
 Thou comest, Lord ! and nought us from Thy 
 love shall sever. 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 
 SCHMOLCK. 1704 
 
 dftonfcag in passion TKHeeft 
 
 AND when He was come near, He beheld 
 the city and wept over it. Luke xix. I 
 
 THOU weepest o'er Jerusalem, 
 
 Lord Jesus, bitter tears ; 
 But deepest comfort lies in them 
 
 For us, whose sins have fill' d our souls with 
 
 fears : 
 
 Since that they tell, 
 
 When sinners turn to Thee Thou lov'st it well, 
 And surely wilt efface, of Thy unbounded grace, 
 All the misdeeds that on our conscience dwell. 
 52 
 
LYRA GERMANTCA 
 
 When God's just wrath and anger burn 
 
 Against me for my sin, 
 To these sad tears of Thine I turn, 
 
 And watching them fresh hope and courage 
 
 win ; 
 
 For God doth prize 
 
 These drops so greatly, that before His eyes 
 Who sprinkles o'er his soul with them is clean and 
 
 whole, 
 And from his sorrows' depth new joy shall rise. 
 
 Earth is the home of tears and woe, 
 
 Where we must often weep, 
 Fighting the world our mighty foe, 
 
 Whose enmity to Thee doth never sleep ; 
 
 My heart is torn 
 
 Afresh each day by her fierce rage and scorn, 
 But in my saddest hours, I think upon those 
 
 showers 
 That tell how Thou hast all our sorrows borne. 
 
 Thou countest up my tears and sighs, 
 
 E'en were they numberless ; 
 Not one is hidden from Thine eyes, 
 
 Thou ne'er forgettest me in my distress, 
 
 But when they rain 
 
 Before Thee, Thou dost quickly turn again, 
 Hast pity on my woe, and makest me to know 
 What sweetest joy lies hid in sorest pain. 
 
 We sow in tears ; but let us keep 
 
 Our faith in God, and trust Him still, 
 
 Yonder our harvest wfe* stiall reap, 
 
 Where gladness every heart and voice shall fill. 
 53 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Such joy is there 
 
 No mortal tongue its glory can declare, 
 A joy that shall endure, unchanging deep and pure, 
 That shall be ours, if here the cross we bear. 
 
 O Christ, I thank Thee for Thy tears ; 
 
 Those tears have won for me 
 That I shall wear, through endless years, 
 A crown of joy before my God and Thee. 
 ' All weeping o'er, 
 
 Up to Thy chosen saints I once shall soar, 
 And there Thy pity praise, in more befitting lays, 
 Thou Glory of Thy Church, for evermore. 
 
 HEERMANN. 1630 
 
 GuesfcaE in paeeton Meek 
 
 BY the which will we are sanctified, 
 through the offering of the body of Jesus 
 Christ once for all. Heb. x. 10 
 
 LORD ! Thy death and passion give - 
 Strength and comfort at my need, 
 
 Every hour while here I live 
 
 On Thy love my soul shall feed. 
 
 Doth some evil thought upstart ? 
 
 Lo, Thy cross defends my heart, 
 
 Shows the peril, and I shrink 
 
 Back from loitering on the brink. 
 
 Doth my carnal nature yearn 
 
 After wanton joys ? again 
 Quickly to Thy cross I turn, 
 
 And her voice is heard in vain. 
 54 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Cometh strong temptation's hour, 
 When my foe puts forth his po\ver ? 
 Shelter'd by this holy shield, 
 Soon I drive him from the field. 
 
 Would the world my steps entice 
 
 To yon wide and level road, 
 Fill'd with mirth and pleasant vice ? 
 
 Lord, I think upon the load 
 Thou didst once for me endure, 
 And I fly all thoughts impure ; 
 Thinking on Thy bitter pains, 
 Hush'd in prayer my heart remains. 
 
 Yes, Thy cross hath power to heal 
 All the wounds of sin and strife, 
 Lost in Thee my heart doth feel 
 
 Sudden warmth and nobler life. 
 In my saddest, darkest grief, 
 Let Thy sweetness bring relief, 
 Thou who earnest but to save, 
 Thou who fearedst not the grave ! 
 
 Lord, in Thee I place my trust, 
 
 Thou art my defence and tower ; 
 Death Thou treadest in the dust, 
 O'er my soul he hath no power. 
 That I may have part in Thee, 
 Help and save and comfort me, 
 Give me of Thy grace and might, 
 Resurrection, life and light. 
 
 Fount of Good, within me dwell, 
 For the peace Thy presence sheds 
 
 Keeps us safe in conflict fell, 
 
 Charms the pain from dying beds. 
 
 55 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Hide me close within Thine arm, 
 Where no foe can hurt or harm ; 
 Whoso, Lord, in Thee doth rest, 
 He hath conquer'd, he is blest. 
 
 HEERMANN. 1644 
 
 in paesfon "CGleefc 
 
 NOW once in the end of the world hath 
 He appeared, to put away sin by the- sac- 
 rifice of Himself. From the Epistle 
 
 WHEN sorrow and remorse 
 
 Prey at my heart, to Thee 
 I look, who on the holy cross 
 
 Wast slain for me. 
 Ah Lord, Thy precious blood was spilt 
 
 For me, O most unworthy, 
 
 To take away my guilt. 
 
 wonder past belief ! 
 Behold the Master spares 
 
 His servants, and sore pain and grief 
 
 For them He bears. 
 God stoopeth from His throne on high, 
 
 For me His guilty creature, 
 
 He deigns as man to die. 
 
 Though countless were the sins 
 
 That weigh'd me to the dust, 
 Christ's death for me the favour wins 
 
 Of God most just. 
 His precious blood my debts hath paid, 
 
 Of hell and all its torments 
 
 1 am no more afraid. 
 
 56 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 My heart is fill'd with ruth, 
 Thinking on all Thou'st borne, 
 
 How mighty love and tender truth 
 Were crown'd with thorn. 
 
 In songs of thanks I'll spend my breath 
 For Thy sad cry, Thy sufferings, 
 Thy wrongs, Thy guiltless death. 
 
 Thy Passion, Lord, inspires 
 
 My spirit day by day 
 With strength from all low dark desires 
 
 To flee away. 
 This thought I fain would cherish most, 
 
 What pain my soul's redemption 
 
 To Thee, O Saviour, cost. 
 
 Whate'er the burden be, 
 
 The cross upon me laid, 
 Or want or shame, I look to Thee, 
 
 Be Thou mine aid. 
 Give patience, give me strength to take 
 
 Thee for my bright example, 
 
 And all the world forsake. 
 
 Let me to others do, 
 
 As Thou hast done to me, 
 Love them with love unfeign'd and true. 
 
 Their servant be 
 Of willing heart, nor seek my own, 
 
 But as Thou, Lord, hast helped us, 
 
 From purest love alone. 
 
 And let Thy sorrows cheer 
 My soul when I depart ; 
 Give strength to cast away all fear, 
 And tell my heart 
 
 57 
 
LYRA GERMANTCA 
 
 That since my trust is in Thy grace, 
 Thou wilt accept me yonder, 
 Where I shall see Thy face. 
 
 GESENIUS. 1646 
 
 in passion TKfteefc 
 
 PILATE therefore, willing to release Jesus, 
 spake again to them. But they cried saying, 
 Crucify Him, crucify Him. And he said 
 unto them the third time, Why, what evil 
 hath He done ? From the Gospel 
 
 ALAS, dear Lord, what evil hast Thou done, 
 That such sharp sentence from Thy judge hath 
 
 won ? 
 
 What are His crimes, and what the guilt, oh, tell 
 Wherein He fell ! 
 
 They scourge Him, crown Him with a crown of 
 
 thorn, 
 
 They smite His face with bitter mock and scorn, 
 They give Him gall to drink, they pierce His side, 
 The Crucified ! 
 
 From head to foot was there no spot in me 
 Unscarr'd by sin, from taint of evil free ; 
 My sins had weigh'd me down that I should dwell 
 For aye in Hell. 
 
 Whence come these sorrows, whence this cruel 
 
 woe ? 
 
 It was my sins mat struck the fatal blow ; 
 Mine were the wrath and anguish, dearest Lord, 
 On Thee outpour'd. 
 58 
 
LYRA GERMANTCA 
 
 What strangest punishment ! The Shepherd good 
 For erring sheep here pours His own heart's blood. 
 The servants' debts are on the Master laid, 
 Who all hath paid. 
 
 O wondrous love, love that no measure knows, 
 That brought Thee, Christ, to drink this cup of 
 
 woes ! 
 
 Full of the world's vain joys and hopes was i, 
 While Thou must die ! 
 
 mighty King ! mighty beyond all time ! 
 Fain would I sound Thy praise through every 
 
 clime ! 
 
 A gift were meet for Thee, my anxious thought 
 Long time hath sought. 
 
 But human wisdom searches, Lord, in vain 
 To find aught like Thy pity, or Thy pain. 
 How shall my works, though toiling day and 
 night, 
 
 Thy love requite ? 
 
 Yet have I somewhat that my Lord can please ; 
 
 1 can renounce sweet sins and selfish ease, 
 
 And quench the unhallow'd fires that back would 
 lure 
 
 To thoughts impure. 
 
 But since my strength, alas, will ne'er prevail 
 My strong desires upon the cross to nail, 
 O let Thy Spirit rule my heart, who leads 
 To all good deeds. 
 
 59 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Then shall Thy mercy fill my every thought, 
 I love Thee so, the world to me is nought ; 
 My sole endeavour, Lord, is to fulfil 
 Thy holy will. 
 
 My all I risk to magnify Thy name, 
 No cross shall daunt me, no reproach or shame ; 
 Man's fiercest threats I will not lay to heart, 
 Nor Death's worst smart. 
 
 In truth my sacrifice is nothing worth, 
 Yet Thou in mercy wilt not cast it forth ; 
 Thou'lt put me not to shame, but for love's sake 
 My offering take. 
 
 Lord Jesus, once on high amongst Thine own, 
 Shall I stand crown'd with light before Thy 
 
 throne 1 
 
 Where sweetest hymns are ever ringing round, 
 My voice shall sound. 
 
 HEERMANN. 1630 
 
 HE was wounded for our transgressions, 
 He was bruised for our iniquities ; the 
 chastisement of our peace was upon Him, 
 and with His stripes we are healed. 
 
 From the Lesson 
 
 AH wounded Head ! Must Thou 
 Endure such shame and scorn ! 
 The blood is trickling from Thy brow 
 Pierced by the crown of thorn. 
 60 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thou who wast crown'd on high 
 With light and majesty, 
 In deep dishonour here must die, 
 Yet here I welcome Thee 1 
 
 Thou noble countenance ! 
 
 All earthly lights are pale 
 Before the brightness of that glance, 
 
 At which a world shall quail. 
 
 How is it quenched and gone ! 
 
 Those gracious eyes how dim ! 
 Whence grew that cheek so pale and wan ? 
 
 Who dared to scoff at Him ? 
 
 All lovely hues of life, 
 
 That glow'd on lip and cheek, 
 Have vanish' d in that awful strife ; 
 
 The Mighty One is weak. 
 
 Pale Death has won the day, 
 
 He triumphs in this hour 
 \Vhen Strength and Beauty fade away, 
 
 And yield them to his power. 
 
 Ah Lord, Thy woes belong. 
 
 Thy cruel pains, to me, 
 The burden of my sin and wrong 
 
 Hath all been laid on Thee. 
 
 Behold me where I kneel, 
 
 Wrath were my rightful lot, 
 One glance of love yet let me feel I 
 
 Redeemer, spurn me not ! 
 
 My Guardian, own me Thine ; 
 
 My Shepherd, bear me home : 
 
 O Fount of Mercy, Source Divine, 
 
 From Thee what blessings come ! 
 61 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 How oft Thy mouth has fed 
 My soul with angels' food, 
 How oft Thy Spirit o'er me shed 
 His stores of heavenly good ! 
 
 Ah would that I could share 
 
 Thy eross, Thy bitter woes ! 
 All true delight lies hidden there. 
 
 Thence all true comfort flows. 
 
 Ah well were it for me 
 
 That I could end my strife, 
 And die upon the cross with Thee, 
 
 Who art my Life of life ! 
 
 My soul is all o'erfraught, 
 
 O Jesus, dearest Friend, 
 With thankful love to Him who sought 
 
 Such woe for such an end. 
 
 Grant me as true a faith, 
 
 As Thou art true to me, 
 That so the icy sleep of death 
 
 Be but a rest in Thee. 
 
 Yes, when I must depart, 
 
 Depart Thou not from me ; 
 When Death is creeping to my heart, 
 
 Bear Thou mine agony. 
 
 When faith and courage sink, 
 
 O'erwhelm'd with dread dismay, 
 Come Thou who ne'er from pain didst shrink, 
 
 And chase my fears away. 
 
 Come to me ere I die, 
 My comfort and my shield ; 
 Then gazing on Thy cross can I 
 Calmly my spirit yield. 
 62 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 On Thee, when life is past, 
 My darkening eyes shall dwell, 
 My heart in faith shall hold Thee fast ; 
 Who dieth thus, dies well. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1659 
 
 BUT God commendeth His love toward 
 us, in that, while we were yet sinners, 
 Christ died for us. Rom. v. 8 
 
 THOU Holiest Love, whom most 1 love, 
 
 Who art my long'd-for only bliss, 
 Whom tenderest pity erst did move 
 
 To fathom woe and death's abyss, 
 Who once didst suffer for my good, 
 
 And die my guilty debts to pay, 
 Thou Lamb of God, whose precious blood 
 
 Can take a world's misdeeds away ; 
 
 Thou Love, who didst such anguish bear 
 
 Upon the Mount of agony, 
 And yet with ceaseless watchful care 
 
 Dost yearn o'er us so tenderly ; 
 Thou earnest not Thy will to seek, 
 
 But all Thy Father's will obey, 
 Bearing the cross in patience meek, 
 
 That Thou might'st take our curse away. 
 
 O Love, who with unflinching heart 
 Enduredst all disgrace and shame ; 
 
 O Love, who mid the keenest smart 
 Of dying pangs wert still the same ; 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Who didst Thy changeless virtue prove 
 E'en with Thy latest parting breath, 
 
 And spakest words of gentlest love 
 When soul and body sank in death ; 
 
 O Love, through sorrows manifold 
 
 Hast Thou betroth'd me as a bride, 
 By ceaseless gifts, by love untold, 
 
 Hast bound me ever to Thy side ; 
 O let the weary ache, the smart, 
 
 Of life's long tale of pain and loss, 
 Be gently still' d within my heart 
 
 At thought of Thee, and of Thy cross I 
 
 Love, who dying thus for me, 
 Hast won me an eternal good 
 
 Through sorest anguish on the tree, 
 I ever think upon Thy blood ; 
 
 1 ever thank Thy sacred wounds, 
 Thou wounded Love, Thou Holiest, 
 
 But most when life is near its bounds, 
 And in Thy bosom safe I rest. 
 
 Love, who unto death hast grieved 
 For this cold heart, unworthy Thine, 
 
 Whom once the chill dark grave received, 
 I thank Thee for that grief divine ; 
 
 1 give Thee thanks that Thou didst die 
 To win eternal life for me, 
 
 To bring salvation from on high ; 
 
 O draw me up through love to Thee ! 
 
 ANGELUS. 1657 
 
 64 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 faster j&ven 
 
 AND Joseph wrapped the body in a clean 
 linen cloth, and laid it in his own new 
 tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock. 
 
 From the Gospel 
 
 REST of the weary ! Thou 
 
 Thyself art resting now, 
 Where lowly in Thy sepulchre Thou liest : 
 
 From out her deathly sleep 
 
 My soul doth start, to weep 
 So sad a wonder, that Thou Saviour diest ! 
 
 Thy bitter anguish o'er, 
 
 To this dark tomb they bore 
 Thee, Life of Life Thee, Lord of all creation ! 
 
 The hollow rocky cave 
 
 Must serve Thee for a grave, 
 Who wast Thyself the Rock of our Salvation ! 
 
 O Prince of Life ! I know 
 
 That when I too lie low, 
 Thou wilt at last my soul from death awaken ; 
 
 And thus I will not shrink 
 
 From the grave's awful brink ; 
 The heart that trusts in Thee shall ne'er be shaken. 
 
 To me the darksome tomb 
 
 Is but a narrow room, 
 Where I may rest in peace from sorrow free ; 
 
 Thy death shall give me power 
 
 To cry in that dark hour, 
 O Death, O Grave, where is your victory ? 
 
 6 5 E 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The grave can nought destroy, 
 
 Only the flesh can die, 
 And e'en the body triumphs o'er decay : 
 
 Clothed by Thy wondrous might 
 
 In robes of dazzling light, 
 This flesh shall burst the grave at that last Day. 
 
 My Jesus, day by day, 
 
 Help me to watch and pray, 
 Beside the tomb were in my heart Thou'rt laid. 
 
 Thy bitter death shall be 
 
 My constant memory, 
 My guide at last into Death's awful shade. 
 
 S. FRANCK. 1711 
 
 Easter S)aj> /fcornfna 
 
 CHRIST being raised from the dead dieth 
 no more : death hath no more dominion 
 over Him. From the Anthem 
 
 IN the bonds of Death He lay, 
 
 Who for our offence was slain, 
 But the Lord is risen to-day, 
 
 Christ hath brought us life again. 
 Wherefore let us all rejoice, 
 Singing loud with cheerful voice 
 
 Hallelujah I 
 
 Of the sons of men was none 
 
 Who could break the bonds of Death, 
 Sin this mischief dire had none, 
 Innocent was none on earth ; 
 Wherefore Death grew strong and bold, 
 Death would all men captive hold. 
 
 Hallelujah ! 
 66 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Jesus Christ, God's only Son, 
 
 Came at last our foe to smite, 
 All our sins away hath done, 
 
 Done away Death's power and right, 
 Only the form of Death is left, 
 Of his sting he is bereft ; 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 
 'Twas a wondrous war, I trow, 
 
 When Life and Death together fought ; 
 But life hath triumph' d o'er his foe, 
 
 Death is mock'd and set at nought ; 
 Yea, 'tis as the Scripture saith, 
 Christ through death has conquer'd Death. 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 
 Now our Paschal Lamb is He, 
 And by Him alone we live, 
 Who to death upon the tree, 
 
 For our sake Himself did give. 
 Faith His blood strikes on our door, 
 Death dares never harm us more. 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 
 On this day most blest of days, 
 
 Let us keep high festival, 
 For our God hath show'd His grace, 
 
 And our Sun hath risen on all, 
 And our hearts rejoice to see 
 Sin and night before Him flee. 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 
 To the supper of the Lord, 
 
 Gladly will we come to-day, 
 The word of peace is now restored, 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The old leaven is put away ; 
 Christ will be our food alone, 
 Faith no life but His doth own. 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 LUTHER. 1524 
 
 Baeter 2>a Bvenfng 
 
 IF ye then be risen with Christ, seek those 
 things which are above, where Christ sitteth 
 on the right hand of God. 
 
 From the Epistle 
 
 O GLORIOUS Head, Thou livest now ! 
 
 Let us Thy members share Thy life ; 
 Canst Thou behold their need, nor bow 
 
 To raise Thy children from the strife 
 With self and sin, with death and dark distress, 
 That they may live to Thee in holiness ? 
 
 Earth knows Thee not, but evermore 
 Thou liv'st in Paradise, in peace ; 
 
 fain my soul would thither soar, 
 
 O let me from the creatures cease : 
 Dead to the world, but to Thy Spirit known, 
 
 1 live to Thee, O Prince of life, alone. 
 
 Break through my bonds whate'er it cost, 
 
 What is not Thine within me slay, 
 Give me the lot I covet most, 
 
 To rise as Thou hast risen to-day. 
 I nought can do, a slave to death I pine, 
 Work Thou in me, O Power and Life Divine ! 
 68 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Work Thou in me, and heavenward guide 
 My thoughts and wishes, that my heart 
 
 Waver no more nor turn aside, 
 But fix for ever where Thou art. 
 
 Thou art not far from us ; who loves Thee well, 
 
 While yet on earth in heaven with Thee may dwell. 
 
 TERSTEEGEN. 1731 
 
 in faster TXHeefc 
 
 AND they told what things were done in 
 the way, and how He ivas known to them 
 in breaking of bread. And as they thus 
 spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst 
 of them, and saith unto them, Peace be 
 unto you. From the Gospel 
 
 WELCOME Thou victor in the strife, 
 
 Now welcome from the cave ! 
 To-day we triumph in Thy life 
 
 Around Thine empty grave. 
 
 Our enemy is put to shame, 
 His short-lived triumph o'er ; 
 
 Our God is with us, we exclaim, 
 We fear our foe no more. 
 
 The dwellings of the just resound 
 
 With songs of victory ; 
 For in their midst, Lord, Thou art found, 
 
 And bringest peace with Thee. 
 69 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O share with us the spoils, we pray, 
 
 Thou diedst to achieve ; 
 \Ve meet within Thy house to-day 
 
 Our portion to receive : 
 
 And let Thy conquering banner wave 
 O'er hearts Thou makest free, 
 
 And point the path that from the grave 
 Leads heavenward up to Thee. 
 
 We bury all our sin and crime 
 
 Deep in our Saviour's tomb, 
 And seek the treasure there, that time 
 
 Nor change can e'er consume. 
 
 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 tomb, 
 
 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. 
 
 SCHMOLK. 1712 
 
 70 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 fn J6a0ter TKHeefc 
 
 / KNOW that my Redeemer liveth . . . 
 
 and though after my skin worms destroy 
 
 this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. 
 
 Job xix. 25, 26 
 
 FOR this corruptible must put on incor- 
 ruption, and this mortal must put on 
 immortality. From the Lesson 
 
 JESUS my Redeemer lives, 
 
 Christ my trust is dead no more ; 
 
 In the strength this knowledge gives 
 Shall not all my fears be o'er, 
 
 Though the night of Death be fraught 
 
 Still with many an anxious thought ? 
 
 Jesus, my Redeemer lives, 
 
 And His life I once shall see ; 
 Bright the hope this promise gives, 
 
 Where He is I too shall be. 
 Shall I fear then ? Can the Head 
 Rise and leave the members dead ? 
 
 Close to Him my soul is bound 
 In the bonds of Hope enclasp'd ; 
 
 Faith's strong hand this hold hath found, 
 And the Rock hath firmly grasp' d : 
 
 And no ban of death can part 
 
 From our Lord the trusting heart. 
 
 I shall see Him with these eyes, 
 Him whom I shall surely know ; 
 
 Not another shall I rise, 
 
 With His love this heart shall glow ; 
 
 Only there shall disappear 
 
 Weakness in and round me here. 
 7* 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Ye who suffer, sigh, and moan, 
 
 Fresh and glorious there shall reign ; 
 Earthly here the seed is sown, 
 Heavenly it shall rise again ; 
 Natural here the death we die, 
 Spiritual our life on high. 
 
 Body, be thou of good cheer, 
 
 In thy Saviour's care rejoice, 
 Give not place to gloom and fear, 
 
 Dead, thou yet shalt know His voice, 
 When the final trump is heard, 
 And the deaf cold grave is stirr'd. 
 
 Laugh to scorn then death and hell, 
 Laugh to scorn the gloomy grave ; 
 
 Caught into the air to dwell 
 
 With the Lord who comes to save, 
 
 We shall trample on our foes, 
 
 Mortal weakness, fear and woes. 
 
 Only see ye that your heart 
 
 Rise betimes from earthly lust ; 
 
 Would ye there with Him have part, 
 Here obey your Lord and trust, 
 
 Fix your hearts beyond the skies, 
 
 Whither ye yourselves would rise. 
 
 LOUISA HENRIETTA, 
 Electress of Brandenburgh. 1653 
 
 72 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 fitst Sunday after faster 
 
 GOD hath given to us eternal life, and this 
 life is in His Son. From the Epistle 
 
 WHAT had I been if Thou wert not ? 
 
 What were I now if Thou wert gone ? 
 Ah, fear and anguish were my lot. 
 
 In this wide world I stood alone ; 
 Whatever I loved were safe no more, 
 
 The future were a dark abyss ; 
 To whom could I my sorrows pour, 
 
 If Thee my laden heart should miss ? 
 
 Longing for love through lonely years, 
 
 The gloom of night came o'er my day ; 
 I follow'd, yet with secret tears, 
 
 The world's wild joys, and own'd her sway ; 
 Till restless from her turmoil driven, 
 
 I turn'd within, and grief was there : 
 Ah, had we not a Friend in heaven, 
 
 Who, who his lot on earth could bear ! 
 
 But when Thou mak'st Thy presence felt, 
 
 And when the soul hath grasp' d Thee right, 
 How fast the dreary shadows melt 
 
 Beneath Thy warm and living light ! 
 In Thee I find a nobler birth, 
 
 A glory o'er the world I see, 
 And Paradise returns to earth, 
 
 And blooms again for us in Thee. 
 
 Thou strong and loving Son of Man, 
 
 Redeemer from the bonds of sin, 
 'Tis Thou the living spark dost ian 
 
 That sets my heart on fire within. 
 73 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thou openest heaven once more to men, 
 The soul's true home, Thy Kingdom, Lord, 
 
 And I can trust and hope again, 
 And feel myself akin to God. 
 
 Brethren, go forth beside all ways, 
 
 The wanderer greet with outstretch'd hand. 
 And call him back who darkly strays, 
 
 And bid him join our gladsome band. 
 That Heaven hath stoop'd to earth below, 
 
 Proclaim the glad news everywhere, 
 That all may learn our faith, and know 
 
 They too may find an entrance there. 
 
 After NOVALIS. About 1795 
 
 Second Sunfcag after faster 
 
 JES US said, I am the Good Shepherd : 
 the Good Shepherd giveth His life for 
 His sheep. From the Gospel 
 
 LOVING Shepherd, kind and true, 
 
 Wilt Thou not in pity come 
 To Thy Lamb ? As shepherds do, 
 
 Bear me in Thy bosom home ; 
 Take me hence from earth's annoy 
 To Thy home of endless joy. 
 
 See how I have gone astray 
 
 In this earthly wilderness ; 
 Come and take me soon away 
 
 To Thy flock who dwell in bliss, 
 And Thy glory, Lord, behold, 
 Safe within Thy heavenly fold. 
 74 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 For I fain would gaze on Thee, 
 
 With the lambs to whom 'tis given 
 
 That they feed, from danger free, 
 In the happy fields of heaven ; 
 
 Praising Thee, all terrors o'er, 
 
 Never can they wander more. 
 
 Here I live in sore distress, 
 
 Fearing, watching, hour by hour ; 
 
 For my foes around me press, 
 
 And I know their craft and power : 
 
 Lord, Thy lamb can never be 
 
 Safe one moment, but with Thee. 
 
 O Lord Jesus, let me not 
 
 'Mid the ravening wolves e'er fall, 
 Help me as a shepherd ought, 
 
 That I may escape them all : 
 Bear me homeward in Thy breast, 
 To Thy fold of endless rest. 
 
 ANGELUS. 1657 
 
 Gbtrfc Sunday atter faster 
 
 A ND ye now therefore have sorrow ; but 
 I will see you again, and your heart shall 
 rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from 
 you. From the Gospel 
 
 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 now to heaven her flight. 
 
 75 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 He whom this world dares not face 
 Hath refresh'd me with His grace, 
 And His mighty hand unbound 
 Chains of hell about me wound ; 
 
 Quicker, stronger, leaps my blood, 
 Since His mercy, like a flood, 
 Pour'd o'er all my heart for good. 
 
 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. 
 
 Once a pain that would not cease 
 Gnaw'd my heart without release, 
 Sorrow bow'd me 'neath her yoke, 
 Then in sadness oft I spoke : 
 76 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Now no hope is left for me, 
 
 And no rest, until I be 
 
 Whelm' d beneath Death's sunless sea. 
 
 But when I was worn with care, 
 Fill'd with dread well-nigh despair ; 
 When with watching many a night, 
 On me fell pale sickness' blight ; 
 
 When my courage fail'd me fast, 
 Camest Thou, my God, at last, 
 And my woes were quickly past. 
 
 Yea, Thou God didst make an end, 
 Thou such help and strength didst send, 
 That I nevermore can praise 
 As I ought, Thy matchless grace ; 
 
 When I sought with anxious fear, 
 And could see no refuge here, 
 Lo ! I found Thy help was near. 
 
 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. 
 77 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 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. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1659 
 
 jfourtb Sunday after J6a0ter 
 
 IT is expedient for you that I go away, 
 for if I go not away, the Comforter will 
 not come unto you. From the Gospel 
 
 TIOLY Ghost! my Comforter ! 
 Now from highest heaven appear, 
 Shed Thy gracious radiance here. 
 
 Come to them who suffer dearth, 
 With Thy gifts of priceless worth, 
 Lighten all who dwell on earth ! 
 
 Thou the heart's most precious guest, 
 Thou of comforters the best, 
 Give to us, the o'er-laden, rest. 
 
 Come, in Thee our toil is sweet, 
 Shelter from the noon-day heat, 
 From whom sorrow flieth fleet. 
 
 Blessed Sun of Grace ! O'er all 
 Faithful hearts who on Thee call, 
 Let Thy joy and solace fall. 
 78 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 What without Thy aid is wrought, 
 
 Skilful deed or wisest thought, 
 
 God will count but vain and nought. 
 
 Cleanse us, Lord, from sinful stain, 
 O'er the parched heart oh rain, 
 Heal the wounded from its pain. 
 
 Bend the stubborn will to Thine, 
 Melt the cold with fire divine, 
 Erring hearts aright incline. 
 
 Grant us, Lord, who cry to Thee, 
 Steadfast in the faith to be, 
 Give Thy gifts of charity. 
 
 May we live in holiness, 
 And in death find happiness, 
 And abide with Thee in bliss ! 
 
 Translation of the i?th century after 
 
 KING ROBERT OF FRANCE. 
 
 About A.D. looo 
 
 ytftb Sunday attet faster 
 
 THESE things have I spoken unto you, 
 that in me ye might have peace. In the 
 world ye shall have tribulation ; but be of 
 good cheer, I have overcome the world. 
 
 From the Gospel 
 
 CHRIST Thou the champion of that war-worn 
 
 host 
 
 Who bear Thy cross, haste, help, or we are lost ; 
 79 
 
LYRA GERMANTCA 
 
 The schemes of those who long our blood have 
 sought 
 
 Bring Thou to nought. 
 
 Do Thou Thyself for us Thy children fight, 
 Withstand the devil, quell his rage and might, 
 Whate'er assails Thy members left below 
 Do Thou o'er throw : 
 
 And give us peace ; peace in the church and 
 
 school, 
 
 Peace to the powers who o'er our country rule, 
 Peace to the conscience, peace within the heart, 
 Do Thou impart. 
 
 So shall Thy goodness here be still adored, 
 Thou guardian of Thy little flock, dear Lord, 
 And heaven and earth through all eternity 
 Shall worship Thee. 
 
 LOWENSTERN. 
 
 During the Thirty Years' War 
 
 Bscensfon Bag 
 
 THIS same Jesus which is taken, up 
 from you into heaven, shall so come, 
 in like manner as ye have seen Him 
 go into heaven. From the Epistle 
 
 LORD, on earth I dwell in pain ; 
 
 Here in anguish 1 must lie ; 
 Wherefore leav'st Thou me again, 
 
 Why ascendest Thou on high ? 
 Take me, take me hence with Thee, 
 Or abide, Lord, still in me ; 
 Let Thy love and gifts be left, 
 That 1 be not all bereft. 
 80 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Leave Thy heart with me behind, 
 Take mine hence with Thee away ; 
 
 Let my sighs an entrance find 
 To Thy heaven whene'er I pray. 
 
 When I cannot pray, oh plead 
 
 With Thy Father in my stead ; 
 
 Seated now at God's right hand, 
 
 Help us here Thy faithful band. 
 
 Help me earthly toys to spurn, 
 
 Raise my thoughts from things below ; 
 
 Mortal am I, yet I yearn 
 
 Heavenly like my Lord to grow, 
 
 That my time through faith may be 
 
 Order 'd for eternity ; 
 
 Till we rise, all perils o'er, 
 
 Whither Thou hast gone before. 
 
 In due season come again, 
 
 As was promised us of old ; 
 Raise the members that have lain 
 
 Gnaw'd of death beneath the mould. 
 Judge the evil world that deems 
 Thy sure words but empty dreams ; 
 Then for all our sorrows past, 
 Let us know Thy joy at last. 
 
 NEUMANN. 1700 
 
 81 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 aftec Bscensfon Dag 
 
 THESE all confessed that they were, 
 strangers and pilgrims on the earth. . . . 
 For they desired a better country, that is, 
 an heavenly ; wherefore God is not 
 ashamed to be called their God : for He 
 hath prepared for them a city. 
 
 Heb. xi. 13, 16 
 
 HEAVENWARD doth our journey tend, 
 We are strangers here on earth, 
 
 Through the wilderness we wend 
 Towards the Canaan of our birth. 
 
 Here we roam a pilgrim band, 
 
 Yonder is our native land. 
 
 Heavenward stretch, my soul, thy wings, 
 Heavenly nature canst thou claim, 
 
 There is nought of earthly things 
 Worthy to be all thine aim ; 
 
 Every soul that God inspires 
 
 Back to Him, its Source, aspires. 
 
 Heavenward ! doth His Spirit cry, 
 When I hear Him in His Word, 
 
 Showing thus the rest on high, 
 Where I shall be with my Lord : 
 
 When His Word fills all my thought, 
 
 Oft to heaven my soul is caught. 
 
 Heavenward ever would I haste, 
 When Thy table, Lord, is spread ; 
 
 Heavenly strength on earth I taste, 
 Feeding on the Living Bread ; 
 
 Such is e'en on earth our fare, 
 
 Who Thy marriage feast shall share. 
 82 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Heavenward ! Faith discerns the prize 
 
 That is waiting us afar, 
 And my heart would swiftly rise. 
 
 High o'er sun and moon and star. 
 To that Light behind the veil 
 Where all earthly splendours pale. 
 
 Heavenward Death shall lead at last, 
 To the home where I would be, 
 
 All my sorrows overpast, 
 
 I shall triumph there with Thee, 
 
 Jesus, who hast gone before, 
 
 That we too might Heavenward soar. 
 
 Heavenward ! Heavenward ! Only this 
 Is my watchword on the earth ; 
 
 For the love of heavenly bliss 
 Counting all things little worth. 
 
 Heavenward all my being tends, 
 
 Till in Heaven my journey ends. 
 
 SCHMOLCK. 1731 
 
 Tidbit Sunfcas 
 
 1 WILL pray the Father, and He shall 
 give you another Comforter, that He may 
 abide with you for ever, even the Spirit 
 of Truth. From the Gospel 
 
 COME, deck our feast to-clay 
 With flowers and wreaths of May, 
 
 And bring an offering pure and sweet ; 
 The Spirit of all grace 
 Makes earth His dwelling-place, 
 
 Prepare your hearts your Lord to meet ; 
 83 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Receive Him, and He shall outpour 
 Such light, all hearts with joy run o'er. 
 And sound of tears is heard no more. 
 
 Thou harbinger of peace, 
 
 Who makest sorrows cease, 
 Wisdom in word and deed is Thine ; 
 
 Strong hand of God, Thy seal 
 
 The loved of Jesus feel ; 
 Pure Light, o'er all our pathway shine ! 
 
 Give vigorous life and healthy powers, 
 
 Oh let Thy sevenfold gifts be ours. 
 
 Refresh us with Thy gracious showers ! 
 
 O touch our tongues \vith flame, 
 
 When speaking Jesu's name ! 
 And lead us up the heavenward road. 
 
 Give us the power to pray, 
 
 Teach us what words to say, 
 Whene'er we come before our God. 
 
 O Highest Good, our spirits cheer, 
 
 When raging foes are strong and near, 
 
 Give us brave hearts undimm'd by fear. 
 
 O golden rain from heaven ! 
 
 Thy precious dews be given 
 To bless the churches' barren field ! 
 
 And let Thy waters flow, 
 
 Where'er the sowers sow 
 The seed of truth, that it may yield 
 
 A hundred-fold its living fruit, 
 
 O'er all the land may take deep root, 
 
 And mighty branches heavenward shoot. 
 84 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thou fiery glow of Love ! 
 
 Let us Thy ardours prove, 
 Consume our hearts with quenchless fire ! 
 
 Come, O Thou trackless Wind ! 
 
 Breathe gently o'er our mind ! 
 Nor let the flesh to rule aspire ; 
 
 Help us our free-born right to take, 
 
 The heavy yoke of sin to break, 
 
 And all her tempting paths forsake. 
 
 Be it Thine to stir our will ; 
 
 Our good intents fulfil ; 
 Be with us when we go and come ; 
 
 Deep in our spirits dwell, 
 
 And make their inmost cell 
 Thy temple pure, Thy holy home ! 
 
 Teach us to know our Lord, that we 
 
 May call His Father ours through Thee, 
 
 Thou Pledge of glories yet to be ! 
 
 O make our crosses sweet, 
 
 And let Thy sunshine greet 
 Our longing eyes in clouded hours ! 
 
 Wing Thou our upward flight 
 
 Toward yonder mountain bright, 
 Girded about with Zion's golden towers ! 
 
 Forsake us not when our last foe 
 
 Puts forth his strength to lay us low, 
 
 Then joyful victory bestow ! 
 
 Let us, while here we dwell, 
 
 This one thought ponder well, 
 That in God's likeness we are made. 
 
 As o'er a fruitful land 
 
 Rich harvests waving stand, 
 We, serving Him, bear fruits that never fade, 
 
 85 
 
LYRA GERMANIC A 
 
 Till Thou in whom all comfort lies, 
 Lift us to fields above the skies, 
 And bid us bloom in Paradise ! 
 
 SCHMOLCK. 1715 
 
 in TKUbftaun TKHeefc 
 
 WOULD God that all the Lord's people 
 were prophets, and that the Lord would 
 put His Spirit upon them ? 
 
 From the Lesson 
 
 COME to Thy temple here on earth, 
 
 Be Thou my spirit's guest, 
 Who givest us of mortal birth 
 
 A second birth more blest ; 
 Spirit beloved, Thou mighty Lord, 
 
 Who with the Father and the Son 
 
 Reignest upon an equal throne, 
 Art equally adored ! 
 
 O enter, let me feel and know 
 
 Thy mighty power within, 
 That can alone our help bestow, 
 
 And rescue us from sin. 
 
 cleanse my soul and make it white, 
 That I with heart unstain'd and true, 
 May daily render service due, 
 
 And honour Thee aright. 
 
 1 was a wild unfruitful vine 
 
 Which Thou shouldst prune and train ; 
 Death pierced through all this life of mine, 
 But Thou my foe hast slain. 
 86 
 
LYRA GEFMANICA 
 
 Thy holy baptism is his grave, 
 He perishes beneath the flood 
 Of His most precious death and blood, 
 
 Who died our life to save. 
 
 Thou art the Spirit who dost teach 
 
 To pray aright, for all 
 Our prayers are heard if Thou beseech, 
 
 Thy songs have sweetest fall. 
 They soar on tireless wings to heaven, 
 
 They fail not from before God's throne, 
 
 Till all His goodness we have known 
 By whom all help is given. 
 
 Thou art the Spirit of all joy, 
 
 Sadness Thou lovest not ; 
 Thy comfort beaming from on high, 
 
 Lights up the darkest lot. 
 Ah yes, how many a time of old 
 
 Thy voice hath rapt my soul away, 
 
 To yon bright halls of endless day, 
 And oped the gates of gold ! 
 
 Thou art the Spirit of all love, 
 
 The Friend of kindly life, 
 Thou wouldst not that our hearts should prove 
 
 The pangs of wrath and strife. 
 Thou hatest hatred's withering reign, 
 
 In souls that discord maketh dark 
 
 Dost Thou rekindle love's bright spark, 
 And make them one again. 
 
 On Thee is all this world upstaid, 
 
 And in Thy hands doth rest ; 
 And Thou canst wayward hearts persuade 
 
 To turn as seems Thee best : 
 87 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O therefore give Thy love and peace, 
 That they may join in strongest bands 
 Long parted foes, and through our lands 
 
 These sad divisions cease. 
 
 Thou art the true, the only Source 
 
 Whence concord comes to men ; 
 O that Thy power might have free course 
 
 And bring us peace again ! 
 O hear, and stem this mighty flood 
 
 That o'er us death and sorrow spreads ; 
 
 Alas ! each day afresh it sheds 
 Like water human blood. 
 
 And let our nation learn to know 
 
 What, and how deep, our sin ; 
 Nay, let God's judgments come, if so 
 
 A fire be lit within 
 The hearts that loved themselves to please : 
 
 In bitter shame now let them burn, 
 
 And loving Thee, repentant spurn 
 Their selfish worldly ease. 
 
 Grace for the contrite heart abounds, 
 
 Joy to the sad is given ; 
 To serve God's truth will heal our wounds, 
 
 And bring us help from heaven ; 
 Lord, for Thine honour's sake, make known 
 
 Thy power, convert the wicked now, 
 
 And teach the hard to weep, for Thou 
 Canst soften steel and stone ! 
 
 Arise and make an end of all 
 
 Our heartache, and our pain ; 
 Thy wandering flock at last recall 
 
 And grant them joy again ; 
 88 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 To peace and wealth the lands restore, 
 Wasted with fire or plague or sword < 
 Come to Thy ruin'd churches, Lord. 
 
 And bid them bloom once more ! 
 
 The rulers of our land defend, 
 Our sovereign's throne uphold ; 
 
 That he and we may prosper, send 
 True wisdom to the old ; 
 
 With piety the young men bless, 
 And through the nation shed abroad 
 True virtue and the fear of God, 
 
 A nation's happiness. 
 
 Fill every heart with holy zeal 
 
 To keep the faith unstain'd ; 
 Let house and land Thy blessing feel, 
 
 Whence all true wealth is gain'd. 
 Him who resists Thy inward powers, 
 
 The Evil Spirit, make Thou flee ; 
 
 Whate'er delights Thy heart, would he 
 Fain root from out of ours. 
 
 Give strong and cheerful hearts to stand 
 
 Undaunted in the wars 
 That Satan's fierce and mighty band 
 
 Is waging with Thy cause. 
 Help us to fight as warriors brave, 
 
 That we may conquer in the field, 
 
 And not one Christian man may yield 
 His soul to sin a slave. 
 
 Order according to Thy mind 
 
 Our life from day to day, 
 And when this life must be resign'd, 
 
 And death has seized his prey, 
 89 
 
LYRA GERMANTCA 
 
 When all our days have fleeted by, 
 Help us to die with fearless spirit, 
 And let us after death inherit 
 
 Eternal life on high. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 
 During the Thirty Years' War 
 
 in TKUbfteim Wieek 
 
 HEREBY know ye the Spirit of God. 
 Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus 
 Christ is come in the flesh is of God. 
 
 From the Lesson 
 
 COME, Holy Spirit, God and Lord, 
 Be all Thy graces now outpour'd 
 On the believer's mind and soul, 
 And touch our hearts with living coal. 
 Thy Light this day shone forth so clear, 
 All tongues and nations gather'd near, 
 To learn that faith, for which we bring 
 Glad praise to Thee, and loudly sing, 
 
 Hallelujah, Hallelujah ! 
 
 Thou Strong Defence, Thou Holy Light, 
 Teach us to know our God aright, 
 And call Him Father from the heart : 
 The Word of life and truth impart, 
 That we may love not doctrines strange, 
 Nor e'er to other teachers range, 
 But Jesus for our Master own 
 And put our trust in Him alone. 
 
 Hallelujah, Hallelujah ! 
 90 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thou Sacred Ardour, Comfort Sweet, 
 Help us to wait with ready feet 
 And willing heart at Thy command, 
 Nor trial fright us from Thy band. 
 Lord, make us ready with Thy powers, 
 Strengthen the flesh in weaker hours, 
 That as good warriors we may force 
 Through life and death to Thee our course. 
 
 Hallelujah, Hallelujah ! 
 
 LUTHER. 1524 
 
 AND God said, Let us make man in 
 our image. From the Lesson 
 
 MOST High and Holy Trinity ! 
 
 Who of Thy mercy mild 
 Hast form'd me here in Time, to be 
 
 Thy image and Thy child : 
 O let me love Thee day and night 
 With all my soul, with all my might ; 
 O come, Thyself my soul prepare, 
 And make Thy dwelling ever there ! 
 
 Father ! replenish with Thy grace 
 
 This longing heart of mine, 
 Make it Thy quiet dwelling-place, 
 
 Thy sacred inmost shrine ! 
 Forgive that oft my spirit wears 
 Her time and strength in trivial cares 
 Enfold her in Thy changeless peace, 
 So she from all but Thee may cease ! 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O God the Son ! Thy wisdom's light 
 
 On my dark reason pour ; 
 Forgive that things of sense and sight 
 
 Were all her joy of yore ; 
 Henceforth let every thought and deed 
 On Thee be fix'd, from Thee proceed, 
 Draw me to Thee, for I would rise 
 Above these earthly vanities ! 
 
 O Holy Ghost ! Thou fire of love, 
 
 Enkindle with Thy flame my will ; 
 Come with Thy strength, Lord, from above, 
 
 Help me Thy bidding to fulfil : 
 Forgive that I so oft have done 
 What I as sinful ought to shun ; 
 Let me with pure and quenchless fire 
 Thy favour and Thyself desire ! 
 
 Most High and Holy Trinity 1 
 
 Draw me away far hence, 
 And fix upon eternity 
 
 All powers of soul and sense ! 
 Make me at one within ; at one 
 With Thee on earth ; when life is done 
 Take me to dwell in light with Thee, 
 Most High and Holy Trinity ! 
 
 ANGELUS. 1657 
 
 jfiret SunfcaE after (Trinity 
 
 GOD is Love . . . and herein is love, not 
 that we loved God, but that He loved us. 
 
 From the Epistle 
 
 ON wings of faith, ye thoughts, fly hence, 
 
 Roam o'er Eternity's vast field, 
 Surpass the bounds of time and sense, 
 92 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And rise to Him, who hath reveal'd 
 That He is Love : there pause, and awestruck 
 
 view 
 That ancient love with every morning new ! 
 
 Ere earth's foundations yet were laid, 
 
 Or heaven's fair roof was spread abroad, 
 Ere man a living soul was made, 
 
 Love stirr'd within the heart of God ; 
 Love fill'd the long futurity with good, 
 And grace to help at need beside her stood. 
 
 'Twas Love whose counsel gave to me 
 
 True life in Christ Thy only Son, 
 Whom Thou hast made our Way to Thee, 
 From whom all grace flows ever down ; 
 Whose sacrifice can make us pure and whole, 
 And bless and hallow all our inmost soul. 
 
 'Twas Love, that long ere time began, 
 
 That precious name of child bestow'd ; 
 That open'd Heaven on earth to man, 
 
 And call'd us sinners sons of God ; 
 Whose gracious promptings move the Father's 
 
 hand, 
 That on the page of life our names may stand 
 
 Ah happy hours, whene'er upsprings 
 
 My soul to yon Eternal Source, 
 Whence the glad river downward sings, 
 
 Watering with goodness all my course, 
 So that each passing day anew I prove 
 How tender and how true my Father's love I 
 93 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 For what am I ? At His command 
 
 The million creatures of His power 
 Start into life on sea and land ; 
 
 O why should God such blessings shower 
 On me, who am a leaf that fadeth fast, 
 A little shifting dust before the blast ! 
 
 I am not worthy, Lord, that Thou 
 
 Shouldst such compassion on me show ; 
 That He who made the world should bow 
 
 To cheer with love a wretch so low. 
 O Father, I would utterly resign 
 Myself to Thee ; take me, and make me Thine. 
 
 When strength and heart grow faint and sad, 
 
 From battling long with heavy pain, 
 Thy smile shines forth to make me glad, 
 
 Thou crown est me with joy again ; 
 Then I behold Thy Spirit's wondrous power, 
 Whose work is mightiest in our weakest hour. 
 
 Forth from Thy rich and bounteous store 
 
 Life's common blessings daily flow ; 
 More than we dare to ask, far more 
 
 Than we deserve, dost Thou bestow. 
 My heart dissolves in tears of thankfulness, 
 To see how true Thy care, how quick to bless. 
 
 Nor here alone : hope pierces far 
 
 Through all the shades of earth and time ; 
 Faith mounts beyond the farthest star. 
 
 Yon shining heights she loves to climb, 
 And gazing on eternity behold 
 The promised land, our heritage of old. 
 94 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Can I with loveless heart receive 
 
 Tokens of love that never cease ? 
 Can I be thankless still, and grieve 
 
 Him who is all my joy and peace ? 
 Ah Friend of Man, were I to turn from Thee. 
 Myself were sure my own worst enemy. 
 
 Could I but honour Thee aright, 
 
 Noble and sweet my song should be, 
 That earth and heaven should learn Thy might, 
 
 And what my God hath done for me. 
 There is no music sweet as is Thy name, 
 No joy so deep as pondering o'er Thy fame. 
 
 O heart redeem'd ! thou think'st it long 
 
 Till the appointed hour be come, 
 When thou shalt join the angels' song 
 
 To that Fair Love that brought thee home. 
 Have patience, heart ; time hurries fast away 
 Soon shalt thou reach the one Eternal Day. 
 
 J. G. HERMANN. 1747 
 
 Second Sun&aE after 
 
 A ND this is His commandment ; That 
 ive should believe on the name of His 
 Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, 
 as He gave us commandment. 
 
 From the Epistle 
 
 HEART and heart together bound, 
 
 Seek in God your true repose, 
 In your love the price be found 
 
 Of your Saviour's love and woes ; 
 95 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 We the members, He the Head, 
 He the sun, we beams He showers, 
 
 Brethren by one Master led, 
 We are His, and He is ours. 
 
 Children of His realm draw near, 
 
 Make your covenant stronger still, 
 From your hearts allegiance swear 
 
 Unto Him who conquer 'd ill. 
 If your bonds are yet too weak, 
 
 If but fragile yet they prove, 
 Help from His good Spirit seek 
 
 Who can steel the chains of love. 
 
 Only such love will suffice, 
 
 As the love that dwells in Him, 
 Love that from the cross ne'er flies, 
 
 Love that spares not life or limb ; 
 'Twas for sinners He was slain, 
 
 'Twas for foes He shed His blood, 
 That His death for all might gain 
 
 Endless life the Highest Good. 
 
 Thus, O truest Friend, unite 
 
 All Thy consecrated band, 
 That their hearts be set aright 
 
 To fulfil Thy last command. 
 Each must onward urge his friend, 
 
 Helping him in word and deed, 
 Love's blest pathway to ascend, 
 
 Following on where Thou dost lead. 
 
 Thou who dost command that all 
 Practise love who bear Thy name, 
 
 Wake the dead, new followers call, 
 Touch the slothful with Thy flame. 
 96 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Let ns live, O Lord, at one, 
 
 As Thou with the Father art, 
 That through all the world be none 
 
 Of Thy members left apart. 
 
 Then were given what Thou hast sought, 
 
 In the Son were all men freed, 
 And the world at last were taught 
 
 That Thy rule is blest indeed. 
 Father of all souls, we praise 
 
 Thee who shines t in the Son ; 
 Lord, to Thee our hymns we raise, 
 
 Who hast all men to Thee drawn ! 
 
 After ZINZENDORF. About 1731 
 
 after Grfnftg 
 
 CAST all your care upon Him, for He 
 careth for you. 
 
 From the Epistle 
 
 WHAT within me and without, 
 
 Hourly on my spirit weighs, 
 Burdening heart and soul with doubt, 
 
 Darkening all my weary days : 
 In it I behold Thy will, 
 
 God, who givest rest and peace, 
 And my heart is calm and still, 
 
 Waiting till Thou send release. 
 
 God ! Thou art my rock of strength, 
 And my home is in Thine arms, 
 
 Thou wilt send me help at length. 
 And I feel no wild alarms. 
 
 97 G 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Sin nor Death can pierce the shield 
 Thy defence has o'er me thrown, 
 
 Up to Thee myself I yield, 
 
 And my sorrows are Thine own. 
 
 Thou my shelter from the blast, 
 
 Thou my strong defence art ever ; 
 Though my sorrows thicken fast, 
 
 Yet I know Thou leav'st me never ; 
 When my foe puts forth his might, 
 
 And would tread me in the dust, 
 To this rock I take my flight, 
 
 And I conquer him through trust. 
 
 When my trials tarry long, 
 
 Unto Thee I look and wait, 
 Knowing none, though keen and strong, 
 
 Can my faith in Thee abate. 
 And this faith I long have nurst, 
 
 Comes alone, O God, from Thee ; 
 Thou my heart didst open first, 
 
 Thou didst set this hope in me. 
 
 Christians, cast on Him your load, 
 
 To your tower of refuge fly ; 
 Know He is the Living God, 
 
 Ever to His creatures nigh. 
 Seek his ever-open door 
 
 In your hours of utmost need ; 
 All your hearts before Him pour, 
 
 He will send you help with speed. 
 
 But hast thou some darling plan, 
 Cleaving to the things of earth ? 
 
 Leanest thou for aid on man ? 
 
 Thou wilt find him nothing worth. 
 98 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Rather trust the One alone 
 
 Whose is endless power and love, 
 
 And the help He gives His ovvn, 
 Thou in very deed shalt prove. 
 
 Yea, on Thee, my God, I rest, 
 
 Letting life float calmly on, 
 For I know the last is best, 
 
 When the crown of joy is won. 
 In Thy might all things I bear, 
 
 In Thy love find bitters sweet, 
 And with all my grief and care 
 
 Sit in patience at Thy feet. 
 
 O my soul, why art thou vex'd ? 
 
 Let things go as e'en they will ; 
 Though to Thee they seem'd perplex'd, 
 
 Yet His order they fulfil. 
 Here He is thy strength and guard, 
 
 Power to harm thee here has none ; 
 Yonder will He each reward 
 
 For the works he here has done. 
 
 Let Thy mercy's wings be spread 
 
 O'er me, keep me close to Thee, 
 In the peace Thy love doth shed, 
 
 Let me dwell eternally. 
 Be my All ; in all I do 
 
 Let me only seek Thy will, 
 Where the heart to Thee is true, 
 
 All is peaceful, calm and still. 
 
 A. H. FRANKE. 1663-1727 
 
 99 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 ffourtb Sunday after arfnftg 
 
 I RECKON that the sufferings of this 
 present time are not worthy to be compared 
 with the glory that shall be revealed in us. 
 
 From the Epistle 
 
 WOULDST thou inherit life with Christ on high ? 
 
 Then count the cost, and know 
 
 That here on earth below 
 
 Thou needs must suffer with thy Lord and die. 
 We reach that gain to which all else is loss, 
 
 But through the cross. 
 
 O think what sorrows Christ Himself has known ! 
 
 The scorn, and anguish sore, 
 
 The bitter death He bore, 
 Ere He ascended to His heavenly throne ; 
 And deemest thou, thou canst with right com- 
 plain, 
 
 Whate'er thy pain ? 
 
 Not e'en the sharpest sorrows we can feel, 
 Nor keenest pangs ; we dare 
 With that great bliss compare 
 When God His glory shall in us reveal, 
 That shall endure when our brief woes are o'er 
 For evermore ! 
 
 SIMON DACH. 1640 
 
LYRA GFRMANICA 
 
 fflttb SunfcaE attev 
 
 AND who is he that will harm you, if 
 ye be followers of that which is good ? 
 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' 
 sake, happy are ye ; and be not afraid 
 of their terror, neither be troubled ; but 
 sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. 
 
 From the Epistle 
 
 IF God be on my side, 
 
 Then let who will oppose, 
 For oft ere now to Him I cried, 
 
 And He hath quell'd my foes. 
 
 If Jesus be my Friend, 
 
 If God doth love me well, 
 What matters all my foes intend, 
 
 Though strong they be and fell ? 
 
 Here I can firmly rest, 
 
 I dare to boast of this, 
 That God the Highest and the Best, 
 
 My Friend and Father is. 
 
 From dangerous snares He saves, 
 
 Where'er He bids me go 
 He checks the storms and calms the waves 
 
 That nought can work me woe. 
 
 I rest upon the ground 
 
 Of Jesus and His blood, 
 For 'tis through Him that I have found 
 
 The True Eternal Good. 
 
 Nought have I of mine own, 
 
 Nought in the life I lead, 
 What Christ hath given me, that alone 
 
 Is worth all love indeed. 
 101 
 
GEUMANICA 
 
 His Spirit in me dwells, 
 O'er all my mind He reigns, 
 
 All care and sadness He dispels, 
 And soothes away all pains. 
 He prospers day by day 
 His work within my heart, 
 
 Till I have strength and faith to say, 
 Thou God my Father art ! 
 
 When weakness on me lies, 
 And tempts me to despair, 
 
 He speaketh words and utters sighs 
 Of more than mortal prayer ; 
 But what no tongue can tell, 
 Thou God canst hear and see, 
 
 Who readest in the heart full well 
 If aught there pleaseth Thee. 
 
 He whispers in my breast 
 
 Sweet words of holy cheer, 
 How he who seeks in God his rest 
 
 Shall ever find Him near ; 
 
 How God hath built above 
 
 A city fair and new, 
 Where eye and heart shall see and prove 
 
 W T hat faith has counted true. 
 
 There is prepared on high 
 
 My heritage, my lot ; 
 Though here on earth I sink and die, 
 
 My heaven shall fail me not. 
 
 Though here my days are dark, 
 
 And oft my tears must rain, 
 Whene'er my Saviour's Light I mark, 
 
 Lo, all is bright again. 
 102 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Who joins him to that Lord 
 Whom Satan flies and hates, 
 
 Shall find himself despised, abhorr'd, 
 For him the burden waits 
 Of mockery and shame, 
 Heap'd on his guiltless head ; 
 
 And crosses, trials, cruel blame, 
 Shall be his daily bread. 
 
 I knew it long ere now, 
 
 Yet am I not afraid 
 The God to whom I pledged my vow, 
 
 Will surely send His aid. 
 
 At cost of all I have, 
 
 At cost of life and limb, 
 I cling to God who yet shall save, 
 
 I will not turn from Him. 
 
 The world may fail and flee, 
 
 Thou standest fast for ever, 
 Nor fire, nor sword, nor plague, from Thee 
 
 My trusting soul shall sever. 
 
 No hunger, and no thirst, 
 
 No poverty or pain, 
 Let mighty princes do their worst, 
 
 Shall fright me back again. 
 
 No joys that angels know,. 
 
 No throne or wide-spread fame, 
 No love or loss, no fear or woe, 
 
 No grief of heart or shame 
 
 Man cannot aught conceive 
 
 Of pleasure or of harm, 
 That e'er could tempt my soul to leave 
 
 Her refuge in Thine arm. 
 103 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 My heart for gladness springs. 
 
 It cannot more be sad, 
 For very joy it laughs and sings, 
 
 Sees nought but sunshine glad. 
 
 The sun that glads mine eyes 
 
 Is Christ the Lord I love, 
 I sing for joy of that which lies 
 
 Stored up for us above. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1650 
 
 Sijtb Sun&aE after Grfnftg 
 
 KNOW ye not, that so many of us as 
 were baptized into Christ, were baptized 
 into His death ? 
 
 From the Epistle 
 
 WELL for him who all things losing, 
 E'en himself doth count as nought, 
 
 Still the one thing needful choosing 
 That with all true bliss is fraught ! 
 
 Well for him who nothing knoweth 
 But his God, whose boundless love 
 
 Makes the heart wherein it gloweth, 
 Calm and pure as saints above 1 
 
 Well for him who all forsaking 
 
 Walketh not in shadows vain, 
 But the path of peace is taking 
 
 Through this vale of tears and pain ! 
 
 O that we our hearts might sever 
 From earth's tempting vanities. 
 
 Fixing them on Him for ever 
 In whom all our fulness lies 1 
 104 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O that we might Him discover . 
 
 Whom with longing love we've sought, 
 Joining us to Him for ever, 
 
 For without Him all is nought ! 
 
 O that ne'er our eyes might wander 
 From our God, so might we cease 
 
 Ever o'er our sins to ponder, 
 
 And our conscience be at peace ! 
 
 Thou abyss of love and goodness, 
 Draw us by Thy cross to Thee, 
 
 That our senses, soul and spirit, 
 Ever one with Christ may be ! 
 
 ANON. 
 
 Seventb Sun&as after {Trinity 
 
 O LORD, how manifold are Thy Works ! 
 in wisdom hast Thou made them all ; 
 the earth is full of Thy riches. 
 
 Psalm civ. 24 
 
 GO forth my heart, and seek delight 
 In all the gifts of God's great might, 
 
 These pleasant summer hours : 
 Look how the plains for thee and me 
 Have deck'd themselves most fair to see, 
 
 All bright and sweet with flowers. 
 
 The trees stand thick and dark with leaves, 
 And earth o'er all her dust now weaves 
 
 A robe of living green ; 
 Nor silks of Solomon compare 
 With glories that the tulips wear, 
 
 Or lilies' spotless sheen. 
 105 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The lark soars singing into space, 
 The dove forsakes her hiding-place, 
 
 And coos the woods among ; 
 The richly gifted nightingale 
 Pours forth her voice o'er hill and dale, 
 
 And floods the fields with song. 
 
 Here with her brood the hen doth walk, 
 There builds and guards his nest the stork, 
 
 The fleet-wing' d swallows pass ; 
 The swift stag leaves his rocky home, 
 And down the light deer bounding come 
 
 To taste the long rich grass. 
 
 The brooks rush gurgling through the sand, 
 And from the trees on either hand, 
 
 Cool shadows o'er them fall ; 
 The meadows at their side are glad 
 With herds ; and hark ! the shepherd lad 
 
 Sends forth his mirthful call. 
 
 And humming, hovering to and fro, 
 The never-wearied swarms now go 
 
 To seek their honey'd food ; 
 And through the vine's yet feeble shoots 
 Stream daily upwards from her roots 
 
 New strength and juices good. 
 
 The corn springs up, a wealth untold, 
 A sight to gladden young and old, 
 
 Who now their voices lift 
 To Him who gives such plenteous store. 
 And makes the cup of life run o'er 
 
 With many a noble gift. 
 1 06 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thy mighty working, mighty God, 
 Wakes all my powers ; I look abroad 
 
 And can no longer rest : 
 I too must sing when all things sing, 
 And from my heart the praises ring 
 
 The Highest loveth best. 
 
 I think, Art Thou so good to us, 
 And scatterest joy and beauty thus 
 
 O'er this poor earth of ours ; 
 What nobler glories shall be given 
 Hereafter in Thy shining heaven, 
 
 Set round with golden towers ! 
 
 W T hat thrilling joy when on our sight 
 Christ's garden beams in cloudless light, 
 
 Where all the air is sweet, 
 Still laden with the unwearied hymn 
 From all the thousand seraphim 
 
 Who God's high praise repeat ! 
 
 O were I there ! O that I now, 
 
 Dear God, before Thy throne could bow. 
 
 And bear my heavenly palm ! 
 Then like the angels would I raise 
 My voice, and sing Thy endless praise 
 
 In many a sweet-toned psalm. 
 
 Nor can I now, O God, forbear, 
 Though still this mortal yoke I wear, 
 
 To utter oft Thy name ; 
 But still my heart is bent to speak 
 Thy praises ; still, though poor and weak, 
 
 Would I Thy love proclaim. 
 107 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 But help me ; let Thy heavenly showers 
 Revive and bless my fainting powers, 
 
 And let me thrive and grow 
 Beneath the summer of Thy grace, 
 And fruits of faith bud forth apace 
 
 While yet I dwell below. 
 
 And set me, Lord, in Paradise 
 
 When I have bloom'd beneath these skies 
 
 Till my last leaf is flown ; 
 Thus let me serve Thee here in time, 
 And after, in that happier clime, 
 
 And Thee, my God, alone ! 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1659 
 
 Bfgbtb SunfcaE after Grtnftg 
 
 BRETHREN, we are debtors, not to the 
 flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live 
 after the flesh, ye shall die ; but if ye through 
 the spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, 
 ye shall live. From the Epistle 
 
 O GOD, O Spirit, Light of all that live, 
 
 Who dost on us that sit in darkness shine, 
 Our darkness ever with Thy Light doth strive, 
 
 In vain Thou lur'st us with Thy beams divine ; 
 Yet none, O Spirit, from Thine eye can hide, 
 Gladly will I Thy searching glance abide. 
 
 Search all my hidden parts, whate'er impure 
 
 Thy Light discovers there, do Thou destroy ; 
 The bitterest pain I willingly endure, 
 
 Such pain is follow'd by eternal joy ; 
 Thou'lt cleanse me from my stains of darkest hue, 
 And in Christ's image form my soul anew. 
 108 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 I cannot stay the venom'd power of sin, 
 
 'Tis Thy anointing only can avail ; 
 O make my spirit new and right within, 
 
 Without Thee all my utmost efforts fail. 
 Life to my cold dead soul I cannot give, 
 Be Thou my life, so only shall I live. 
 
 O Breath from out the Eternal Silence, blow 
 
 All softly o'er my spirit's barren ground, 
 The precious fulness of my God bestow, 
 
 That where erst sin and shame alone were found, 
 Faith, love, and holy reverence may upspring, 
 In spirit and in truth to worship God our King. 
 
 O let my thoughts, my actions and my will 
 
 Obedient solely to Thy impulse move, 
 My heart and senses keep Thou blameless still, 
 Fix'd and absorb'd in God's unutter'd love. 
 Thy praying, teaching, striving, in my heart, 
 Let me not quench, nor make Thee to depart. 
 
 Fount, O Spirit, who dost take and show 
 Things of the Son to us, who crystal clear 
 
 From God's throne and the Lamb's doth cease- 
 less flow 
 
 Into the quiet hearts that seek Thee here, 
 I open wide my mouth, and thirsting sink 
 Beside Thy stream, its living waves to drink. 
 
 1 give myself to Thee, to Thee alone, 
 
 From all else sunder' d, Thou art ever near, 
 The creature and myself I all disown, 
 
 Trusting with inmost faith that God is here ! 
 O God, O Spirit, Light of Life, we see 
 None ever wait in vain, who wait for Thee. 
 
 TERSTEEGEN. 1731 
 109 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Sun&as after {Trfnftg 
 
 HOW long halt ye between two opin- 
 ions ? If the Lord be God, follow 
 Him ; but if Baal, then follow him. 
 
 From the Lesson 
 
 WHY halt thus, O deluded heart, 
 Why waver longer in thy choice ? 
 
 Is it so hard to choose the part 
 
 Offer'd by Heaven's entreating voice ? 
 
 O look with clearer eyes again, 
 
 Nor strive to enter in, in vain. 
 
 Press on ! 
 
 Remember, 'tis not Caesar's throne, 
 Nor earthly honour, wealth or might, 
 
 Whereby God's favour shall be shown 
 To him who conquers in this fight ; 
 
 Himself and an eternity 
 
 Of bliss and rest He offers thee. 
 
 Press on ! 
 
 God crowneth no divided heart ; 
 
 To Him O hallow all thy life ! 
 Who loveth Jesus but in part, 
 
 He works himself much pain and strife, 
 And gains what he deserve th well, 
 Here conflict, and hereafter hell. 
 
 Press on ! 
 
 Who wrestling long, with many a cry 
 Can bid farewell at last to all, 
 
 Yet ever loves the Lord most High, 
 Loves Him alone whate'er befall, 
 no 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Is counted worthy of the crown, 
 And on a kingly throne set down. 
 
 Press on ! 
 
 Then break the rotten bonds away 
 That hinder you your race to run, 
 
 That make you linger oft and stay ; 
 O be your course afresh begun ! 
 
 Let no false rest your soul deceive, 
 
 Up ! 'tis a Heaven ye must achieve ! 
 
 Press on ! 
 
 Omnipotence is on your side, 
 
 And Wisdom watches o'er your heads, 
 And God Himself will be your guide 
 
 So ye but follow where He leads ; 
 How many guided by His hand, 
 Have reach'd ere now their father-land ! 
 
 Press on ! 
 
 Nor let the body dull the soul, 
 
 Its weakness, fears, and sloth despise ; 
 
 Man toils and roams from pole to pole 
 To gain some earthly fleeting prize, 
 
 The Highest Good he little cares 
 
 To win, or striving soon despairs. 
 
 Press on ! 
 
 O help each other, hasten on, 
 
 Behold the goal is nigh at hand ; 
 The battle-field shall soon be won, 
 Your King shall soon before you stand ! 
 To calmest rest He leads you now, 
 And sets His crown upon your brow. 
 
 Press on ! 
 
 LEHR, 1733 
 ill 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 ZEentb SunfcaE after 
 
 AS the hart panteth after the water 
 brooks, even so panteth my soul after 
 Thee, O God. Psalm xlii. i 
 
 O GOD, I long Thy Light to see, 
 My God, I hourly think on Thee ; 
 O draw me up, nor hide Thy face, 
 But help me from Thy holy place. 
 
 As toward her sun the sunflower turns, 
 Towards Thee, my Sun, my spirit yearns ; 
 O would that free from sin I might 
 Thus follow evermore Thy Light 1 
 
 But sin hath so within me wrought, 
 Such deadly sickness on me brought, 
 My languid soul sits drooping here 
 And cannot reach the heavenly sphere. 
 
 Ah how shall I my freedom win ? 
 How break this heavy yoke of sin ? 
 My fainting spirit thirsts for Thee, 
 Come, Lord, to help and set me free. 
 
 My heart is set to do Thy will, 
 But all my deeds are faulty still ; 
 My best attempts are nothing worth, 
 But soil'd with cleaving taint of earth. 
 
 Remember that I am Thy child, 
 Forgive whate'er my soul defiled, 
 Blot out my sins, that I may rise 
 Freely to Thee beyond the skies. 
 112 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Help me to love the world no more, 
 Be Master of my house and store, 
 The shield of faith around me throw, 
 And break the arrows of my foe. 
 
 Fain would my heart henceforward be 
 Fix'd, O my God, alone on Thee, 
 That heart and soul by Thee possest, 
 May find in Thee their perfect rest. 
 
 Begone, ye pleasures false and vain, 
 Untasted, undesired remain ! 
 In heaven alone those joys abound, 
 Where all my true delight is found. 
 
 take away whatever has stood 
 Between me and the Highest Good ; 
 
 1 ask no better boon than this, 
 To find in God my only bliss. 
 
 ANTON ULRICH, 
 Duke of Brunswick. 1667 
 
 jeieventb SunDag after 
 
 IN Thy presence is fulness of joy ; at Thy 
 
 right hand there are pleasures for evermore. 
 
 Psalm xvi. 12 
 
 O FRIEND of souls, how well is me, 
 Whene'er Thy love my spirit calms ! 
 
 From sorrow's dungeon forth I flee, 
 And hide me in Thy shelt'ring arms. 
 
 The night of weeping flies away 
 
 Before the heart-reviving ray 
 
 113 H 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Of love, that beams from out Thy breast ; 
 Here is my heaven on earth begun ; 
 Who were not joyful had he won 
 
 In Thee, O God, his joy and rest ! 
 
 The world may call herself my foe, 
 
 So be it ; for I trust her not, 
 E'en though a friendly face she show, 
 
 And with her bounties heap my lot. 
 In Thee alone will I rejoice, 
 Thou art the Friend, Lord, of my choice, 
 
 For Thou art true when friendships fail ; 
 'Mid storms of woe Thy truth is still 
 My anchor ; hate me as it will, 
 
 The world shall o'er me ne'er prevail. 
 
 Through deserts of the cross Thou leadest, 
 
 I follow leaning on Thy hand ; 
 From out the clouds Thy child Thou feedest, 
 
 And giv'st him water from the sand. 
 I know Thy wondrous ways will end 
 In love and blessing, Thou true Friend, 
 
 Enough if TLoa art ever near ! 
 I know, whom Thou wilt glorify, 
 And raise o'er sun and stars on high, 
 
 Thou lead'st through depths and darkness here. 
 
 To others Death seems dark and grim, 
 
 But not, Thou Life of life, to me ; 
 I know Thou ne'er forsakest him 
 
 Whose heart and spirit rest in Thee. 
 O who would fear his journey's close, 
 If from dark woods and lurking foes, 
 114 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 He then found safety and release ? 
 Nay, rather with a joyful heart 
 From this dark region I depart 
 
 To Thy eternal light and peace. 
 
 O Friend of souls, then well indeed 
 
 Is me, when on Thy love I lean ! 
 The world, nor pain, nor death I heed, 
 
 Since Thou, my God, my joy hast been 
 O let this peace that Thou hast given 
 Be but a foretaste of Thy heaven, 
 
 For goodness infinite is Thine. 
 Hence, world, with all thy flattering toys ! 
 In God alone lie all my joys ; 
 
 O rich delight, my Friend is mine ! 
 
 DESZLER. 1692 
 
 ftwelftb Sunfca after 
 
 NOT that we are sufficient of ourselves 
 to think anything as of ourselves, but our 
 sufficiency is of God. From the Epistle 
 
 WHO seeks in weakness an excuse, 
 
 His sins will vanquish never ; 
 Unless he heart and mind renews, 
 He is deceived for ever. 
 
 The straight and narrow way, 
 That shines to perfect day, 
 He hath not found, hath never trod ; 
 Little he knows, I ween, 
 What prayer and conflict mean 
 To one who hath the light of God. 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 In what the world calls weakness lurks 
 
 The very strength of evil, 
 Full mightily it helps the works 
 Of our great foe the devil. 
 
 Awake, my soul, awake, 
 
 Thy refuge quickly take 
 With Him, the Almighty, who can save ; 
 
 One look from Christ Thy Lord 
 
 Can sever every cord 
 That binds thee now, a wretched slave. 
 
 Know, the first step in Christian lore 
 
 Is to depart from sin ; 
 True faith will leave the world no more 
 A place thy heart within. 
 Thy Saviour's Spirit first 
 The heavy bonds must burst, 
 Wherein Death bound thee in thy need ; 
 Then the freed spirit knows 
 What strength He gives to those 
 W 7 ho with their Lord are risen indeed. 
 
 And what Thy Spirit, Lord, began. 
 
 Help Thou with inner might ! 
 Earth has no better gift for man 
 Than strength and love of right. 
 O make Thy followers just 
 Who look to Thee in trust, 
 Thy strength and justice let us know ; 
 Our souls through Thee would wear 
 The power of grace, most fair 
 Of all the jewels faith can show, 
 no 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Strong Son of God, break down Thy foes, 
 
 So shall we conquer ours ; 
 Strong in the might from Thee that flows, 
 We mourn not lack of powers, 
 
 E'er since that from above, 
 
 The witness of Thy love 
 Thy Spirit came, and doth abide 
 
 With us, dispelling fear 
 
 And falsehood, that we here 
 May fight and conquer on Thy side. 
 
 Give strength, whene'er our strength must fail ; 
 
 Give strength the flesh to curb ; 
 Give strength when craft and sin prevail 
 To weaken and disturb. 
 
 The world doth lay her snares 
 
 To catch us unawares, 
 Give strength to sweep them all away ; 
 
 So in our utmost need, 
 
 And when death comes indeed, 
 Thy strength shall be our perfect stay. 
 
 MARPERGER. 1713 
 
 ftbirteentb Sun>a after ftrtnttE 
 
 THEN Hezekiah received the letter of 
 the hands of the messengers, and read it, 
 and Hezekiah went up into the house 
 of the Lord, and spread it before the 
 Lord. From the Lesson 
 
 LEAVE God to order all thy ways, 
 And hope in Him whate'er betide, 
 
 Thou'lt find Him in the evil days 
 
 Thy all-sufficient strength and guide ; 
 117 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Who trusts in God's unchanging love, 
 Builds on the rock that nought can move. 
 
 What can these anxious cares avail, 
 These never-ceasing moans and sighs ? 
 
 What can it help us to bewail 
 Each painful moment as it flies ? 
 
 Our cross and trials do but press 
 
 The heavier for our bitterness. 
 
 Only thy restless heart keep still, 
 And wait in cheerful hope ; content 
 
 To take whate'er His gracious will, 
 His all-discerning love hath sent ; 
 
 Nor doubt our inmost wants are known 
 
 To Him who chose us for His own. 
 
 He knows when joyful hours are best, 
 He sends them as He sees it meet ; 
 
 When thou hast borne the fiery test, 
 And now art freed from all deceit, 
 
 He coTnes to thee all unaware, 
 
 And makes thee own His loving care. 
 
 Nor in the heat of pain and strife, 
 
 Think God hath cast thee off unheard, 
 
 And that the man, whose prosperous life 
 Thou enviest, is of Him preferr'd ; 
 
 Time passes and much change doth bring, 
 
 And sets a bound to e erything. 
 
 All are alike before His face ; 
 
 'Tis easy to our God most High 
 To make the rich man poor and base, 
 
 To give the poor man wealth and joy. 
 118 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 True wonders still by Him are wrought, 
 Who setteth up, and brings to nought. 
 
 Sing, pray, and swerve not from His ways, 
 But do thine own part faithfully, 
 
 Trust His rich promises of grace, 
 So shall they be fulfill' d in thee ; 
 
 God never yet forsook at need 
 
 The soul that trusted Him indeed. 
 
 NEUMARCK. 1653 
 
 ffourteentb Sun&as after annits 
 
 AND they that are Christ's have crucified 
 the flesh with the affections and lusts. 
 
 From the Epistle 
 
 O CROSS, we hail thy bitter reign, 
 
 O come, thou well-beloved guest ! 
 Whose sorest sufferings work not pain, 
 
 Whose heaviest burden is but rest. 
 
 For is not our Redeemer bound 
 
 In closest ties of love to those 
 Who faithful to the cross are found, 
 
 Through ceaseless tears, through saddest woes ? 
 
 Hark, the confessors of the faith 
 
 Yet of their cross and fetters boast ; 
 
 All saints have borne it to the death, 
 With all the martyr's radiant host. 
 
 Pledge of our glorious home afar ! 
 
 Thee, Holy Sign, with joy we take, 
 Sign of a peace life could not mar, 
 
 Of just content death could not shake : 
 119 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The Sign how Truth, once crucified, 
 
 Now throned in majesty doth reign, 
 How Love is bless' d and glorified, 
 
 That here on earth was mock'd and slain. 
 
 Their names are writ in words of light 
 Who here on earth their Lord confest ; 
 
 They hear the Bridegroom's cry a^t night. 
 Come to my marriage feast, ye blest ! 
 
 Who then would faint, nor join to share 
 In Christ's reproach, in want or pain ? 
 
 The bitterest death who would not dare ? 
 Who fears a martyr's crown to gain ? 
 
 Up, Brethren of the Cross ! and haste 
 
 Where Christ our Head hath gone before ! 
 
 We hymn His praise the while we taste 
 The shame and death He sometime bore. 
 
 In bonds and stripes, in falsest blame, 
 Our crown, our dearest wealth we see, 
 
 A dungeon were a throne, and shame 
 Our chiefest glory, borne for Thee. 
 
 What though the world on us may fling 
 Its scorn, and oft we strive with death ? 
 
 The holy angels speed to bring 
 
 Our help and strength, our victor's wreath. 
 
 Up, quit the gates where sin abides, 
 
 From earth's doom'd cities quickly come, 
 Yon eastern Star full surely guides 
 All pilgrims to their Father's home. 
 
 GOTTER. 1697 
 120 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 jfitteentb Sunfcag after GdnftB 
 
 THEREFORE take no thought, saying, 
 What shall we eat, or what shall we drink 
 . . . for your Heavenly Father knoweth that 
 ye have need of all these things. 
 
 From the Gospel 
 
 BE thou content ; be still before 
 
 His face, at whose right hand doth reign 
 Fulness of joy for evermore, 
 
 Without whom all thy toil is vain. 
 He is thy living spring, thy sun, whose rays 
 Make glad with life and light thy dreary days. 
 
 Be thou content 
 
 In Him is comfort, light and grace, 
 
 And changeless love beyond our thought ; 
 The sorest pang, the worst disgrace, 
 
 If He is there, shall harm thee not. 
 He can lift off thy cross, and loose thy bands, 
 And calm thy fears, nay, death is in His hands. 
 
 Be thou content, 
 
 Or art thou friendless and alone, 
 
 Hast none in whom *hou canst confide ? 
 God careth for thee, lonely one, 
 
 Comfort and help will He provide. 
 He sees thy sorrows and thy hidden grief, 
 He knoweth when to send thee quick relief ; 
 
 Be thou content. 
 
 Thy heart's unspoken pain He knows, 
 Thy secret sighs He hears full well, 
 
 What to none else thou dar'st disclose, 
 To Him thou mayst with boldness tell ; 
 
 121 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 He is not far away, but ever nigh, 
 
 And answereth willingly the poor man's cry. 
 
 Be thou content. 
 
 Be not o'er-master'd by thy pain, 
 
 But cling to God, thou shalt not fall ; 
 The floods sweep over thee in vain, 
 
 Thou yet shalt rise above them all ; 
 For when thy trial seems too hard to bear, 
 Lo ! God, thy King, hath granted all thy prayer : 
 
 Be thou content. 
 
 Why art thou full of anxious fear 
 
 How thou shalt be sustain' d and fed ? 
 He who hath made and placed thee here, 
 
 Will give thee needful daily bread ; 
 Canst thou not trust His rich and bounteous hand, 
 Who feeds all living things on sea and land ? 
 
 Be thou content. 
 
 He who doth teach the little birds 
 
 To find their meat in field and wood, 
 Who gives the countless flocks and herds 
 Each day their needful drink and food, 
 Thy hunger too will surely satisfy, 
 And all thy wants in His good time supply. 
 
 Be thou content. 
 
 Sayst thou, I know not how or where, 
 
 No help I see where'er I turn ; 
 When of all else we most despair, 
 
 The riches of God's love we learn ; 
 When thou and I His hand no longer trace. 
 He leads us forth into a pleasant place. 
 
 Be thou content. 
 
 122 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Though long His promised aid delay, 
 
 At last it will be surely sent : 
 Though thy heart sink in sore dismay. 
 
 The trial for thy good is meant. 
 What we have won with pains we hold more fast, 
 What tarrieth long is sweeter at the last. 
 
 Be thou content. 
 
 Lay not to heart whatever of ill 
 
 Thy foes may falsely speak of thee, 
 Let man defame thee as he will, 
 
 God hears, and judges righteously. 
 Why shouldst thou fear, if God be on thy side, 
 Man's cruel anger, or malicious pride ? 
 
 Be thou content. 
 
 We know for us a rest remains, 
 
 When God will give us sweet release 
 From earth and all our mortal chains, 
 And turn our sufferings into peace. 
 Sooner or later death will surely come 
 To end our sorrows, and to take us home : 
 
 Be thou content. 
 
 Home to the chosen ones, who here 
 
 Served their Lord faithfully and well, 
 Who died in peace, without a fear, 
 
 And there in peace, for ever dwell. 
 The Everlasting is their joy and stay, 
 The Eternal Word Himself to them doth say, 
 
 Be thou content. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1670 
 123 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Sixteenth Sunfcas after 
 
 A ND when the Lord saw her, He had 
 compassion on her, and said unto her, 
 Weep not ! From the Gospel 
 
 LEAVE all to God, 
 Forsaken one, and stay thy tears ; 
 For the Highest knows thy pain, 
 Sees thy sufferings and thy fears : 
 
 Thou shalt not wait His help in vain, 
 Leave all to God. 
 
 Be still and trust ! 
 For His strokes are strokes of love, 
 
 Thou must for thy profit bear ; 
 He thy filial fear would move, 
 Trust thy Father's loving care, 
 Be still and trust ! 
 
 Know, God is near ! 
 Though thou think Him far away, 
 
 Though His mercy long have slept, 
 He will come and not delay, 
 
 When his child enough hath wept, 
 For God is near ! 
 
 O teach Him not 
 When and how to hear thy prayers ; 
 
 Never doth our God forget, 
 He the cross who longest bears 
 Finds his sorrows' bounds are set, 
 Then teach Him not. 
 
 124. 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 If thou love Him, 
 Walking truly in His ways, 
 
 Then no trouble, cross or death, 
 E'er shall silence faith and praise ; 
 All things serve thee here beneath, 
 If thou love God ! 
 
 ANTON ULRICH, 
 Duke of Brunswick. 1667 
 
 Seventeentb SunfcaE after 
 
 / BESEECH you that ye walk worthy 
 of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 
 with all lowliness and meekness, with 
 long suffering, forbearing one another 
 in love ; endeavouring to keep the unity 
 of the spirit in the bond of peace. 
 
 From the Epistle 
 
 COME, brethren, let us go ! 
 
 The evening closeth round, 
 'Tis perilous to linger here 
 
 On this wild desert ground. 
 
 Come, towards eternity 
 
 Press on from strength to strength, 
 
 Nor dread your journey's toils nor length, 
 
 For good its end shall be. 
 
 We shall not rue our choice, 
 Though straight our path and steep, 
 We know that He who call'd us here 
 His word shall ever keep. 
 Then follow, trusting ; come, 
 And let each set his face 
 Toward yonder fair and blessed place, 
 Intent to reach our home. 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The body and the house 
 
 Deck not, but deck the heart 
 With all your powers ; we are but guests, 
 
 Ere long we must depart. 
 
 Ease brings disease ; content 
 Howe'er his lot may fall, 
 A pilgrim bears and bows to all, 
 
 For soon the time is spent. 
 
 Come, children, let us go ! 
 
 Our Father is our guide ; 
 And when the way grows steep and dark, 
 
 He journeys at our side. 
 
 Our spirits He would cheer, 
 The sunshine of His love 
 Revives and helps us as we rove, 
 
 Ah, blest our lot e'en here ! 
 
 Each hasten bravely on, 
 Not yet our goal is near ; 
 Look to the fiery pillar oft, 
 That tells the Lord is here. 
 Your glances onward send, 
 
 Love beckons us, nor think 
 
 That they who following chance to sink 
 Shall miss their journey's end. 
 
 Come, children, let us go ! 
 We travel hand in hand ; 
 Each in his brother finds his joy 
 In this wild stranger land. 
 As children let us be, 
 Nor by th way fall out, 
 The angels guard us round about, 
 And help us brotherly. 
 126 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The strong be quick to raise 
 
 The weaker when they fall ; 
 Let love and peace and patience bloom 
 
 In ready help for all. 
 
 In love yet closer bound, 
 
 Each would be least, yet still 
 
 On love's fair path most pure from ill, 
 
 Most loving, would be found. 
 
 Come, wander on with joy, 
 For shorter grows the way, 
 The hour that frees us from the flesh 
 Draws nearer day by day. 
 A little truth and love, 
 
 A little courage yet, 
 
 More free from earth, more apt to set 
 Your hopes on things above. 
 
 It will not last for long, 
 A little farther roam ; 
 It will not last much longer now 
 Ere we shall reach our home ; 
 There shall we ever rest, 
 
 There with our Father dwell, 
 
 With all the saints who served Him well, 
 There truly, deeply blest. 
 
 For this all things we dare, 
 'Tis worth the risk I trow, 
 Renouncing all that clogs our course, 
 Or weighs us down below. 
 O world, thou art too small, 
 We seek another higher, 
 Whither Christ guides us ever nigher, 
 Where God is all in all. 
 127 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Friend of our perfect choice 
 
 Thou joy of all that live, 
 Being that know'st not chance or change, 
 
 What courage dost Thou give ! 
 
 All beauty, Lord, we see, 
 All bliss and life and love, 
 In Him in whom we live and move, 
 
 And we are glad in Thee ! 
 
 TERSTEEGEN. 1731 
 
 Bigbteentb SunfcaE after arfnttg 
 
 WAITING for the coming of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, who shall also 
 confirm you unto the end. 
 
 From the Epistle 
 
 THOUGH all to Thee were faithless, 
 
 I yet were true, my Head, 
 To show that love is deathless, 
 
 From earth not wholly fled. 
 Here didst Thou live in sadness, 
 
 And die in pain for me, 
 For this I give with gladness 
 
 My heart and soul to Thee. 
 
 I could weep night and morning 
 
 That Thou hast died, and yet 
 So few will heed Thy warning, 
 
 So many Thee forget. 
 O loving and true-hearted, 
 
 How much for us didst Thou f 
 Yet is Thy fame departed, 
 
 And none regards it now. 
 128 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 But still Thy love befriends us, 
 
 Of every heart the guide ; 
 Unfailing help it lends us, 
 
 Though all had turn'd aside. 
 O ! such love soon or later 
 
 Must conquer, must be felt, 
 Then at Thy feet the traitor 
 
 In bitter tears shall melt. 
 
 Lord, I have inly found Thee, 
 
 Depart Thou not from me, 
 But wrap Thy love around me, 
 
 And keep me close to Thee. 
 Once too my brethren, yonder 
 
 Upgazing where Thou art, 
 Shall learn Thy love with wonder, 
 
 And sink upon Thy heart. 
 
 NOVALIS. About 1795 
 
 IMineteentb Sunfcas after 
 
 BUT ye have not so learned Christ ; if 
 so be that ye. have heard Him, and have 
 been taught by Him, as the truth is in 
 Jesus : that ye put off, concerning the 
 former conversation, the old man, which 
 is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts ; 
 and be renewed in the spirit of your 
 mind ; and that ye put on the new man, 
 which after God is created in righteousness 
 and true holiness. From the Epistle 
 
 O \VELL for him who all things braves, 
 
 A soldier of the Lord to be, 
 Whom vice counts not among her slaves, 
 
 From envy, pride, and passion free ; 
 
 129 i 
 
LYRA GERMANJCA 
 
 Who wars against the world of sin 
 Without him, and self-will within. 
 
 Who follows Christ whate'er betide, 
 Is worthy of a soldier's name ; 
 
 Is He thy Way, thy Light, thy Guide, 
 'Tis meet thou also bear His shame : 
 
 Who shrinks from dark Gethsemane, 
 
 Shall Tabor's glories never see. 
 
 W 7 hat profits it that Christ hath deign' d 
 To wear our mortal nature thus, 
 
 If we ourselves have ne'er at tain' d 
 That God reveal Himself in us ? 
 
 The pure and virgin soul alone 
 
 He chooseth for His earthly throne. 
 
 What profits it that Christ is born, 
 And bringeth childhood back to men, 
 
 Unless our long-lost right we mourn, 
 And win through penitence again, 
 
 And lead a God-like life on earth, 
 
 As children of the second birth ? 
 
 Wliat profits all that Christ hath taught, 
 If man is slave to reason still, 
 
 And worldly wisdom, honour, thought, 
 Rule all his acts, and move his will ? 
 
 He follows what his Lord doth teach 
 
 Who true denial of self would reach. 
 
 What profit us His deeds and life, 
 His meekness, love so quick to bless, 
 
 If we give place to pride and strife, 
 Dishonouring thus His holiness ? 
 
 What profits it, if for reward, 
 
 And not in faith, we call Him Lord ? 
 130 
 
LYRA GERMANIC A 
 
 What profits us His agony, 
 
 If we endure not pain and scorn ? 
 
 'Tis combat brings forth victory, 
 Of sorrow sweetest joys are born ; 
 
 And ne'er to him Christ's crown is given 
 
 Who hath not here with Adam striven. 
 
 What profit ye His death and cross, 
 
 Unless to self ye also die ? 
 Ye love your life to find it loss, 
 
 Afraid the flesh to crucify. 
 Wouldst live to this world still ? Then know : 
 His death to thee is barren show. 
 
 What profit that He loosed and broke 
 All bonds, if ye in league remain 
 
 With earth ? Who weareth Satan's yoke 
 Shall call Him Master but in vain. 
 
 Count ye the soul for reconciled, 
 
 Yet slave to earth, by sin defiled ? 
 
 What profits it that He is risen, 
 If dead in sins thou yet dost lie ? 
 
 If yet thou cleavest to thy prison, 
 What profit that He dwells on high ? 
 
 His triumph will avail thee nought, 
 
 If thou hast ne'er the battle fought. 
 
 Then live and suffer, do and bear, 
 
 As Christ thy pattern here hath done, 
 
 And seek His innocence to wear, 
 
 That He may count thee of His own. 
 
 Who loveth Christ cares but to win 
 
 New triumphs o'er the world of sin. 
 
 ANON. 
 
LYRA . GERMANICA 
 
 {Twentieth Sunfcas after 
 
 SINGING and making melody in your 
 heart unto the Lord ; giving thanks always 
 for all things unto God and the Father, 
 in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 From th3 Epistle 
 
 O WOULD I had a thousand tongues, 
 
 To sound Thy praise o'er land and sea ! 
 O ! rich and sweet should be my songs, 
 
 Of all my God has done for me ! 
 With thankfulness my heart must often swell, 
 But mortal lips Thy praises faintly tell. 
 
 O that my voice could far resound 
 
 Up to yon stars that o'er me shine ! 
 Would that my blood for joy might bound 
 
 Through every vein while life is mine ! 
 Would that each pulse were gratitude, each breath 
 A song to Him who keeps me safe from death ! 
 
 O all ye powers of soul and mind, 
 
 Arise, keep silence thus no more ; 
 Put forth your strength, and ye shall find 
 
 Your noblest work is to adore. 
 O soul and body, make ye pure and meet, 
 With heartfelt praise your God and Lord to greet. 
 
 Ye little leaves so fresh and green, 
 
 That dance for joy in summer air, 
 Ye slender grasses, bright and keen, 
 
 Ye flowers so wondrous sweet and fair ; 
 Ye only for your Maker's glory live, 
 Help me, for all His love, meet praise to give. 
 132 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O all ye living things that throng 
 
 With breath and motion earth and sky, 
 Be ye companions in my song, 
 
 Help me to raise His praises high ; 
 For my unaided powers are far too weak 
 The glories of His mighty works to speak. 
 
 And first, O Father, praise to Thee 
 
 For all I am and all I have, 
 It was Thy merciful decree 
 
 That all those blessings richly gave, 
 Which o'er the earth are scatter ; d far and near, 
 To help and gladden us who sojourn here. 
 
 And, dearest Jesus, blest be Thou, 
 Whose heart with pity overflows, 
 Thou rich in help ! who deign' dst to bow 
 
 To earth, and taste her keenest woes ; 
 Thy death has burst my bonds and set me free, 
 Has made me Thine ; henceforth I cling to Thee. 
 
 Nor less to Thee, O Holy Ghost, 
 
 Be everlasting honours paid, 
 For all Thy comfort, Lord, and most 
 
 That I a child of life am made 
 By Thy deep lore ; my good deeds are not mine, 
 Thou workest them through me, O Light Divine. 
 
 Yes, Lord, through all my changing days, 
 
 With each new scene afresh I mark 
 How wondroasly Thou guid'st my ways, 
 
 Where all seems troubled, wilder'd, dark ; 
 When dangers thicken fast, and hopes depart, 
 Thy light beams comfort on my sinking heart. 
 133 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Shall I not then be mTd with joy, 
 
 Shall I not praise Thee evermore ? 
 Triumphant songs my lips employ, 
 
 E'en when my cup of woe runs o'er ; 
 Nay, though the heavens should vanish as a scroll, 
 Nothing shall shake or daunt my trusting soul. 
 
 But of Thy goodness will I sing 
 
 As long as I have life and breath, 
 Offerings of thanks I'll daily bring 
 Until my heart is still in death ; 
 And when at last my lips grow pale and cold, 
 Yet in my sighs Thy praises shall be told. 
 
 Father, do Thou in mercy deign 
 To listen to my earthly lays ; 
 Once shall I learn a nobler strain, 
 Where angels ever hymn Thy praise, 
 There in the radiant choir I too shall sing 
 Loud hallelujahs to my glorious King. 
 
 MENTZER. 1704 
 
 GwentBssftrst Sim&ag after Grinits 
 
 BE strong in the Lord, and in the pouter 
 of His might. Put on the whole armour 
 of God, that ye may be able to stand 
 against the wiles of the devil. For we 
 wrestle not against flesh and blood, but 
 against principalities, a:ainst powers, 
 against the rulers of the darkness of 
 this world, against spiritual wickedness 
 in high places, From the Epistle 
 
 A SURE stronghold our God is He, 
 A trusty shield and weapon ; 
 134 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Our help He'll be and set us free 
 
 From every ill can happen. 
 That old malicious foe 
 Intends us deadly woe ; 
 Arm'd with the strength of hell 
 And deepest craft as well, 
 On earth is not his fellow. 
 
 Through our own force we nothing can 
 Straight were we lost for ever ; 
 
 But for us fights the proper Man, 
 By God sent to deliver. 
 
 Ask ye who this may be ? 
 
 Christ Jesus named is He, 
 
 Of Sabaoth the Lord ; 
 
 Sole God to be adored ; 
 
 'Tis he must win the battle. 
 
 And were the world with devils fill'd, 
 
 All eager to devour us, 
 Our souls to fear should little yield, 
 
 They cannot overpower us. 
 Their dreaded Prince no more 
 Can harm us as of yore ; 
 Look grim as e'er he may, 
 Doom'd is his ancient sway ; 
 A word can overthrow him. 
 
 Still shall they leave that Word His might. 
 
 And yet no thanks shall merit ; 
 Still is He with us in the fight, 
 
 By His good gifts and Spirit. 
 E'en should they take our life, 
 Goods, honour, children, wife 
 US 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Though all of these be gone, 
 Yet nothing have they won, 
 God's kingdom ours abideth ! 
 
 LUTHER 
 Hymn composed on the road to Worms. 1 530 
 
 Sun&aB after 
 
 TRUST in the Lord with all thine heart, 
 
 and lean not unto thine own understanding. 
 
 From the Lesson 
 
 HOW blest to all Thy followers, Lord, the road 
 By which Thou lead'st them on, yet oft how 
 
 strange ! 
 
 But Thou in all dost seek our highest good, 
 For Truth were true no longer, couldst Thou 
 
 change. 
 Though crooked seem the paths, yet are they 
 
 straight, 
 
 By which Thou draw'st Thy children up to Thee, 
 And passing wonders by the way they see, 
 And learn at last to own Thee wise and great. 
 
 No human laws can bind Thy Spirit, Lord, 
 That reason or opinion frame for us ; 
 
 The knot of doubt is sever'd by Thy sword, 
 Or falls unravell'd if Thou wiliest thus. 
 
 The strongest bonds are weak to Thee, O God, 
 All sinks and fails that would Thy course oppose, 
 Thy lightest word can quell Thy stoutest foes, 
 
 And desert paths are by Thy footsteps trod. 
 
 What human prudence fondly strives to bind, 
 Thy wisdom sunders far as east from west ; 
 
 Who long beneath the yoke of man have pined, 
 Thy hand exalteth high above the rest. 
 136 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The world would scatter, Thou dost union give ; 
 
 She breaks, Thou buildest ; what "she builds is 
 made 
 
 A ruin'd heap ; her light is nought but shade ; 
 Her dead Thy Spirit calls to rise and live. 
 
 Is there an act our reason would applaud ? 
 
 Lo ! in Thy book hast Thou the example given : 
 But him whom none as wise and pious laud, 
 
 Thou often lead'st in secret up to Heaven, 
 As Thou didst leave the Pharisee, to go 
 
 And eat with sinners whom all else forsook. 
 
 Who can search out Thy purposes, or look 
 Into the abyss of wisdom whence they flow ? 
 
 Our all, O God, is nothing in Thine eyes, 
 Our nothing Thou regardest oft with love ; 
 
 Glory and pomp of words Thou dost not prize, 
 Thy impulse only gives them power to move. 
 
 Thy noblest works awaken not man's praise, 
 For they are hidden, and he blindly turns 
 Away, nor though he see, their light discerns, 
 
 Too gross his sense, too keen their dazzling rays. 
 
 O Ruler ! We would bless Thee and adore, 
 
 At whose command we live or turn to dust ; 
 When Thou dost give us of Thy wisdom's store, 
 We see how true Thy care, and learn to trust. 
 Thy wisdom plays with us as with a child, 
 
 Who playing learns his Father loves him well ; 
 'Tis love that brings Thee down with man to 
 
 dwell, 
 
 Love guides our faltering fcotsteps through the 
 wild. 
 
 137 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Now seems to us o'er harsh and strict Thy school, 
 Now dost Thou greet us mild and tenderly, 
 
 Now when our wilder passions break Thy rule, 
 Thy judgments fright us back again to Thee. 
 
 With downcast eyes we seek Thy face again, 
 Thou kissest us, we promise fair amends, 
 Once more Thy Spirit rest and pardon sends, 
 
 And curbs our passions with a stronger rein. 
 
 Thou know'st, O Father, all our weakness well, 
 
 Our impotence, our foolishness of mind ; 
 Almost a passing glance may serve to tell 
 
 How weak are we, how ignorant, how blind, 
 And so Thou comest with Thy help and stay, 
 
 A father's rule, a mother's love are Thine ; 
 
 The lamb, on whom none else discern Thy sign, 
 Thou carriest in Thy bosom day by day. 
 
 The common ways are trodden not of Thee, 
 
 Thy steps are seldom traced by mortal eyes, 
 Yet art Thou near us, and unseen, dost see 
 
 All hopes and wishes that within us rise. 
 The bright reflection of Thy inner thought 
 
 Is day by day before our eyes outspread ; 
 
 Who thinks he quickest hath Thy meaning read, 
 Is oft another deeper lesson taught. 
 
 O Eye, whose glance no falsehood can endure, 
 Grant me to wisely judge, and well discern 
 
 Nature from grace Thy Light serene and pure 
 From grosser fires that in and round me burn, 
 
 Let no strange fire be kindled on the shrine 
 Within my heart, lest I should madly bring 
 The hated offering unto Thee, O King. 
 
 Ah, blest the soul whose light is born of Thine ! 
 138 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 When reason contradicts Thy law, or climbs 
 
 So high, she weeneth to know more than Thou, 
 
 Break clown her confidence, great God, betimes, 
 And teach her lowly at Thy feet to bow. 
 
 Nor let my proud heart dictate, Lord, to Thee, 
 But tame the wayward will that seeks its own, 
 And wake the love that clings to Thee alone, 
 
 And takes Thy judgments in humility. 
 
 Absorb my will in Thine ; support and bear 
 Onward in loving arms Thy timid child ; 
 
 Thy Spirit's voice dispels all doubt, all fear, 
 And quells the passions erst so fierce and wild. 
 
 Thou art mine All, since that Thy. Son is mine ; 
 O let Thy Spirit work with power in me, 
 With strong desire I thirst, I pant for Thee, 
 
 O joy whene'er Thy glories round me shine 1 
 
 So shall the creature ever serv3 me here, 
 
 Nor angels blush to bear me company ; 
 The perfect spirits to Thy throne most near, 
 
 They are my brethren, Avaiting there for me ; 
 And oft my spirit joys to meet a heart, 
 
 That loveth Thee and me and every saint. 
 
 Is aught then left can make me sad and faint ? 
 Come Fount of Joy ! vain sorrows, all depart ! 
 
 GOTTFRIED ARNOLD. 1666-1714 
 
 139 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 {TwentB*tbfr& Sun&aB after trrtnitj? 
 
 FOR our conversation is in heaven ; 
 from whence also we look for the 
 Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ ; 
 who shall change our vile body, that 
 it may be fashioned like unto His 
 glorious body, according to the working 
 whereby He is able even to subdue all 
 things unto Himself. 
 
 From the Epistle 
 
 LET who will in thee rejoice, 
 O thou fair and wondrous earth ! 
 
 Ever anguish'd sorrow's voice 
 
 Pierces through thy seeming mirth ; 
 
 Let thy vain delights be given 
 
 Unto them who love not Heaven, 
 
 My desire is fix'd on Thee, 
 
 Jesus, dearest far to me ! 
 
 Weary souls with toil outworn, 
 Drooping 'neath the glaring light, 
 
 Wish that soon the coming morn 
 Might be quench' d again in night, 
 
 That their toils might find a close 
 
 In a soft and deep repose : 
 
 I but wish to rest in Thee, 
 
 Jesus, dearest far to me ! 
 
 Others dare the treacherous wave, 
 Hidden rock and shifting wind 
 
 Storm and danger let them brave, 
 Earthly good or wealth to find ; 
 140 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Faith shall wing my upward flight 
 Far above yon starry height, 
 Till I find myself with Thee, 
 Jesus, dearest Friend to me ! 
 
 Many a time ere now I said, 
 
 Many a time again shall say, 
 Would to God that I were dead, 
 
 Would that in my grave I lay ! 
 Rest were mine, and sweet my lot 
 Where the body hindereth not, 
 And the soul can ever be, 
 Jesus, dearest Lord, with Thee ! 
 
 Come, O Death, thou twin of Sleep, 
 Lead me hence, I pray Thee come, 
 
 Loose my rudder, through the deep 
 Guide my vessel safely home. 
 
 Thy approach who will may fly, 
 
 'Twere a joy to me to die, 
 
 Death but opes the gates to Thee, 
 
 Jesus, dearest Friend to me ! 
 
 Would that I to day might leave 
 This my earthly prison here, 
 
 And my crown of joy receive 
 
 Waiting me in yon bright sphere ! 
 
 In that home of joy, where dwell 
 
 Hosts of angels, would I tell 
 
 How the Godhead shines in Thee, 
 
 Jesus, dearest Lord to me ! 
 
 But not yet the gates of gold 
 
 I may see nor enter in, 
 Nor the heavenly fields behold, 
 
 But must sit and mourning spin 
 141 
 
LYRA GERMANIC A 
 
 Life's dark thread on earth below ; 
 Let my thoughts then hourly go 
 Whither I myself would be, 
 Jesus, dearest Lord, with Thee ! 
 
 J. FRANCK. 1653 
 
 a\ven ts^fourtb Sun&as after GnnitE 
 
 JESUS answered and said unto her, 
 Martha, Martha, thou art careful and 
 troubled about many things : but one 
 thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen 
 that good part which shall not be taken 
 away from hey. Luke x. 41, 42 
 
 ONE thing is needful ! Let me deem 
 
 Aright of that whereof He spoke ; 
 All else, how sweet soe'er it seem, 
 
 Is but in truth a heavy yoke, 
 'Neath which the toiling spirit frets and pants, 
 Yet never finds the happiness it wants : 
 This One can make amends, whate'er I miss, 
 Who hath it finds in all his joy through this ! 
 
 My soul, wouldst thou this one thing find ? 
 
 Seek not amid created things ; 
 Leave what is earthly far behind, 
 
 O'er Nature heavenward stretch thy wings, 
 Where God and man are One, in whom appear 
 All truth and fulness, thou hast found it here, 
 The better part, the One thing needful He, 
 My One, my All, my Joy, who saveth me. 
 
 As Mary once devoutly sought 
 
 The Eternal truth, the better part, 
 
 And sat, en wrapt in holy thought, 
 At Jesu's feet with burning heart, 
 142 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 For nought else caring, yearning for the word 
 That should be spoken by her Friend, her Lord, 
 Losing her All in Him, His word believing, 
 And through the One all things again receiving : 
 
 Even so is all my heart's desire 
 
 Fix'd, dearest Lord, on Thee alone ; 
 Oh make me true and draw me nigher, 
 
 And make Thyself, O Christ, my own. 
 Though many turn aside to join the crowd, 
 To follow Thee in love my heart is vow'd, 
 Thy word is life and spirit, whither go ? 
 What joy is there in Thee we cannot know ? 
 
 All perfect wisdom lies in Thee 
 
 As in its primal hidden source ; 
 O let my will submissive be, 
 
 And hold henceforth its even course, 
 Controll'd by truth and meekness, for high Heaven 
 To lowly simple hearts hath wisdom given ; 
 Who knoweth Christ aright, and in Him lives, 
 Hath won the highest prize that wisdom gives. 
 
 that my soul from sleep might wake, 
 And ever Lord, Thine image bear ! 
 
 Thee for my portion I will take, 
 
 Thy holiness Thou bidd'st us share, 
 \Vhate' er we need for God-like walk and life 
 Is given to us in Thee ; O end this strife, 
 And free me from the love of passing things, 
 To know alone the life from Thee that springs ! 
 
 What can I ask for more ? Behold 
 Thy mercy is a very flood ; 
 
 1 know that Thou hast pass'd of old 
 
 Into the Holiest through Thy blood, 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And there redeem'd for ever those who lay 
 Beneath the rule of Satan ; now are they 
 Made free by Thee, who erst were slaves and weak, 
 And childlike hearts the name of Father speak. 
 
 Deep joy and peace and holy calm 
 Fill my once restless spirit now ; 
 O'er verdant pastures free from harm, 
 
 She follows Thee, her shepherd Thou ; 
 Whate'er rejoices or consoles us here, 
 Is not so sweet as feeling Thou art near ; 
 This One is needful, but all else is dross, 
 Let me win Christ, all other gain is loss. 
 
 SCHRODER. 1697 
 
 3wetttg*ftftb Sunfcap after 
 
 BEHOLD, the days come, saith the Lord, 
 that I will raise unto David a righteous 
 Branch, and a King shall reign, and 
 prosper, and shall execute judgment and 
 justice in the earth. 
 
 From the Passage for the Epistle 
 
 REDEEMER of the nations, come ! 
 Ransom of earth, here make Thy home ! 
 Bright Sun, O 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. 
 144 
 
LYRA GERMANTCA 
 
 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. 
 
 J. FRANCK. After St. Ambrose 
 
 St. Hndrew'6 Das 
 
 AND Jesus saith unto them, Follow 
 me. . . . And they straightway left 
 their nets, and followed Him. 
 
 From the Gospel 
 
 FOLLOW me, in me ye live, 
 What ye ask I freely give, 
 Only heed ye lest ye stray, 
 Follow me, the Living Way ; 
 Follow me with all your hearts, 
 I will ward off sorrow's darts ; 
 Learn from Christ your Lord to be 
 Rich in meek humility. 
 
 Yea, Lord, meet it is indeed 
 We should all Thy bidding heed ; 
 Who in fear of this world's blame, 
 Counts Thy lowly yoke a shame, 
 
 145 K 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 To Thy name, Lord, hath no right, 
 Is no Christian, in Thy sight. 
 Ah too well I know that we, 
 Here on earth, should follow Thee. 
 
 Where is strength, Lord, to fulfil, 
 Glad at heart, Thy works and will, 
 Following on where Thou hast trod ? 
 All too weak am I, O God ; 
 If awhile Thy paths I keep, 
 Soon I pine for rest and sleep ; 
 E'en to love Thee, Lord, aright, 
 Passe th far my feeble might. 
 
 Yet I will not turn from Thee, 
 Yet my joy in Christ shall be ; 
 Help me, make me strong and bold, 
 Firm and fast Thy grace to hold ; 
 This world and her lusts I leave, 
 Only to my Lord I cleave ; 
 All their promises are lies, 
 But who follows Thee is wise. 
 
 Thou hast gone before us, Lord, 
 Not with anger, strife, or sword, 
 Not with kingly pomp and pride, 
 But with mercy at Thy side. 
 Moved by wondrous love divine 
 For our life Thou gavest Thine, 
 And Thy precious outpour' d blood, 
 Won for us the highest good. 
 
 Let us follow in such sort, 
 Christ-like every deed and thought, 
 That Thy love most true and kind 
 All our hearts henceforth may bind ; 
 146 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 None may look behind him now, 
 Who to Christ hath pledged his vow ; 
 Jesus leads, no longer stand, 
 Follow me, is His command. 
 
 Draw me up, my God, from hence, 
 Raise me high o'er earth and sense, 
 That I lose not Thee from sight, 
 Nor in life nor death, my Light ! 
 In my soul's most deep recess 
 Let me cherish holiness, 
 Not for show or human praise, 
 But for Thy sake, all my days. 
 
 Grant me, Lord, my heart's desire, 
 So my course to run nor tire, 
 That my practised soul may prove 
 What Thy meekness, what Thy love. 
 Grant me here to trust Thy grace, 
 There with joy to see Thy face, 
 This in time my portion be, 
 That through all eternity 1 
 
 RIST. 1644 
 
 St ZTbomas tbe Bpostte 
 
 AND Thomas answered and said unto Him, 
 My Lord, and my God. Jesus saith unto 
 Him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me 
 thou hast believed ; blessed are they that have 
 not seen, and yet have believed. 
 
 From the Gospel 
 
 LONG in the spirit-world my soul had sought 
 Some friendly being, close to her akin ; 
 
 Long had prepared a dwelling in her thought 
 And heart for such an one ; for she could win 
 147 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Through Him alone her strength, for Him she 
 
 yearn'd, 
 Toward Him her fervent longing ever burn'd. 
 
 And rich the world in things invisible, 
 
 In heathen gods, and spirits great and small, 
 
 And bright and dark ; yet ever did she dwell 
 Alone, for One was wanting 'mid them all ; 
 
 One having might and glory, rich in love, 
 
 God, who as man could shame and weakness prove. 
 
 Then came the Word, and took on Him our flesh, 
 And dwelt with men, here in the world of sight, 
 
 And made an end of strife, and link'd afresh 
 Our sinful earth unto the throne of light ; 
 
 Into His ancient glory He is gone, 
 
 And yet He dwells with us till time be done. 
 
 Thus, O my soul, hast thou received thy will ; 
 
 The glory of the world of ghosts is dim 
 Before the One, who is, and was, and still 
 
 Shall ever be ; all hearts are fix'd on Him, 
 And spirit -worlds, since He is there, become 
 Hallow' d and safe to thee, thy proper home. 
 
 Thou soarest now through all their heights sublime, 
 
 And not as once dost empty back return, 
 But gazing on Thy God, forgettest time 
 
 Beneath His loving glance, whence thou wouldst 
 
 learn 
 How thou shouldst love, and know His Word 
 
 aright : 
 Ah, blest the love and faith that ask not sight ! 
 
 ALBERTINI. 1821 
 US 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 presentation in tbe temple 
 
 LORD, now lettest Thou Thy servant 
 depart in peace, according to Thy 
 word ; for mine eyes have seen Thy 
 salvation. From the Gospel 
 
 LIGHT of the Gentile world ! 
 
 Thy people's joy and love ! 
 Drawn by Thy Spirit we are come 
 
 Thy presence, Lord, to prove. 
 
 Within Thy temple walls 
 
 We wait with earnest mind, 
 As Simeon waited long of old 
 
 His Saviour God to find. 
 
 Thou wilt be found of us, 
 
 O Lord, in every place, 
 Where Thou hast promised faithfully 
 
 We should behold Thy face. 
 
 Thou yet dost suffer us, 
 
 W r ho oft are gather' d here, 
 To bear Thee in the arms of faith 
 
 As once that aged seer. 
 
 Be Thou our bliss, our light 
 
 Shining 'mid pain and loss, 
 Our Sun of strength in time of fear, 
 
 The glory round our cross ; 
 
 A glow in sinking hearts, 
 
 A sunbeam in distress, 
 Physician, nurse, in sickness' hours, 
 
 In death our happiness. 
 
 O let us, Lord, prevail 
 With Simeon at the last ; 
 149 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 May we take up his dying song 
 
 When life is waning fast ! 
 
 " Let me depart in peace, 
 
 Since that mine aged eyes 
 Have seen the Saviour here on earth, 
 
 Have seen His day arise." 
 
 Yes, with the eye of faith 
 
 My Jesus I behold ; 
 No foe can rob me of my Lord, 
 
 Though fierce his threats and bold. 
 
 I dwell within Thy heart, 
 
 Thou dost in mine abide, 
 Not sorrow, pain nor death itself, 
 
 Can tear me from Thy side. 
 
 J. FRANCK. A.D. 1653 
 
 St. dfcattbtas' 
 
 COME unto Me, all ye that labour and are 
 heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 
 
 From the Gospel 
 
 YES, there remaineth yet a rest ! 
 
 Arise, sad heart who now dost pine, 
 By heavy care and pain opprest, 
 
 On whom no sun of joy can shine ; 
 Look to the Lamb ! in yon bright fields 
 Thou'lt know the joy His presence yields ; 
 Cast oft thy load and thither haste ; 
 
 Soon shalt thou fight and bleed no more, 
 Soon, soon thy weary course be o'er, 
 And deep the rest thou then shalt taste : 
 150 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The rest appointed thee of God, 
 
 The rest that nought shall break or move, 
 That ere this earth by man was trod 
 
 Was set apart for thee by Love. 
 Our Saviour gave His life to win 
 This rest for thee ; O enter in ! 
 
 Hear how His voice sounds far and wide ; 
 
 Ye weary souls, no more delay, 
 
 Nor loiter faithless by the way, 
 Here in my peace and rest abide ! 
 
 Ye heavy-laden, come to Him ! 
 
 Ye who are bent with many a load, 
 Come from your prisons drear and dim, 
 
 Toil not thus sadly on your road ! 
 Ye've borne the burden of the day, 
 And hear ye not your Saviour say, 
 I am your refuge and your rest ? 
 
 His children ye, of heavenly birth, 
 
 Howe'er may rage sin, hell, or earth, 
 Here are ye safe, here calmly blest. 
 
 Yonder in joy the sheaves we bring, 
 
 Whose seed was sown on earth in tears ; 
 
 There in our Father's house we sing 
 
 The song too sweet for mortal ears. 
 Sorrow and sighing all are past, 
 And pain and death are fled at last, 
 
 There with the Lamb of God we dwell, 
 He leads us to the crystal river, 
 He wipes away all tears for ever ; 
 
 What there is ours no tongue can tell. 
 
 Hunger nor thirst can pain us there, 
 The time of recompense is come, 
 
LYRA GERMANIC* 
 
 Nor cold nor scorching heat we bear, 
 
 Safe shelter'd in our Saviour's home. 
 The Lamb is in the midst ; and those 
 Who follow' d Him through shame and woes, 
 Are crown'd with honour, joy, and peace. 
 The dry bones gather life again, 
 One Sabbath over all shall reign, 
 Wherein all toil and labour cease. 
 
 There is untroubled calm and light. 
 
 No gnawing care shall mar our rest ; 
 Ye weary, heed this word aright, 
 
 Come, lea-n upon your Saviour's breast. 
 Fain would I linger here no more, 
 Fain to yon happier world upsoar, 
 And join that bright expectant band. 
 O raise, my soul, the joyful song 
 That rings through yon triumphant throng j 
 Thy perfect rest is nigh at hand. 
 
 KUNTH. 1733 
 
 ttbc Bnnunciation 
 
 BEHOLD the handmaid of the Lord, 
 be it unto me according to Thy word. 
 
 From the Gospel 
 
 YEA my spirit fain would sink 
 In Thy heart and hands, my God, 
 
 Waiting till Thou show the end 
 Of the ways she here hath trod ; 
 
 Stripp'd of self, how calm her rest 
 
 On her loving Father's breast ! 
 
 And my soul repineth not, 
 Well content whate'er befall ; 
 152 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Murmurs, wishes, of self-will, 
 
 They are slain and vanquish'd all, 
 Restless thoughts, that fret and crave 
 Slumber in her Saviour's grave. 
 
 And my soul is free from care, 
 
 For her thoughts from all things cease 
 That can pierce like sharpest thorns 
 
 Wounding sore the inner peace. 
 He who made her careth well, 
 She but seeks in peace to dwell. 
 
 And my soul despaireth not, 
 
 Loving God amid her woe ; 
 Grief that wrings and breaks the heart 
 
 Only they who hate Him know : 
 They who love Him still possess 
 Comfort in their worst distress. 
 
 And my soul complaineth not, 
 For she knows not pain or fear, 
 
 Clinging to her God in faith, 
 
 Trusting though He slay her here. 
 
 'Tis when flesh and blood repine, 
 
 Sun of joy, Thou canst not shine. 
 
 Thus my soul before her God 
 Lieth still, nor speaketh more, 
 
 Conqueror thus o'er pain and wrong, 
 That once smote her to the core ; 
 
 Like a silent ocean, bright 
 
 With her God's great praise and light. 
 
 WINKLER. 1713 
 153 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 St Barnabas' Bag 
 
 WE preach unto you that ye should turn 
 from these vanities unto the living God 
 which made heaven, and earth, and the 
 sea, and all things that are therein : 
 who in time past suffered all nations to 
 walk in their own ways. Nevertheless 
 He left not Himself without witness, in 
 that He did good, and gave us rain from 
 heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our 
 hearts with food and gladness. 
 
 From the Lesson 
 
 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 tenderest 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 didst 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. 
 154 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Nay, He kept not back His Son, 
 But hath given Him for our good, 
 
 And our safety He hath won 
 By the shedding- of His blood. 
 
 O Thou fathomless abyss ! 
 
 My weak powers but strive in vain 
 Knowledge of Thy depths to gain, 
 
 Man knows not such love as this. 
 
 All things else have but their day, 
 God's love only lasts for aye. 
 
 And His Spirit, blessed Guide, 
 In His holy Word doth teach, 
 
 How on earth we may abide, 
 
 So that heaven at last we reach ; 
 
 Every longing heart doth fill 
 
 With the pure true light of faith, 
 That can break the bonds of death, 
 
 And control the powers of ill. 
 
 All things else have but their day. 
 God's love only lasts for aye. 
 
 Truly hath he cared indeed 
 
 For my soul's health, and no less 
 
 If my body surfer need, 
 
 Will He help in my distress. 
 
 When my strength and courage fail, 
 When my powers can do no more, 
 Doth my God such strength outpour, 
 
 That I rise up and prevail. 
 
 All things else have but their day 
 God's love only lasts for aye. 
 
 All the hosts of heaven and earth 
 Hath He placed at my command, 
 155 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Nowhere is there lack or dearth, 
 
 But I find in sea and land 
 All things order' d for my wants, 
 Living things in fields and woods, 
 On the heights or in the floods, 
 And the earth brings forth her plants. 
 
 All things 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 thek day, 
 God's love only lasts for aye. 
 
 Often hath my crafty Foe 
 
 Threaten' d to bring down on me 
 Many a sore and heavy woe, 
 
 From which yet my life is free ; 
 For the angel whom God sends, 
 
 Wards off every threaten' d hurt, 
 
 Every evil doth avert 
 That mine Enemy intends. 
 
 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 : 
 
 156 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 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. 
 
 AH 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. 
 157 
 
LYRA GERMANIC A 
 
 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. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1659 
 
 St. /HMcbael anb all 
 
 ARE they not all ministering spirits, 
 sent forth to minister for them that 
 shall be heirs of salvation ? 
 
 Heb. i. 14 
 
 PRAISE and thanks to Thee be sung, 
 
 Mighty God, in sweetest tone ! 
 Lo ! from every land and tongue, 
 
 Nations gather round Thy Throne, 
 Praising Thee, that Thou dost send, 
 
 Daily from Thy Heaven above, 
 
 Angel-messengers of love, 
 Who Thy threatened Church defend. 
 Who can offer worthily, 
 Lord of angels, praise to Thee ! 
 
 'Tis your office, Spirits bright, 
 
 Still to guard us night and day, 
 And before your heavenly might, 
 
 Powers of darkness flee away ; 
 Ever doth your unseen host 
 
 Camp around us, and avert 
 
 All that seeks to do us hurt, 
 Curbing Satan's malice most. 
 Lord, who then can worthily 
 For such goodness honour Thee I 
 158 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And ye come on ready wing 
 
 When we drift toward sheer despair, 
 
 Seeing nought where we might cling, 
 Suddenly, lo, ye are there ! 
 
 And the wearied heart grows strong, 
 As an angel strengthen'd Him, 
 Fainting in the garden dim, 
 
 'Neath the world's vast woe and wrong. 
 
 Lord, who then can worthily 
 
 For such mercy honour Thee ! 
 
 Right and seemly is it then 
 
 We should glory, that our Gad 
 Hath such honour put on men, 
 
 That He sends o'er earth abroad 
 Princes of the realm above, 
 
 Champions, who by day and night 
 
 Shield us with His holy might ; 
 Come, behold how great His love ! 
 Lord, who then can worthily 
 For such favour honour Thee ! 
 
 Praise and thanks to Thee be sung, 
 
 Mighty God, in sweetest tone. 
 Lo ! from every land and tongue, 
 
 Nations gather round Thy throne. 
 Praising Thee that Thou dost send, 
 
 Hourly from Thy glorious sphere, 
 
 Angels down to help us here, 
 And Thy threaten'd Church defend. 
 Let us henceforth worthily, 
 Lord of angels, honour Thee. 
 
 RIST. 1655 
 159 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Bll Salute' Dag 
 
 LO, a great multitude which no man 
 could number, of all nations, and 
 kindreds, and people, and tongues, 
 stood before the throne and before the 
 Lamb, clothed with white robes, and 
 palms in their hands ; and cried with 
 a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our 
 God which sitteth upon the throne and 
 unto the Lamb. 
 
 From the Epistle 
 
 WHO are those before God's throne, 
 What the crowned host I see ? 
 
 As the sky with stars thick-strown 
 Is their shining company : 
 
 Hallelujahs, hark, they sing, 
 
 Solemn praise to God they bring. 
 
 W r ho are those that in their hands 
 Bear aloft the conqueror's palm, 
 
 As one o'er his foeman stands, 
 Fallen beneath his mighty arm ? 
 
 What the war and what the strife, 
 
 Whence came such victorious life ? 
 
 Who are those array 'd in light, 
 Cloth'd in righteousness divine, 
 
 Wearing robes most pure and white, 
 That unstain'd shall ever shine, 
 
 That can nevermore decay ; 
 
 Whence came all this bright array ? 
 
 They are those who, strong in faith, 
 Battled for the mighty God ; 
 160 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Conquerors o'er the world and death, 
 Following not Sin's crowded road ; 
 Through the Lamb who once was slain, 
 Did they such high victory gain. 
 
 They are those who much have borne, 
 Trial, sorrow, pain, and care, 
 
 Who have wrestled night and morn 
 With the mighty God in prayer ; 
 
 Now their strife hath found its close, 
 
 God hath turn'd away their woes. 
 
 They are branches of that Stem, 
 Who hath our Salvation been. 
 
 In the blood He shed for them, 
 
 Have they made their raiment clean ; 
 
 Hence they wear such radiant dress, 
 
 Clad in spotless holiness. 
 
 They are those who hourly here 
 
 Served as priests before their Lord ; 
 
 Offering up with gladsome cheer 
 Soul and body at His word, 
 
 Now within the Holy Place, 
 
 They behold Him face to face. 
 
 As the harts at noonday pant 
 For the river fresh and clear, 
 
 Did they oft times long and faint 
 For the Living Fountain here. 
 
 Now their thirst is quench'd, they dwell 
 
 With the Lord they loved so well. 
 
 Thitherwards I stretch my hands ; 
 O Lord Jesus, day by day, 
 
 161 L 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 In Thy house in these strange lands, 
 Com pass' d round with foes, I pray, 
 Let me sink not in the war, 
 Drive for me my foes afar. 
 
 Cast my lot in earth and heaven 
 With Thy saints made like to Thee, 
 
 Let my bonds be also riven, 
 
 Make Thy child who loves Thee free ; 
 
 Near the throne where Thou dost shine, 
 
 May a place at last be mine ! 
 
 Ah ! that bliss can ne'er be told, 
 When with all that army bright, 
 
 Thee, my Sun, I shall behold, 
 Shining star-like, with Thy light. 
 
 Amen ! Thanks be brought to Thee, 
 
 Praise through all eternity. 
 
 SCHENK. Died 1727 
 
 MY voice shall thou hear in the 
 morning, O Lord ; in the morning will 
 I direct my prayer unto thee, and 
 will look up. Psalm v. 3 
 
 GOD who madest earth and heaven, 
 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
 
 Who the day and night hast given, 
 Sun and moon and starry host, 
 
 All things wake at Thy command, 
 
 Held in being by Thy hand : 
 162 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 God, I thank Thee from my heart, 
 That through all the livelong night, 
 
 Thou hast kept me safe apart 
 From all danger, pain, affright, 
 
 And the cunning of my foe 
 
 Hath not wrought my overthrow. 
 
 Let the night of sin depart. 
 
 As this earthly night hath fled ; 
 
 Jesus, take me to Thy heart, 
 
 In the blood that Thou hast shed 
 
 Is my help and hope alone, 
 
 For the evil I have done. 
 
 Help me as each morn shall break, 
 
 In the Spirit to arise, 
 Let my soul from sin awake, 
 
 That when o'er the aged skies 
 Shall the morn of Doom appear, 
 I may see it free from fear. 
 
 Ever lead me, ever guide 
 
 All my wanderings by Thy Word 
 As Thou hast been, still abide 
 
 My defence, my refuge, Lord. 
 Never safe except with Thee, 
 Ever Thou my Guardian be ! 
 
 Mighty God, I now commend 
 
 Soul and body unto Thee, 
 All the powers that Thou dost lend, 
 
 By Thy hand directed be ; 
 Thou my boast, my strength divine 
 Keep me with Thee, I am Thine. 
 163 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Let Thine angel guard my soul 
 From the Evil One's dark power, 
 
 All his thousand wiles control, 
 Warning, guiding me each hour, 
 
 Till my final rest be come, 
 
 And Thine angel bear me home. 
 
 HEINRICH ALBERT. 1644 
 
 II 
 
 THE golden sunbeams with their joyous gleams, 
 
 Are kindling o'er earth, her life and mirth, 
 Shedding forth lovely and heart-cheering light ; 
 
 Through the dark hours' chill I lay silent and 
 still, 
 
 But risen at length to gladness and strength, 
 I gaze on the heavens all glowing and bright. 
 
 Mine eyes now behold Thy works, that of old 
 And ever are telling to all men here dwelling, 
 How great is Thy glory, how wondrous Thy power ; 
 They tell of the home where the faithful shall 
 
 come, 
 Who depart to that peace that can change not or 
 
 cease, 
 From earth where all passeth as passes the hour. 
 
 O come let us raise our voices, and praise 
 The Maker of all, at His feet let us fall, 
 Offering to Him again all He hath given, 
 
 The best that is ours, our hearts and our powers ; 
 Glad songs that we sing Him, thanks that we 
 
 bring Him, 
 
 These are the incense most grateful to Heaven. 
 164' 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Evening and morning thus ever He cares for us, 
 Blessing, renewing, warding off ruin, 
 
 These are His works, thus His goodness we prove ; 
 When we are sleeping, watch He is keeping, 
 When we arise, He gladdens our eyes 
 
 With the sunshine of mercy, the glow of His love. 
 
 All passeth away, but God liveth aye, 
 
 And changeth in nought ; eternal His Thought, 
 
 His Word and His Will are steadfast and sure ; 
 Never His grace nor His mercy decays, 
 It heals the sad heart from its deadliest smart, 
 
 Giving it life that shall ever endure. 
 
 God, Thou my crown ! forgiving look down, 
 And hide from Thy face, through Thy pitying 
 grace, 
 
 All my transgressions against Thy command ; 
 Henceforth O rule me, guide me and school me, 
 As Thou seest fit ; my ways I commit 
 
 All to Thy pleasure, Thy merciful hand. 
 
 Crosses and sorrow may end with the morrow, 
 
 Stormiest seas shall sink into peace, 
 The wild winds are hush'd, and the sunshine 
 returns ; 
 
 So fulness of rest, and the calm of the blest, 
 
 Are waiting me there, in that garden most fair, 
 That home for which daily my spirit here yearns. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 
 
 165 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 III 
 
 COME, my soul, awake, 'tis morning, 
 
 Day is dawning 
 O'er the earth, arise and pray ; 
 Come, to Him who made this splendour, 
 
 Thou must render 
 All thy feeble powers can pay. 
 
 From the stars now learn thy duty, 
 
 See their beauty 
 Paling in the golden air ; 
 So God's light thy mists should banish, 
 
 Thus should vanish 
 What to darken'd sense seem'd fair. 
 
 See how everything that liveth, 
 
 Gladly striveth 
 
 On the pleasant light to gaze ; 
 Stirs with joy each thing that groweth, 
 
 As it knoweth 
 Darkness smitten by these rays. 
 
 Soul, thy incense also proffer ; 
 
 Thou shouldst offer 
 Praise to Him, who from thy head 
 Kept afar the storms of sorrow, 
 
 And the morrow 
 Finds the night in peace hath fled. 
 
 Bid Him bless what thou art doing, 
 
 If pursuing 
 
 Some good aim ; but if there lurks 
 111 intent in thine endeavour, 
 
 May He ever 
 
 Thwart and turn thee from thy works. 
 1 66 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Think that He, the All-discerning, 
 
 Knows each turning 
 Of thy path, each sinful stain ; 
 Nay, what shame would fain gloss over, 
 
 Can discover ; 
 All thou dost to Him is plain. 
 
 Bound unto the flying hours 
 
 Are our powers ; 
 
 Earth's vain good floats down their wave, 
 That thy ship, my soul, is hasting, 
 
 Never resting, 
 To its haven in the grave. 
 
 Pray that when thy life is closing, 
 
 Calm reposing, 
 
 Thou mayst die, and not in pain ; 
 That, the night of death departed, 
 
 Thou, glad-hearted, 
 Mayst behold the Sun again. 
 
 From God's glances shrink thou never, 
 
 Meet them ever ; 
 Who submits him to His grace, 
 Finds that earth no sunshine knoweth 
 
 Such as gloweth 
 O'er his pathway all his days. 
 
 Wakenest thou again to sorrow, 
 
 O ! then borrow 
 
 Strength from Him, whose sun-like might 
 On the mountain-summit tarries, 
 
 And yet carries 
 
 To the vales their mirth and light. 
 167 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Round the gifts He on thee showers, 
 
 Fiery towers 
 
 Will He set, be not afraid, 
 Thou shalt dwell 'mid angel legions, 
 
 In the regions 
 Satan's self dares not invade. 
 
 VON CANITZ. 1654-1699 
 
 IV 
 
 DAYSPRING of Eternity ! 
 
 Dawn on us this morning-tide. 
 Light from Light's exhaustless sea, 
 
 Now no more Thy radiance hide, 
 But dispel with glorious might 
 
 All our night. 
 
 Let the morning dew of love 
 
 On our sleeping conscience rain ; 
 
 Gentle comfort from above 
 
 Flow through life's long parched plain 
 
 Water daily us Thy flock 
 
 From the rock. 
 
 Let the glow of love destroy 
 Cold obedience faintly given ; 
 
 Wake our hearts to strength and joy 
 With the flushing eastern heaven, 
 
 Let us truly rise ere yet 
 
 Life hath set. 
 
 Brightest Star of eastern skies, 
 Let that fatal morn appear, 
 When our bodies too shall rise 
 168 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Free from all that pain'd them here, 
 Strong their joyful course to run 
 As the sun. 
 
 To yon world be Thou our light, 
 
 O Thou glorious Sun of Grace ; 
 Lead us through the tearful night, 
 
 To yon fair and blessed place, 
 Where to joy that never dies 
 
 We shall rise. 
 
 VON ROSENROTH. 1684 
 
 ONCE more from rest I rise again, 
 To greet a day of toil and pain, 
 
 My Heaven-appointed lot ; 
 Unknowing what new grief may be 
 With this new day in store for me, 
 
 But it shall harm me not 
 I know full well ; my loving God 
 Will send me not a hurtful load. 
 
 My burden every day is new, 
 But every day my God is true, 
 
 And all my cares hath borne ; 
 Ere eventide can no man know 
 What Day shall bring of joy or woe 
 
 And though it seem each morn 
 To some new path of suffering call, 
 With God I can surmount it all. 
 
 Since this I know, O wherefore sink, 
 
 My faithless heart ? And why thus shrink 
 
 To take thy load again ? 
 Bear what thou canst, God bears thy lot, 
 169 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The Lord of all, He stumbleth not ; 
 
 Pure blessing shalt thou gain, 
 If thou with Him right onward go, 
 Nor fear'st to tread the path of woe. 
 
 My heart grows strong, all terrors fly 
 Whene'er I feel Thy love, Most High, 
 
 Doth compass me around ; 
 But would I have Thee for my shield, 
 No more to sin my soul must yield, 
 
 But in Thy ways be found ; 
 Thou, God, wilt never walk my way 
 If from Thy paths my feet should stray. 
 
 But let me feel Thou guidest me, 
 And humbly I will follow Thee, 
 
 Lord, make me true and pure ; 
 Then strong and dauntless in Thy might 
 Against a world of sin I'll fight, 
 
 And know my triumph sure ; 
 Then bravely I can meet each day, 
 And fear it not, come what come may. 
 
 My God and Lord, I cast on Thee 
 The load that weighs too sore on me, 
 
 The yoke 'neath which I bow ; 
 I lay my rank, my high command, 
 In my Almighty Father's hand, 
 
 Well knowing, Lord, that Thou 
 Wilt ne'er withdraw it, for Thy truth 
 Hath led me onward from my youth. 
 
 To Thee my kindred I commend, 
 
 For they are safe if Thou defend, 
 
 O guard them round about ; 
 
 My sinful soul would shelter take 
 
 170 
 
LYRA GBRMANICA 
 
 In Jesu's bosom, for whose sake 
 Thou wilt not cast her out ; 
 When soul and body part at last, 
 Then all myself on Thee I cast. 
 
 ANTON ULRICH 
 Duke of Brunswick. 1767 
 
 Evening f>gmn0 
 
 EVENING and morning and at noon 
 will I pray and cry aloud ! A nd He 
 shall hear my voice. Psalm cxli. 2 
 
 THE happy sunshine all is gone, 
 The gloomy night comes swiftly on ; 
 But shine Thou still, O Christ our Light, 
 Nor let us lose ourselves in night. 
 
 We thank Thee, Father, that this day 
 Thy angels watch'd around our way, 
 And free from harm and vexing fear, 
 Have led us on in safety here. 
 
 Lord, have we anger'd Thee to-day, 
 Remember not our sins, we pray, 
 But let Thy mercy o'er them sweep, 
 And give us calm and restful sleep. 
 
 Thy angels guard our sleeping hours, 
 And keep afar all evil Powers ; 
 And Thou all pain and mischief ward 
 From soul and body, faithful Lord ! 
 
 N. HERMANN. 1560 
 171 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 II 
 
 NOW all the woods are sleeping, 
 And night and stillness creeping 
 
 O'er field and city, man and beast ; 
 But thou, my heart, awake thee, 
 To prayer awhile betake thee, 
 
 And praise thy Maker ere thou rest. 
 
 Sun, where art thou vanish'd ? 
 The Night thy reign hath banish* d, 
 
 Thy ancient foe, the Night. 
 Farewell, a brighter glory 
 My Jesus sheddeth o'er me, 
 
 All clear within me shines His light. 
 
 The last faint beam is going, 
 The golden stars are glowing 
 
 In yonder dark-blue deep ; 
 And such the glory given 
 When called of God to heaven, 
 
 On earth no more we pine and weep. 
 
 The body hastes to slumber, 
 These garments now but cumber ; 
 And as I lay them by 
 
 1 ponder how the spirit 
 Puts off the flesh t' inherit 
 
 A shining robe with Christ on high. 
 
 Now thought and labour ceases, 
 For Night the tired releases 
 
 And bids sweet rest begin : 
 
 My heart, there comes a morrow 
 Shall set thee free from sorrow 
 
 And all the dreary toil of sin. 
 172 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Ye aching limbs ! now rest you, 
 For toil hath sore oppress' d you, 
 
 Lie down, my weary head : 
 
 A sleep shall once o'ertake you 
 
 From which earth ne'er shall wake you, 
 
 Within a narrower colder bed. 
 
 My heavy eyes are closing, 
 
 When I lie deep reposing 
 O soul and body, where are ye ? 
 
 To helpless sleep I yield them, 
 
 O let Thy mercy shield them, 
 Thou sleepless Eye, their guardian be ! 
 
 My Jesus, stay Thou by me, 
 
 And let no foe come nigh me, 
 Safe shelter' d by Thy wing ; 
 
 But would the foe alarm me, 
 
 O let him never harm me, 
 But still Thine angels round me sing ! 
 
 My loved ones, rest securely, 
 
 From every peril surely 
 Our God will guard your heads ; 
 
 And happy slumbers send you, 
 
 And bid His hosts attend you, 
 And golden-arm'd watch o'er your beds. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1653 
 
 III 
 
 THE day expires ; 
 My soul desires 
 And pants to see that day, 
 When the vexing cares of earth 
 Shall be done away. 
 173 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The night is here ; 
 O ! be Thou near, 
 Christ, make it light within ; 
 Drive away from out my heart 
 All the night of sin. 
 
 The sunbeams pale, 
 
 And flee and fail ; 
 O uncreated Sun ! 
 Let Thy light now shine on us, 
 Then our joy were won. 
 
 All things that move 
 
 Below, above, 
 Now with sleep are blest ; 
 Work Thou still in me, while I 
 Calmly in Thee rest. 
 
 When shall the sway 
 Of night and day 
 Cease to rule man thus ? 
 When that brightest day of days 
 Once shall dawn on us. 
 
 Ah ! never then 
 
 Her light again 
 Jerusalem shall miss, 
 For the Lamb shall be her Light, 
 Filling her with bliss. 
 
 O were I there ! 
 Where all the air 
 With lovely sounds is ringing ; 
 Where the saints Thee, Holy Lord, 
 Evermore are singing 1 
 174 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Lord Jesus, Thou 
 My rest art now, 
 O help me that I come, 
 Radiant with Thy light to shine 
 In Thy glorious home ! 
 
 FREYLINGHAUSEN. 1704 
 
 IV 
 
 THE moon hath risen on high, 
 And in the clear dark sky 
 
 The golden stars all brightly glow ; 
 And black and hush'd the woods, 
 While o'er the fields and floods 
 
 The white mists hover to and fro. 
 
 How still the earth ! how calm ! 
 
 What dear and home-like charm 
 From gentle twilight doth vshe borrow ' 
 
 Like to some quiet room, 
 
 Where wrapt in still soft gloom, 
 We sleep away the daylight's sorrow. 
 
 Look up ; the moon to-night 
 Shows us but half her light, 
 
 And yet we know her round and fair. 
 At other things how oft 
 We in our blindness scofl'd, 
 
 Because we saw not what was there. 
 
 We haughty sons of men 
 Have but a narrow ken, 
 We are but sinners poor and weak. 
 175 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Yet airy dreams we build, 
 And deem us wise and skill' cl, 
 And come not nearer what we seek. 
 
 Thy mercy let us see, 
 
 Nor find in vanity 
 Our joy ; nor trust in what departs ; 
 
 But true and simple grow, 
 
 And live to Thee below 
 With sunny pure and childlike hearts. 
 
 Let Death all gently come 
 
 At last to take us home, 
 And let us meet him fearlessly ; 
 
 And when these bonds are riven, 
 
 O take us to Thy heaven, 
 Our Lord and God, to dwell with Thee. 
 
 Now in His name most blest 
 
 My brethren sink to rest ; 
 The wind is cold, chill falls the dew. 
 
 Spare us, O God, and keep 
 
 Us safe in quiet sleep, 
 And all the sick and sufiering too. 
 
 CLAUDIUS. 1782 
 
 fcgmns for tbe Sfcfc an& 
 
 THE Lord will strengthen him upon 
 the bed of languishing : thou wilt make 
 all his bed in his sickness. 
 
 Psalm xli. 3 
 I 
 
 IN the midst of life, behold 
 Death has girt us round. 
 Whom for help then shall we pray, 
 Where shall grace be found ? 
 176 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 In Thee, O Lord, alone ! 
 
 We rue the evil we have done. 
 That Thy wrath on us hath drawn. 
 
 Holy Lord and God ! 
 
 Strong and Holy God ! 
 Merciful and Holy Saviour ! 
 
 Eternal God ! 
 
 Leave us not to sink beneath 
 These dark pains of bitter death ; 
 
 Kyrie eleison ! 
 
 In the midst of death the jaws 
 
 Of hell against us gape. 
 Who from peril dire as this 
 
 Openeth us escape ? 
 'Tis Thou, Lord, alone ! 
 
 Our bitter suffering and our sin 
 Pity from Thy mercy win, 
 Holy Lord and God ! 
 Strong and Holy God ! 
 Merciful and Holy Saviour ! 
 
 Eternal God ! 
 
 Let not dread our souls o'erwhelm 
 Of the dark and burning realm, 
 Kyrie eleison ! 
 
 In the midst of hell would Sin 
 
 Drive us to despair ; 
 W hither shall we flee away ? 
 
 Where is refuge, where ? 
 With Thee, Lord Christ, alone ! 
 
 For Thou hast shed Thy precious blood, 
 All our sins Thou makest good, 
 Holy Lord and God ! 
 Strong and Holy God ! 
 
 177 M 
 
LYRA GBRMANICA 
 
 Merciful and Holy Saviour ! 
 
 Eternal God ! 
 
 Leave us not to fall in death 
 From the hope of Thy true Faith, 
 Kyrie eleison ! 
 
 NOTKER, Trans, by LUTHER 
 Written about goo, tr. 1524 
 
 II 
 
 GOD whom I as love have known, 
 Thou hast sickness laid on me, 
 And these pains are sent of Thee, 
 
 Under which I burn and moan ; 
 
 Let them burn away the sin, 
 
 That too oft hath check' d the love 
 Wherewith Thou my heart wouldst move, 
 
 When Thy Spirit works within ! 
 
 In my weakness be Thou strong, 
 
 Be Thou sweet when I am sad, 
 
 Let me still in Thee be glad, 
 Though my pains be keen and long. 
 All that plagues my body now, 
 
 All that wasteth me away, 
 
 Pressing on me night and day, 
 Love ordains, for Love art Thou ! 
 
 Suffering is the work now sent, 
 
 Nothing can I do but lie 
 
 Suffering as the hours go by ; 
 All my powers to this are bent. 
 Suffering is my gain ; I bow 
 
 To my heavenly Father's will, 
 
 And receive it hush'd and still ; 
 Suffering is my worship now. 
 178 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 God ! I take it from Thy hand 
 
 As a sign of love, I know 
 
 Thou wouldst perfect me through woe, 
 Till I pure before Thee stand. 
 All refreshment, all the food 
 
 Given me for the body's need, 
 
 Comes from Thee, who lov'st indeed, 
 Comes from Thee, for Thou art good. 
 
 Let my soul beneath her load 
 
 Faint not through the o'erwearied flesh ; 
 
 Let her hourly drink afresh 
 Love and peace from Thee, my God. 
 Let the body's pain and smart 
 
 Hinder not her flight to Thee, 
 
 Nor the calm Thou givest me ; 
 Keep Thou up the sinking heart. 
 
 Grant me never to complain, 
 
 Make me to Thy will resign' d, 
 
 With a quiet, humble mind. 
 Cheerful on my bed of pain. 
 In the flesh who suffers thus, 
 
 Shall be purified from sin, 
 
 And the soul renew' d within ; 
 Therefore pain is laid on us. 
 
 I commend to Thee my life, 
 
 And my body to the cross ; 
 
 Never let me think it loss 
 That I thus am freed from strife 
 Wholly Thine ; my faith is sure 
 
 Whether life or death be mine, 
 
 I am safe if I am Thine ; 
 For 'tis Love that makes me pure. 
 
 RICHTER. 1713 
 179 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 III 
 
 WHEN the last agony draws nigh, 
 
 My spirit sinks in bitter fear : 
 Courage ! I conquer though I die, 
 
 For Christ with Death once wrestled here. 
 Thy strife, O Christ, with Death's dark power 
 Upholds me in this fearful hour. 
 
 In faith I hide n^self in Thee, 
 
 I shall not perish in the strife ; 
 I share Thy war, Thy victory, 
 
 And Death is swallow' d up in Life. 
 Thy strife, O Christ, with Death of yore 
 Hath conquer' d, and I fear no more. 
 
 ANON. 
 
 IV 
 
 LORD Jesus Christ, true Man and God, 
 Who borest anguish, scorn, the rod, 
 And diedst at last upon the tree, 
 To bring Thy Father's grace to me ; 
 I pray Thee through that bitter woe. 
 Let me, a sinner, mercy know. 
 
 When comes the hour of failing breath. 
 And I must wrestle, Lord, with death, 
 When from my sight all fades away, 
 And when my tongue no more can say, 
 And when mine ears no more can hear, 
 And when my heart is rack'd with fear ; 
 
 When all my mind is darken'd o'er, 
 And human help can do no more, 
 Then come, Lord Jesus, come with speed, 
 1 80 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And help me in my hour of need, 
 Lead me from this dark vale beneath, 
 And shorten then the pangs of death. 
 
 All evil spirits drive away, 
 
 But let Thy Spirit with me stay 
 
 Until my soul the body leave ; 
 
 Then in Thy hands my soul receive, 
 
 And let the earth my body keep, 
 
 Till the Last Day shall break its sleep. 
 
 Joyful my resurrection be, 
 
 Thou in the Judgment plead for me, 
 
 And hide my sins, Lord, from Thy face, 
 
 And give me Life of Thy dear grace ! 
 
 I trust Thee utterly, my Lord, 
 
 For Thou hast promised in Thy Word : 
 
 " In truth I tell you, who receives 
 My word, and keeps it, and believes, 
 Shall never fall God's wrath beneath, 
 Shall never taste eternal death ; 
 Though here on earth, in time, he die, 
 He is not therefore lost ; for I 
 
 Will come, and with a mighty hand 
 Will break away Death's strongest band. 
 And lift him hence that he shall be 
 For ever in my realm with Me, 
 For ever living there in bliss.'* 
 Ah let us not that glory miss ! 
 
 Dear Lord, forgive us all our guilt, 
 Help us to wait until Thou wilt 
 That we depart ; and let our faith 
 
 181 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Be brave and conquer e'en in death, 
 Firm resting on Thy sacred Word, 
 Until we sleep in Thee, our Lord. 
 
 PAUL EBER. 1557 
 
 GO and dig my grave to-day ! 
 
 Weary of my wanderings all, 
 Now from earth I pass away, 
 
 For the heavenly peace doth call ; 
 Angel voices from above 
 Call me to their rest and love. 
 
 Go and dig my grave to-day ! 
 
 Homeward doth my journey tend, 
 And I lay my staff away 
 
 Here where all things earthly end, 
 And I lay my weary head 
 In the only painless bed. 
 
 What is there I yet should do, 
 Lingering in this darksome vale ? 
 
 Proud and mighty, fair to view, 
 Are our schemes, and yet they fail, 
 
 Like the sand before the wind, 
 
 That no power of man can bind. 
 
 Farewell, earth, then ; I am glad 
 That in peace I now depart, 
 
 For thy very joys are sad, 
 
 And thy hopes deceive the heart ; 
 
 Fleeting is thy beauty's gleam , 
 
 False and changing as a dream. 
 182 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And to you a last good night, 
 
 Sun and moon and stars so dear ; 
 
 Farewell all your golden light ; 
 I am travelling far from here, 
 
 To the splendours of that day 
 
 Where ye all must fade away. 
 
 Farewell, O ye much-loved friends ! 
 
 Grief hath smote you as a sword, 
 But the Comforter descends 
 
 Unto them who love the Lord. 
 Weep not o'er a passing show, 
 To th' eternal world I go. 
 
 W T eep not that I take my leave 
 
 Of the world ; that I exchange 
 Errors that too closely cleave. 
 
 Shadows, empty ghosts that range 
 Through this world of nought and night, 
 For a land of truth and light. 
 
 Weep not, dearest to my heart, 
 
 For I find my Saviour near, 
 And I know that I have part 
 
 In the pains He suffer'd here, 
 When He shed His sacred blood 
 
 For the whole world's highest good. 
 
 Weep not, my Redeemer lives ; 
 
 Heavenward springing from the dust.. 
 Clear-eyed Hope her comfort gives ; 
 
 Faith, Heaven's champion, bids us trust 
 Love eternal whispers nigh, 
 " Child of God, fear not to die ! " 
 
 E. M. ARNDT 
 
 1*3 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 VI 
 
 THEN I have conquer' d ; then at last 
 
 My course is run, good night ! 
 I am well pleased that it is past ; 
 
 A thousand times, good night ! 
 But ye, dear friends, whom I must leave, 
 
 Look not thus anxiously ; 
 O wherefore thus lament and grieve ? 
 
 It standeth well with me. 
 
 Farewell, O anguish, pain, and fear, 
 
 Farewell, farewell for ever ! 
 It glads my heart to leave you here, 
 
 Redeem' d from you for ever ! 
 Henceforth a life of joy I share, 
 
 In my Creator's hand ; 
 None of the griefs can touch me there, 
 
 That haunt this lower land. 
 
 Who yet o'er earth in time must roam, 
 
 Not yet from error free, 
 Scarce lisp the language of our home, - 
 
 The glad eternity. 
 Far better is a happy death, 
 
 Than worldly life, I trow ; 
 The weakness once I sank beneath, 
 
 I nevermore shall know. 
 
 Lay on my coffin many a wreath, 
 For conquerors wreath' d are seen ; 
 
 And lo ! my soul attains through death 
 The crown of evergreen, 
 
 184 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 That blooms in fadeless groves of heaven ; 
 
 And this fair victor's crown, 
 That mighty Son of God hath given, 
 
 Who for my sake came down. 
 
 'Twas but a while that I was sent 
 
 To dwell among you here ; 
 Now God resumes what He hath lent, 
 
 O grieve not o'er my bier ; 
 But say, 'twas given at His command 
 
 Who takes it, He is just ; 
 Our lile and death are in His hand, 
 
 His servants can but trust. 
 
 That ye should see my grave, alas ! 
 
 Shows we are frail indeed ; 
 That it so soon should come to pass, 
 
 Our Father hath decreed, 
 And He your bitter grief shall still ; 
 
 Think not too young am I, 
 For he who dies as God doth will, 
 
 Is old enough to die. 
 
 Farewell, thou dear, dear soul, farewell ! 
 
 To those sweet pleasures go, 
 That we who mourning here must dwell, 
 
 Not yet, alas ! can know. 
 Ah when shall that great day be come, 
 
 When these things fade away, 
 And Thou shalt bid us welcome home ? 
 
 Would God it were to-day ! 
 
 SACER. 1665 
 
 185 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 VII 
 
 MY God, to Thee I now commend 
 
 My soul ; for Thou, O Lord, 
 Dost live and love me without end, 
 
 And wilt perform Thy word. 
 
 To whom else should I make my plea, 
 
 That heavenly life be mine ? 
 All souls, my God, belong to Thee, 
 
 My soul is also Thine. 
 
 Thou gav'st my spirit at my birth, 
 Take back what Thou hast given ; 
 
 And with the Lord I served on earth, 
 Grant me to live in heaven. 
 
 Faith spreads her wings, she sees reveal 'd 
 
 The shining walls above ; 
 My spirit knows that she is seal'd, 
 
 Redeem'd from death by love, 
 
 Thou my Deliverer wast of yore, 
 
 From sin Thou mad'st me free, 
 Now, faithful God, dost Thou once more 
 
 In death deliver me. 
 
 Thou liv'st and lovest without end, 
 
 And dost perform Thy word ; 
 My passing soul I now commend 
 
 To Thee, my God and Lord ! 
 
 HILLER. 1765 
 1 86 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 jf or tbe JSurial of tbe DcaD 
 
 FOR he that is dead is freed from sin ; 
 
 now if we be dead with Christ, we 
 
 believe that we shall also live with Him. 
 
 Rom. vi. 7 and 8 
 
 NOW hush your cries, and shed no tear, 
 On such death none should look with fear ; 
 He died a faithful Christian man, 
 And with his death true life began. 
 
 Coffin and grave we deck with care, 
 His body reverently we bear, 
 It is not dead but rests in God, 
 And softly sleeps beneath the sod. 
 
 It seems as all were over now, 
 The heavy limbs, the soulless brow, 
 Yet through these rigid limbs once more 
 A nobler life, ere long, shall pour. 
 
 These dead dry bones again shall feel 
 New warmth and vigour through them steal 
 Reknit and living they shall soar 
 On high where Christ lives evermore. 
 
 This body, tying stiff and stark, 
 Shall rise unharm'd from out the dark, 
 And swiftly mount up through the skies, 
 Even as the spirit heavenwards flies. 
 
 The buried grain of wheat must die, 
 Wither' d and worthless long must lie, 
 187 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Yet springs to light all sweet and fair, 
 And proper fruits shall richly bear : 
 
 Even so this body made of dust, 
 To earth we once again entrust, 
 And painless it shall slumber here, 
 Until the Last Great Day appear. 
 
 God breathed into this house of clay 
 The spirit that hath pass'd away.. 
 Christ gave the true courageous mind, 
 The noble heart, ye no more find. 
 
 Now earth has hid it from our eyes, 
 Till God shall bid it wake and rise, 
 Who ne'er the creature will forget, 
 On whom His image He hath set. 
 
 Ah, would that promised Day were here, 
 When Christ shall once again appear ; 
 When He shall call, nor one be lost, 
 To endless life earth's buried host ! 
 
 N. HERMANN. 1560 
 After Pntdentius 
 
 II 
 
 NOW rests her soul in Jesu's arms, 
 Her body in the grave sleeps well, 
 
 His heart her death-chill' d heart re- warms, 
 And rest more deep than tongue can tell, 
 
 Her few brief hours of conflict pass'd, 
 
 She finds with Christ, her Friend, at last ; 
 
 She bathes in tranquil seas of peace, 
 God wipes away her tears, she feels 
 New life that all her languor heals, 
 
 The glory of the Lamb she sees. 
 188 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 She hath escaped all danger now, 
 
 Her pain and sighing all are fled ; 
 The crown of joy is on her brow, 
 
 Eternal glories o'er her shed, 
 In golden robes, a queen, a bride, 
 She standeth at her Sovereign's side, 
 She sees His face unveil'd and bright ; 
 With joy and love He greets her soul, 
 She feels herself made inly whole, 
 A lesser light amid His light. 
 
 The child hath now its Father seen, 
 And feels what kindling love may be, 
 
 And knoweth what those words may mean 
 " Himself, the Father, loveth thee." 
 
 A shoreless ocean, an abyss 
 
 Unfathom'd fill'd with good and bliss, 
 
 Now breaks on her enraptured sight ; 
 She sees God's face, she learneth there 
 What this shall be, to be His heir, 
 
 Joint-heir with Christ her Lord, in light. 
 
 The body rests, its labours over, 
 
 And sleeps till Christ shall bid it wake ; 
 
 The dust that earth and darkness cover, 
 Then as a sun its tomb shall break. 
 
 Ah, with what joy it rises then 
 
 To meet the perfect soul again ! 
 
 Redeem' d from death, no more to sever, 
 At that great marriage feast shall they 
 With all the saints their homage pay, 
 
 And worship there the Lamb for ever. 
 
 We who yet wander through the waste, 
 In faith long after Thee on high ; 
 189 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 While here the bread of tears we taste, 
 We think upon that home of joy, 
 
 Where we (who knows how soon ?) shall meet 
 
 With all the saints at Jesu's feet, 
 
 And dwell with Him for ever there. 
 We shall see God ; how deep the bliss 
 We know not yet that lies in this ; 
 
 Lord Jesus, come, our hearts prepare ! 
 
 ALLENDORF. 1725 
 
 III 
 
 O HOW blessed, faithful souls, are ye, 
 
 Who have pass'd through death ; your God ye see, 
 
 Escaped at last 
 From all the sorrows that yet hold us fast ! 
 
 Here as in a prison we are bound, 
 
 Care and fear, and terrors hem us round, 
 
 And all we know 
 It is but toil and grief of heart below. 
 
 While that ye are resting in your home, 
 Safe from pain, all misery o'ercome, 
 
 No grief or cross 
 Can mix with yonder joys to work your loss. 
 
 Christ doth wipe away your every tear, 
 Ye possess what we but long for here, 
 
 To you is sung 
 The song that ne'er through mortal ears hath rung. 
 
 Who is there that would not gladly die, 
 Changing earth for such a home on high, 
 
 Or who would stay 
 
 To toil amid these sorrows night and clay ? 
 190 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Come, O Christ, release us from our post, 
 Lead us quickly hence to yonder host, 
 
 Whose battle won, 
 Now drink in joy and bliss from Thee our Sun. 
 
 SIMON DACH. 1650 
 
 191 
 
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
PREFACE 
 
 THOSE who are best acquainted with the rich 
 stores of German hymnology will feel the least 
 surprise at the appearance of a second series of 
 translations from the same source. Many 
 excellent and classical compositions were neces- 
 sarily excluded from the plan of the former 
 volume, which it was felt would still be no less 
 acceptable to English Christians than those 
 already translated. In this series, therefore, 
 hymns are admitted of a more personal and 
 individual character than in the former hymns 
 adapted to particular circumstances or periods 
 of life, and to peculiar states of feeling. At the 
 same time many will be found of sufficiently 
 comprehensive import to be suited for congre- 
 gational singing, and will be recognised by those 
 familiar with the services of the German Church 
 as constantly used there in public worship, 
 especially those on pages 318, 319, 339, and 254. 
 The first of these, indeed, holds in Germany, 
 with its fine old tune, much the same place as 
 the Old Hundredth with us. The second is 
 remarkable as being, as far as we know, the 
 only hymn of its author, a man of consideration 
 195 * 
 
PREFACE 
 
 and wealth in Frankfort. It was published 
 without his name, and as it immediately became 
 popular it was ascribed at first to Hugo Grotius, 
 and other celebrated authors. The third is one 
 of the well-known hymns of Joachim Neander, 
 the most important hymn-writer of the German 
 Reformed Church, whose productions are marked 
 by great depth and tenderness of feeling. 
 
 Most of the hymns under the last two divisions 
 of this series are popular in Protestant Germany 
 in the truest sense of the word, to be found in the 
 well-worn hymn-books of every cottage home, 
 or heard as the village funeral passes on to the 
 " court of peace." It will be observed that one 
 of the hymns for the burial of the dead bears 
 the name of Michael Weiss, and that some 
 others are designated as belonging to the 
 Bohemian Brethren. These are productions 
 of that ancient Church which existed in Bohemia 
 from the first introduction of Christianity into 
 that country by two Greek monks of the eighth 
 century. In the eleventh century it formed 
 itself into a separate community, distinguished 
 from the Roman Church in Bohemia, among 
 other things, by the celebration of public 
 worship according to the native ritual and in 
 the vulgar tongue. After suffering bitter 
 persecutions under various Popes, in one of 
 which John Huss was burnt in 1415, in 1453 
 its remaining members, including men of all 
 classes, withdrew to a district assigned to 
 them on the borders of Silesia and Moravia, 
 where we find them, fifty years later, numbering 
 about two hundred congregations, under the 
 196 
 
PREFACE 
 
 name of Brethren or United Brethren. But 
 here too fierce persecutions followed them ; 
 their countrymen were incited from the pulpits 
 to hunt them down -like wild beasts ; and in 
 1508, despairing of peace at home, they sent 
 out four messengers to search whether any- 
 where a Christian people might be found, 
 serving Christ truly, into whose communion 
 they might ask admission. One of these 
 brethren went to Russia, one to Greece, one to 
 Bulgaria, and one to Palestine and Egypt ; 
 but they all returned unsuccessful, no such 
 Christian people had they found. Two more 
 were then sent to the Waldenses in France and 
 Italy, but they too brought back nothing but 
 admonitions to patience and steadfastness. 
 The Brethren therefore remained in their own 
 country, and occupied themselves in printing 
 the Bible, no fewer than three editions having 
 been published in Bohemian before the Reforma- 
 tion. The dawn of that great event filled them 
 with joy, and in 1522 they sent two messengers 
 to Luther to greet him and ask his advice, one 
 of whom was Michael Weiss. In 1531 Michael 
 Weiss published the hymns of the Bohemian 
 Brethren translated into German, with the 
 addition of several of his own. They passed 
 through many editions, and some of them were 1 
 introduced into Luther's hymn-book. They 
 have great warmth of feeling, and directness of 
 expression (often with intricate metres), and 
 are marked by frequent pathetic reference to 
 the troubles of this Church, and by a strong 
 sense of the living union of Christians with each 
 197 
 
PREFACE 
 
 other and their Head. The subsequent settle- 
 ment of the small remnant of this Church on 
 Count Zinzendorf's estates in Saxony, and its 
 rapid growth and spread into other countries, are 
 well known. That the spirit of Christian poetry 
 still lives among them in modern times is proved 
 by the names of Zinzendorf, Christian Gregor, 
 L. von Hayn, Spangenberg, and Albertini.* 
 
 As the object of this work is chiefly devotional, 
 the hymns are arranged according to their 
 subjects, not in chronological order, and have 
 been selected for their warmth of feeling and 
 depth of Christian experience, rather than as 
 specimens of a. particular master or school. 
 Still, it is believed that these two series afford 
 on the whole fair examples of most of the 
 principal writers, not, of course, without omis- 
 sions, since only about two hundred and twenty 
 hymns are given from a literature containing 
 several thousands. Of Luther none are given 
 in this series (unless the hymn known as " Queen 
 Maria of Hungary's Song " were written by him 
 for that princess), for those productions of his 
 which no collection of German hymns could 
 omit had oeen already inserted in the previous 
 volume, and there seemed the less necessity 
 for introducing any of minor importance, as all 
 his hymns are accessible to the English reader 
 in the excellent translation of Mr. Massie.f 
 
 * See Bunsen's larger Gesanbuch, and Sketch of the 
 History of the Church of the United Brethren by James 
 Montgomery. 
 
 y Spiritual Songs of Luther, translated by R. Massie, 
 Esq. Hatchard and Co. 
 
 198 
 
PREFACE 
 
 The writers perhaps the least fully represented 
 are Gellert, Klopstock, and others of the middle 
 and latter half of the last century, whose pro- 
 ductions constitute a large proportion of most of 
 the collections made fifty or sixty years ago. 
 But these hymns are, for the most part, either of 
 a purely reflective or didactic character, or in 
 very many instances are merely versions of more 
 ancient hymns smoothed down to a dead level 
 of tame correctness in form and robbed of their 
 original fervour and strength. Gellert, however, 
 appreciated the characteristic excellences of the 
 ancient hymns, and his own have high merit, 
 as lessons of Christian duty, or paraphrases of 
 Scripture, expressed in simple, clear, and un- 
 affected verse, sometimes with much true poetic 
 feeling. Yet while they t'hus supplied a want 
 among the hymns of his country which, during 
 the last century especially, had 'lost that direct 
 application to real life which makes a hymfi 
 speak to the 'hearts of all and have therefore 
 become very popular in Germany, for the same 
 reason they more nearly resemble what we 
 already possess in our own language. 
 
 There is a very large school of hymn-writers 
 springing up in Germany at the present day 
 whose works are distinguished by much thought- 
 ful feeling and great fluency and sweetness of 
 expression. In general, however, these hymns 
 are suited rather to private reading than congre- 
 gational singing ; the length of the lines, and the 
 reflective tone of thought, deprive them of that 
 strength and simple grandeur which many of 
 the older hymns possess. Specimens are given 
 199 
 
PREFACE 
 
 here from Spitta, Puchta, Knapp, Hensel, and 
 others ; those hymns to which no dates are 
 affixed being written by authors living or very 
 recently deceased. 
 
 The hymns in this series have been chosen 
 from various sources, most of them being such 
 as would be found in any standard collection. 
 The greater number, however, are taken from 
 Bunscn's " Versuch dues allgemeinen Gesang 
 und Gebet buchs," a collection distinguished 
 above most others by its wide range of Christian 
 experience and sympathy, and the poetic merit 
 of the versions it gives. The short notices 
 prefixed to some of these hymns are derived from 
 the same source. 
 
 One or two verses have been omitted in 
 several of the hymns, for in many instances even 
 fine hymns are weakened by repetition, or dis- 
 figured by verses of decidedly inferior merit ; 
 this is especially the case with Paul Gerhardt, 
 notwithstanding the remarkable beauty of his 
 works. The original metre has been almost 
 invariably maintained ; in some hymns metres 
 strange to our ears have been preserved with 
 care for the sake of the fine chorales attached to 
 them. 
 
 ALDERLEY EDGE, 
 
 May 19, 1858. 
 
AIDS OF THE CHURCH 
 HOLY SEASONS 
 
 ADVENT 
 
 from on 1bt0b 
 
 YE heavens, O 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. 
 201 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 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 ! 
 
 J. FRANCK. 1653 
 
 II 
 
 Gbe Deliverer 
 
 ARISE, the kingdom is at hand, 
 
 The King is drawing nigh ; 
 Arise with joy, O faithful band, 
 
 To meet 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, 
 O 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 hearts, 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. 
 
 202 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Hope, O ye broken hearts, at last I 
 
 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. 
 
 RIST. 1651 
 
 III 
 
 Gbe Ibeart longing for tbe inner BDvent 
 
 W T HEREFORE clost Thou longer tarry, 
 
 Blessed of the Lord, afar ? 
 Would it were Thy will to enter 
 
 To my heart, O Thou my Star, 
 Thou my Jesus, Fount of power, 
 Helper in the needful hour ! 
 Sharpest wounds my heart is feeling, 
 Touch them, Saviour, with Thy healing ! 
 
 For I shrink beneath the terrors 
 Of the law's tremendous sway ; 
 
 All my countless crimes and errors 
 Stand before me night and day, 
 203 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O the heavy, fearful load 
 Of the righteous wrath of God ! 
 O the awful voice of thunder 
 Cleaving heart and soul asunder ! 
 
 While the foe my soul is telling, 
 
 " There is grace no more for thee, 
 Thou must make thy endless dwelling 
 
 In the pains that torture me." 
 Yes, and keener still thy smart, 
 Conscience, in my anguished heart, 
 By thy venomed tooth tormented, 
 Long-past sins are sore repented. 
 
 Would I then, to soothe my sorrow, 
 
 And my pain awhile forget, 
 From the world a comfort borrow, 
 
 I but sink the deeper yet ; 
 vShe hath comforts that but grieve, 
 Joys that stinging memories leave, 
 Helpers that my heart are breaking, 
 Friends that do but mock its aching. 
 
 All the world can give is cheating, 
 
 Strengthless all, and merely nought ; 
 Have I greatness, it is fleeting ; 
 
 Have I riches, are they aught 
 But a heap of glittering earth ? 
 Pleasure ? Little is it worth 
 When it brings no joy or laughter 
 That we shall not rue hereafter. 
 
 All delight, all consolation 
 
 Lies in Thee, Lord Jesus Christ, 
 
 Feed my soul with Thy salvation, 
 O Thou Bread of Life unpriced. 
 204 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Blessed Light, within me glow, 
 Ere my heart breaks in its woe ; 
 O refresh me and uphold me, 
 Jesus, come, let me behold Thee. 
 
 Joy, my soul, for He hath heard thee, 
 
 He will come and enter in ; 
 Lo ! He turns and draweth toward thee, 
 
 Let thy welcome-song begin ; 
 O prepare thee for such guest, 
 Give thee wholly to thy rest, 
 With an open'd heart adore Him, 
 Pour thy griefs and fears before Him. 
 
 Thy misdeeds are thine no longer, 
 He hath cast them in the sea, 
 And the love of God shall conquer 
 All the strength of sin in thee. 
 Christ is victor in the field, 
 Mightiest wrong to Him must yield, 
 He with blessing will exalt thee 
 O'er whatever would assault thee. 
 
 What would seem to hurt or shame thee 
 
 Shall but work thy good at last ; 
 Since that Christ hath deign' d to claim thee, 
 
 And His truth stands ever fast ; 
 And if thine can but endure, 
 There is nought so fixed and sure, 
 As that thou shalt hymn His praises 
 In the happy heavenly places. 
 
 GERHARDT. 1653 
 205 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 IV 
 
 tlbe 1ftew year 
 
 Composed on his journey to Gotha after his un- 
 just expulsion from Erfurt ; as we are told in the 
 oration delivered at his grave, "in the full expe- 
 rience of the unspeakable consolations of the Holy 
 Spirit." 
 
 THANK God that towards eternity 
 Another step is won ! 
 
 longing turns my heart to Thee 
 
 As Time flows slowly on, 
 Thou Fountain whence my life is born, 
 Whence those rich streams of grace are drawn 
 
 That through my being run ! 
 
 1 count the hours, the days, the years, 
 
 That stretch in tedious line, 
 Until. O Life, that hour appears, 
 
 When, at Thy touch divine, 
 Whate'er is mortal now in me 
 Shall be consumed for aye in Thee, 
 
 And deathless life be mine. 
 
 So glows Thy love within this frame, 
 That, touch'd with keenest fire, 
 
 My whole soul kindles in the flame 
 Of one intense desire, 
 
 To be in Thee, and Thou in me, 
 
 And e'en while yet on earth to be 
 
 Still pressing closer, nigher ! 
 
 O that I soon might Thee behold ! 
 
 I count the moments o'er ; 
 Ah come, ere yet my heart grows cold 
 
 And cannot call Thee more ! 
 
 206 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Come in Thy glory, for Thy Bride 
 Hath girt her for the holy-tide, 
 And waiteth at the door. 
 
 And since Thy Spirit sheds abroad 
 
 The oil of grace in me, 
 And Thou art inly near me, Lord. 
 
 And I am lost in Thee, 
 So shines in me the Living Light, 
 And steadfast burns my lamp and bright, 
 
 To greet Thee joyously. 
 
 Come ! is the voice, then, of Thy Bride, 
 She loudly prays Thee come ! 
 
 With faithful heart she long hath cried, 
 Come quickly, Jesus, come ! 
 
 Come, O my Bridegroom, Lamb of God, 
 
 Thou knowest I am Thine, dear Lord ; 
 Come down and take me home. 
 
 Yet be the hour that none can tell 
 
 Left wholly to Thy choice, 
 Although I know Thou lov'st it well, 
 
 That I with heart and voice 
 Should bid Thee come, and from this day 
 Care but to meet Thee on Thy way, 
 
 And at Thy sight rejoice ! 
 
 1 joy that from Thy love divine 
 No power can part me now, 
 
 That I may dare to call Thee mine, 
 My Friend, my Lord, avow, 
 
 That I, O Prince of Life, shall be 
 
 Made wholly one in heaven with Thee ; 
 My portion, Lord, art Thou ! 
 
 207 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And therefore do my thanks o'erflow, 
 That one more year is gone, 
 
 And of this Time, so poor, so slow, 
 Another step is won ; 
 
 And with a heart that may not wait, 
 
 Toward yonder distant golden gate 
 I journey gladly on. 
 
 And when the wearied hands grow weak, 
 And wearied knees give way, 
 
 To sinking faith, O quickly speak, 
 And make Thine arm my stay ; 
 
 That so my heart drink in new strength, 
 
 And I speed on, nor feel the length 
 Nor steepness of the way. 
 
 Then on, my soul, with fearless faith, 
 Let nought thy terror move ; 
 
 Nor aught that earthly pleasure faith 
 E'er tempt thy steps to rove ; 
 
 If slow thy course seem o'er the waste, 
 
 Mount upwards with the eagles' haste, 
 On wings of tireless love. 
 
 O Jesus, all my soul hath flown 
 
 Already up to Thee, 
 For Thou, in whom is love alone, 
 
 Hast wholly conquer'd me. 
 Farewell, ye phantoms, day and year, 
 Eternity is round me here, 
 
 Since. Lord, I live in Thee. 
 
 A. H. FRANCKE. 1691 
 
 208 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 CHRISTMAS 
 
 I 
 
 B Song ot 3o at 2>awn 
 
 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 
 
 Everywhere 
 Now with joy is ringing. 
 
 For it dawns, the promised morrow 
 
 Of His birth 
 
 Who the earth 
 Rescues from her sorrow. 
 God to wear our form descendeth, 
 
 Of His grace 
 
 To our race 
 Here His Son He lendeth : 
 
 Yea, so truly for us careth, 
 
 That His Son 
 
 All we've done 
 As our offering beareth ; 
 As our Lamb who, dying for us, 
 
 Bears our load, 
 
 And to God 
 Doth in peace restore us. 
 
 Hark ! a voice from yonder manger, 
 Soft and sweet, 
 Doth entreat, 
 
 209 o 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 " 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 
 
 210 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Every hand outstretched ; 
 
 Here are riches without measure, 
 
 Here forget 
 
 All regret, 
 Fill yonr hearts with treasure. 
 
 Blessed Saviour, let me find Thee ! 
 
 Keep Thou me 
 
 Close to Thee, 
 Cast me not behind Thee ! 
 Life of life, my heart Thou stillest, 
 
 Calm I rest 
 
 On Thy breast, 
 All this void Thou fillest. 
 
 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. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1651 
 
 II 
 
 We love 1btm for 1be fitet iovcD I 
 
 THOU fairest Child Divine, 
 
 In yonder manger laid, 
 In whom is God Himself well pleased, 
 
 By whom were all things made, 
 211 
 
LYRA GERMANIC A 
 
 On me art Thou bestow' cl ; 
 
 How can such wonders be ! 
 The dearest that the Father hath 
 
 He gives me here in Thee ! 
 
 1 was a foe to God, 
 
 I fought in Satan's host, 
 I trifled all His grace away, 
 
 Alas ! my soul was lost. 
 Yet God forgets my sin, 
 
 His heart, with pity moved, 
 He gives me, Heavenly Child, in Thee ; 
 
 Lo ! thus our God hath loved ! 
 
 Once blind with sin and self, 
 
 Along the treacherous way, 
 That ends in ruin at the last, 
 
 I hasten'd far astray ; 
 Then God sent down His Son ; 
 
 For with a love most deep, 
 Most undeserved, His heart still yearn 'd 
 
 O'er me, poor wandering sheep ! 
 
 God with His life of love 
 
 To me was far and strange, 
 My heart clung only to the world 
 
 Of sight and sense and change ; 
 In Thee, Immanuel, 
 
 Are God and man made one ; 
 In Thee my heart hath peace with God, 
 
 And union in the Son. 
 
 O ponder this, my soul, 
 
 Our God hath loved us thus, 
 
 That even His only dearest Son 
 He freely giveth us. 
 
 212 
 
LYRA GERMANIC A 
 
 Thou precious gift of God, 
 
 The pledge and bond of love, 
 With thankful heart I kneel to take 
 
 This treasure from above. 
 
 I kneel beside Thy couch, 
 
 I press Thee to my heart, 
 For Thee I gladly all forsake 
 
 And from the creature part : 
 Thou priceless Pearl ! lo, he 
 
 By whom Thou'rt loved and known, 
 Will give himself and all he hath 
 
 To win Thee for his own. 
 
 O come, Thou Blessed Child, 
 
 Thou Saviour of my soul, 
 For ever bound to Thee, my name 
 
 Among Thy host enrol, 
 O deign to take my heart, 
 
 And let Thy heart be mine,. 
 That all my love flow out to Thee, 
 
 And lose itself in Thine. 
 
 TERSTEEGEN. 1731 
 
 III 
 <5ofc witb tie 
 
 O BLESSED Jesus ! This 
 
 Thy lowly manger is 
 The Paradise where oft my soul would feed : 
 
 Here is the place, my Lord, 
 
 Where lies the Eternal Word 
 Clothed with our flesh, made like to us indeed. 
 213 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 For He whose mighty sway 
 
 The winds and seas obey, 
 Submits to serve, and stoops to those who sin ; 
 
 The glorious Son of God 
 
 Doth bear the mortal load 
 Of earth and dust, like us and all our kin. 
 
 For thus, O Good Supreme, 
 
 Wilt Thou our flesh redeem, 
 And raise it to Thy throne o'er every height : 
 
 Eternal Strength, here Thou 
 
 To brotherhood dost bow 
 With transient things that pass like mists of night. 
 
 Thy glory and Thy joy 
 
 All woe and grief destroy ; 
 Thou, Heavenly Treasure, dost all wealth restore ! 
 
 Thou deep and living Well ! 
 
 Thou great Immanuel 
 Dost conquer sin and death for evermore ! 
 
 Then come, whoe'er thou art, 
 
 O poor desponding heart, 
 Take courage now, let this thy fears dispel; 
 
 That since His Son most dear 
 
 Thy God hath given thee here, 
 It cannot be but God doth love thee well. 
 
 How often dost thou think 
 
 That thou must surely sink, 
 That hope and comfort are no more for thee ; 
 
 Come hither men and gaze 
 
 Upon this Infant's face, 
 And here the love of God incarnate see. 
 214 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Ah now the blessed door 
 
 Stands open evermore 
 To all the joys of this world and the next : 
 
 This Babe will be our Friend, 
 
 And quickly make an end 
 Of all that faithful hearts long time hath vex'd. 
 
 Then, earth, we care no more 
 
 To seek thy richest store, 
 If but this treasure will be still our own ; 
 
 And he who holds it fast, 
 
 Till all this life is past, 
 Our Lord will crown with joy before His throne. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT 
 
 EPIPHANY 
 1 
 
 Gbe Iking of /BSen 
 
 O KING of Glory ! David's Son ! 
 
 Our Sovereign and our Friend ! 
 In Heaven for ever stands Thy throne, 
 
 Thy kingdom hath no end : 
 O 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 gladly bring 
 Their tribute-gifts to Thee ; 
 
 They witness that Thou art their King, 
 And humbly bow the knee ; 
 
 21 ; 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 To Thee the Morning Star cloth lead, 
 
 To Thee th* inspired Word, 
 We hail Thee, Saviour in our need, 
 
 We worship Thee, the Lord. 
 
 Ah look on me with pitying grace, 
 
 Though weak and poor I be, 
 Within Thy kingdom grant a place 
 
 Secure and blest to me. 
 O 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, the fairest Star, 
 
 Within us clearly shine ; 
 Keep sin and all false doctrine far, 
 
 Since Thou hast claim' d us Thin 
 Let us Thy name aright confess, 
 
 And with Thy Christendom, 
 Our King and Saviour own and bless 
 
 Through all the world to come. 
 
 BEHEMB. 1606 
 II 
 
 be Xtebt of tbe WorR> 
 
 O CHRIST, our true and only Light, 
 Illumine those who sit in night, 
 Let those afar now hear Thy voice, 
 And in Thy fold with us rejoice. 
 
 Fill with the radiance of Thy grace 
 The souls now lost in error's maze, 
 216 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And all whom in their secret minds 
 Some dark delusion hurts and blinds. 
 
 And all who else have stray M from Thee, 
 O gently seek ! Thy healing be 
 To every wounded conscience given. 
 And let them also share Thy heaven. 
 
 O make the deaf to hear Thy word, 
 And teach the dumb to speak, dear Lord, 
 Who dare not yet the faith avow, 
 Though secretly they hold it now. 
 
 Shine on the darken'd and the cold, 
 Recall the wanderers from Thy fold, 
 Unite those now who walk apart, 
 Confirm the weak and doubting heart. 
 
 So they with us may evermore 
 Such grace with wondering thanks adore, 
 And endless praise to Thee be given 
 By all Thy Church in earth and heaven. 
 
 J. HEERMANN. 1630 
 III 
 
 fforsafcing all for tbe {True Higbt 
 
 IS thy heart athirst to know 
 
 That the King of heaven 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. 
 217 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 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, 
 Though the world accounts them fools, 
 
 1 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. 
 
 LAURENTIUS LAURENTI. 1700 
 
 218 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 IV 
 
 Cbvist our ^sample 
 
 EVER would I fain be reading 
 
 In the ancient holy Book, 
 Of my Saviour's gentle pleading, 
 
 Truth in every word and look. 
 
 How when children came He bless' d them, 
 
 Suffer'd no man to reprove, 
 Took them in His arms, and press' d them 
 
 To His heart with words of love. 
 
 How to all the sick and tearful 
 
 Help was ever gladly shown ; 
 How He fought the poor and fearful, 
 
 Call'd them brothers and His own. 
 
 How no contrite soul e'er fought Him, 
 
 And was bidden to depart, 
 How with gentle words He taught him, 
 
 Took the death from out his heart. 
 
 Still I read the ancient story, 
 
 And my joy is ever new, 
 How for us He left His glory, 
 
 How He still is kind and true. 
 
 How the flock He gently lea,deth 
 Whom His Father gave Him here ; 
 
 How His arms He widely spreadeth 
 To His heart to draw us near. 
 219 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Let me kneel, my Lord, before Thee, 
 
 Let my heart in tears o'erflow, 
 Melted by Thy love adore Thee, 
 
 Blest in Thee 'mid joy or woe ! 
 
 LUISE HENSEL 
 
 PASSION WEEK 
 
 I 
 
 Jn tbe (BarDen 
 
 WHENE'ER again thou sinkest, 
 
 My heart, beneath thy load, 
 Or from the battle shrinkest, 
 
 And murmnrest at thy God ; 
 Then I will lead thee hither, 
 
 To watch thy Saviour's prayer, 
 And learn from His endurance 
 
 How thou shouldst also bear. 
 
 O come, wouldst thou be like Him, 
 
 Thy Lord Divine, and mark 
 What sharpest sorrows strike Him, 
 
 What anguish deep and dark, 
 That earnest cry to spare Him, 
 
 The trial scarce begun ? 
 Yet still he saith : "My Father, 
 
 Thy will, not mine, be done ! " 
 
 O wherefore doth His spirit 
 Such bitter conflict know ? 
 
 What sins, what crimes could merit 
 Such deep and awful woe ? 
 
 220 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 So pure are not the heavens, 
 So clear the noonday sun, 
 
 And yet He saith : " My Father, 
 Thy will, not mine, be done ! " 
 
 O mark that night of sorrow, 
 
 That agony of prayer ; 
 No friend can watch till morrow 
 
 His grief to soothe and share ; 
 O where shall He find comfort ? 
 
 With God, with God alone ; 
 And still He saith : " My Father, 
 
 Thy will, not mine, be done ! " 
 
 Hath life for Him no gladness, 
 
 No joy the light of day ? 
 Can He then feel no sadness, 
 
 When heart and hope give way ? 
 That cup of mortal anguish 
 
 One bitter cry hath won, 
 That it might pass : " Yet, Father, 
 
 Thy will, not mine, be done ! " 
 
 And who the cup prepared Him, 
 
 And who the poison gave ? 
 'Twas one He loved ensnared Him, 
 
 'Twas those He came to save. 
 O sharpest pain, to suffer 
 
 Betray'd arid mock'd alone ; 
 Yet still He saith : " My Father, 
 
 Thy will, not mine, be done ! " 
 
 But what is joy or living, 
 What treachery or death, 
 
 When all His work, His striving, 
 Seems hanging on His breath ? 
 221 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O can it stand without Him, 
 
 That work but ju.st begun ? 
 Yet still He saith : " My Father, 
 
 Thy will, not mine, be clone ! " 
 
 He speaks ; no more He shrinketh, 
 
 Himself He offers up, 
 He sees it all, yet drinketh 
 
 For us that bitter cup, 
 He goes to meet the traitor, 
 
 The cross He will not shun, 
 He saith : " I come, My Father, 
 
 Thy will, not mine, be done ! " 
 
 My Saviour, I will never 
 
 Forget Thy word of grace, 
 But still repeat it ever, 
 
 Through good and evil days ; 
 And looking up to Heaven, 
 
 Till all my race is run, 
 I'll humbly say : " My Father, 
 
 Thy will, not mine, be done ! " 
 
 W. HEY. 1828 
 II 
 
 !Ht tbc ffoot of tbe Cross 
 
 O WORLD ! behold upon the tree 
 Thy Life is hanging now for thee, 
 
 Thy Saviour yields His dying breath ; 
 The mighty Prince of glory now 
 For thee doth unresisting bow 
 
 To cruel stripes, to scorn and death. 
 
 222 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Draw near, O world, and mark Him well ; 
 Behold the drops of blood that tell 
 
 How sore His conflict with the foe : 
 And hark ! how from that noble heart, 
 Sigh after sigh doth slowly start 
 
 From depths of yet unfathom'd woe. 
 
 Alas ! my Saviour, who could dare 
 Bid Thee such bitter anguish bear, 
 
 What evil heart entreat Thee thus ? 
 For Thou art good, hast \vronged none, 
 As we and ours too oft have done, 
 
 Thou hast not sinn'd, dear Lord, like us. 
 
 I and my sins, that number more 
 Than yonder sands upon the shore, 
 
 Have brought to pass this agony ; 
 'Tis I have caused the floods of woe 
 That now Thy dying soul o'erflow, 
 
 And those sad hearts that watch by Thee. 
 
 'Tis I to whom these pains belong, 
 'Tis I should suffer for my wrong, 
 
 Bound hand and foot in heavy chains ; 
 The scourge, the fetters, whatsoe'er 
 Thou bearest, 'tis my soul should bear, 
 
 For she hath well deserved such pains. 
 
 Yet Thou dost even for my sake 
 On Thee in love the burdens take 
 
 That weigh' d my spirit to the ground 
 Yes, Thou art made a curse for me, 
 That I might yet be blest through Thee ; 
 
 My healing in Thy wounds is found. 
 223 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 To save me from the monster's power, 
 From Death that all things would devour, 
 
 Thyself into his jaws dost leap ; 
 My death Thou takest thus away, 
 And buriest in Thy grave for aye, 
 
 O love most strangely true and deep ! 
 
 From henceforth there is nought of mine 
 But 1 would .seek to make it Thine, 
 
 Since all myself to Thee I owe, 
 Whate'er my utmost powers can do, 
 To Thee to render service true, 
 
 Here at Thy feet I lay it low. 
 
 Ah ! little have I, Lord, to give, 
 So poor, so base the life I live, 
 
 But yet, till soul and body part, 
 This one thing I will do for Thee 
 The woe, the death endured for me, 
 
 I'll cherish in my inmost heart. 
 
 Thy cross shall be before my sight, 
 My hope, my joy, by clay and night, 
 
 Whate'er I do, where'er I rove ; 
 And, gazing, I will gather thence 
 The form of spotless innocence, 
 
 The seal of faultless truth and love. 
 
 And from Thy sorrows will I learn 
 How fiercely doth God's anger burn, 
 
 How terribly His thunders roll, 
 How sorely this our loving God 
 Can smite with His avenging rod, 
 
 How deep His floods o'erwhelm the soul. 
 224 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And I will study to adorn 
 
 My heart with meekness under scorn, 
 
 With gentle patience in distress, 
 With faithful love, that yearning cleaves 
 To those o'er whom to death it grieves, 
 
 Whose sins its very soul oppress. 
 
 When evil tongues with stinging blame 
 Would cast dishonour on my name, 
 
 I'll curb the passions that upstart ; 
 And take injustice patiently, 
 And pardon, as Thou pardon'st me, 
 
 With an ungrudging generous heart. 
 
 And I will nail me to Thy cross, 
 
 And learn to count all things but dross 
 
 Wherein the flesh doth pleasure take ; 
 Whate'er is hateful in Thine eyes, 
 With all the strength that in me lies, 
 
 Will I cast from me and forsake. 
 
 Thy heavy groans, Thy bitter sighs, 
 The tears that from Thy dying eyes 
 
 Were shed when Thou wast sore oppress'd, 
 Shall be with me, when at the last 
 Myself on Thee I wholly cast, 
 
 And enter with Thee into rest. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1659 
 
 225 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 III 
 
 1berfta0e 
 
 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 cross, 
 
 Owning inly, truly, 
 
 The Love that bore our loss. 
 
 There to sin, oh let me 
 
 From henceforth daily die ; 
 
 Nor in death forget me, 
 Then grant me life on high. 
 
 ANON 
 IV 
 
 IRequital 
 
 HIM on yonder cross I love, 
 
 Nought beside on earth count dear ! 
 
 May He mine for ever prove, 
 Who is now so inly near ! 
 
 Here I stand : whate'er may come, 
 
 Days of sunshine or of gloom, 
 
 From this word I will not move ; 
 
 Him upon the cross I love ! 
 
 'Tis not hidden from my heart, 
 What true love must often bring ; 
 
 Want and grief have sorest smart, 
 Care and scorn can sharply sting ; 
 226 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Nay, but if Thy will were such, 
 Bitterest death were not too much ! 
 Dark though here my course may prove : 
 Him upon the cross I love ! 
 
 Rather sorrows such as these, 
 
 Rather love's acutest pain, 
 Than without Him days of ease, 
 
 Riches false and honours vain. 
 Count me strange, when I am true, 
 What He hates I will not do ; 
 Sneers no more my heart can move ; 
 Him upon the cross I love ! 
 
 Know ye whence my strength is drawn, 
 Fearless thus the fight to wage ? 
 
 Why my heart can laugh to scorn 
 Fleshly weakness, Satan's rage ? 
 
 'Tis, I know the love of Christ, 
 
 Mighty is that love unpriced ! 
 
 What can grieve me, what can move ? 
 
 Him upon the cross I love ! 
 
 Once the eyes that now are dim, 
 
 Shall discern the changeless love 
 That hath led us home to Him, 
 
 That hath crown'd us far above : 
 Would to God that all below 
 What that love is now might know, 
 And their hearts this word approve : 
 Him upon the cross I love ! 
 
 GREDING. Born 1676 
 
 227 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 V 
 
 Bt tbe Sepulchre 
 
 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. 
 
 Yea, 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. 
 228 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O Blessed Rock ! 
 Soon grant Thy flock 
 To see Thy Sabbath morning ! 
 Strife and pain will all be past 
 When that day is dawning. 
 
 VIKTOR STRAUSS 
 
 VI 
 
 uv IRest 
 
 LORD Jesus, who, our souls to save, 
 Didst rest and slumber in the grave, 
 Now grant 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 ! 
 
 GEORGE WERNER. 1638 
 
 EASTER 
 I 
 
 Ebe Song of Criumpb 
 
 CHRIST the Lord is risen again ! 
 Christ hath broken every chain ! 
 Hark, the angels shout for joy, 
 Singing evermore on high, 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 220 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 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. 
 
 BOHEMIAN BRETHREN. 
 230 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 II 
 
 Gbrtet out Gbampton 
 
 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. 
 
 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 ? 
 
 1 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. 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Strong Champion ! For this comfort sec 
 The whole world brings her thanks to Thee ; 
 And once we too shall raise above 
 More sweet and loud the song we love ; 
 Hallelujah. 
 
 J. HEERMANN. 1630 
 III 
 
 Gbe wbole Worlfc restores in Cbrist 
 
 I SAY to all men, far and near, 
 
 That He is risen again ; 
 That He is with us now and here, 
 
 And ever shall remain. 
 
 And what I say, let each this morn 
 
 Go tell it to his friend, 
 That soon in every place shall dawn 
 
 His kingdom without end. 
 
 Now first to souls who thus awake 
 
 Seems earth a fatherland, 
 A new and endless life they take * 
 
 With rapture from His hand. 
 
 The fears of death and of the grave 
 Are whelm' d beneath the sea, 
 
 And every heart now light and brave 
 May face the things to be. 
 
 The way of darkness that He trod 
 To Heaven at last shall come, 
 
 And he who hearkens to His word 
 Shall reach His Father's home. 
 
 232 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Now let the mourner grieve no more, 
 
 Though his beloved sleep, 
 A happier meeting shall restore 
 
 Their light to eyes that weep. 
 
 Now every heart each noble deed 
 
 With new resolve may dare, 
 A glorious harvest shall the seed 
 
 In brighter regions bear. 
 
 He lives, His presence hath not ceased, 
 Though foes and fears be rife ; 
 
 And thus we hail in Easter's feast 
 A world renew' d to life ! 
 
 NOVALIS. 1772-1801 
 
 IV 
 
 Gbe IResucrectfon from tbe Deatb of Sin 
 
 O RISEN Lord ! O conquering King ! 
 
 O Life of all that live ! 
 To-day that peace of Easter bring 
 Which only Thou canst give ! 
 Once death, our foe, 
 Had laid Thee low, 
 
 Now hast Thou rent his bonds in twain, 
 For Thou art risen who once wast slain ! 
 
 The power of Thy great majesty 
 Bursts rocks and tombs away, 
 
 Thy victory raises us with Thee 
 Into the glorious day ; 
 233 
 
LYRA GERMANIC A 
 
 Now Satan's might 
 
 And Death's dark night 
 Have lost their power this blessed morn, 
 And we to higher life are born. 
 
 O that our hearts might inly know 
 
 Thy victory over death, 
 And gazing on Thy conflict glow 
 With eager dauntless faith ; 
 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, conquering King ! 
 Kindle the lamp of faith to-day, 
 Teach our faint hearts to sing 
 For joy at length, 
 That in Thy strength 
 We too may rise whom sin had slain, 
 And Thy eternal rest attain. 
 
 And when our tears for sin o'erflow, 
 
 Do Thou in love draw near, 
 The precious gift of peace bestow, 
 Shine on us bright and clear ; 
 That so may we, 
 O Christ, from Thee 
 Drink in the life that cannot die, 
 And keep true Easter feasts on high. 
 
 Yes, let us truly know within 
 
 Thy rising from the dead, 
 And quit the grave of death and sin, 
 
 And keep that gift, our Head, 
 234 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thai Thou didst leave 
 
 For all who cleave 
 
 To Thee through all this earthly strife 
 So shall we enter into life. 
 
 J. H. BOHMER. 1706 
 
 V 
 
 ftbe Walk to BmmauB 
 
 SAD with longing, sick with fears, 
 
 Toward Eminaus slowly go 
 Two whose eyes are dim with tears, 
 
 And their hearts oppress' d with woe, 
 Of their ruin'd hopes they talk ; 
 Yet while thus they sadly walk, 
 Jesus is not far away, 
 And their fears shall soon allay. 
 
 Ah ! and still how many a heart 
 
 Onward toils in silent grief, 
 Mourning o'er its woes apart, 
 
 Hopeless now of all relief ; 
 Oft it seeks to walk alone, 
 But to weep its nil unknown ; 
 Yet my Jesus cometh now. 
 Asking, wherefore weepest thou ? 
 
 Many a time I've felt indeed 
 
 That He leaves me ne'er alone, 
 In the hour of utmost need 
 
 Then Himself He maketh known ; 
 When in sorrow I consume 
 As though He no more could come, 
 I,o ! I find Him more than near, 
 Quickly with His help he's here. 
 235 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Truest Friend, who canst not fail me, 
 
 Evermore abide with me ; 
 When the world would most assail me, 
 
 Then Thy presence let me see ; 
 When its heaviest thunders roll, 
 Shelter Thou my trembling soul, 
 Come and in my spirit rest, 
 I will do what seems Thee best. 
 
 When I dread some coming ill, 
 
 Lord, then bid me think of this, 
 That my Saviour loves me still, 
 
 And that I am surely His : 
 More of Thy word let me learn, 
 Till my heart within me burn, 
 Fill'd with love, and in Thy Light 
 Learn to know her Lord aright. 
 
 Comfort those who, fill'd with gloom, 
 
 Lonely on their journey go, 
 Or within their silent room 
 
 Cry to Thee from depths of woe ; 
 When they leave the world apart,, 
 There to weep out all their heart, 
 Let them hear Thy whisper mild ; 
 Wherefore dost thou mourn, my child ? 
 
 When life's day hath fleeted by, 
 When the night of death is near, 
 
 When in vain the darken* d eye 
 
 Seeks some stay, some helper here : 
 
 Then Thy followers' prayer fulfil, 
 
 Then abide Thou with us still, 
 236 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Till Thou give us peace and rest 
 Stay, O stay, Thou noble guest ! 
 
 L. E. S. MULLER 
 
 ASCENSION 
 I 
 
 ZTbe iKHas penefc 
 
 TO-DAY our Lord went up on high, 
 
 And so our songs we raise ; 
 To Him with strong desire we cry 
 
 To keep us in His grace, 
 For we poor sinners here beneath 
 Are dwelling still 'mid woe and death, 
 
 All hope in Him we place. 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 
 Thank God that now the way is made ! 
 
 The cherub-guarded door, 
 Through Him on whom our help was laid, 
 
 Stands open evermore ; 
 Who knoweth this is glad at heart, 
 And swift prepares him to depart 
 
 Where Christ is gone before. 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 
 Our heavenward course begins when we 
 
 Have found our Father, God, 
 And join us to His sons, and flee 
 The paths that once we trod ; 
 For He looks down, and they look up, 
 They feel His love, they live in hope, 
 Until they meet their Lord. 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 237 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Then all the depths of joy that lie 
 
 In this day we shall know, 
 When we are made like Him on high, 
 
 Whom we confess below, 
 When bathed in life's eternal flood 
 We dwell with Him, the highest Good 
 
 God grant us this to know ! 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 
 J. ZWICK. 153 
 II 
 
 Cbrfet's Bscensfon tbe (Broimfc of ute 
 
 SINCE Christ is gone to heaven, His home 
 
 I too must one day share ; 
 And in this hope I overcome 
 
 All anguish, all despair ; 
 For where the Head is, well we know 
 The members He hath left below 
 
 In time He gathers there. 
 
 Since Christ hath reach' d His glorious throne 
 
 And mighty gifts are His, 
 My heart can rest in heaven alone, 
 
 On earth my Lord I miss, 
 I long to be with Him on high, 
 And heart and thoughts would hourly fly 
 
 Where now my treasure is. 
 
 From Thy ascension let such grace, 
 
 My Lord, be found in me, 
 That steadfast faith may guide my ways 
 
 Unfaltering up to Thee, 
 238 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And at Thy voice I may depart 
 With joy to dwell where Thou, Lord, art ; 
 Oh grant this prayer to me ! 
 
 JOSUA WEGELIN. 1636 
 
 III 
 
 abe Ifcins&om of Gbrtet 
 
 CONQUERING Prince and Lord of glory ! 
 
 Majesty enthroned in light ! 
 All the heavens 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 ? 
 
 Far and wide, Thou heavenly Sun, 
 Now Thy brightness streams abroad, 
 
 And Heaven's host anew hath won 
 Light and gladness from its Lord ; 
 
 Hark, how yon unnumber'd throng 
 
 Welcome Thee with joyous song : 
 
 See Thy children weak and few 
 
 Here would cry Hosanna too. 
 
 Of Thy cup shall I not drink, 
 Now Thy glories o'er me shine ? 
 
 Shall my courage ever sink, 
 
 Now I know all power is Thine ? 
 
 I will trust Thee, O my King, 
 
 And will fear no earthly thing, 
 
 Henceforth will I bow the knee 
 
 To no ruler, save to Thee. 
 239 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Power and Spirit now o'erflow, 
 
 On me also be they pour'd, 
 Till Thy last and mightiest foe 
 
 Hath been made 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 filleth now 
 All Thy Church in every place, 
 
 To my heart, oh enter Thou, 
 See it thirsteth for 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 ! 
 
 Parting, dost Thou bring Thy life, 
 
 God and heaven, most inly near : 
 Let me rise o'er earthly strife, 
 
 As though still I saw Thee here, 
 And 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 ! 
 
 TERSTEEGEN. 1731 
 
 IV 
 
 Gbe Gbrone of (Brace 
 
 MY Jesus, if the seraphim, 
 
 The burning host that near Thee stand, 
 Before Thy Majesty are dim, 
 
 And veil their face at Thy command ; 
 240 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 How shall these mortal eyes of mine, 
 Now dark with evil's hateful night, 
 Endure to gaze upon the light 
 
 That aye surrounds that throne of Thine ? 
 
 Yet grant the eye of faith, O Lord, 
 To pierce within the Holy Place, 
 
 For I am saved and Thou adored, 
 If I am quicken' d by Thy grace. 
 
 Behold, O King, before Thy throne 
 My soul in lowly love doth bend, 
 Oh show Thyself her gracious Friend, 
 
 And say, " I choose thee for mine own." 
 
 Have mercy, Lord of love, for long 
 My spirit for Thy mercy sighs, 
 
 My inmost soul hath found a tongue, 
 " Be merciful, O God," she cries ! 
 
 I know Thou wilt not bid me go, 
 
 Thou canst not be ungracious, Lord, 
 To one for whom Thy blood was pour'cJ, 
 
 Whose guilt was cancell'd by Thy woe. 
 
 Here in Thy gracious hands I fall, 
 To Thee I cling with faith's embrace, 
 
 O righteous Sovereign, hear my call, 
 And turn, O turn, to me in grace ! 
 
 For through Thy sorrows I am just, 
 And guilt no more in me is found, 
 Thus reconciled, my soul is bound 
 
 To Thee in endless love and trust. 
 
 And let Thy wisdom be my guide, 
 Nor take Thy light from me away, 
 
 Thy grace be ever at my side, 
 
 That from the path I may not stray 
 
 241 Q 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Which Thou dost love, but evermore 
 In steadfast faith my course fulfil, 
 And keep Thy word, and do Thy will, 
 
 Thy love within, Thy heaven before ! 
 
 Reach down and arm me with Thy hand, 
 And strengthen me with inner might, 
 
 That I through faith may strive and stand 
 Though craft and force against me fight : 
 
 So shall the kingdom of Thy love 
 
 Be through me and within me spread, 
 That honours Thee, our glorious Head, 
 
 And crowneth us in realms above. 
 
 Yes, yes, to Thee my soul would cleave, 
 O choose it, Saviour, for Thy throne ! 
 
 Couldst Thou in love to me once leave 
 The glory that was all Thine own, 
 
 So honour Thou my life and heart 
 
 That Thou mayst find a heaven in me, 
 And when this house decay 'd shall be, 
 
 Then grant the heaven where now Thou art. 
 
 To Thee I rise in faith on high, 
 O bend Thou down in love to me ! 
 
 Let nothing rob me of this joy, 
 
 That all my soul is fill'd with Thee ; 
 
 As long as I have life and breath, 
 Thee will I honour, fear, and love, 
 And when this heart hath ceased to move, 
 
 Yet Love shall live and conquer death. 
 
 W. C. DESSLER. 1602 
 
 242 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 WHITSUNTIDE 
 I 
 
 Work ot tbe 1bol Spirit 
 
 HOLY Spirit, once again 
 
 Come, Thou true Eternal God ! 
 
 Nor Thy power descend in vain, 
 Make us ever Thine abode ; 
 
 So shall Spirit, joy and light 
 
 Dwell in us, where all was night. 
 
 Pour into our heart and mind 
 
 Wisdom, counsel, truth, and love ; 
 
 That we be to nought inclined, 
 
 Save what Thou mayst well approve : 
 
 Let Thy knowledge spread and grow, 
 
 Working error's overthrow. 
 
 Guide us, Lord, from day to day, 
 Keep us in the paths of grace, 
 
 Clear all hindrances away 
 
 That might foil us in the race ; 
 
 When we stumble hear our call, 
 
 Work repentance for our fall. 
 
 Witness in our hearts that God 
 
 Counts us children through His Son, 
 
 That our Father's gentle rod 
 Smites us for our good alone, 
 
 So when tried, perplex' d, distrest, 
 
 In His love we still may rest. 
 243 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Quicken us to seek His face 
 
 Freely, with a trusting heart, 
 In our prayers O breathe Thy grace, 
 
 Go with us when we depart, 
 So shall our requests be heard, 
 And our faith to joy be stirr'd. 
 
 And whene'er a yearning strong 
 
 Presses out the bitter cry, 
 " Ah my God, how long, how long ? " 
 
 Then O let me find Thee nigh, 
 And Thy words of healing balm 
 Bring me courage, patience, calm. 
 
 Spirit Thou of strength and power, 
 Thou new Spirit God hath given, 
 
 Aid us in temptation's hour, 
 
 Train and perfect us for heaven, 
 
 Arm us in the battle-field, 
 
 Leave us never there to yield. 
 
 Lord, preserve us in the faith, 
 Suffer nought to drive us thence, 
 
 Neither Satan, scorn, nor death, 
 Be our God and our defence, 
 
 Though the flesh resist Thy will, 
 
 Let Thy word be stronger still. 
 
 And at last when we must die, 
 
 O assure the sinking heart 
 Of the glorious realm on high 
 
 Where Thou healest every smart, 
 Of the joys unspeakable 
 Where our God would have us dwell. 
 
 ANON 
 244 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 II 
 
 Spirit of WisDom, 2lo\>e, anfc 5012 
 
 SWEETEST Joy the soul can know, 
 
 Fairest Light was ever shed, 
 Who alike in joy or woe, 
 
 Leavest none unvisited ; 
 Spirit of the Highest God, 
 Lord from whom is life bestow'd, 
 Who upholdest everything, 
 Hear me, hear me, while I sing ! 
 
 For the noblest gift Thou art 
 
 That a soul e'er sought or won, 
 Have I wish'd Thee to my heart, 
 
 Then my wishing all is done ; 
 Ah then yield Thee, nor refuse 
 Here to dwell, for Thou didst choose 
 This my heart, from e'en its birth, 
 For Thy temple here on earth. 
 
 Thou art shed like gentlest showers 
 From the Father and the Son, 
 
 Bringest to this earth of ours 
 
 Purest blessing from their throne ; 
 
 Suffer then, O noble Guest, 
 
 That rich gift by Thee possest, 
 
 Which Thou givest at Thy will 
 
 All my soul and flesh to fill. 
 
 Thou art wise, before Thee stand 
 Hidden things unveil' d to Thee, 
 
 Countest up the grains of sand, 
 Fathomest the deepest sea, 
 245 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And Thou knowest well how blind, 
 Dark and crooked is my mind ; 
 Give me wisdom, in Thy light 
 Let me please my God aright. 
 
 Thou art holy, enterest in 
 
 Where pure hearts Thy coming wait, 
 But Thou fleest shame and sin, 
 
 Craft and falsehood Thou dost hate ; 
 Wash me then, O Well of grace, 
 Every stain and spot efface, 
 Let me flee what Thou dost flee, 
 Grant me what Thou lov'st to see. 
 
 Thou art loving, hatest strife, 
 As a lamb of patient mood, 
 
 Calm through all our restless life, 
 E'en to sinners kind and good ; 
 
 Grant me too this noble mind, 
 
 To be calm and true and kind, 
 
 Loving every friend or foe, 
 
 Grieving none whom Thou dost know. 
 
 Well contented is my heart, 
 
 If but Thou reject me not ; 
 If but Thou wilt ne'er depart, 
 I am blest whate'er my lot ; 
 Thine for ever make me now, 
 And to Thee, my Lord, I vow 
 Here and yonder to employ 
 Every power for Thee with joy. 
 
 Be my help when danger's nigh, 
 When I sink hold Thou me up, 
 
 Be my life when I must die, 
 
 In the grave be Thou my hope ; 
 246 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Bring me when I rise again 
 To the land that knows no pain, 
 Where Thy followers from Thy stream 
 Drink for ever joys supreme. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1653 
 III 
 
 THnttE of tbe Spirit 
 
 THE Church of Christ that He hath hallow'd here 
 To be His house, is scatter'd far and near, 
 In North and South and East and West abroad, 
 And yet in earth and heaven, through Christ her Lord, 
 The Church is one. 
 
 One member knoweth not another here, 
 And yet their fellowship is true and near, 
 One is their Saviour, and their Father one, 
 One Spirit rules them, and among them none 
 Lives to himself. 
 
 They live to Him who bought them with His blood 
 Baptized them with His Spirit pure and good.. 
 And in true faith and ever-burning love 
 Their hearts and hope ascend to seek above 
 The eternal Good. 
 
 O Spirit of the Lord, all life is Thine, 
 Now fill Thy Church with life and power divine, 
 That many children may be born to Thee, 
 And spread Thy knowledge like the boundless sea, 
 To God's great praise. 
 
 A. G. SPANGENBERG. 1747 
 247 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 IV 
 
 Strengtb of tbe Cburcb 
 
 HARK, the Church proclaims her honour 
 
 And her strength is only this : 
 God hath laid His choice upon her, 
 
 And the work she doth is His. 
 
 He His Church hath firmly founded, 
 He will guard what He began ; 
 
 We, by sin and foes surrounded, 
 Build her bulwarks as we can. 
 
 Frail and fleeting are our powers, 
 Short our days, our foresight dim, 
 
 And we own the choice not ours, 
 We were chosen first by Him. 
 
 Onward then ! for nought despairing, 
 
 Calm we follow at His word, 
 Thus through joy and sorrow bearing 
 
 Faithful witness to our Lord. 
 
 Though we here must strive with weakness, 
 Though in tears we often bend, 
 
 What His might began in meekness 
 Shall achieve a glorious end. 
 
 S. PREISWERK 
 
 248 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 V 
 
 Cbe Diffusion of tbe Gospel 
 
 SPREAD, O spread, thou mighty Word 
 Spread the kingdom of the Lord, 
 Wheresoe'er His breath has given 
 Life to beings meant for heaven. 
 
 Tell them how the Father's will 
 Made the world, and keeps it still, 
 How He sent His Son to save 
 All who help and comfort crave. 
 
 Tell of our Redeemer's love, 
 Who for ever doth remove 
 By His holy sacrifice, 
 All the guilt that on us lies. 
 
 Tell them of the Spirit given 
 Now, to guide us up to heaven, 
 Strong and holy, just and true, 
 Working both to will and do. 
 
 Word of Life ! most pure and strong, 
 Lo ! for Thee the nations long ; 
 Spread, till from its dreary night 
 All the world awakes to light. 
 
 Up, the ripening fields ye see, 
 Mighty shall the harvest be, 
 But the reapers still are few, 
 Great the work they have to do. 
 249 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Lord of harvest, let there be 
 
 Joy and strength to work for Thee, 
 
 Till the nations far and near 
 
 See Thy Light, and learn Thy fear. 
 
 BAHNMAIER 
 
 TRINITY 
 I 
 
 B Morning 1bsmn 
 
 THEE Fount of blessing we adore ! 
 Lo ! we unlock our lips before 
 Thy Godhead's deep of holiness, 
 O 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 trust 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, 
 250 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Flow through us, heart and soul and will 
 With endless praise and blessing fill ! 
 
 TERSTEEGEN. 1731 
 
 II 
 
 ur ffatber, IRe&eemer, <5uifce 
 
 O FATHER-EYE, that hath so truly watch'd, 
 
 O Father-hand, that hath so gently led, 
 O Father-heart, that by my prayer is touch'd, 
 
 That loved me first when I was cold and dead : 
 Still do Thou lead me on with faithful care 
 
 The narrow path to heaven where I would go 
 And train me for the life that waits me there, 
 
 Alike through love and loss, through weal and woe. 
 
 O my Redeemer, who for me wast slain, 
 
 Who bringest me forgiveness and release, 
 Whose death has ransom' d me to God again, 
 
 That now my heart can rest in perfect peace; 
 Still more and more do Thou my soul redeem, 
 
 From every bondage set me wholly free, 
 Though Evil oft the mightiest power may seem, 
 
 Still make me more than conqueror, Lord, in Thee. 
 
 O Holy Spirit, who with gentlest breath 
 
 Dost teach to pray, dost comfort or reprove, 
 Who givest us all joy and hope and faith, 
 
 Through whom we live in peace with God in love ; 
 Still do Thou shed Thine influence abroad, 
 
 Let me the Father's image ever wear, 
 Make me a holy temple of my God, 
 
 Where dwells for ever calm adoring prayer ! 
 
 SPITTA 
 251 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 III 
 
 Bn Bv>enin0 D^mn 
 
 TRUE mirror of the Godhead ! Perfect Light ! 
 Thou Three in One, whose never-slumbering might 
 Enfolds the world within its sheltering wings, 
 And holds in being all created things ! 
 
 We praise Thee with the earliest morning ray, 
 We praise Thee with the parting beam of day ; 
 All things that live and move, by sea and land, 
 For ever ready at Thy service stand. 
 
 Exhaustless Treasure ! Being limitless ! 
 What gaze hath pierced Thy deep abyss ? 
 Deep Fount of Life ! Light inaccessible ! 
 How great Thy power, O God, what tongue can 
 tell ? 
 
 Thy Christendom is singing night and day, 
 
 " Glory to Him, the mighty God, for aye, 
 
 By Whom, through Whom, in Whom all beings are ! ' 
 
 Grant us to echo on this song afar ! 
 
 Thy Name is great, Thy kingdom in us dwell, 
 Thy will constrain and feed and guide us well ; 
 Spare us, redeem us in the evil hour, 
 For Thine the glory, Thine the rule, the power. 
 
 J. FRANCK 1653 
 
 252 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 SERVICES 
 
 MORNING PRAYER 
 
 I 
 
 ffor tbe Sabbatb flfcornins 
 
 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 dost 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. 
 253 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Rest in me and I in The j, 
 
 Build a Paradise within me ; 
 Oh reveal Thyself to me, 
 
 Blessed Love, who c iedst co 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 the temple lowly, 
 Nought to-day my soul shall move 
 Simply resting in Thy love. 
 
 B. SCHMOLCK. 1731 
 
 II 
 
 Before public TKHorsbfp 
 
 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, 
 254 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Open Thou our ears and heart, 
 
 Help us by Thy Spirit's pleading, 
 Hear the cry Thy people raises, 
 Hear, ard bless our prayers and praises ! 
 
 T. CLAUSNITZER. 1671 
 III 
 
 Jn atme of War an& ipersecutton 
 
 ONCE more the day-light 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. 
 
 Ah Lord God ! hear us we implore ! 
 Be Thou our Guardian evermore, 
 Our mighty Champion and our shield 
 That goeth with us to the field. 
 255 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 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 ! 
 
 BOHEMIAN BRETHREN 
 IV 
 
 Jn Gime of Distress 
 
 WRITTEN DURING THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR 
 
 WHEN anguish' d and perplexed, with many a 
 
 sigh and tear 
 I lift mine eyes up to the hills, and pour out all my 
 
 woe, 
 
 Thou bendest down Thine ear, 
 
 And never from Thy face, dear Lord, uncomforted I 
 go- 
 
 My help and my defence come, faithful God, 
 
 from Thee, 
 By Whom the heavens were fixed, and earth's 
 
 foundations laid ; 
 Man cannot succour me, 
 Before Thy throne alone I find my refuge and my aid. 
 
 Thou watchest that my foot should neither 
 slip nor stray, 
 
 256 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thou guides! me Thyself through all my dark and 
 
 troubled course, 
 Thou pointest me the way 
 
 Amid the snares of sin and death, and this world's 
 craft and force. 
 
 Guardian of Israel ! Thou dost slumber not, 
 
 nor sleep, 
 Thine eye is open day and night, still watching over 
 
 those 
 
 Who true allegiance keep 
 
 To Jesus' banner of the Cross, and bravely meet His 
 foes. 
 
 And when Thou bidd'st me leave this world 
 
 of strife and pain, 
 Grant me in Thee a steadfast hope, and gentle 
 
 quick release, 
 Knowing we rise again 
 
 To dwell where death and war are not, in endless 
 joy and peace. 
 
 M. A. VON LOWENSTERN 
 
 V 
 
 Gbe Gbristian's /llbormng Sacrifice 
 
 O THOU Most Highest ! Guardian of mankind ! 
 
 Supreme exhaustless Good Thou art ! 
 
 To Thee I offer soul and heart : 
 Praise Hin; all creatureswith your strength and mind, 
 For He is kind ! 
 
 Yes, Lord, 'tis of Thy power alone to-day 
 That still I draw my living breath, 
 Thy grace preserves me still from death, 
 257 R 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O Father-heart, reject me not, but stay 
 With me to-day. 
 
 O Israel's God, I bring Thee now my will, 
 That would be Thine whate'er it cost, 
 Love Thy good gifts, yet love Thee most ; 
 
 This is my prayer while yet the morn is still, 
 Take Thou my will. 
 
 O Fount of grace, in love be Thou my guide, 
 Thine eye look down on me in power, 
 Whate'er I do or am each hour 
 
 Prepare me for th' eternal life, abide 
 Still at my side. 
 
 The soul and body Thou dost hold in life, 
 Be ever ready in Thy fear 
 To fight for truth and justice here, 
 
 And trusting Thee to meet the final strife, 
 For Thou art Life. 
 
 Bless all my works and ways, my light increase, 
 
 Order my doings for the best, 
 
 In all my toil be Thou my rest, 
 Until at last I lay me down in peace 
 That ne'er shall cease. 
 
 JOACHIM NEANDER. 1679 
 VI 
 
 B Aornliid 5oii0 of (Bla&nesa 
 
 AS a bird in meadows fair 
 
 Or in lonely forest sings, 
 Till it fills the summer air 
 
 And the greenwood sweetly rings, 
 
 258 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 So my heart to Thee would raise, 
 O my God, its song of praise, 
 That the gloom of night is o'er 
 And I see the sun once more. 
 
 If Thou, Sun of Love, arise, 
 
 All my heart with joy is stirr'd, 
 
 And to greet Thee upward flies 
 Gladsome as yon little bird. 
 
 Shine Thou in me clear and bright 
 
 Till I learn to praise Thee right ; 
 
 Guide me in the narrow way, 
 
 Let me ne'er in darkness stray. 
 
 Bless to-day whate'er I do, 
 
 Bless whate'er I have and love ; 
 
 From the paths of virtue true 
 Let me never, never rove ; 
 
 By Thy Spirit strengthen me 
 
 In the faith that leads to Thee, 
 
 Then an heir of life on high 
 
 Fearless I may live and die. 
 
 ANON. About 1580 
 VII 
 
 THE golden morn flames up the Eastern sky, 
 And what dark night had hid from every eye 
 
 All-piercing day -light summons clear to view : 
 And all the forests, vale or plain or hill, 
 That slept in mist enshrouded, dark and still, 
 
 In gladsome light are glittering now anew. 
 259 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Shine in my heart, and bring me joy and light, 
 Sun of my darken'd soul, dispel its night, 
 
 And shed in it the truthful day abroad ; 
 And all the many gloomy folds lay bare 
 Within this heart, that fain would learn to wear 
 
 The pure and glorious likeness of its Lord. 
 
 Glad with Thy light, and glowing with Thy love, 
 So let me ever speak and think and move 
 
 As fits a soul new-touch'd with life from Heaven, 
 That seeks but so to order all her course 
 As most to show the glory of that Source 
 
 By whom alone her strength, her life are given. 
 
 1 ask not, take away this weight of care ; 
 No, for that love I pray that all can bear, 
 
 And for the faith that whatsoe'er befall 
 Must needs be good, and for my profit prove, 
 Since from my Father's heart most rich in love, 
 
 And from His bounteous hands it cometh all. 
 
 I ask not that my course be calm and still ; 
 No, here too, Lord, be done Thy holy will ; 
 
 I ask but for a quiet childlike heart ; 
 Though thronging cares and restless toil be mine, 
 Yet may my heart remain for ever Thine, 
 
 Draw it from earth, and fix it where Thou art. 
 
 I ask Thee not to finish soon the strife, 
 The toil, the trouble of this earthly life ; 
 
 No, be my peace amid its grief and pain ; 
 I pray not, grant me now Thy realm on high ; 
 No, ere I die let me to evil die, 
 
 And through Thy cross my sins be wholly slain. 
 260 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 True Morning Sun of all my life, I pray 
 That not in vain Thou shine on me to-day, 
 
 Be Thou rny light when all around is gloom ; 
 Thy brightness, hope, and courage on me shed, 
 That I may joy to see when life is fied 
 
 The setting sun that brings the pilgrim home. 
 
 SPITTA 
 EVENING PRAYER 
 
 {Trust in <5oD 
 
 THE night is come, wherein at last we rest, 
 God order this and all things for the best ! 
 Beneath His blessing fearless we may lie 
 Since He is nigh. 
 
 Drive evil thoughts and spirits far away, 
 Master, watch o'er us till the dawning day, 
 Body and soul alike from harm defend, 
 Thine angel send. 
 
 Let holy prayers and thoughts our latest be, 
 Let us awake with joy, still close to Thee, 
 In all serve Thee, in every deed and thought 
 Thy praise be sought. 
 
 Give to the sick as Thy beloved sleep, 
 And help the captive, comfort those who weep, 
 Care for the widows' and the orphans' woe, 
 Keep far our foe. 
 
 For we have none on whom for help to call, 
 Save Thee, O God in heaven, who car'st for all, 
 261 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And wilt forsake them never, day or night, 
 Who love Thee right. 
 
 Father, Thy Name be praised, Thy Kingdom come, 
 Thy will be wrought as in our heavenly home, 
 Keep us in life, forgive our sins, deliver 
 
 Us now and ever ! Amen. 
 
 BOHEMIAN BRETHREN 
 
 II 
 
 SINK not yet, my soul, to slumber, 
 Wake, my heart, go forth and tell 
 
 All the mercies without number 
 That this by-gone day befell ; 
 
 Tell how God hath kept afar 
 
 All things that against me war, 
 
 Hath upheld me and defended, 
 
 And His grace my soul befriended. 
 
 Father merciful and holy, 
 
 Thee to-night I praise and bless, 
 
 Who to labour true and lowly 
 Grantest ever meet success ; 
 
 Many a sin and many a woe, 
 
 Many a fierce and subtle foe 
 
 Hast Thou check'd that once alarm'd me, 
 
 So that nought to-day has harm'd me. 
 
 Yes, our wisdom vainly ponders, 
 Fathoms not Thy loving thought ; 
 
 Never tongue can tell the wonders 
 That each day for us are wrought ; 
 262 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thou hast guided me to-day 
 That no ill hath cross'd my way, 
 There is neither bound nor measure 
 In Thy love's o'erflowing treasure. 
 
 Now the light, that nature gladdens. 
 
 And the pomp of day is gone, 
 And my heart is tired and saddens 
 
 As the gloomy night comes on ; 
 Ah then, with Thy changeless light 
 Warm and cheer my heart to-night, 
 As the shadows round me gather 
 Keep me close to Thee, my Father. 
 
 Of Thy grace I pray Thee pardon 
 All my sins, and heal their smart ; 
 
 Sore and heavy is their burden, 
 
 Sharp their sting within my heart ; 
 
 And my foe lays many a snare 
 
 But to ternpt me to despair, 
 
 Only Thou, dear Lord, canst save me. 
 
 Let him not prevail to have me. 
 
 Have I e'er from Thee departed, 
 
 Now I seek Thy face again, 
 And Thy Son, the loving-hearted, 
 
 Made our peace through bitter pain, 
 Yes, far greater than our sin, 
 Though it still be strong within, 
 Is the Love that fails us never, 
 Mercy that endures for ever. 
 
 Brightness of the eternal city ! 
 
 Light of every faithful soul ! 
 Safe beneath Thy sheltering pity 
 
 Let the tempests past me roll ; 
 263 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Now it darkens far and near, 
 Still, my God, still be Thou here ; 
 Thou canst comfort, and Thou only, 
 When the night is long and lonely. 
 
 E'en the twilight now hath vanish'd, 
 
 Send Thy blessing on my sleep, 
 Every sin and terror banish'd, 
 
 Let my rest be calm and deep. 
 Soul and body, mind and health, 
 Wife and children, house and wealth, 
 Friend and foe, the sick, the stranger, 
 Keep Thou safe from harm and danger. 
 
 Keep me safe till morn is breaking, 
 Nightly terrors drive Thou hence, 
 
 Let not sickness keep me waking ; 
 Sudden death and pestilence, 
 
 Fire and water, noise of war, 
 
 Keep Thou from my house afar ; 
 
 Let me die not unrepented, 
 
 That my soul be not tormented. 
 
 O Thou mighty God, now hearken 
 To the prayer Thy child hath made ; 
 
 Jesus, while the night-hours darken 
 Be Thou still my hope, my aid ; 
 
 Holy Ghost, on Thee I call, 
 
 Friend and Comforter of all, 
 
 Hear my earnest prayer, oh hear me ! 
 
 Lord, Thou nearest, Thou art near me. 
 
 J. RIST. 1642 
 264 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 ITT 
 
 5n Sfcfcnesa 
 
 LORD, a whole long day of pain 
 
 Now at last is o'er ! 
 Ah how much we can sustain 
 
 I have felt once more ; 
 Felt how frail are all our powers, 
 
 Arid how weak our trust ; 
 If Thou help not, these dark hours 
 
 Crush us to the dust. 
 
 Could I face the coming night 
 
 If Thou wert not near ? 
 Nay, without Thy love and might 
 
 I must sink with fear : 
 Round me falls the evening gloom, 
 
 Sights and sounds all cease, 
 But within this narrow room 
 
 Night will bring no peace. 
 
 Other weary eyes may close, 
 
 All things seek their sleep, 
 Hither comes no soft repose, 
 
 I must wake and weep. 
 Come then. Jesus, o'er me bend, 
 
 Give me strength to cope 
 With my pains, and gently send 
 
 Thoughts of peace and hope. 
 
 Draw my weary heart away 
 From this gloom and strife, 
 
 And these fever pains allay 
 With the dew of life ; 
 265 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thou canst calm the troubled mind, 
 
 Thou its dread canst still, 
 Teach me to be all resign 'd 
 
 To my Father's will. 
 
 Then if I must wake and weep 
 
 All the long night through, 
 Thou the watch with me wilt keep, 
 
 Friend and Guardian true ; 
 In the darkness Thou wilt speak 
 
 Lovingly with me, 
 Though my heart may vainly seek 
 
 Words to breathe to Thee. 
 
 Wheresoe'er my couch is made 
 
 In Thy hands I lie, 
 And to Thee alone for aid 
 
 Turns my restless eye ; 
 Let my prayer grow weary never, 
 
 Strengthen Thou th' oppress'd, 
 In Thy shadow, Lord for ever 
 
 Let me gently rest, 
 
 HEINRICH PUCHTA 
 
 IV 
 
 Ifor a TKflafceful Iftigbt 
 
 NOW darkness over all is spread, 
 No sounds the stillness break, 
 
 Ah when shall these sad hours be fled, 
 Am I alone awake ? 
 
 Ah no, I do not wake alone, 
 
 Alone I do not sleep, 
 Around me ever watcheth One 
 
 Who wakes with those that weep. 
 266 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 On earth it is so dark and drear, 
 With Him so calm and bright, 
 
 The stars in solemn radiance clear 
 Shine there through all our night. 
 
 'Tis when the lights of earth are gone 
 
 The heavenly glories shine ; 
 When other comfort I have none, 
 
 Thy comfort, Lord, is mine. 
 
 Be still, my throbbing heart, be still, 
 
 Cast off thy weary load, 
 And make His holy will thy will, 
 
 And rest upon thy God. 
 
 How many a time the night hath come, 
 
 Yet still return'd the day ; 
 How many a time thy cross, thy gloom, 
 
 Ere now hath pass'd away. 
 
 And these dark hours of anxious pain 
 
 That now oppress thee sore, 
 I know will vanish soon again, 
 
 Then I shall fear no more : 
 
 For when the night hath lasted long, 
 
 We know the morn is near, 
 And when the trial's sharp and strong 
 
 Our Help shall soon appear. 
 
 PASTOR JOSEPHSEN 
 
 267 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 V 
 
 at tbe Close of tbe Sabbatb 
 
 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 spirits fill, 
 
 Our faith and love increase. 
 
 Abide among us as our shield, 
 
 O Captain of Thy host ; 
 That to the world we may not 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. 
 
 STEGMANN. 1630 
 268 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 BAPTISM 
 I 
 
 command 
 
 BLESSED Jesus, here we stand, 
 Met to do as Thou hast spoken, 
 
 And this child at Thy command 
 Now we bring -to Thee, in token 
 
 That to Christ it here is given, 
 
 For of such shall be His Heaven. 
 
 Yes, Thy warning voice is plain, 
 And we fain would keep it duly, 
 
 " He who is not born again, 
 Heart and life renewing truly, 
 
 Born of water and the Spirit, 
 
 Will My kingdom ne'er inherit." 
 
 Therefore hasten we to Thee, 
 
 Take the pledge we bring, oh take it I 
 Let us here Thy glory see, 
 
 And in tender pity make it 
 Now Thy child, and leave it never, 
 Thine on earth, and Thine for ever. 
 
 Turn the darkness into light, 
 
 To Thy grace receive and save it ; 
 
 Heal the serpent's venom'd bite, 
 In the font where now we lave it ; 
 
 Let Thy Spirit pure and lowly 
 
 Banish thought or taint unholy. 
 269 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Make it, Head, Thy member now, 
 
 Shepherd, take Thy lamb, and feed it, 
 
 Prince of Peace, its Peace be Thou, 
 Way of life, to Heaven oh lead it, 
 
 Vine, this branch may nothing sever, 
 
 Grafted firm in Thee for ever. 
 
 Now upon Thy heart it lies, 
 
 What our hearts so dearly treasure, 
 
 Heavenward lead our burden'd sighs, 
 Pour Thy blessing without measure, 
 
 Write the name we now have given, 
 
 Write it in the book of Heaven. 
 
 SCHMOLCK. 1672-1/37 
 
 II 
 Gbe Iftame 
 
 O FATHER-HEART, who hast created all 
 
 In wisest love, we pray 
 Look on this babe, who at Thy gracious call 
 
 Is entering on life's way, 
 Bend o'er it now with blessing fraught, 
 And make Thou something out of nought, 
 O Father-heart ! 
 
 O Son of God, who diedst for us, behold 
 
 We bring our child to Thee, 
 Thou tender Shepherd take it to Thy fold, 
 
 Thine own for aye to be ; 
 Defend it through this earthly strife, 
 And. lead it on the path of life, 
 O Son of God ! 
 270 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O Holy Ghost, who broodest o'er the wave, 
 
 Descend upon this child ; 
 Give it undying life, its spirit lave 
 
 With waters undenled ; 
 Grant it while yet a babe to be 
 A child of God, a home for Thee, 
 O Holy Ghost ! 
 
 O Triune God, what Thou command'st is done, 
 
 We speak, but Thine the might : 
 This child hath scarce yet seen our earthly sun, 
 
 Yet pour on it Thy light, 
 in faith and hope, in joy and love, 
 Thou Sun of all below, above, 
 O Triune God ! 
 
 A. KNAPP 
 
 III 
 
 THY parents' arms now yield thee, 
 
 With love all glowing warm, 
 To Him who best can shield thee, 
 
 To that Eternal Arm 
 That all the heavens upholdeth, 
 
 And bids the dead arise, 
 That tender babes enfoldeth 
 
 And leads them toward the skies. 
 
 Wash'd in the blood that gushes 
 From out His wounded heart, 
 
 Wrapp'd in the peace that hushes 
 All earthly grief and smart, 
 
 271 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Go forth upon thy journey, 
 Grow up in strength and age, 
 
 And seek with joy and wisdom 
 Thy holy heritage. 
 
 O sweet will sound the voices 
 
 That hail Thee from above, 
 Where heaven's bright host rejoices 
 
 Before the Eternal Love ; 
 " Now canst Thou wander never, 
 
 Now past is all thy strife, 
 
 bless the hour for ever 
 That call'd thee into life." 
 
 A. KNAPP 
 
 IV 
 
 ffor a Cbrfstian GbilD 
 
 SEEING I am Jesus' lamb, 
 Ever glad at heart I am 
 O'er my Shepherd kind and good, 
 Who provides me daily food, 
 And His lamb by name doth call, 
 For He knows and loves us all. 
 
 Guided by His gentle staff 
 Where the sunny pastures laugh, 
 
 1 go in and out and feed, 
 Lacking nothing that I need ; 
 When I thirst my feet He brings 
 To the fresh and living springs. 
 
 Must I not rejoice for this ? 
 He is mine, and I am His, 
 272 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And when these bright days are past, 
 Safely in His arms at last 
 He will bear me home to heaven ; 
 Ah what joy hath Jesus given ! 
 
 LUISE H. VON HAYM. 1724-178? 
 
 (Renewal of tbe IDow 
 
 I AM baptized into Thy name, 
 O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ! 
 
 Among Thy seed a place I claim, 
 Among Thy consecrated host ; 
 
 Buried with Christ, and dead to sin, 
 
 Thy Spirit now shall live within. 
 
 s 
 
 My loving Father, here dost Thou 
 Proclaim me as Thy child and heir ; 
 
 Thou faithful Saviour bidd'st me now 
 The fruit of all Thy sorrows share ; 
 
 Thou Holy Ghost wilt comfort me 
 
 When darkest clouds around I see. 
 
 And I have promised fear and love, 
 And to obey Thee, Lord, alone ; 
 
 I felt Thy Spirit in me move, 
 
 And dared to pledge myself Thine own, 
 
 Renouncing sin to keep the faith, 
 
 And war with evil to the death. 
 
 My faithful God, upon Thy side 
 
 This covenant standeth fast for aye, 
 
 If I transgress through fear or pride, 
 O cast me therefore not away, 
 
 273 s 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 If I have sore my soul defiled, 
 Yet still forgive, restore Thy child. 
 
 I bring Thee here, my God, anew 
 
 Of all I am or have the whole, 
 Quicken my life, and make me true, 
 
 Take full possession of my soul, 
 Let nought within me, nought I own, 
 Serve any will but Thine alone. 
 
 Hence Prince of darkness, hence my foe ! 
 
 Another Lord hath purchased me ! 
 My conscience tells of sin, yet know, 
 
 Baptized in Christ I fear not thee ! 
 Away vain World, Sin, leave me now, 
 I turn from you ; God hears my vow. 
 
 And never let me waver more, 
 O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
 
 Till at Thy will this life is o'er 
 
 Still keep me in Thy faithful host, 
 
 So unto Thee I live and die 
 
 .\nd praise Thee evermore on high. 
 
 RAMBACH. 1 720 
 THE HOLY COMMUNION 
 
 preparation 
 
 LORD Jesus Christ, my faithful Shepherd, hear ! 
 Feed me with Thy grace, draw inly near, 
 By Thee redeem'd, in Thee alone I live, 
 All I need 'tis Thou canst give : 
 Kyrie Eleison ! 
 274 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Ah, Lord, Thy timid sheep now feed 
 With joy upon Thy heavenly mead, 
 Lead us to the crystal river 
 Whence our life is flowing ever : 
 Kyrie Eleison ! 
 
 For Thou art calling all the toil-oppress' d, 
 
 All the weary to Thy rest ; 
 The pardon of their sins is here bestow' d, 
 
 Thou dost free them from their load : 
 
 Kyrie Eleison ! 
 
 Ah come, Thyself put forth Thine hand, 
 Unbind this heavy iron band, 
 
 Set me from my sorrows free, 
 
 Give me strength to follow Thee : 
 Kyrie Eleison ! 
 
 Thou fain wouldst heart and soul to Thee incline 
 
 Take me from myself and make me Thine ; 
 Thou art the Vine and I the branch, oh grant 
 I may grow in Thee a living plant : 
 
 Kyrie Eleison ! 
 
 For nought but sins I find in me, 
 Yet are they done away in Thee ; 
 Mine are anguish, fear, unrest, 
 But in Thee, Lord, I am blest : 
 Kyrie Eleison ! 
 
 JOHANN HEERMANN. 1630 
 
 II 
 
 DECK thyself, my soul, with gladness, 
 Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness, 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Come into the daylight's splendour, 
 There with joy they praises render 
 Unto Him, whose boundless grace 
 Grants thee at His feast a place ; 
 He whom all the heavens obey 
 Deigns to dwell in thee to-day. 
 
 Hasten as a bride to meet Him, 
 And with loving reverence greet Him, 
 Who with words of life immortal 
 Now is knocking at thy portal ; 
 Haste to make for Him a way, 
 Cast Thee at His feet, and say : 
 Since, O Lord, Thou com'st to me, 
 Never will I turn from Thee. 
 
 Ah how hungers all my spirit, 
 For the love I do not merit ! 
 Ah how oft with sighs fast thronging 
 For this food have I been longing ! 
 How have thirsted in the strife 
 For this draught, O Prince of Life, 
 Wish'd, O Friend of man, to be 
 Ever one with God through Thee ! 
 
 Here I sink before Thee lowly, 
 Fill'd with joy most deep and holy, 
 As with trembling awe and wonder 
 On Thy mighty works I ponder ; 
 On this banquet's mystery, 
 On the depths we cannot see ; 
 Far beyond all mortal sight 
 Lie the secrets of Thy might. 
 
 2 7 6 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Sun, who all my life dost brighten, 
 Light, who dost my soul enlighten, 
 Joy, the sweetest man e'er knoweth, 
 Fount, whence all my being floweth, 
 Here I fall before Thy feet, 
 Grant me worthily to eat 
 Of this blessed heavenly food, 
 To Thy praise, and to my good. 
 
 Jesus, Bread of Life from Heaven, 
 Never be Thou vainly given, 
 Nor I to my hurt invited ; 
 Be Thy love with love requited ; 
 Let me learn its depths indeed, 
 While on Thee my soul doth feed ; 
 Let me here so richly blest, 
 Be hereafter too Thy guest. 
 
 J. FRANK. 1653 
 III 
 
 icee&tncj great Xove of our /toaster 
 anD onlE Saviour Jesus Cbrtst 
 
 O LOVE, who formedst me to wear 
 The image of Thy Godhead here ; 
 
 Who soughtest me with tender care 
 
 Through all my wanderings 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 hath gently laid ; 
 
 O Love, who here as man wast born 
 And like to us in all things made ; 
 277 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 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, 
 Whose 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 ; 
 
 278 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 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. 
 
 ANGELUS. 1657 
 
 IV 
 
 abe Cbrietian Sacrifice 
 
 NOW take rny heart and all that is in me, 
 My Lord beloved, take it from me to Thee ; 
 
 I would have Thine 
 This soul and flesh of mine ; 
 Would order thought and word and deed 
 As Thy most holy will shall lead. 
 
 Thou feedest me with heavenly bread and wine, 
 Thou pourest through me streams of life divine ; 
 
 O noble Face, 
 So sweet, so full of grace, 
 I ponder as Thy cross I see, 
 How best to give myself to Thee. 
 
 Behold, through all the eternal ages, still 
 
 My heart shall choose and love Thy holy will ; 
 
 Wouldst Thou my death, 
 I die to Thee in faith ; 
 Wouldst Thou that I should longer live, 
 To Thee the choice T wholly give. 
 
 But Thou must also deign to be my own, 
 
 To dwell in me, to make my heart Thy throne, 
 
 My God indeed, 
 My Help in time of need, 
 
 279 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 My Head from whom no power can sever, 
 The Bridegroom of my soul for ever ! 
 
 ANGELUS. 1657 
 
 V 
 
 Gbe Cbrtetian ffellowsbfp 
 
 JESUS whom Thy Church doth own 
 As her Head and King alone, 
 
 Bless me Thy poor member too ; 
 And Thy Spirit's influence give 
 That to Thee henceforth I live, 
 
 Daily Thou my strength renew. 
 
 Let Thy living Spirit flow 
 Through Thy members all below, 
 
 With its warmth and power divine ; 
 Scatter' d far apart they dwell, 
 Yet in every land, full well, 
 
 Lord, Thou knowest who is Thine. 
 
 Those who serve Thee I would serve, 
 Never from their union swerve, 
 
 Here I cry before Thy face : 
 " Zion, God give thee good speed, 
 Christ Thy footsteps ever lead, 
 
 Make thee steadfast in His ways ! " 
 
 Save her from the world her foe, 
 Satan quickly overthrow, 
 
 Cast him down beneath her feet ; 
 Through the Spirit slay within 
 Love of ease, the world, and sin, 
 
 Let her find Thee only sweet. 
 280 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Those o'er whom Thy billows roll 
 Strengthen Thou to leave their soul 
 
 In Thy hands, for Thou art Love ; 
 Make them through their bitter pain 
 Pure from pride and sinful stain, 
 
 Fix their hopes and hearts above. 
 
 Unto all Thyself impart, 
 Fashion' d after Thine own heart 
 
 Make Thy children like to Thee ; 
 Humble, pure, and calm, and still. 
 Loving, single as Thy will, 
 
 And as Thou wouldst have them be, 
 
 And from those I love, I pray, 
 Turn not, Lord, Thy face away, 
 
 Hear me while for them I plead ; 
 Be Thou their Eternal Friend, 
 Unto each due blessing send, 
 
 For Thou knowest all they need. 
 
 Ah Lord, at this gracious hour 
 Visit all their souls with power ; 
 
 Let Thy gladness in them shine ; 
 Draw them with Thy love away 
 From vain pleasures of a day, 
 
 Make them wholly ever Thine. 
 
 Dearly were we purchased, Lord, 
 When Thy blood for us was pour'd ; 
 
 Think, O Christ, we are Thine own I 
 Hold me, guide me, as a child, 
 Through the battle, through the wild, 
 
 Leave me nevermore alone. 
 281 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Till at last I meet on high 
 With the faithful host who cry 
 
 Hallelujah night and day ; 
 Pure from stain we there shall see 
 Thee in us, and us in Thee, 
 
 And be one in Thee for aye. 
 
 TERSTEEGEN. 1731 
 VI 
 
 Gbe IRemembrancc 
 
 HOW could I forget Him 
 Who ne'er forgetteth me ? 
 
 Or tell the love that let Him 
 Come down to set me free ? 
 
 1 lay in darkest sadness, 
 
 Till He made all things new, 
 
 And still fresh love and gladness 
 
 Flow from that heart so true. 
 
 How could I ever leave Him 
 
 Who is so kind a Friend ? 
 How could I ever grieve Him 
 
 Who thus to me doth bend ? 
 Have I not seen Him dying 
 
 For us on yonder tree ! 
 Do I not hear Him crying, 
 
 Arise and follow Me ! 
 
 For ever will I love Him 
 
 Who saw my hopeless plight, 
 
 Who felt my sorrows move Him, 
 And brought me life and light ; 
 282 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Whose arm shall be around me 
 
 When my last hour is come, 
 And suffer none to wound me, 
 
 Though dark the passage home. 
 
 He gives me pledges holy, 
 
 His body and His blood, 
 He lifts the scorn' d, the lowly, 
 
 He makes my courage good, 
 For He will reign within me, 
 
 And shed His graces there ; 
 The heaven He died to win me 
 
 Can I then fail to share ? 
 
 In joy and sorrow ever 
 
 Shine through me, Blessed Heart, 
 Who bleeding for us never 
 
 Didst shrink from sorest smart ! 
 Whate'er I've loved or striven 
 
 Or borne, I bring to Thee ; 
 Now let Thy heart and heaven 
 
 Stand open, Lord, to me ! 
 
 KERN. Died 1835 
 
 VII 
 
 Bfter participation 
 
 O LIVING Bread from Heaven, 
 How richly hast Thou fed Thy guest ! 
 
 The gifts Thou now hast given 
 Have fill'd my heart with joy and rest. 
 O wondrous food of blessing, 
 O cup that heals our woes, 
 My heart this gift possessing 
 In thankful song o'erflows ; 
 283 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 For while the life and strength in me 
 
 Were quicken' d by this food, 
 My soul hath gazed awhile on Thee, 
 
 O highest, only Good ! 
 
 My Lord, Thou here hast led me 
 Within Thy temple's holiest place, 
 
 And there Thyself hast fed me 
 With all the treasures of Thy grace ; 
 
 And Thou hast freely given 
 What earth could never buy, 
 
 The brtead of life from heaven, 
 
 That now I shall not die ; 
 And Thou hast suffer'd me in faith 
 
 To drink the blessed wine 
 That heals the soul from inner death, 
 
 And makes her wholly Thine. 
 
 Thou givest all I wanted, 
 The food whose power can death destroy, 
 
 And Thou hast freely granted 
 The cup of full eternal joy ; 
 
 Ah Lord, I do not merit 
 
 The favour Thou hast shown, 
 
 And all my soul and spirit 
 
 Bow clown before Thy throne ; 
 Since Thou hast suffer'd me to eat 
 
 The food of angels here, 
 Nor Sin, nor foes that I can meet, 
 
 Nor Death I now may fear. 
 
 O Love incomprehended ! 
 That wrought in Thee, my Saviour, thus 
 
 That Thou shouldst have descended 
 From highest heaven to dwell with us ! 
 284 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Creator, that hath brought Thee 
 
 To succour such as I, 
 Who else had vainly sought Thee 
 
 Then grant me now to die 
 To sin, and live alone to Thee, 
 That when this time is o'er, 
 Thy face, O Saviour, I may sec 
 In heaven for evermore. 
 
 For as a shadow passes 
 I pass, but Thou dost still endure ; 
 
 I wither like the grasses, 
 But Thou art rich, though I am poor : 
 
 boundless is Thy kindness, 
 And righteous is Thy power ; 
 
 And I in sinful blindness 
 
 Am erring hour by hour, 
 And yet Thou comest, dost not spurn 
 
 A sinner, Lord, like me ! 
 Ah how can I Thy love return, 
 
 What gift have I for Thee ? 
 
 A heart that hath repented, 
 And mourns for sin with bitter sighs,- 
 
 Thou, Lord, art well-contented 
 With this my only sacrifice. 
 
 1 know that in my weakness 
 Thou wilt despise me not, 
 
 But grant me in Thy meekness 
 
 The favour I have sought ; 
 Yes, Thou wilt deign in grace to heed 
 
 The song that now I raise, 
 For meet and right is it indeed 
 
 That I should sing Thy praise. 
 
 ' 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Grant what I have partaken 
 May through Thy grace so work in me ; 
 
 That sin be all forsaken, 
 And I may cleave alone to Thee, 
 
 And all my soul be heedful 
 How she Thy love may know, 
 
 For this alone is needful, 
 
 Thy love should in me glow ; 
 And let no beauty please mine eyes, 
 
 No joy allure my heart, 
 But what in Thee, my Saviour, lies, 
 
 What Thou dost here impart. 
 
 well for me that strengthen'd 
 With heavenly bread and wine, if here 
 
 My course on earth be lengthen'd, 
 I now may serve Thee free from fear ; 
 Away then earthly pleasure, 
 All earthly gifts are vain, 
 
 1 seek a heavenly treasure, 
 
 My home I long to gain, 
 Where I shall live and praise my God, 
 
 And none my peace destroy, 
 Where all the soul is overflow' d 
 With pure eternal joy. 
 
 RIST. 1651 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 FOR TRAVELLERS 
 I 
 
 nt tbe (SHiteet of an Journey 
 
 IN God's name let us on our way ! 
 The Father's help and grace we pray, 
 His love shall guard us round about 
 From foes within and arms without. 
 Hallelujah. 
 
 And Christ, be Thou our Friend and Guide, 
 Through all our wanderings at our side, 
 Help us all evil to withstand 
 That wars against Thy least command. 
 Hallelujah. 
 
 The Holy Spirit o'er us brood 
 With all His gifts of richest good, 
 With hope and strength when dark our road, 
 And bring us home again in God ! 
 Hallelujah ! 
 
 ANON 
 
 II 
 
 On a 2Lon0 anD perilous Journey 
 
 Written on a Journey to Russia and Persia, un- 
 dertaken by the Author as Physician to the Em- 
 bassy from Holstein. 
 
 WHERE'ER I go, whatever my task, 
 The counsel of my God I ask, 
 
 Who all things hath and can ; 
 
 287 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Unless He give both thought and deed 
 The utmost pains can ne'er succeed, 
 And vain the wisest plan. 
 
 For what can all my toil avail ? 
 My care, my watching all must fail, 
 
 Unless my God is there ; 
 Then let Him order all for me 
 As He in wisdom shall decree ; 
 
 On Him I cast my care. 
 
 For nought can come, as nought hath been, 
 But what my Father hath foreseen, 
 
 And what shall work my good ; 
 Whate'er He gives me I will take, 
 Whate'er He chooses I will make 
 
 My choice with thankful mood. 
 
 I lean upon His mighty arm, 
 
 It shields me well from every harm, 
 
 All evil shall avert ; 
 If by His precepts still I live 
 Whate'er is useful He will give, 
 
 And nought shall do me hurt. 
 
 But only may He of His grace 
 The record of my guilt efface, 
 
 And wipe out all my debt ; 
 Though I have sinn'd He will not straight 
 Pronounce His judgment, He will wait, 
 
 Have patience with me yet. 
 
 I travel to a distant land 
 To serve the post wherein I stand, 
 Which He hath bade me fill ; 
 288 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And He will bless me with His light, 
 That I may serve His world aright, 
 And make me know His will. 
 
 And though through desert wilds I fare, 
 Yet Christian friends are with me there, 
 
 And Christ Himself is near ; 
 In all our dangers He will come, 
 And He who kept me safe at home, 
 
 Can keep me safely here. 
 
 Yes, He will speed us on our way, 
 And point us where to go and stay, 
 
 And help us still and lead ; 
 Let us in health and safety live, 
 And time and wind and weather give, 
 
 And whatsoe'er we need. 
 
 When late at night my rest I take, 
 When early in the morn I wake, 
 
 Halting or on my way, 
 In hours of weakness or in bonds, 
 When vex'd with fears my heart desponds, 
 
 His promise is my stay. 
 
 Since then my course is traced by Him 
 I will not fear that future dim, 
 
 But go to meet my doom, 
 Well knowing nought can wait me there 
 Too hard for me through Him to bear ; 
 
 I yet shall overcome. 
 
 To Him myself I wholly give, 
 At His command I die or live, 
 I trust His love and power : 
 
 289 T 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Whether to-morrow or to-day 
 His- summons come, I will obey, 
 He knows the proper hour. 
 
 But if it please that love most kind, 
 And if this voice within my mind 
 
 Be whispering not in vain, 
 I yet shall praise my God ere long 
 In many a sweet and joyful song, 
 
 In peace at home again. 
 
 To those I love will He be near, 
 With His consoling Light appear, 
 
 Who is my shield and theirs ;* 
 And He will grant beyond our thought 
 What they and I alike have sought 
 
 With many tearful prayers. 
 
 Then, O my soul, be ne'er afraid, 
 
 On Him who thee and all things made 
 
 With calm reliance rest ; 
 Whate'er may come, where'er we go, 
 Our Father in the heavens must know 
 
 In all things what is best. 
 
 PAUL FLEMMING. 1631 
 
 III 
 
 at Sea 
 
 O LORD, be this our vessel now 
 
 A worthy temple unto Thee, 
 Though none may hear its bells but Thou 
 
 And this our little company ; 
 290 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Our church's roof, yon mighty dome, 
 Shall ring with hymns we learnt at home, 
 Our floor the boundless tossing wave, 
 Our field, our path, perchance our grave. 
 
 Where shall we aid and comfort find 
 
 With toils and perils all around ? 
 Command, O mighty God, the wind 
 To bear us whither we are bound, 
 O bring us to our home once more 
 From weary wanderings safe to shore ; 
 And those who follow us with prayer 
 Keep Thou in Thy most tender care. 
 
 And as the needle while we rove, 
 
 To one point still is true and just, 
 So let our hope and faith and love 
 
 Be fix'd on One in whom we trust ; 
 His word is mighty still to save, 
 He still can walk the stormiest wave, 
 And hold His followers with His hand, 
 For His are heaven and sea and land. 
 
 F. WlNKELMANN 
 
 IV 
 
 On tbe Sea^Sbote 
 
 THOU, solemn Ocean, rollest to the strand 
 Laden with prayers from many a far-off land, 
 To us thy thousand murmurs at our feet 
 One cry repeat. 
 
 Through all thy myriad tones that never cease 
 We hear of death and love, the cross and peace, 
 New churches bright with hope and glad with psalms, 
 And martyrs' palms. 
 291 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Then on ! and come whate'er our God sees lit ! 
 To yon frail wave- toss' d planks we now commit 
 Our lives, our all, and leave our native land 
 At His command. 
 
 We take thee for our chariot, stormy Sea ! 
 Borne safely on to serve our God by thee, 
 For thou and we alike obey His word 
 And own Him Lord. 
 
 And whether thy chill deeps become our grave, 
 Or far away our blood shall stain thy wave, 
 Or we shall cross with joyous songs thy foam 
 Back to our home : 
 
 Be it as He ordains whose name is Love ! 
 Whether our lot or life or death shall prove, 
 To Life Eternal surely guides His will, 
 And we are still. 
 
 DE LA MOTTE FOUQUE 
 
 NOW we must leave our father-land, 
 
 And wander far o'er ocean's foam ; 
 Broken is kinship's dearest band, 
 
 Forsaken stands our ancient home ; 
 But One will ever with us go 
 
 Through busiest day and stilbst night 
 And heaven above, the deeps below 
 
 Shrink back abash' d before His sight. 
 292 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Then be the issue life or death, 
 
 Let Him do as it seems Him best, 
 The messenger of Christian faith 
 
 Looks not in this world for his rest. 
 If but His hand still hold us fast, 
 
 His presence hourly fold us round, 
 The anchor of our souls is cast 
 
 Firm in the One eternal ground. 
 
 The voice of Everlasting Love, 
 
 That rang with living power through us, 
 Is worthy thus our souls to move, 
 
 Worthy to fill a lifetime thus ; 
 Here none was e'er deceived or lost, 
 
 Howe'er his earthly hopes might fade ; 
 Then well for him who weighs the cost 
 
 Ere yet his final choice is made. 
 
 Yes, scatter'd are our brothers now 
 
 O'er land and ocean far apart, 
 Yet to one Master still they bow, 
 
 In Him they still are one in heart ; 
 For as one sin, one poison ran 
 
 Through all our race since Adam's fall ; 
 There is one hope, one life for man 
 
 In Him who bore the sins of all. 
 
 Sweet for each other oft to plead, 
 
 And feel our oneness in the Son, 
 Ah then we daily meet indeed 
 
 In Spirit at our Father's throne ! 
 Our bodies are but parted here, 
 
 And fade in this dark land away, 
 The earthly shadows disappear, 
 
 The harvest ripens for that Day. 
 293 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Soon Time for us shall cease to reign, 
 
 The Saviour calls us home in peace ; 
 At last we all shall meet again, 
 
 And dwell together all in bliss, 
 Where faith to clearest vision yields ; 
 
 Triumphant light for sorrowing gloom, 
 For desert wastes fair Eden's fields, 
 
 For tearful paths a blessed home ! 
 
 ALBERT KNAFP 
 VI 
 
 On the \Doa0e 
 
 IN our sails all soft and sweetly, 
 Yet with bold resistless force, 
 Breathe the winds of heaven, and fleetly 
 
 Wing us on our watery course ; 
 Swift, and swifter, furrowing deep 
 Through the mighty waves, that keep 
 Not a trace where we have been, 
 On we speed to lands unseen ! 
 
 Sink thou deeply in our mind, 
 Type of life, most apt and true ! 
 
 Though we leave no track behind, 
 Yet we plough our furrows too, 
 
 Where, from out a world of bliss, 
 
 Falls the seed unseen of this, 
 
 And an unseen distant home 
 
 Beckons o'er the desert foam. 
 
 Be our voyage, brethren, such 
 
 That if direst peril came, 
 Wreck and ruin could not touch 
 
 Ought but this our weary frame ; 
 294 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 That may gladly sleep, the while 
 Still and blest the soul shall smile, 
 In the eternal peace of Heaven, 
 That our God hath surely given. 
 
 O that in that blessed peace 
 
 Many and many a soul may rest ! 
 
 O through us may God increase 
 Soon the number of the blest ! 
 
 Free through us the souls that now 
 
 'Neath a bitter bondage bow ; 
 
 Whom yet darkest error binds ! 
 
 Speed, O speed us on, ye winds ! 
 
 DE LA MOTTE FOUQUE 
 
 AT THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 
 
 Gbe Sure anD Certain 1bope 
 
 NOW lay we calmly in the grave 
 This form, whereof no doubt we have 
 That it shall rise again that Day 
 In glorious triumph o'er decay. 
 
 And so to earth again we trust 
 What came from dust, and turns to dust, 
 And from the dust shall surely rise 
 When the last trumpet fills the skies, 
 
 His soul is living now in God 
 Whose grace his pardon hath bestow' d, 
 Who through His Son redeem' d him here 
 From bondage unto sin and fear. 
 295 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 His trials and his griefs are past, 
 
 A blessed end is his at last, 
 
 He bore Christ's yoke, and did His will, 
 
 And though he died, he liveth still. 
 
 He lives where none can mourn and weep, 
 And calmly shall this body sleep 
 Till God shall Death himself destroy, 
 And raise it into glorious joy. 
 
 He suffer' d pain and grief below, 
 Christ heals him now from all his woe, 
 For him hath endless joy begun, 
 He shines in glory like the sun. 
 
 Then let us leave him to his rest, 
 And homeward turn, for he is blest 
 And we must well our souls prepare, 
 When death shall come, to meet him there. 
 
 Then help us, Christ, our Hope in loss 5 
 Thou hast redeem' d us by Thy cross 
 From endless death and misery ; 
 We praise, we bless, we worship Thee' ! 
 
 MICHAEL W r Eiss. 1531 
 
 II 
 
 Departure of a Cbrietian 
 
 NOW weeping at the grave we stand 
 And sow the seed in tears, 
 
 The form of him who in our band 
 On earth no more appears. 
 
 296 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Ah no, for he hath safely come 
 
 Where we too would attain ; 
 He dwells within our Father's home, 
 
 And death to him was gain. 
 
 Now he beholds what we believe, 
 
 He has what here we want, 
 The sins no more his soul can grieve 
 
 That here the pilgrim haunt ; 
 The Lord hath claim* d him for His own. 
 
 And sent him calm release ; 
 We weep, but it is we alone. 
 
 He dwells in perfect peace. 
 
 He wears the crown of life on high, 
 
 He bears the shining palm, 
 Where angels " Holy, holy," cry, 
 
 He joins their glorious psalm. 
 But we poor pilgrims journey on 
 
 Through this dark land of woe, 
 Until we go where he is gone, 
 
 And all his joy shall know. 
 
 SPITTA 
 
 III 
 
 Gbe OLocD Dotb all Cbfngs well 
 
 CHRIST will gather in His own 
 To the place where He is gone, 
 \Vhere their heart and treasure lie, 
 Where our life is hid on high. 
 297 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Day by day the voice saith, " Come, 
 Enter thine eternal home ; " 
 Asking not if we can spare 
 This dear soul it summons there 
 
 Had He ask'd us, well we know 
 We should cry, O spare this blow ! 
 Yes, with streaming tears should pray 
 " Lord, we love him, let him stay ! " 
 
 But the Lord doth nought amiss, 
 And since He hath order 'd this, 
 We have nought to do but still 
 Rest in silence on His will. 
 
 Many a heart no longer here, 
 Ah ! was all too inly dear ; 
 Yet, O Love, 'tis Thou dost call, 
 Thou wilt be our All in all. 
 
 MORAVIAN HYMN-BOOK 
 
 IV 
 
 in 2>arfcnes0 
 
 THOUGH Love may weep with breaking heart, 
 There comes, O Christ, a Day of Thine, 
 There is a Morning Star must shine, 
 
 And all these shadows shall depart. 
 
 Though Faith may droop and tremble here, 
 That Day of light shall surely come ; 
 His path has led him safely home ; 
 
 When twilight breaks the dawn is near. 
 298 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Though Hope seem now to have hoped in vain 
 And Death seem king of all below, 
 There yet shall come the Morning-glow, 
 
 And wake our slumberers once again. 
 
 F. A. KRUMMACHER 
 
 V 
 
 Cbe Deatb of a Itttle CbilD 
 
 GENTLE Shepherd, Thou hast still' d 
 Now Thy little lamb's long weeping ; 
 
 Ah how peaceful, pale, and mild, 
 In its narrow bed 'tis sleeping, 
 
 And no sigh of anguish sore 
 
 Heaves that little bosom more. 
 
 In this world of care and pain, 
 
 Lord, Thou wouldst no longer leave it, 
 
 To the sunny heavenly plain 
 
 Dost Thou now with joy receive it, 
 
 Clothed in robes of spotless white, 
 
 Now it dwells with Thee in light. 
 
 Ah Lord Jesus, grant that we 
 
 Where it lives may soon be living, 
 
 And the lovely pastures see 
 
 That its heavenly food are giving, 
 
 Then the gain of death we prove 
 
 Though Thou take what most we love. 
 
 MEINHOLD 
 
 299 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 VI 
 
 9n tbe Deatb of 1bf0 Son 
 
 THOU'RT mine, yes, still thou art mine own ! 
 
 Who tells me thou art lost ? 
 But yet thou art not mine alone, 
 
 I own that He who cross'd 
 My hopes, hath greatest right in thee ; 
 Yea, though He ask and take from me 
 Thee, O my Son, my heart's delight, 
 My wish, my thought, by day and night. 
 
 Ah might I wish, ah might I choose, 
 Then thou, my Star, shouldst live, 
 
 And gladly for thy sake I'd lose 
 All else that life can give. 
 
 Oh fain I'd say : Abide with me, 
 
 The sunshine of my house to be, 
 
 No other joy but this I crave, 
 
 To love thee, darling, to my grave ! 
 
 Thus saith my heart, and means it well, 
 
 God rneaneth better still ; 
 My love is more than words can tell, 
 
 His love is greater still ; 
 I am a father, He the Head 
 And Crown of fathers, whence is shed 
 The life and love from which have sprung 
 All blessed ties in old and young. 
 
 I long for thee, my son, my own, 
 
 And He who once hath given, 
 Will have thee now beside His throne, 
 
 To live with Him in heaven. 
 300 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 I cry, Alas ! my light, my child ! 
 But God hath welcome on him smiled, 
 And said : " My child, I keep thee near, 
 For there is nought but gladness here." 
 
 blessed word, oh deep decree, 
 More holy than we think ! 
 
 With God no grief or woe can be, 
 
 No bitter cup to drink, 
 No sickening hopes, no want or care, 
 No hurt can ever reach him there ; 
 Yes, in that Father's shelter' d home 
 
 1 know that sorrow cannot come. 
 
 We pass our nights in wakeful thought 
 
 For our dear children's sake ; 
 All day our anxious toil hath sought 
 
 How best for them to make 
 A future safe from care or need, 
 Yet seldom do our schemes succeed ; 
 How rarely does their future prove 
 What we had plann'd for those we love ! 
 
 How many a child of promise bright 
 
 Ere now hath gone astray, 
 By ill example taught to slight 
 
 And quit Christ's holy way. 
 O fearful the reward is then, 
 The wrath of God, the scorn of men ! 
 The bitterest tears by mortal shed 
 Are his who mourns a child misled. 
 
 But now I need not fear for thee, 
 
 Where thou art, all is well ; 
 For thou thy Father's face dost see, 
 
 With Jesus thou dost dwell ! 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Yes, cloudless joys around him shine, 
 His heart shall never ache like mine, 
 He sees the radiant armies glow 
 That keep and guide us here below : 
 
 He hears their singing evermore, 
 
 His little voice too sings, 
 He drinks of wisdom deepest lore, 
 
 He speaks of secret things, 
 That we can never see or know 
 Howe'er we seek or strive below, 
 While yet amid the mists we stand 
 That veil this dark and tearful land. 
 
 O that I could but watch afar, 
 
 And hearken but awhile, 
 To that sweet song that hath no jar, 
 
 And see his heavenly smile, 
 As he doth praise the holy God, 
 Who made him pure for that abode ! 
 In tears .of joy full well I know 
 This burden' d heart would overflow. 
 
 And I should say : Stay there, my son, 
 
 My wild laments are o'er, 
 O well for thee that thou hast won, 
 
 I call thee back no more ; 
 But come, thou fiery chariot, come, 
 And bear me swiftly to that home, 
 Where he with many a loved one dwells, 
 And evermore of gladness tells ! 
 
 Then be it as my Father wills, 
 
 I will not weep for thee ; 
 Thou livest, joy thy spirit fills, 
 
 Pure sunshine thou dost see, 
 302 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The sunshine of eternal rest : 
 
 Abide, my child, where thou art blest ; 
 
 I with our friends will onward fare, 
 
 And, when God wills, shall find thee there. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1650 
 
 503 
 
THE INNER LIFE 
 
 PENITENCE 
 
 Gbe onlg Ibelper 
 
 LORD Jesus Christ, in Thee alone 
 
 My hope on earth I place ; 
 For other comforter is none, 
 
 Nor help save in Thy grace. 
 There is no man nor creature here, 
 No angel in the heavenly sphere, 
 Who at my need can succour me ; 
 
 I cry to Thee, 
 For Thou canst end my misery. 
 
 My sin is very sore and great, 
 
 I mourn beneath its load ; 
 O free me from this heavy weight 
 
 Through Thy most precious blood, 
 And with Thy Father for me plead 
 That Thou hast suffer'd in my stead, 
 The burden then from me is roll'd ; 
 
 Lord, I lay hold 
 On Thy dear promises of old. 
 304 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And of Thy grace on me bestow 
 
 True Christian faith, O Lord, 
 That all the sweetness I may know 
 
 That in Thy cross is stored, 
 Love Thee o'er earthly pride or pelf, 
 And love my neighbour as myself ; 
 And when at last is come my end, 
 
 Be Thou my Friend, 
 From all assaults my soul defend. 
 
 Glory to God in highest heaven, 
 
 The Father of all love ; 
 To His dear Son, for sinners given 
 
 Whose grace we daily prove ; 
 To God the Holy Ghost we cry, 
 That we may find His comfort nigh, 
 And learn how, free from sin and fear, 
 
 To please Him here, 
 And serve Him in the sinless sphere. 
 
 J. SCHNEESING. 1522 
 
 II 
 Submission 
 
 ALAS ! my Lord and God, 
 
 How heavy is my load, 
 My sins are great and weigh me to the ground 
 
 The yoke doth sorely press, 
 
 And yet in my distress 
 Through all the world no helper can be found. 
 
 And fled I in my fear 
 Far far away from here, 
 To earth's remotest end Thou still wert there. 
 
 305 u 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 My anguish and my pain 
 Would yet with me remain ; 
 I could not flee away from my despair. 
 
 'Tis Thou canst help alone, 
 
 I cast me at Thy throne, 
 Reject me not, though I deserve it, Lord ; 
 
 Ah think of all Thy Son 
 
 For me, for me, hath done, 
 Nor let me feel Thy sharp avenging sword. 
 
 And if it must be so, 
 
 That punishment and woe 
 Must follow sin, then let me bear it here ; 
 
 Low at Thy feet I bow, 
 
 O let me suffer now, 
 But spare me yonder, then in love appear. 
 
 O Lord, forget my sin, 
 
 And deign to put within 
 A calm obedient heart, a patient mind, 
 
 That I may murmur not, 
 
 Though bitter seem my lot, 
 For hearts unthankful can no blessing find. 
 
 Do Thou, O Lord, with me 
 As seemeth best to Thee, 
 For Thou wilt strengthen me to bear the rod, 
 For this alone I pray, 
 
 cast me not away, 
 
 For ever from Thy grace, Thou pitying God. 
 
 Nay, that Thou wilt not do, 
 
 1 know Thy word is true, 
 
 My faith can rest in quiet hope on Thee, 
 3C6 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The death of Christ, I know, 
 Hath freed me from my woe, 
 And open'd heaven to' sinners and to me. 
 
 Lord Jesus, where Thou art 
 
 All doubt and dread depart, 
 My refuge is the cross where Thou wast slain, 
 
 Where Thou, Lord, for our sake 
 
 Didst all our griefs partake, 
 And die our comfort and our grace to gain. 
 
 Here at my Saviour's side, 
 
 Here let me still abide, 
 Then death may come, but little he destroys ; 
 
 Though soul and body part, 
 
 I live where Thou, Lord, art, 
 My sins wiped out amid eternal joys. 
 
 All praise to God alone, 
 
 Who claims me for His own, 
 Through Christ my Lord; O let me trust Him then, 
 
 And lean in fullest faith 
 
 On what my Saviour saith, 
 He who believeth shall be saved ; Amen. 
 
 RUTILIUS, 1604; and GROSS, 1627 
 
 III 
 
 5n great 3nwart> 2>istre0s 
 
 JESUS, pitying Saviour, hear me, 
 
 Draw Thou near me, 
 Turn Thee, Lord, in grace to me ; 
 307 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 For Thou knowest all my sorrow, 
 
 Night and morrow 
 Doth my cry go up to Thee. 
 
 Lost in darkness, girt with dangers, 
 
 Round me strangers, 
 Through an alien land I roam, 
 Outward trials, bitter losses, 
 
 Inward crosses, 
 Lord, Thou know'st have sought me home. 
 
 See the fetters that have bound me, 
 
 Snares surround me, 
 Free the captive, hear my call ; 
 Ah from sin my soul I never 
 
 Can deliver, 
 I am weak and helpless all. 
 
 Though the tempter's wiles and cunning 
 
 I am shunning, 
 
 Yet they vex and wound me sore ; 
 Oft I waver, oft I languish, 
 
 Fill'd with anguish, 
 Strength and rest are mine no more, 
 
 Peace I cannot find, oh take me, 
 
 Lord, and make me 
 From the yoke of evil free ; 
 Calm this longing never-sleeping, 
 
 Still my weeping, 
 Grant me hope once more in Thee. 
 
 Sin of courage hath bereft me, 
 
 And hath left me 
 Scarce a spark of faith or hope ; 
 308 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Bitter tears my heart oft sheddeth 
 
 As it dreadeth 
 I am past Thy mercy's scope. 
 
 Lord, wilt Thou be wroth for ever ? 
 
 O deliver 
 
 Me from all I most deserved ; 
 'Tis Thyself, dear Lord, hast sought me, 
 
 Thou hast taught me 
 Thee to seek from whom I swerved. 
 
 Thou, my God and King, hast known me, 
 
 Yet hast shown me 
 True and loving is Thy will ; 
 Though my heart from Thee oft ranges, 
 
 Through its changes, 
 Lord, Thy love is faithful still. 
 
 Satan watches to betray me, 
 
 He would slay me, 
 Quicken Thou my faith and powers, 
 Let me, though Thy face Thou'rt hiding, 
 
 Still confiding, 
 Look to Thee in darkest hours. 
 
 Bless my trials thus to sever 
 
 Me for ever 
 
 From the love of self and sin ; 
 Let me through them see Thee clearer, 
 
 Find Thee nearer, 
 Grow more like to Thee within. 
 
 In the patience that Thou lendest 
 
 All Thou sendest 
 I embrace, I will be still ; 
 309 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Bend this stubborn heart I pray Thee 
 
 To obey Thee, 
 Calmly waiting on Thy will. 
 
 Here I bring my will, oh take it, 
 
 Thine, Lord, make it, 
 Calm this troubled heart of mine ; 
 In Thy strength I too may conquer, 
 
 Wait no longer, 
 Show in me Thy grace Divine. 
 
 TERSTEEGEN. 1731 
 
 IV 
 
 Gbe Weakness anfc IRestlessnesa of Sin 
 
 JESUS, Lord of majesty ! 
 
 glorious King, eternal Son ! 
 In mercy bend Thou down to me, 
 
 As now I cast me at Thy throne. 
 
 Enslaved to vanity, and weak, 
 
 An alien power in me hath sway, 
 My strength is gone, howe'er I seek 
 
 1 cannot break my bonds away. 
 
 How oft my heart against my will 
 Is torn and tossing to and fro, 
 
 1 cannot, as I would, fulfil 
 
 The good that yet I love and know. 
 
 How many ties oppress and bind 
 , The soul that yearneth to be free ; 
 Distracted, vanquish'd, oft the mind 
 That fain would rest at peace in Thee. 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 I practise me in self-control, 
 
 Yet rest and calm in vain pursue ; 
 
 Self-will is rooted in my soul, 
 
 And thwarts me still, whate'er I do. 
 
 I hate it, but its life is strong, 
 
 I fear, yet cannot it forsake ; 
 Ah Lord, how long it seems, how long. 
 
 Until Thy grace my yoke shall break ! 
 
 Ah Jesus, when, when wilt Thou lead 
 The prisoner from this drear abode ? 
 
 When shall I feel that I am freed, 
 And Thou art with me, Son of God ? 
 
 take this heart, that I would give 
 For ever to be all Thine own ; 
 
 1 to myself no more would live ; 
 Come, Lord, be Thou rny King alone. 
 
 Yes, take my heart, and in it rule, 
 
 Direct it as it pleases Thee ; 
 I will be silent in Thy school, 
 
 And learn whate'er Thou teachest me. 
 
 What lives by life that is not Thine, 
 
 I yield it to Thy righteous doom ; 
 
 What yet resists Thy power Divine, 
 
 let Thy fire of love consume. 
 
 And then within the heart abide 
 
 That Thou hast cleansed to be Thy throne ; 
 A look from Thee shall be my guide, 
 
 1 watch but till Thy will is known. 
 
 3" 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Yes, make me Thine, though I am weak, 
 Thy service makes us strong and free ; 
 
 My Lord and King, Thy face I seek, 
 For ever keep me true to Thee. 
 
 TERSTEEGEN. 1731 
 
 21 Gbristfan's Dailp prater 
 
 O GOD, Thou faithful God, 
 Thou Fountain ever flowing, 
 Without Whom nothing is 
 All perfect gifts bestowing ; 
 A pure and healthy frame 
 
 O give me, and within 
 A conscience free from blame, 
 A soul unhurt by sin. 
 
 And grant me, Lord, to do, 
 With ready heart and willing, 
 
 Whate'er Thou shalt command, 
 My calling here fulfilling, 
 And do it when I ought, 
 
 With all my strength, and bless 
 The work I thus have wrought, 
 For Thou must give success. 
 
 And let me promise nought 
 But I can keep it truly, 
 
 Abstain from idle words, 
 And guard my lips still duly ; 
 
 And grant, when in my place 
 I must and ought to speak, 
 
 My words due power and grace, 
 Nor let me wound the weak. 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 If dangers gather round, 
 Still keep me calm and fearless ; 
 
 Help me to bear the cross 
 When life is dark and cheerless ; 
 To overcome my foe 
 
 With words and actions kind ; 
 When counsel I -would know, 
 Good counsel let me find. 
 
 And let me be with all 
 In peace and friendship living, 
 
 As far as Christians may ; 
 And if Thou aught art giving 
 Of wealth and honours fair, 
 
 O this refuse me not, 
 That nought be mingled there 
 Of goods unjustly got. 
 
 And if a longer life 
 Be here on earth decreed me, 
 
 And Thou through many a strife 
 To age at last wilt lead me, 
 Thy patience in me shed, 
 
 Avert all sin and shame, 
 And crown my hoary head 
 With pure un tarnish' d fame. 
 
 Let nothing that may chance, 
 Me from my Saviour sever ; 
 
 And dying -with Him, take 
 My soul to Thee for ever ; 
 And let my body have 
 
 A little space to sleep 
 Beside my fathers' grave, 
 
 And friends that o'er it weep. 
 3*3 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And when the Day is come, 
 And all the dead are waking, 
 
 O reach me down Thy hand, 
 
 Thyself my slumbers breaking ; 
 
 Then let me hear Thy voice, 
 
 And change this earthly frame, 
 And bid me aye rejoice 
 
 With those who love Thy name. 
 
 JOHANN HEERMANN. 1630 
 
 VI 
 
 Deliverer from ;fi3on&a0e 
 
 THOU Who breakest every chain, 
 
 Thou Who still art ever near, 
 Thou with Whom disgrace and pain 
 
 Turn to joy and heaven e'en here ; 
 Let Thy further judgments fall 
 
 On the Adam strong within, 
 Till Thy grace hath freed us all 
 
 From the prison-house of sin. 
 
 'Tis Thy Father's will toward us, 
 
 Thou shouldst end Thy work at length ; 
 Hence in Thee are centred thus 
 
 Perfect wisdom, love, and strength, 
 That Thou none shouldst lose of those 
 
 Whom He gave Thee, though they roam 
 'Wilder'd here amid their foes, 
 
 Thou shouldst bring them safely home. 
 
 Ah Thou wilt, Thou canst not cease, 
 
 Till Thy perfect work be done ; 
 In Thy hands we lie at peace, 
 
 Knowing all Thy love hath won, 
 314 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Though the world may blindly dream 
 We are, captives poor and base, 
 
 And the cross's yoke may deem 
 Sign of meanness and disgrace. 
 
 Look upon our bonds, and see 
 
 How doth all creation groan 
 'Neath the yoke of vanity, 
 
 Make Thy full redemption known ; 
 Still we wrestle, cry, and pray, 
 
 Held in bitter bondage fast, 
 Though the soul would break away 
 
 Into higher things at last. 
 
 Lord, we do not ask for rest 
 
 For the flesh, we only pray 
 Thou wouldst do as seems Thee best, 
 
 Ere yet comes our parting day ; 
 But our spirit clings to Thee, 
 
 Will not, dare not, let Thee go, 
 Until Thou have set her free 
 
 From the bonds that cause her woe. 
 
 Conqueror conquer, Ruler reign, 
 
 King assert Thy sovereign right, 
 Till no slavery more remain 
 
 Spread the kingdom of Thy might ! 
 Lead the captives freely out, 
 
 Through the covenant of Thy blood ; 
 From our dark remorse and doubt, 
 
 For Thou wiliest but our good. 
 
 Ours the fault it is, we own, 
 We are slaves to self and sloth, 
 
 Yet O leave us not alone 
 In the living death we loathe ; 
 3*5 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Crush'd beneath our burden's weight, 
 
 Crying at Thy feet we fall, 
 Point the path, though steep and strait, 
 
 Thou didst open once for all. 
 
 Ah how dearly were we bought 
 
 Not to serve the world or sin ; 
 By the work that Thou hast wrought 
 
 Must Thou make us pure within, 
 Wholly pure and free, in us 
 
 Be Thine image now restored : 
 Fill'd from out Thy fulness thus 
 
 Grace for grace is on us pour'd. 
 
 Draw us to Thy cross, O Love, 
 
 Crucify with Thee whate'er 
 Cannot dwell with Thee above, 
 
 Lead us to those regions fair ! 
 Courage ! long the time may seem, 
 
 Yet His day is coming fast ; 
 We shall be like them that dream 
 
 When our freedom dawns at last. 
 
 GOTTFRIED ARNOLD. 1697 
 
 VII 
 
 Sate "Refuse 
 
 COURAGE, my sorely-tempted heart ! 
 Break through thy woes, forget their smart ; 
 Come forth and on Thy Bridegroom gaze, 
 The Lamb of God, the Fount of grace ; 
 Here is thy place ! 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 His arms are open, thither flee ! 
 There rest and peace are waiting thee, 
 The deathless crown of righteousness, 
 The entrance to eternal bliss ; 
 He gives thee this ! 
 
 Then combat well, of nought afraid, 
 For thus His follower thou art made, 
 Each battle teaches thee to fight, 
 Each foe to be a braver knight, 
 Arm'd with His might. 
 
 If storms of fierce temptation rise, 
 Unmoved I'll face the frowning skies ; 
 If but the heart is true indeed, 
 Christ will be with me in my need, 
 His own could bleed. 
 
 I flee away to Thy dear cross, 
 For hope is there for every loss, 
 Healing for every wound and woe, 
 There all the strength of4ove I know 
 And feel its glow. 
 
 Before the Holy One I fall, 
 The Eternal Sacrifice for all ; 
 His death has freed us from our load, 
 Peace on the anguish'd soul bestow'd, 
 Brought us to God. 
 
 How then should I go mourning on ? 
 I look to Thee, my fears are gone, 
 With Thee is rest that cannot cease, 
 For Thou hast wrought us full release, 
 And made our peace. 
 317 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thy word hath still its glorious powers, 
 The noblest chivalry is ours ; 
 
 Thou, for whom to die is gain, 
 
 1 bring Thee here my all, oh deign 
 
 To accept and reign ! 
 
 J. H. BOHMER. 1704 
 
 PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING 
 
 Cborus of (Soft's abanfcful GbilDren 
 
 NOW thank we all our God, 
 With heart and hands and voices, 
 
 Who wondrous things hath done, 
 In Whom His world rejoices ; 
 Who from our mother's arms 
 Hath bless'd us on our way 
 With countless gifts of love, 
 And still is ours to-day. 
 
 O may this bounteous God 
 Through all our life be near us, 
 
 With ever joyful hearts 
 And blessed 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 
 W ; ith them in highest heaven, 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The One eternal God, 
 
 Whom earth and heaven adore, 
 For thus it was, is now, 
 
 And shall be evermore ! 
 
 MARTIN RINCKART. 1636 
 
 II 
 
 (BooDness of 
 
 ALL praise and thanks to God most High, 
 
 The Father of all Love ! 
 The God who doeth wondrously, 
 
 The God who from above 
 My soul with richest solace fills, 
 The God who every sorrow stills ; 
 Give to our God the glory ! 
 
 The hosts of heaven Thy praises tell, 
 All thrones bow down to Thee, 
 
 And all who in Thy shadow dwell, 
 In earth and air and sea, 
 
 Declare and laud their Maker's might, 
 
 Whose wisdom orders all things right ; 
 Give to our God the glory ! 
 
 And for the creatures He hath made 
 
 Our God shall well provide ; 
 His grace shall be their constant aid, 
 
 Their guard on every side ; 
 His kingdom ye may surely trust, 
 There all is equal, all is just ; 
 
 Give to our God the glory ! 
 3*9 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 I sought Him in my hour of need ; 
 
 Lord God, now hear my prayer ! 
 For death He gave me life indeed, 
 
 And comfort for despair ; 
 For this my thanks shall endless be, 
 O thank Him, thank Him too with me 
 Give to our God the glory ! 
 
 The Lord is never far away, 
 Nor sunder'd from His flock ; 
 
 He is their refuge and their stay, 
 Their peace, their trust, their rock, 
 
 And with a mother's watchful love 
 
 He guides them wheresoe'er they rove : 
 Give to our God the glory ! 
 
 And when earth cannot comfort more, 
 
 Nor earthly help avail, 
 The Maker comes Himself, whose store 
 
 Of blessing cannot fail, 
 And bends on them a Father's eyes 
 Whom earth all rest and hope denies : 
 Give to our God the glory ! 
 
 Ah then till life hath reach' d its bound, 
 
 My God, I'll worship Thee, 
 The chorus of Thy praise shall sound 
 
 Far over land and sea ; 
 O soul and body now rejoice, 
 My heart send forth a gladsome voice : 
 Give to our God the glory ! 
 
 All ye who name Christ's holy Name, 
 
 Give to our God the glory ! 
 Ye who the Father's power proclaim. 
 
 Give to our God the glory 1 
 320 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 All idols under foot be trod, 
 The Lord is God ! The Lord is God ! 
 Give to our God the glory ! 
 
 J. J. SCHUTZ. 1673 
 III 
 
 Gbe (Morg of (Soft in Creation 
 
 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 iell. 
 
 321 x 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 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 ! 
 
 JOACHIM NEANDER. 1679 
 
 IV 
 
 of 
 
 I WHO so oft in deep distress 
 And bitter grief must dwell, 
 
 Will now my God with gladness bless, 
 And all His mercies tell ; 
 
 hear me then, my God and King, 
 While of Thy Holy Name I sing, 
 
 \Vho doest all things well. 
 
 Our fathers who are now no more 
 Have praised Thee in their day, 
 
 They taught their children oft of yore 
 The wonders of Thy way ; 
 
 Our children shall not rest, and still 
 
 They shall not all the measure fill, 
 Nor all exhaust the lay. 
 
 To Thee how many thankful songs 
 
 Have gone up ere my days, 
 And yet to me a part belongs 
 
 In that great hymn of praise ; 
 
 1 too must tell Thy wondrous might, 
 And praise Thy covenant just and right, 
 
 And Thine all-conquering grace. 
 322 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And many a pious heart shall learn 
 
 The songs I make to Thee, 
 Far o'er the stars that yonder burn 
 
 Shall rise our harmony, 
 .Thy Majesty, Thy mighty Hand 
 Shall be reveal' d to every land, 
 
 And all Thy goodness see ! 
 
 For who is gracious, Lord, as Thou ? 
 
 Who hath so much forgiven ? 
 Who still to us would pitying bow 
 
 Who thus with grace hath striven ? 
 For lost in sins the whole world lies, 
 Her ceaseless crimes would scale the skies, 
 
 And cry aloud to heaven. 
 
 Yes, it must be a faithful heart 
 
 That thus can love us still, 
 Who oft reject the better part, 
 
 And thankless choose the ill ; 
 But God can be nought else but good, 
 And therefore doth His mercies' flood 
 
 All things with blessing fill. 
 
 For this the works that Thou hast made 
 
 Do thank Thee and rejoice, 
 Thy saints shall bless Thee for Thine aid, 
 
 And make Thy ways their choice, 
 And tell abroad from hour to hour 
 Thy glorious rule, Thy kingdom's power, 
 
 With far-resounding voice. 
 
 Yes, they shall praise it, till its fame 
 
 Through all the world shall ring, 
 And all men learn to know Thy name 
 3 2 3 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And gifts and service bring ; 
 Eternal is Thy glorious throne, 
 Thy rule is like Thyself alone, 
 
 O just, Eternal King ! 
 
 And yet in death or pain or loss, 
 
 The Lord is with us all, 
 Lightens the pressure of the cross, 
 
 Upholds us when we fall ; 
 He stems the swelling tide of woes, 
 And when we sink beneath its blows 
 
 He comes, ere yet we call. 
 
 All eyes do wait on Thee, O Lord, 
 
 Who keepest us from dearth, 
 Who scatterest rich supplies abroad 
 
 For all the wants of earth ; 
 Thou openest oft Thy bounteous hand, 
 And all in sea and air and land 
 
 Are fill'd with food and mirth. 
 
 Thy thoughts are good, and Thou art kind 
 
 E'en when we think it not ; 
 How many an anxious faithless mind 
 
 Sits grieving o'er its lot, 
 And frets and pines by day and night, 
 As God had lost it out of sight, 
 
 And all its wants forgot ! 
 
 Ah no ! God ne'er forgets His own, 
 
 His heart is far too true, 
 He ever seeks their good alone, 
 
 His love is daily new ; 
 And though thou deem that things go ill, 
 Yet He in all He doeth, still 
 
 Is holy, just and true. 
 324 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The Lord to them is ever nigh 
 
 Who truly keep His word, 
 Whene'er in faith to Him they cry 
 
 Their prayer is surely heard ; 
 He knoweth well who love Him well, 
 His love shall yet their clouds dispel, 
 
 And grant the hope deferr'd. 
 
 To those who love Him He denies 
 No good thing that they seek ; 
 
 He sees their sorrow, counts their sighs, 
 And hearkens when they speak, 
 
 And surely frees them from their woes ; 
 
 But those who hate them He o'er throws, 
 And makes their boasting weak. 
 
 Yet this is but a little part 
 
 Of what I fain would sing ; 
 But daily shall my voice and heart 
 
 New thanks and praises bring ; 
 O help me all that live and move, 
 Help me to speak His faithful love, 
 
 And praise our glorious King. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1606-1676 
 
 V 
 
 Doltnees of <5o& brousbt near to jfllban 
 in Cbrist 
 
 O MIGHTY Spirit ! Source whence all things 
 
 sprung ! 
 
 O glorious Majesty of perfect Light ! 
 Hath ever worthy praise to Thee been sung, 
 Or mortal heart endured to meet Thy sight ? 
 3 2 5 
 
LYRA GERMANIC A 
 
 If they who sin have never known 
 Must veil their faces at Thy throne, 
 O how shall I, who am but sin and dust, 
 Approach untrembling to the Pure and Just ? 
 
 The voice of conscience in the soul hath shown 
 
 Some far-off glimpses of Thy holiness, 
 And yet more clearly hast Thou made it known 
 In Thy dear word that tells us of Thy grace ; 
 But with all-glorious light divine 
 In His face we behold it shine, 
 The sinless One, who this dark earth has trod 
 To win through sorrow sinners back to God. 
 
 The brightness of Thy glory was the Son ; 
 
 Thy law engraven on His heart He wore, 
 And on His forehead that all clearly shone 
 That Aaron's forehead but in shadow bore ; * 
 And even to death did He obey 
 To take the guilt of sin away, 
 And make a curse for man, and dying thus, 
 He won the power of holiness for us. 
 
 Now may Thine image in us shine anew 
 In holy righteousness and innocence ; 
 Now, strengthened by Thy Son, a service true 
 Thy people render, pure from all offence ; 
 But all their light is only dim, 
 A shadow'd broken light from Him, 
 Who that we might be holy bore our load, 
 In Whom we dare to meet the Holy God. 
 
 J. J. RAMBACH. 1720 
 
 * Exodus xxviii. 36-38. 
 326 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 VI 
 
 Co tbe Saviour 
 
 IN Thee is gladness 
 Amid all sadness, 
 Jesus, Sunshine of my heart ! 
 By Thee are given 
 The gifts of heaven, 
 Thou the true Redeemer art ! 
 Our souls Thou wakest, 
 Our bonds Thou breakest, 
 Who trusts Thee surely 
 Hath built securely, 
 He stands for ever : 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 Our hearts are pining 
 To see Thy shining, 
 Dying or living 
 To Thee are cleaving, 
 Nought can us sever ; 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 
 If He is ours, 
 We fear no powers 
 Of earth or Satan, sin or death ! 
 He sees and blesses 
 In worst distresses, 
 He can change them with a breath I 
 Wherefore the story 
 Tell of His glory 
 With heart and voices ; 
 All heaven rejoices 
 In Him for ever ; 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 327 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 We triumph o'er sadness, 
 We sing in our gladness, 
 We love Thee, we praise Thee, 
 And yonder shall raise Thee, 
 Glad hymns for ever ; 
 
 Hallelujah. 
 
 I. LlNDEMANN. 1580-1630 
 
 VII 
 
 ffot public peace 
 
 WRITTEN AT THE CLOSE OF THE THIRTY 
 YEARS' WAR 
 
 THANK God it hath resounded, 
 The blessed voice of joy and Peace ! 
 
 And murder's reign is bounded, 
 And spear and sword at last may cease. 
 
 Arise, take down thy lyre, 
 My country, and once more 
 
 Uplift in full- toned choir 
 
 Thy happy songs of yore ; 
 O raise thy heart to God and say : 
 
 Thy covenants, Lord, endure, 
 Thy mercies do not pass away, 
 
 Thy promises are sure. 
 
 For nothing do we merit, 
 But fiery wrath and sharpest rod, 
 
 A race of froward spirit, 
 Whose shameless sins still mock our God ; 
 And He indeed hath sent us 
 Full many a bitter stroke, 
 And yet, do ^ r e repent us, 
 Or learn to bear His yoke ? 
 328 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Nay, as we were so still we are, 
 
 But God abideth true, 
 His help shall still the noise of war, 
 
 The captives' bonds undo. 
 
 O welcome day, that brought us 
 This precious noble gift of Peace ! 
 
 For war hath deeply taught us 
 What sorrows come where she doth cease ; 
 
 In her our Gcd now layeth 
 All hope, all happiness ; 
 
 Who woundeth her, or slayeth, 
 Doth, like a madman, press 
 The arrow to his own heart's core, 
 
 And quench with impious hand 
 The golden torch of Peace once more, 
 
 That glads at last our land. 
 
 This ye could teach us only, 
 So dull and hard these hearts of ours, 
 
 Ye homes, now stripp'd and lonely, 
 Ye wasted cities, ruin'd towers ; 
 
 Ye fields once fairly blooming, 
 With golden harvests graced, 
 
 Where forests now are glooming, 
 
 Or spreads a dreary waste ; 
 Ye graves, with corpses piled, where lies 
 
 Full many a hero brave, 
 Whose like no more shall meet our eyes, 
 
 Who died, yet could not save. 
 
 O man, with bitter mourning 
 Remember now the bygone years, 
 
 When thou hast met God's warning 
 With careless scoff, not contrite tears ; 
 329 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Yet like a loving Father, 
 
 He lays aside His wrath, 
 And seeks with kindness rather 
 
 To lure Thee to his path ; 
 He tries if love may yet constrain 
 
 The heart that hath withstood 
 
 His rod, oh let Him not in vain 
 
 Now strive with thee for good ! 
 
 Thou careless world awaken ! 
 Awake, awake, all ye that sleep, 
 
 Ere yet ye be o'er taken 
 With ruin sudden, swift, and deep ! 
 
 But he who knows Christ liveth, 
 May hope and fear no ill, 
 
 The Peace that now He giveth 
 
 Hath deeper meaning still, 
 For He will surely teach us this : 
 
 " The end is nigh at hand, 
 When ye in perfect rest and peace 
 
 Before your God shall stand." 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1648 
 
 THE LIFE OF FAITH 
 
 ffaltb 
 
 FAITH is a living power from heaven, 
 That grasps the promise God hath given, 
 A trust that cannot be o'er thrown, 
 Fix'd heartily on Christ alone. 
 330 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Faith finds in Christ whate'er we need 
 To save or strengthen us indeed, 
 Receives the grace He sends us down, 
 And makes us share His cross and crow^n. 
 
 Faith in the conscience worketh peace, 
 And bids the mourner's weeping cease ; 
 By Faith the children's place we claim, 
 And give all honour to One Name. 
 
 Faith feels the Spirit's kindling breath 
 In love and hope that conquer death ; 
 Faith worketh hourly joy in God, 
 And trusts and blesses e'en the rod. 
 
 We thank Thee then, O God of heaven, 
 That Thou to us this faith hast given 
 In Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who is 
 Our only Fount and Source of bliss ; 
 
 And from His fulness grant each soul 
 The rightful faith's true end and goal, 
 The blessedness no foes destroy, 
 Eternal love and light and joy. 
 
 BOHEMIAN BRETHREN 
 
 II 
 
 ffaitb tbat worfcetb bg 3Love 
 
 WHO keepeth not God's word, yet saith 
 
 I know the Lord, is wrong ; 
 In him is not that blessed faith 
 
 Through which the truth is strong ; 
 But he who hears and keeps the word 
 Is not of this world, but of God. 
 331 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The faith His word hath caused to shine 
 
 Will kindle love in thee ; 
 More wouldst thou know of things divine, 
 
 Deeper thy love must be ; 
 True faith not only gives thee light, 
 But strength to love and do the right. 
 
 Jesus hath wash'd away our sin, 
 
 And we are children now ; 
 Who feels such hope as this within, 
 
 To evil cannot bow ; 
 Rather with Christ all scorn endure, 
 So we be like our Master pure ! 
 
 For he doth please the Father well 
 
 Who simply can obey ; 
 In him the love of God doth dwell 
 
 Who steadfast keeps His way ; 
 A daily active life of love, 
 Such fruits a living faith must prove. 
 
 He is in God, and God in him, 
 
 Who still abides in love ; 
 'Tis love that makes the Cherubim 
 
 Obey and praise above ; 
 For God is love, the loveless heart 
 Hath in His life and joy no part. 
 
 C. F. GELLERT. 1757 
 
 332 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 III 
 
 Gbrfetiatfs 
 
 I KNOW in Whom I put my trust, 
 
 I know what standeth fast, 
 When all things here dissolve like dust 
 
 Or smoke before the blast : 
 I know what still endures, howe'er 
 
 All else may quake and fall, 
 When lies the prudent men ensnare, 
 
 And dreams the wise enthral. 
 
 It is the Dayspring from on high, 
 
 The adamantine Rock, 
 Whence never storm can make me fly, 
 
 That fears no earthquake's shock ; 
 My Jesus Christ, my sure Defence, 
 
 My Saviour, and my Light, 
 That shines within, and scatters thence 
 
 Dark phantoms of the night : 
 
 Who once was borne, betray 'd and slain, 
 
 At evening to the grave ; 
 Whom God awoke, Who rose again, 
 
 A Conqueror strong to save ; 
 W T ho pardons all my sin, who sends 
 
 His vSpirit pure and mild ; 
 Whose grace my every step befriends, 
 
 Who ne'er forgets His child ! 
 
 Therefore I know in whom I trust, 
 
 I know w r hat standeth fast, 
 When all things form'd of earthly dust 
 
 Are whirling in the blast ; 
 333 
 
LYRA GERMANICA. 
 
 The terrors of the final foe 
 
 Can rob me not of this, 
 And this shall crown me once, I know, 
 
 With never fading bliss. 
 
 E. M. ARNDT 
 
 IV 
 
 ZTbe Bncbor of tbe Soul 
 
 LORD, all my heart is fix'd on Thee, 
 I pray Thee, be not far from me, 
 
 With grace and love divine. 
 The whole wide world delights me not, 
 Of heaven or earth, Lord, ask I not, 
 
 If only Thou art mine ; 
 And though my heart be like to break, 
 Thou art my trust that nought can shake, 
 My portion, and my hidden joy, 
 Whose cross could all my bonds destroy ; 
 
 Lord Jesus Christ ! 
 
 My God and Lord ! My God and Lord ! 
 Forsake me not who trust Thy word ! 
 
 Rich are Thy gifts ! 'Twas God that gave 
 Body and soul, and all I have 
 
 In this poor life I live ; 
 That I may use them to Thy praise, 
 And man's true welfare all my days, 
 
 Thy grace I pray Thee give ; 
 From all false doctrine keep me, Lord ; 
 All lies and malice from me ward ; 
 In every cross uphold Thou me, 
 That I may bear it patiently ; 
 Lord Jesus Christ ! 
 334 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 My God and Lord ! My God and Lord 
 In death Thy comfort still afford. 
 
 Ah Lord, let Thy dear angels come 
 At my last end to bear me home 
 
 To Paradise for aye ; 
 And in its narrow chamber keep 
 My body safe in painless sleep 
 
 Until Thy Judgment Day ; 
 And then from death awaken me, 
 That these mine eyes with joy may^ee 
 O Son of God, Thy glorious face, 
 My Saviour, and my Fount of Grace ! 
 
 Lord Jesus Christ ! 
 
 Receive my prayer, receive my prayer, 
 Thy love for ever I'll declare. 
 
 SCHALLING. 1594 
 
 Ebe 
 
 NOW at last I end the strife, 
 To my God I give my life 
 
 Wholly, with a steadfast mind ; 
 Sin, I will not hearken more, 
 World, I turn from thee, 'tis o'er, 
 
 Not a look I'll cast behind. 
 
 Hath my heart been wavering long, 
 Have I dallied oft with wrong, 
 
 Now at last I firmly say : 
 All my will to this I give, 
 Only to my God to live, 
 
 And to serve Him night and day. 
 335 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Lord, I offer at Thy feet 
 
 All I have most dear and sweet, 
 
 Lo ! I keep no secret hoard : 
 Try my heart, and lurks there aught 
 False within its inmost thought, 
 
 Take it hence this moment, Lord ! 
 
 I will shun no toil or woe, 
 Where Thou leadest I will go, 
 
 Be my pathway plain or rough ; 
 If but every hour may be 
 Spent in work that pleases Thee, 
 
 Ah, dear Lord, it is enough ! 
 
 One thing will I seek alone, 
 Nothing outward shall be known, 
 
 Sought, or toil'd for, more by me 
 Strange to earth and all her care, 
 Well content with pilgrim's fare, 
 
 f '\?.ll my life be hid in Thee. 
 
 Thee I make my choice alone, 
 Make for ever, Lord, Thine own 
 
 All my powers of soul and mind ; 
 Here I give myself away, 
 Let the covenant stand for aye 
 
 That my hand to-day hath sign'd. 
 
 TERSTEEGEN. 1731 
 
 336 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 VI 
 
 Cbvietian IRace 
 
 WHO would make the prize his own 
 
 Runs as swiftly as he can ; 
 Who would gain an earthly crown, 
 
 Strives in earnest as a man ; 
 Trains himself betimes with care 
 For the conflict he would share, 
 Casts aside whate'er could be 
 Hindrance to His victory. 
 
 Lord, Thou biddest me aspire 
 To a prize so high, so grand, 
 That it sets my soul on fire 
 
 To be found amidst Thy band : 
 O how brightly shineth down 
 From Thy heights the starry crown 
 And the throne to victors given, 
 Who for Thee have bravely striven ! 
 
 Yet it seems I strive in vain, 
 
 Lord, in pity look on me, 
 Thou my weakness must sustain, 
 
 Set me now from all things free 
 That would keep me from my goal ; 
 Come, Thyself prepare my soul, 
 Give me joy and strength and life, 
 Help me in the race, the strife. 
 
 Well our utmost efforts worth 
 
 Is the crown I see afar, 
 Though the blinded sons of earth 
 
 Care not for our holy war ; 
 337 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 An exceeding great reward 
 Is that crown of grace, my Lord ; 
 Be Thyself my Strength divine, 
 And the prize shall soon be mine. 
 
 J. MENTZER. 1704 
 
 VII 
 
 Gbe Cbrietian's Jog 
 
 AH dearest Lord ! to feel that Thou art near 
 Brings deepest peace, and hushes every fear ; 
 To see Thy smile, to hear Thy gracious voice, 
 Make soul and body inwardly rejoice 
 
 With praise and thanks. 
 
 We cannot see as yet Thy glorious face, 
 Not yet our eyes behold its love and grace, 
 But Thee our inmost soul can surely feel, 
 O clearly, Lord, canst Thou Thyself reveal, 
 Though all unseen ! 
 
 O well for him who ever day and night 
 Still only seeks to feed on Thee aright ! 
 In him a well of joy for ever springs, 
 And all day long his heart is glad and sings : 
 Who is like Thee ? 
 
 For Thou dost love to meet us as a Friend, 
 Our comfort, healing, hope, and joy to send ; 
 Patient to pity and to calm our woe, 
 And daily to forgive us all we owe, 
 
 Of Thy rich grace. 
 338 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Or though we weep soon bid our tears to cease, 
 And make us feel how strong Thy love and peace ; 
 And let the soul see Thee within, and learn 
 From need and love alike to Thee to turn 
 With ceaseless gaze. 
 
 A warm and loving heart, a childlike mind, 
 Through every change mayst Thou within us find ; 
 The comfort of Thy holy sorrows keep 
 Our hearts at rest, in peace most calm and deep, 
 In joy or woe ! 
 
 So shall we all, until Thy heavens we see, 
 Like children evermore be glad in Thee, 
 Though many a time the sudden tear may start, 
 If only Thou wilt touch the throbbing heart 
 And still its pain ! 
 
 Thou reaches t down to us Thy wounded hand, 
 And at Thy cross, dear Lord, ashamed we stand, 
 Remembering all Thy truth through weal and woe, 
 Until our eyes with tears must overflow 
 
 Of thanks and praise. 
 
 CHRISTIAN GREGOR. 1778 
 
 VIII 
 
 IHnDer Gloufcs 
 
 HERE behold me, as I cast me 
 At Thy throne, O glorious King ! 
 
 Tears fast thronging, childlike longing 
 Son of Man, to Thee I bring. 
 
 Let me find Thee let me find Thee ! 
 Me a poor and worthless thing. 
 339 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Look upon me, Lord, I pray Thee, 
 
 Let Thy Spirit dwell in mine ; 
 Thou has sought me, Thou hast bought me, 
 
 Only Thee to know I pine ; 
 Let me find Thee let me find Thee ! 
 
 Take my heart and grant me Thine. 
 
 Nought I ask for, nought I strive for, 
 But Thy grace so rich and free, 
 
 That Thou givest whom Thou lovest, 
 And who truly cleave to Thee ; 
 
 Let me find Thee let me find Thee ! 
 He hath all things who hath Thee. 
 
 Earthly treasure, mirth and pleasure, 
 Glorious name, or richest hoard, 
 
 Are but weary, void and dreary, 
 To the heart that longs for God ; 
 
 Let me find Thee let me find Thee ! 
 I am ready, mighty Lord. 
 
 JOACHIM NEANDER. 1679 
 
 IX 
 
 Bapiratton 
 
 UP ! yes, upward to thy gladness 
 
 Rise, my heart, and soul, and mind ! 
 Cast, O cast away thy sadness, 
 
 Rise where thou thy Lord canst find. 
 
 He is thy home, 
 And thy life alone is He ; 
 Hath the world no place for thee, 
 With Him is room. 
 340 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 On, still onward, mounting nigher 
 
 On the wings of faith to Him ! 
 On, still onward, ever higher, 
 
 Till the mournful earth grows dim ! 
 
 God is thy Rock ; 
 
 Christ thy Champion cannot fail thee, 
 Howsoe'er thy foes assail thee, 
 Fear not their shock. 
 
 Firm, yes firmly, ever cleaving 
 
 Unto Christ the strong and true, 
 All, yes all, to God still leaving, 
 For His love is daily new, 
 Be steadfast here ; 
 Soon thy foes shall be o'er thrown, 
 Since He wills thy good alone, 
 Be of good cheer. 
 
 Hide thee, in His chamber hide thee, 
 Christ hath open'd now the door ; 
 Tell Him all that doth betide thee, 
 All thy sorrows there outpour ; 
 
 He hears thy cry ; 
 
 Men may hate thee and deceive thee, 
 But He cannot, will not leave thee, 
 He still is nigh. 
 
 High, O high, o'er all things earthly, 
 
 Raise thy thoughts, my soul, to heaven ; 
 One alone of thee is worthy, 
 All thou hast to Him be given ; 
 
 Thy Lord He is 
 
 Who so truly pleads to have thee, 
 Who in love hath died to save thee ; 
 Then thou art His. 
 341 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Up then, upwards ! seek them only 
 
 For the things that are above ; 
 Sin thou hatest, earth is lonely, 
 
 Rise to Him whom thou dost love, 
 
 There art thou blest ; 
 All things here must change and die, 
 Only with our Lord on high 
 Is perfect rest. 
 
 J. C. SCHADE. 1699 
 
 X 
 
 Sons of tbe Cbrtetian fMlgrim 
 
 A PILGRIM here I wander, 
 
 On earth have no abode, 
 My fatherland is yonder, 
 
 My home is with my God. 
 For here I journey to and fro, 
 
 There in eternal rest 
 Will God His gracious gift bestow 
 On all the toil-oppress'd. 
 
 For what hath life been giving, 
 % From youth up till this day, 
 
 But constant toil and striving ? 
 
 Far back as thought can stray, 
 How many a day of toil and care, 
 
 How many a night of tears, 
 Hath pass'd in grief that none could share, 
 
 In lonely anxious fears ! 
 
 How many a storm hath lighten'd 
 And thunder' d round my path ! 
 
 And winds and rains have frighten'd 
 My heart with fiercest wrath : 
 342 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And cruel envy, hatred, scorn, 
 
 Have darken' d oft my lot, 
 And patiently reproa,ch I've borne, 
 
 Though I deserved it not. 
 
 Then through this life of dangers 
 
 I onward take my way ; 
 But in this land of strangers 
 
 I do not think to stay, 
 Still forward on the road I fare 
 
 That leads me to my home, 
 My Father's comfort waits me there, 
 When I have overcome. 
 
 Ah yes, my home is yonder, 
 
 Where all the angelic bands 
 Praise Him with awe and wonder, 
 
 In whose Almighty hands 
 All things that are and shall be, lie, 
 
 By Him upholden still, 
 Who casteth down and lifts on high 
 At His most holy will. 
 
 That home have I desired, 
 
 'Tis there I would be gone ; 
 Till I am well-nigh tired, 
 
 O'er earth I've journey'd on ; 
 The longer here I roam, I find 
 
 The less of real joy 
 
 That e'er could please or fill my mind, 
 For all hath some alloy. 
 
 The lodging is too cheerless, 
 
 The sorrow is too much, 
 Ah come, my heart is fearless, 
 
 Release it with Thy touch, 
 
 343 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 When Thy heart wills, and make an end 
 
 Of all this pilgrimage, 
 And with Thine arm and strength defend, 
 
 When foes against me rage. 
 
 Where now my spirit stayeth 
 
 Is not her true abode, 
 This earthly house decayeth, 
 And she will drop its load, 
 When comes the hour to leave beneath 
 
 What now I use and have ; 
 And when I've yielded up my breath 
 Earth gives me but a grave. 
 
 But Thou, my Joy and gladness, 
 
 O Thou, my Life and Light, 
 Wilt raise me from this sadness, 
 This long tempestuous night, 
 Into the perfect gladsome day, 
 Where bathed in joy divine, 
 Among Thy saints, and bright as they, 
 I too shall ever shine. 
 
 There shall I dwell for ever, 
 
 Not as a guest alone, 
 With those who cease there never 
 
 To worship at Thy throne ; 
 There in my heritage I rest, 
 
 From baser things set free, 
 And join the chorus of the blest 
 For ever, Lord, to Thee ! 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1606-1676 
 
 344 
 
LYRA GERMAN ICA 
 XI 
 
 OLongincj tor 1bome 
 
 NOW the pearly gates unfold, 
 
 O Thou Joy of highest heaven, 
 Who ere earth was made, of old 
 
 Light of light for light wast given ! 
 Hasten, Lord, and quickly come, 
 
 Bring the bride Thou hast betroth'd, 
 In Thine own pure radiance clothed, 
 Safe to Thine eternal home, 
 Where no more the night of sin 
 Spreads its fear and gloom within. 
 
 All my spirit thirsts to see, 
 
 Lord, Thy face unveil'd and bright ; 
 And to stand from sin set free, 
 
 Spotless Lamb, amid Thy light. 
 But I leave it, Thou dost well, 
 
 And my heaven is here and now, 
 
 Daystar of my soul, if Thou 
 Wilt but deign in me to dwell ; 
 For without Thee could there be 
 Joy in heaven itself for me ? 
 
 Bliss from Thee my soul hath won, 
 Spite of darkly threat'ning ill ; 
 
 And my heart calls Thee its Sun, 
 And the sea of care grows still 
 
 In the shining of Thy smile ; 
 
 For Thy love's all-quickening ray 
 Chases night and pain away, 
 
 That my heart grows light the while ; 
 34S 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Heavenly joys in Thee are mine, 
 Far from Thee I mourn and pine. 
 
 Graft me into Thee for ever, 
 
 Tree of Life, that I may grow 
 Stronger heavenward, drooping never 
 
 For the sharpest storms that blow, 
 Bearing fruits of faith and truth ; 
 
 Then transplant me out of time 
 
 Into that eternal clime 
 Where I shall renew my youth, 
 When earth's wither'd leaves shall bloom 
 Fresh in beauty from the tomb. 
 
 Life, to whom as to my Head 
 
 I unite me, through my soul 
 Now Thy quickening life-stream shed, 
 
 And Thy love's warm current roll, 
 Freshening all with strength and grace ; 
 
 Be Thou mine, I am Thine own, 
 
 Here and ever Thine alone, 
 All my hope in Thee I place ; 
 Heaven and earth are nought to me, 
 Save, O Life of life, with Thee ! 
 
 DESSLER. , 1692 
 
 346 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 SONGS OF THE CROSS 
 
 (Slueen /Ifcaria of Ibuncjar^a 
 
 COMPOSED most probably in 1526, when she was 
 compelled to flee from Buda on account of her 
 adherence to the Reformed Doctrine, after the 
 Battle of Mohacz ; in which her husband and the 
 flower of the Hungarian nobility fell in defending 
 their country against the Turks. 
 
 CAN I my fate no more withstand, 
 
 Nor 'scape the hand 
 That for my faith would grieve me ; 
 This is my strength, that well I know 
 
 In weal or woe 
 
 God's love the world must leave me. 
 God is not far, though hidden now. 
 He soon shall rise and make them bow 
 Who of His word bereave me. 
 
 Judge as ye will my cause this hour, 
 
 Yours is the power, 
 God bids me strive no longer ; 
 I know what mightiest seems to-day 
 
 Shall pass away, 
 Time than your rule is stronger. 
 The Eternal Good I rather choose, 
 And fearless all for this I lose ; 
 God help rne thus to conquer ! 
 
 All has its day, the proverb saith : 
 
 This is my faith, 
 Thou, Christ, wilt be beside me, 
 
 347 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And look on all this pain of mine 
 As were it Thine, 
 
 When sharpest woes betide me ; 
 Must I then tread this path I yield ; 
 World, as thou wilt, God is my shield, 
 
 And He will rightly guide me ! 
 
 II 
 
 3n utwarD anfc 3nwarD Distress 
 
 FROM THE DARK TIMES OF THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR 
 
 O CHRIST, Thou bright and Morning Star, 
 Now shed Thy light abroad ; 
 
 Shine on us from Thy throne afar 
 In this dark place, dear Lord, 
 With Thy pure glorious word. 
 
 Jesus, Comfort of the poor, 
 
 I lift my heart to Thee, 
 
 1 know Thy mercies still endure 
 
 And Thou wilt pity me ; 
 I trust alone to Thee. 
 
 I cannot rest, I may not sleep, 
 
 No joy or peace I know, 
 My soul is torn with anguish deep 
 
 And fears a deeper woe ; 
 
 O Christ, Thy pity show ! 
 
 For Thou didst suffer for my soul, 
 
 Her burdens to remove ; 
 O make me through Thy sorrows whole, 
 
 Refresh me with Thy love ; 
 
 Lord, help me from above. 
 34* 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Then Jesus, glory, honour, praise, 
 
 I'll ever sing to Thee ; 
 Increase my faith that Thou wilt raise 
 
 Me once where I shall see 
 
 Eternal joys with Thee ! 
 
 ANON 
 
 III 
 
 Gbe onl IRefuge in {Time of {Trouble 
 
 WHEN in the hour of utmost need 
 We know not where to look for aid, 
 When days and nights of anxious thought 
 Nor help nor counsel yet have brought : 
 
 Then this our comfort is alone, 
 That we may meet before Thy throne, 
 And cry, O faithful God, to Thee 
 For rescue from our misery : 
 
 To Thee may raise our hearts and eyes, 
 Repenting sore with bitter sighs, 
 And seek Thy pardon for our sin, 
 And respite from our griefs within : 
 
 For Thou hast promised graciously 
 To hear all those who cry to Thee, 
 Through Him whose Name alone is great, 
 Our Saviour and our Advocate. 
 
 And thus we come, O God, to-day, 
 And all our woes before Thee lay, 
 For tried, forsaken, lo ! we stand, 
 Perils and foes on every hand. 
 349 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Ah hide not for our sins Thy face, 
 Absolve us through Thy boundless grace, 
 Be with us in our anguish still, 
 Free us at last from every ill. 
 
 That so with all our hearts we may 
 Once more our glad thanksgivings pay, 
 And walk obedient to Thy word, 
 And now and ever praise the Lord. 
 
 PAUL EBER. 1511-1569 
 
 IV 
 
 TUn&er a 1beav private Cross or 
 ^Bereavement 
 
 FAITHFUL God ! O pitying Heart, 
 Whose goodness hath no end ; 
 
 1 know this cross with all its smart 
 Thy hand alone doth send ! 
 
 Yes, Lord, I know it is Thy love, 
 Not wrath or hatred bids me prove 
 The load 'neath which I bend. 
 
 'Twas ever wont with Thee, my God, 
 
 To chasten oft a son ; 
 He whom Thou lovest feels Thy rod, 
 
 Tears flow ere joy is won ; 
 Thou leadest us through darkest pain 
 Back to the joyous light again ; 
 
 Thus ever hast Thou done. 
 
 For e'en the Son Thou most dost love 
 
 Here trod the path of woe ; 
 Ere He might reach His throne above 
 
 He bore the cross below ; 
 
 350 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Through anguish, scorn, and poverty, 
 Through bitterest death He pass'd, that we 
 The bliss of heaven might know. 
 
 And if the pure and sinless One 
 
 Could thus to sorrow bow, 
 Shall I who so much ill have done 
 
 Resist the cross ? O Thou 
 In whom doth perfect patience shine, 
 Whoe'er would fain be counted Thine 
 
 Must wear Thy likeness now. 
 
 Yet, Father, each fresh aching heart 
 
 Will question in its woe, 
 If Thou canst send such bitter smart 
 
 And yet no anger know ? 
 How long the hours beneath the cross I 
 How hard to learn that love and loss 
 
 From one sole Fountain flow ! 
 
 But what I cannot, Thou true Good, 
 
 O work Thyself in me ; 
 Nor ever let my trials' flood 
 
 O'erwhelm my faith in Thee ; 
 Keep me from every murmur, Lord, 
 And make me steadfast in Thy word, 
 
 My tower of refuge be ! 
 
 If I am weak, Thy tender care 
 
 Shall bid rue fear no ill ; 
 With ceaseless cries and tears and prayer 
 
 The long sad hours I'll fill ; 
 The heart that yet can hope and trust, 
 And cry to Thee, though from the dust, 
 
 Is all nnconquer'd still ! 
 351 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 O Thou who diedst to give us life. 
 
 Full well to Thee is known 
 The cross, and all the inner strife 
 
 Of those who weep alone, 
 And 'neath their burden well-nigh faint ; 
 The aching heart's unspoken plaint 
 
 Finds echo in Thine own. 
 
 Ah Christ, do Thou within me speak, 
 
 For Thou canst comfort best ; 
 The tower and stronghold of the weak, 
 
 The weary wanderer's rest, 
 Our shadow in the noon-day hours, 
 And when the tempest round us lowers, 
 
 Our shelter safe and blest ! 
 
 O Holy Spirit, sent of God, 
 
 In whom all gladness lies, 
 Refresh my soul, lift off her load, 
 
 From Thee all sadness flies ; 
 Thou know'st the glories yet to come, 
 The joy, the solace, of that home, 
 
 Where we shall one day rise. 
 
 There in Thy presence we shall see 
 
 Glories beyond our ken ; 
 The cross known here to none but Thee 
 
 Shall turn to gladness then ; 
 There smiles for all our tears are given, 
 And for our woes the joys of heaven ; 
 
 Lord, I believe ! Amen ! 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1606-1676 
 
 352 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 One {True ffrtcnD 
 
 AH God, my days are dark indeed, 
 How oft this aching heart must bleed, 
 The narrow way, how nll'd with pain 
 That I must pass ere heaven I gain ! 
 How hard to teach this flesh and blood 
 To seek alone the Eternal Good ! 
 
 Ah whither now for comfort turn ? 
 
 For Thee, my Jesus, do I yearn, 
 
 In Thee have I, howe'er distrest, 
 
 Found ever counsel, aid, and rest ; 
 
 I cannot all forsaken be 
 
 While still my heart can trust in Thee. 
 
 Jesus, my only God and Lord, 
 
 What sweetness in Thy name is stored ! 
 
 So dark and hopeless is no grief 
 
 But Thy sweet Name can bring relief, 
 
 So keen no sorrows' rankling dart 
 
 But Thy sweet Name can heal my heart. 
 
 The world can show no truth like Thine, 
 And therefore will I not repine ; 
 I know Thou wilt forsake me not, 
 Thy truth is fix'd, though dark my lot ; 
 Thou art my Shepherd, and Thy sheep 
 From every real harm Thou'lt keep. 
 
 Jesus, my boast, my light, my joy, 
 The treasure nought can e'er destroy, 
 
 353 z 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 No words, no song that I can frame 
 Speak half the sweetness of Thy name 
 They only all its power shall prove 
 Whose hearts have learnt Thy faith and love. 
 
 How many a time I've sadly said, 
 Far better were it I were dead, 
 Far better ne'er the light to see, 
 If I had not this joy in Thee ; 
 For he who hath not Thee in faith, 
 His very life is merely death. 
 
 Jesus, my Bridegroom, and my crown, 
 If Thou but smile, the world may frown 
 In Thee lie depths of joy untold, 
 Far richer than her richest gold ; 
 Whene'er I do but think of Thee, 
 Thy dews drop down and solace me ; 
 
 Whene'er I hope in Thee, my Friend, 
 Thy comfort and Thy peace descend ; 
 Whene'er in grief I pray and sing 
 I feel new courage in me spring ; 
 Thy Spirit witnesses that this 
 Is foretaste of the eternal bliss. 
 
 Then while I live this life of care 
 The cross for Thee I'll gladly bear ; 
 Grant me a patient willing mood, 
 I know that it shall work my good ; 
 Help me to do my task aright, 
 That it may stand before Thy sight. 
 
 Let me this flesh and blood control, 
 From sin and shame preserve my soul, 
 
 354 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And keep me steadfast in the faith, 
 Then I am Thine in life and death ; 
 Jesus, Consoler, bend to me, 
 Ah would I were e'en now with Thee ! 
 
 CONRAD HOJER. 1584 
 VI 
 
 tUnDer tbe pressure of Care or poverty 
 
 WRITTEN most probably either during the great 
 Famine in Nuremburg in 1552, or the time of the 
 Siege in 1561. 
 
 WHY art thou cast down, my heart ? 
 Why troubled, why dost mourn apart, 
 O'er nought but earthly wealth ? 
 Trust in thy God, be not afraid, 
 He is thy Friend who all things made. 
 
 Dost think thy prayers He doth not heed ? 
 He knows full well what thou dost need, 
 
 And heaven and earth are His ; 
 My Father and my God, who still 
 Is with my soul in every ill. 
 
 Since Thou my God and Father art, 
 I know Thy faithful loving heart 
 W 7 ill ne'er forget Thy child ; 
 See I am poor, I am but dust, 
 On earth is none whom I can trust. 
 
 The rich man in his wealth confides, 
 But in my God my trust abides ; 
 
 Laugh as ye will, I hold 
 This one thing fast that He hath taught, 
 Who trusts in God shall want for nought. 
 355 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Yes, Lord, Thou art as rich to-day 
 As Thou hast been and shalt be aye, 
 
 I rest on Thee alone ; 
 Thy riches to iny soul be given, 
 And 'tis enough for earth and heaven. 
 
 What here may shine I all resign, 
 If the eternal crown be mine, 
 
 That through Thy bitter death 
 Thou gainedst, O Lord Christ, for me 
 For this, for this, I cry to Thee ! 
 
 All wealth, all glories, here below, 
 The best that this world can bestow, 
 
 Silver or gold or lands, 
 But for a little time is given, 
 And helps us not to enter heaven. 
 
 I thank Thee, Christ, Eternal Lord, 
 That Thou hast taught me by Thy word 
 
 To know this truth and Thee ; 
 O grant me also steadfastness 
 Thy heavenly kingdom not to miss. 
 
 Praise, honour, thanks, to Thee be brought, 
 For all things in and for me wrought 
 
 By Thy great mercy, Christ. 
 This one thing only still I pray, 
 O cast me ne'er from Thee away. 
 
 HANS SACHS 
 
 356 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 VII 
 
 IRestfngsjMace amifc Changes 
 
 ALL things hang on our possessing 
 God's free love and grace and blessing, 
 
 Though all earthly wealth depart ; 
 He who God for his hath taken, 
 'Mid the changing world unshaken 
 
 Keeps a free heroic heart. 
 
 He who hitherto hath fed me, 
 And to many a joy hath led me, 
 
 Is and shall be ever mine ; 
 He who did so gently school me, 
 He who still doth guide and rule me, 
 
 Will not leave me now to pine. 
 
 Shall I weary me with fretting 
 O'er vain trifles, and regretting 
 
 Things that never can remain ? 
 I will strive but that to win me 
 That can shed true rest within me, 
 
 Rest the world must seek in vain 
 
 When my heart with longing sickens, 
 Hope again my courage quickens, 
 
 For my wish shall be fulfill' d, 
 If it please His love most tender ; 
 Life and soul I all surrender 
 
 Unto Him on whom I build. 
 
 Well He knows how best to grant me 
 All the longing hopes that haunt me, 
 
 357 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 All things have their proper day ; 
 I would dictate to Him never, 
 As God wills so be it ever, 
 
 When He wills, I will obey. 
 
 If on earth He bids me linger, 
 He will guide me with His finger 
 
 Through the years that now look dim ; 
 All that earth has fleets and changes 
 As a river onward ranges, 
 
 But I rest in peace on Him. 
 
 ANON, in a Nuremberg Hymn-book of 1676 
 
 VIII 
 
 IRest in tbe XorD 
 
 MY God, in Thee all fulness lies, 
 All want in me, from Thee apart ; 
 
 In Thee my soul hath endless joys, 
 In me is but an aching heart ; 
 
 Poor as the poorest here I pine, 
 
 In Thee a heavenly kingdom's mine. 
 
 Thou seest whatsoe'er I need, 
 Thou seest it, and pitiest me ; 
 
 Thy swift compassions hither speed, 
 Ere yet my woes are told to Thee 
 
 Thou hearest, Father, ere we cry, 
 
 Shall I not still before Thee lie ? 
 
 I leave to Thee whate'er is mine, 
 And in Thy will I calmly rest ; 
 
 I know that richest gifts are Thine, 
 
 Thou canst and Thou wilt make me blest, 
 358 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 For Thou hast promised, and our Lord 
 Will never break His promised word. 
 
 Thou lov'st me, Father, with the love 
 Wherewith Thou lovedst Christ Thy Son, 
 
 And so a brightness from above 
 
 Still glads me though my tears may run, 
 
 For in Thy love I find and know 
 
 What all the world could ne'er bestow. 
 
 Then I can let the world go by, 
 And yet be still and rest in Thee, 
 
 I sit, I walk, I stand, I lie, 
 Thou ever watchest over me, 
 
 And when the yoke is pressing sore 
 
 I think, my God lives evermore ! 
 
 ANON 
 
 IX 
 
 Gbe Gbrltfan'6 Confidence 
 
 PROBABLY by Joachim Magdeburg, a Pastor who 
 died in 1560 long a favourite Hymn at death-beds ; 
 said to be found in a stained glass window in Nord- 
 hausen with the date 1592, printed at latest 1598 
 
 WHO puts his trust in God most just 
 
 Hath built his house securely ; 
 He who relies on Jesus Christ, 
 
 Shall reach His heaven most surely : 
 Then fix'd on Thee my trust shall be, 
 
 For Thy truth cannot alter ; 
 While mine Thou art, not death's worst smart 
 
 Shall make my courage falter. 
 359 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Though fiercest foes my course oppose, 
 
 A dauntless front I'll show them ; 
 My champion Thou, Lord Christ, art now, 
 
 Who soon shalt overthrow them ! 
 And if but Thee I have in me 
 
 With Thy good gifts and Spirit, 
 Nor death nor hell, I know full well, 
 
 Shall hurt me, through Thy merit. 
 
 I rest me here without a fear, 
 
 By Thee shall all be given 
 That I can need, O Friend indeed, 
 
 For this life or for heaven. 
 O make me true, my heart renew, 
 
 My soul and flesh deliver ! 
 Lord, hear my prayer, and in Thy care 
 
 Keep me in peace for ever. 
 
 X 
 
 CbflMifce Submission 
 
 WHAT pleases God, O pious soul, 
 Accept with joy, though thunders roll 
 And tempests lower on every side, 
 Thou knowest nought can thee betide 
 But pleases God. 
 
 The best will is our Father's will, 
 And we may rest there calm and still, 
 O make it hour by hour thine own, 
 And wish for nought but that alone 
 
 Which pleases God. 
 
 His thought is aye the wisest thought, 
 How oft man's wisdom comes to nought, 
 360 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Mistake or weakness in it lurks, 
 
 It brings forth ill, and seldom works 
 
 What pleases God, 
 
 His mind is aye the gentlest mind, 
 His will and deeds are ever kind, 
 He blesses when against us speaks 
 The evil world, that rarely seeks 
 
 What pleases God. 
 
 His heart is aye the truest heart, 
 He bids all grief and harm depart, 
 Defending, shielding day and night 
 The man who knows and loves aright 
 What pleases God. 
 
 He governs all things here below, 
 In Him lie all our weal and woe, 
 He bears the world within His hand, 
 And so to us bear sea and land 
 
 What pleases God. 
 
 And o'er His little flock He yearns, 
 And when to evil ways it turns, 
 The Father's rod oft smiteth sore, 
 Until it learns to do once more 
 
 What pleases God. 
 
 What most would profit us He knows, 
 And ne'er denies aught good to those 
 Who with their utmost strength pursue 
 The right, and only care to do 
 
 W T hat pleases God. 
 
 361 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 If this be so, then World, from me 
 Keep if thou wilt, what pleases thee ; 
 But thou, my soul, be well content 
 With God and all things He hath sent ; 
 As pleases God. 
 
 And must thou suffer here and there, 
 Cling but the firmer to His care, 
 For all things are beneath His sway, 
 And must in very truth obey 
 
 What pleases God. 
 
 True faith will grasp His mercy fast, 
 And hope bring patience at the last, 
 Then both within thy heart enshrine, 
 So shall the heritage be thine 
 
 That pleases God. 
 
 To thee for ever shall be given 
 A kingdom and a crown in heaven, 
 And there shall be fulfill' d in thee, 
 And thou shalt taste and hear and see 
 
 What pleases God. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1653 
 
 362 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 XI 
 
 Cbe quiet bopfng Ibeart 
 
 WRITTEN for the comfort of a Sick Friend, who set 
 it to Music, and on his recovery frequently caused it 
 to be sung before his house by the School-Choir. 
 
 WHATE'ER my God ordains is right, 
 
 His will is ever just ; 
 Howe'er He order now my cause 
 I will be still and trust. 
 He is my God, 
 Though dark my road, 
 He holds me that I shall not fall, 
 Wherefore to Him I leave it all. 
 
 Whate'er my God ordains is right, 
 
 He never will deceive ; 
 He leads me by the proper path, 
 And so to Him I cleave, 
 And take content 
 What He hath sent ; 
 His hand can turn my griefs away, 
 And patiently I wait His day. 
 
 Whate'er my God ordains is right, 
 
 He taketh thought for me, 
 The cup that my Physician gives 
 No poison' d draught can be, 
 But medicine due ; 
 For God is true, 
 
 And on that changeless truth I build, 
 And all my heart with hope is fill'd. 
 363 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Whate'er my God ordains is right, 
 
 Though I the cup must drink 
 That bitter seems to my faint heart, 
 I will not fear nor shrink ; 
 Tears pass away 
 With dawn of day, 
 Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart, 
 And pain and sorrow all depart. 
 
 Whate'er my God ordains is right, 
 
 My Light, my Life is He, 
 Who cannot will me aught but good, 
 I trust Him utterly ; 
 For well I know, 
 In joy or woe, 
 
 We once shall see as sunlight clear 
 How faithful was our Guardian here. 
 
 Whate'er my God ordains is right, 
 
 Here will I take my stand ; 
 Though sorrow, need, or death make earth 
 For me a desert land, 
 My Father's care 
 Is round me there, 
 He holds me that I shall not fall, 
 And so to Him I leave it all. 
 
 S. RODIGAST. 1675 
 
 364 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 XII 
 
 Courage ot perfect Grust 
 
 WHEREFORE should I grieve and pine ? 
 Is not Christ the Lord still mine ? 
 
 Who can sever me from Him ? 
 Who can rob me of the heaven 
 Which the Son of God hath given 
 
 Unto faith though weak and dim ? 
 
 Naked, helpless, was I born 
 
 When my earliest breath was drawn, 
 
 Naked must I wander forth, 
 As a shadow flits away 
 At the coming of the day, 
 
 Bearing nought with me from earth. 
 
 Soul and body, life and goods, 
 Are not mine, are only God's, 
 
 Given me by His loving will ; 
 Would He take back aught of His, 
 Let Him take it, not for this 
 
 Shall my song of praise be still. 
 
 Sendeth He some cross to bear, 
 Cometh sorrow, need, or care, 
 
 Shall it all my peace destroy ? 
 He who sends can end it too, 
 Well He knows in season due, 
 
 How to tarn my griefs to joy. 
 
 Many a day of happiness 
 Hath He sent who loves to bless, 
 365 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Shall I not bear aught for God ? 
 He is kind, we know that He 
 Ne'er forsakes us utterly, 
 
 Love lies hidden in His rod. 
 
 What is there my foes can do, 
 Though they be nor weak nor few, 
 
 Save to scorn and mock my woe ? 
 Let them laugh, and let them mock, 
 God my Saviour and my Rock 
 
 Soon shall all their schemes o'erthrow. 
 
 With a glad and fearless mien 
 Should a Christian man be seen, 
 
 Wheresoe'er be cast his lot ; 
 Yea, though death seem close at hand, 
 Calm and quiet let him stand, 
 
 And his spirit tremble not. 
 
 Him no death hath power to kill, 
 But from many a dreaded ill 
 
 Bears his spirit safe away : 
 Shuts the door of bitter ^voes, 
 Opens yon bright path that glows 
 
 With the light of perfect day. 
 
 There in deepest joy my heart 
 Shall be heal'd from all the smart 
 
 Of the wounds, that pierced it here ; 
 Here can no true good be found, 
 Seeming goods that here abound 
 
 In a moment disappear. 
 
 Wealth that this world can command, 
 Is it aught but barren sand, 
 366 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Bringing cares and troubles sore ? 
 There, there are the gifts unpriced 
 Where my Shepherd Jesus Christ 
 
 Shall refresh me evermore. 
 
 Fount of Joy, my Lord Divine, 
 
 Thine I am, and Thou art mine, 
 
 Nought can part my soul from Thee 
 I am Thine, for Thou didst give 
 Once Thy life that I might live, 
 
 Dearly didst Thou purchase me. 
 
 Thou art mine, because my heart 
 Ne'er will let Thee more depart, 
 
 Clings to Thee her joy, her light ; 
 Bring me, bring me to that place 
 Where, enclasped in Thine embrace, 
 
 Love at last is blest with sight. 
 
 PAUL GERHARDT. 1653 
 
 XIII 
 
 Sufficiency of 
 
 SEEMS it in my anguish lone, 
 As though God forsook His own, 
 Yet I hold this knowledge fast, 
 God will surely help at last. 
 
 Though awhile it be delay'd 
 He denieth not His aid ; 
 Though it come not oft with speed, 
 It will surely come at need. 
 367 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 As a father not too soon 
 Grants his child the long'd-for boon, 
 So our God gives when He will ; 
 Wait His leisure and be still. 
 
 I can rest in thoughts of Him, 
 When all courage else grows dim, 
 For I know my soul shall prove 
 His is more than father's love. 
 
 Would the powers of ill affright, 
 I can smile at all their might ; 
 Or the cross be pressing sore, 
 God, my God, lives evermore ! 
 
 Man may hate me causelessly, 
 Man may plot to ruin me, 
 Foes my heart may pierce and rend ; 
 God in heaven is still my Friend. 
 
 Earth may all her gifts deny, 
 Safe my treasure still on high, 
 And if heaven at last be mine, 
 All things else I can resign. 
 
 I renounce thee willingly, 
 World, I hate what pleases thee, 
 Baneful every gift of thine, 
 Only be my God still mine. 
 
 Ah Lord, if but Thee I have 
 Nought of other good I crave, 
 Bright is even death's dark road, 
 If but Thou art there, my God. 
 
 C. TITIUS. 1641-1703 
 368 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 THE FINAL CONFLICT AND HEAVEN 
 I 
 
 Cbe ^Uncertainty of 3Ltfe 
 
 I KNOW my end must surely come, 
 But know not when or where or how, 
 
 It may be I shall hear my doom 
 To-night, to-morrow, nay or now 
 
 Ere yet the present hour is fled, 
 
 This living body may be dead. 
 
 Lord Jesus, let me daily die, 
 
 And at the last Thy presence give, 
 
 Then Death his utmost power may try, 
 He can but make me truly live, 
 
 Then welcome my last hour shall be, 
 
 When, where, and how it pleases Thee. 
 
 S. FRANCK. 1711 
 
 II 
 
 preparation tor 2>eatb 
 
 Said to be written on occasion of the sudden death 
 of Duke George of Saxe-Eisenach, while hunting. 
 
 WHO knows how near my end may be ? 
 
 Time speeds away, and Death comes on ; 
 How swiftly, ah ! how suddenly, 
 
 May Death be here, and Life be gone ! 
 My God, for Jesu's sake I pray 
 Thy peace may bless my dying day. 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The world that smiled when morn was come 
 
 May change for me ere close of eve ; 
 So long as earth is still my home 
 
 In peril of my death I live ; 
 My God, for Jesu's sake I pray 
 Thy peace may bless my dying day- 
 Teach me to ponder oft my end, 
 
 And ere the hour of death appears, 
 To cast my soul on Christ her Friend, 
 
 Nor spare repentant cries and tears 
 My God, for Jesu's sake I pray 
 Thy peace may bless my dying day. 
 
 And let me now so order all, 
 
 That ever ready I may be 
 To say with joy, whate'er befall. 
 
 Lord, do Thou as Thou wilt with me 
 My God, for Jesu's sake I pray 
 Thy peace may bless my dying day. 
 
 Let heaven to me be ever sweet, 
 And this world bitter let me find, 
 
 That I, 'mid all its toil and heat, 
 May keep eternity in mind ; 
 
 My God, for Jesu's sake I pray 
 
 Thy peace may bless my dying day. 
 
 O Father, cover all my sins 
 
 With Jesu's merits, who alone 
 The pardon that I covet wins, 
 
 And makes His long-sought rest my own ; 
 My God, for Jesu's sake I pray 
 Thy peace may bless my dying day. 
 370 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 His sorrows and His cross I know 
 
 Make death-beds soft, and light the grave, 
 
 They comfort in the hour of woe, 
 They give me all I fain would have ; 
 
 My God, for Jesu's sake I pray 
 
 Thy peace may bless my dying day. 
 
 From Him can nought my soul divide, 
 Nor life nor death can part us now ; 
 
 I lay my hand upon His side, 
 
 And say, my Lord and God art Thou ; 
 
 My God, for Jesu's sake I pray 
 
 Thy peace may bless my dying day. 
 
 In holy baptism long ago, 
 
 I join'd me to the living Vine, 
 Thou loves t me in Him, 1 know, 
 
 In Him Thou dost accept me Thine ; 
 My God, for Jesu's sake I pray 
 Thy peace may bless my dying day. 
 
 And I have eaten of His flesh 
 
 And drunk His blood, nor can I be 
 
 Forsaken now, nor doubt afresh, 
 I am in Him and He in me ; 
 
 My God, for Jesu's sake I pray 
 
 Thy peace may bless my dying day. 
 
 Then death may come or tarry yet, 
 
 I know in Christ I perish not, 
 He never will His own forget, 
 
 He gives me robes without a spot ; 
 My God, for Jesu's sake I pray 
 Thy peace may bless my dying day. 
 37 T 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And thus I live in God at peace, 
 And die without a thought of fear, 
 
 Content to take what God decrees, 
 
 For through His Son my faith is clear, 
 
 His grace shall be in death my stay, 
 
 And peace shall bless my dying day. 
 EMILIA JULIANA, Countess of Schwarz- 
 
 burg Rudolstadt. 1686 
 
 III 
 
 B WearE JMlgrtm's Song 
 
 WORLD, farewell ! Of thee I'm tired, 
 Now toward heaven my way I take ; 
 
 There is peace the long-desired, 
 
 Lofty calm that nought can break ; 
 
 World, with thee is war and strife, 
 
 Thou with cheating hopes art rife, 
 
 But in heaven is no alloy, 
 
 Only peace and love and joy. 
 
 When I reach that home of gladness, 
 
 I shall feel no more this load, 
 Feel no sickness, want, or sadness, 
 
 Resting in the arms of God. 
 In the world woes follow fast, 
 And a bitter death comes last, 
 But in heaven shall nought destroy 
 Endless peace and love and joy. 
 
 What are earthly joys ? a weary 
 Chase of mist, or wind-borne foam ! 
 
 On this desert black and dreary 
 Sins and vices have their home ; 
 372 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thine, O World, are war and strife, 
 Mocking pleasures, dying life ; 
 But in heaven is no annoy, 
 Only peace and love and joy. 
 
 O the music and the singing 
 
 Of the host redeem'd by love 
 O the hallelujahs ringing 
 
 Through the halls of light above ! 
 Thine, O World, the scornful sneer, 
 Misery thy reward, and fear ; 
 But in heaven is no annoy, 
 Only peace and love and joy. 
 
 Here is nought but care and mourning 
 
 Comes a joy, it will not stay ; 
 Fairly shines the sun at dawning, 
 
 Night will soon o'ercloud the day , 
 World, with thee we weep and pine, 
 Gnawing care and grief are thine ; 
 But in heaven is no alloy, 
 Only peace and love and joy. 
 
 Onwards then ! not long I wander, 
 
 Ere my Saviour comes for me, 
 And with Him abiding yonder 
 ^ All His glory I shall see ; 
 For there's nought but sorrow here, 
 Toil and pain and many a fear, 
 But in heaven is no annoy, 
 Only peace and love and joy. 
 
 Well for him whom death has landed 
 Safely oni yon blessed shore, 
 
 Where in joyful worship banded, 
 Sing the faithful evermore ; 
 
 373 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 For the world hath strife and war, 
 All her works and hopes they mar, 
 But in heaven is no annoy, 
 Only peace and love and joy. 
 
 Time, thou speedest on but slowly, 
 
 Hours, how tardy is your pace, 
 Ere with Him the High and Holy 
 
 I hold converse face to face ; 
 World, with partings thou art rife, 
 Fill'd with tears and storms and strife ; 
 But in heaven can nought destroy 
 Endless peace and love and joy. 
 
 Therefore will I now prepare me, 
 
 That my work may stand His doom, 
 
 And when all is sinking round me, 
 
 I may hear not " Go " but " Come ! " 
 
 World, the voice of grief is here, 
 
 Outward seeming, care, and fear, 
 
 But in heaven is no alloy, 
 
 Only peace and love and joy ! 
 
 J. G. ALBINUS. 1652 
 
 IV 
 
 5n {Time of Dangerous S>utg 
 
 MY cause is God's, and I am still, 
 Let Him do with me as He will ; 
 Whether for me the fight is won, 
 
 Or scarce begun, 
 
 I ask no more His will be done ! 
 374 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 My sins are more than I can bear, 
 Yet not for this will I despair, 
 I know to death and to the grave 
 
 The Father gave 
 His dearest Son, that He might save. 
 
 In Him my Saviour I abide, 
 I know for all my sins He died, 
 And risen again to work my good, 
 
 The burning flood 
 Hath quench'd with His most precious blood. 
 
 To Him I live and die alone, 
 
 Death cannot part Him from His own ; 
 
 Living or dying I am His 
 
 Who only is 
 Our comfort, and our gate of bliss. 
 
 This is my solace, day by day, 
 
 When snares and death beset my way, 
 
 I know that at the morn of doom 
 
 From out the tomb 
 With joy to meet Him I shall come. 
 
 Then I shall see God face to face, 
 I doubt it not, through Jesu's grace, 
 Amid the joys prepared for me ! 
 
 Thanks be to Thee 
 Who givest us the victory ! 
 
 O Jesus Christ, Thou Son of God, 
 Who once for me didst bear the rod, 
 Ah hide me in Thy wounded heart 
 
 When I depart ; 
 
 My help, my hope, Thou only art ' 
 375 
 
LYRA GERMANTCA 
 
 Amen, dear God ! now send us faith, 
 And at the last a happy death ; 
 And grant us all ere long to be 
 
 In heaven with Thee, 
 To praise Thee there eternally. 
 
 J. PAPPUS. 1598 
 
 V 
 
 3n tbe Iflear iprospect of Dcatb 
 
 O LORD my God, I cry to Thee, 
 
 In my distress Thou helpest me ; 
 
 To Thee myself I all commend, 
 
 O swiftly now Thine angel send 
 
 To guide me home, and cheer my heart, 
 
 Since Thou dost call me to depart ! 
 
 O Jesu Christ, Thou Lamb of God, 
 Once slain to take away our load, 
 Now let Thy cross, Thine agony, 
 Avail to save and solace me ; 
 Thy death to open heaven, and there 
 Bid me the joy of angels share. 
 
 O Holy Spirit, at the end, 
 Sweet Comforter, be Thou my Friend ! 
 When death and hell assail me sore, 
 Leave me, O leave me, nevermore, 
 But bear me safely through that strife, 
 As Thou hast promised, into life ! 
 
 NICHOLAS SELNECKER. 1587 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 VI 
 
 Jn Weakness anfc Distress of 
 
 LORD Jesus Christ, my Life, my Light, 
 My strength by day, my trust by night, 
 On earth I'm but a passing guest, 
 And sorely with my sins oppress'd. 
 
 Far off I see my fatherland, 
 
 Where through Thy grace I hope to stand, 
 
 But ere I reach that Paradise 
 
 A weary way before me lies. 
 
 My heart sinks at the journey's length, 
 My wasted flesh has little strength, 
 Only my soul still cries in me, 
 Lord, fetch me home, take me to Thee 1 
 
 O let Thy sufferings give me power 
 To meet the last and darkest hour ; 
 Thy prayer refresh and comfort me, 
 Thy bonds and fetters set me free ! 
 
 That thirst and bitter draught of Thine 
 Help me to bear with patience mine, 
 Thy piercing cry avail my soul, 
 When floods of anguish o'er me roll ! 
 
 And when my lips grow white and chill, 
 Thy Spirit cry within me still, 
 And help my soul Thy heaven to find, 
 When these poor eyes grow dark and blind ! 
 
 377 
 
LYRA GERMANIC A 
 
 And when the spirit flies away, 
 
 Thy parting words shall be my stay, 
 
 Thy cross the staff whereon I lean, 
 
 My couch the grave where Thou hast been. 
 
 Since Thou hast died, the Pure, the Just, 
 I take my homeward way in trust, 
 The gates of heaven, Lord, open wide, 
 When here I may no more abide. 
 
 And when the last great day is come, 
 And Thou our Judge shalt speak the doom, 
 Let me with joy behold the light, 
 And set me then upon Thy right. 
 
 Renew this wasted flesh of mine, 
 That like the sun it there may shine, 
 Among the angels pure and bright, 
 Yea, like Thyself in glorious light. 
 
 Ah then I have my heart's desire, 
 When singing with the angels' choir, 
 Among the ransom' d of Thy grace, 
 For ever I behold Thy face ! 
 
 M. BEHEMB. 1606 
 
 VII 
 
 IReefgnatlon 
 
 LORD God, now open wide Thy heaven, 
 
 My parting hour is near ; 
 My course is run, enough I've striven 
 
 Enough I've suffer' d here ; 
 
 378 
 
LYRA GERMANIC A 
 
 Weary and sad 
 
 My soul is glad 
 
 That she may lay her down to rest ; 
 Now all on earth I can resign, 
 But only let Thy heaven be mine. 
 
 As Thou, Lord, hast commanded me, 
 
 Have I with perfect faith 
 Embraced my Saviour, and to Thee 
 I calmly look in death ; 
 
 With willing heart 
 I hence depart, 
 
 I hope to stand before Thy face : 
 Yes, all on earth I can resign, 
 If but Thy heaven at last be mine. 
 
 Then let us go like Simeon 
 
 In peace with Thee to dwell, 
 
 For I commend me to Thy Son, 
 
 And He will guard me well, 
 
 And guide me straight 
 To the golden gate ; 
 And in this hope I calmly die ; 
 Yes, all on earth I can resign, 
 If but Thy heaven may now be mine. 
 
 T. KIEL. 1620 
 
 VIII 
 
 Gbe ffaftbful Servant TLonsfng for ipeace 
 
 LORD, now let Thy servant 
 
 Pass in peace away ; 
 I have had enough of life, 
 
 Here I would not stay : 
 379 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Let me go, if such Thy will, 
 With a heart at rest and still 
 
 Here, Lord, have I wrestled, 
 
 Suffer' d many a woe, 
 Fought as fearless warriors fight, 
 
 Conquer'd many a foe, 
 Kept the faith with them of old, 
 Help'd to guard and warn Thy fold. 
 
 Many an hour of sorrow, 
 
 Many an anguish' d tear, 
 Many a thorny path was mine 
 
 With Thy people here ; 
 O'er my sins I've had to mourn, 
 Many a cross and trial borne. 
 
 All at last is ended, 
 
 Fight and race are o'er, 
 God will free me from all ills 
 
 Now for evermore ; 
 To a better life I go, 
 Than this tearful earth can show. 
 
 Peace shall I find yonder, 
 
 And be free from sin, 
 No more strife and wars without, 
 
 No more foes within, 
 All around me shall be peace, 
 And the joy that cannot cease. 
 
 Where they bear the sceptre, 
 
 There a crown for me 
 Is laid up through Jesu's grace, 
 
 Bright that crown shall be : 
 380 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Deepest calm my soul shall fill, 
 And this longing shall be still. 
 
 My Redeemer liveth, 
 
 He shall bid me rise 
 From the gloomy realm of death, 
 
 There all sorrow lies, 
 And I need not fear to wake, 
 Since His voice my sleep shall break. 
 
 He will change this body, 
 
 Make it like His own, 
 When the dead arise from earth, 
 
 When the trump is blown, 
 I shall see Him face to face, 
 Here my steadfast hope I place. 
 
 Therefore of His mercy 
 
 Ever will I sing, 
 All my heart and soul to Him 
 
 Praise and thanks shall bring ; 
 Praise Him now, and praise Him then, 
 When the heavens shall cry, Amen ! 
 
 DAVID BOHME. 1605-1657 
 
 IX 
 
 tfbe Christian SolDier IRejoicing tbat be 
 bas vercome 
 
 THEN now at last the hour is come, 
 That I have long'd for many a time, 
 
 When God with joy should call me home 
 From this strange land, this wintry clime ; 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Thy victim, Death, escapes no more, 
 The hour draws on when I shall be 
 From all the bonds of earth set free, 
 
 And life's long battle shall be o'er. 
 
 To combat for His glory here 
 
 The Father sent me forth ; and lo ! 
 
 The hour of victory draws near, 
 And conquer'd now is every foe ; 
 
 And I have borne me in the strife 
 As true and fearless warriors ought, 
 And bravely to the last have fought 
 
 Through all the wars and woes of life. 
 
 My cry, when rough the march and dark, 
 Was, watch and strive till thou hast won, 
 
 Press forward fearless to the mark ! 
 As now, thank God, at last I've done. 
 
 Now it is o'er I cannot miss ; 
 
 Through every danger to the death 
 True to my Lord I've kept the faith, 
 
 And freely risk'd all else for this. 
 
 It lacketh now a few short hours, 
 
 And I am in eternity ; 
 The. wreath of fadeless heavenly flowers 
 
 Is twined already there for me. 
 The crown is waiting for me there, 
 
 Until the fight is wholly fought, 
 
 And all my soul is thither caught, 
 Where shining palms the conquerors bear, 
 
 But when that morning shall appear, 
 When our great Judge, the Son of God, 
 
 Shall give to those who loved Him here 
 Their gracious undeserved reward, 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 Then in the glorious halls above, 
 I too among that host shall stand, 
 And take from His all-faithful hand 
 
 The crown of righteousness and love. 
 
 Nor shall I yonder stand alone, 
 
 I see the crowned host appear, 
 The mighty host before His throne, 
 
 Who shine for ever pure and clear, 
 The souls of those, who on their way 
 
 Still hour by hour were longing here, 
 
 With burning love, and many a tear, 
 To see the glories of His Day. 
 
 SPENER. 1676 
 
 X 
 
 Jerusalem 
 
 JERUSALEM, thou city fair and high, 
 
 Would God I were in Thee ! 
 My longing heart fain, fain to thee would fly, 
 It will not stay with me ; 
 
 Far over vale and mountain, 
 
 Far over field and plain, 
 It hastes to seek its Fountain 
 And quit this world of pain. 
 
 O happy day, and yet far happier hour, 
 
 When wilt thou come at last ? 
 When fearless to my Father's love and power, 
 W 7 hose promise standeth fast, 
 My soul I gladly render, 
 
 For surely will His hand 
 Lead her with guidance tender 
 To heaven her fatherland. 
 383 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 A moment's space, and gently, wondrously, 
 
 Released from earthly ties, 
 The fiery chariot bears her up to Thee 
 Through all these lower skies, 
 To yonder shining regions, 
 
 While down to meet her come 
 The blessed angel legions, 
 And bid her welcome home. 
 
 O hail thou glorious city ! now unfold 
 
 The gates of grace to me ! 
 How many a time I long'd for thee of old, 
 Ere yet I was set free 
 
 From yon dark life of sadness, 
 
 Yon world of shadowy nought, 
 And God had given the gladness, 
 The heritage I sought. 
 
 O what the nation, what the glorious host, 
 
 Comes sweeping swiftly down ? 
 The chosen ones on earth who wrought the most, 
 The Church's brightest crown, 
 Our Lord hath sent to meet me, 
 
 As in the far-off years 
 Their words oft came to greet me 
 In yonder land of tears. 
 
 The Patriarchs' and Prophets' noble train, 
 
 With all Christ's, followers true, 
 W T ho bore the cross, and could the worst disdain 
 That tyrants dared to do, 
 I see them shine for ever, 
 All-glorious as the sun, 
 'Mid light that fadeth never, 
 Their perfect freedom won. 
 384 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And when within that lovely Paradise 
 
 At last I safely dwell, 
 
 From out my blissful soul what songs shall rise, 
 What joys my lips shall tell, 
 While holy saints are singing 
 
 Hosannas o'er and o'er, 
 Pure Hallelujahs ringing 
 Around me evermore. 
 
 Innumerous choirs before the shining throne 
 
 Their joyous anthems raise, 
 Till Heaven's glad halls are echoing with the tone 
 Of that great hymn of praise, 
 And all its host rejoices, 
 
 And all its blessed throng 
 Unite their myriad voices 
 In one eternal song ! 
 
 J. M. MEYFART. 1634 
 
 XI 
 
 Gbe new 1bea\>en0 anD new jartb 
 
 NOW fain my joyous heart would sing 
 
 That lovely summer-time, 
 When God reneweth everything 
 
 In His celestial prime ; 
 When He shall make new heavens and earth, 
 
 And all the creatures there 
 Shall spring from out that second birth 
 
 All-glorious, pure, and fair. 
 
 The perfect beauty of that sphere 
 
 No mortal tongue may speak, 
 We have no likeness for it here, 
 
 Our words are far too weak ; 
 
 385 2B 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 And we must wait till we behold 
 The hour of judgment true, 
 
 That to the soul shall all unfold 
 What God is, and can do. 
 
 For God ere long will summon all 
 
 Who once on earth were born, 
 This flesh shall hear the trumpet's call 
 
 And live again that morn, 
 And when in Christ His Son we wake, 
 
 These skies asunder roll, 
 And all the bliss of heaven shall break 
 
 Upon the raptured soul. 
 
 And He will lead the white-robed throng 
 
 To His fair Paradise, 
 Where from the marriage-feast the song 
 
 Of endless praise shall rise, 
 And from His fathomless abyss 
 
 Of perfect love and truth, 
 Shall flow perpetual joy and bliss, 
 
 In never-ending youth. 
 
 Ah God, now lead me of Thy love 
 
 Through this dark world aright ; 
 Lord Christ defend me lest I rove, 
 
 Or lies delude my sight ; 
 And keep me steadfast in the faith 
 
 Till these dark days have ceased, 
 And ready still in life or death 
 
 For Thy great marriage-feast. 
 
 And herewith will I end the song 
 Of that fair summer-time ; 
 
 The blossoms shall burst out ere long 
 Of heaven's eternal prime, 
 386 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 The year begin, for ever new ; 
 
 God grant us then on high 
 To see our vision here made true, 
 
 And eat the fruits of joy ! 
 
 J. WALTHER. 1557 
 
 XII 
 
 WAKE, awake, for night is flying, 
 
 The watchmen on the heights are crying : 
 
 Awake, Jerusalem, at last ! 
 Midnight hears the welcome voices, 
 And at the thrilling cry rejoices : 
 
 Come forth, ye virgins, night is past ! 
 The Bridegroom comes, awake, 
 Your lamps with gladness take ; 
 
 Hallelujah ! 
 
 And for His marriage-feast prepare, 
 For ye must go to meet Him there. 
 
 Zion hears the watchmen singing, 
 And all her heart with joy is springing, 
 She wakes, she rises from her gloom ; 
 For her Lord comes down all-glorious, 
 The strong in grace, in truth victorious, 
 Her Star is risen, her Light is come ! 
 Ah come, Thou blessed One, 
 God's own Beloved Son, 
 
 Hallelujah ! 
 
 We follow till the halls we see 
 Where Thou hast bid us sup with Thee. 
 387 
 
LYRA GERMAN ICA 
 
 Now let all the heavens adore Thee, 
 And men and angels sing before Thee 
 
 With harp and cymbal's clearest tone ; 
 Of one pearl each shining portal, 
 Where we are with the choir immortal 
 Of angels round Thy dazzling throne ; 
 Nor eye hath seen, nor ear 
 Hath yet attain'd to hear 
 
 What there is ours, 
 But we rejoice, and sing to Thee 
 Our hymn of joy eternally. 
 
 PHILIP NICOLAI. 1598 
 
 WHEN the Lord recalls the banish'd, 
 
 Frees the captives all at last, 
 Every sorrow will have vanish' d 
 
 Like a dream when night is past ; 
 Then shall all our hearts rejoice. 
 And with glad resounding voice 
 We shall praise the Lord who sought us, 
 For the freedom He hath wrought us. 
 
 Lift Thy hand to aid us, Father, 
 Look on us who widely roam, 
 And Thy scatter'd children gather 
 
 In their long'd-for promised home ; 
 Steep and weary is the way, 
 Shorten Thou the sultry day, 
 Faithful warriors hast Thou found us, 
 Let Thy peace for aye surround us. 
 
LYRA GERMANICA 
 
 In that peace we reap in gladness 
 What was sown in tearful showers : 
 
 There the fruit of all our sadness 
 Ripens, there the palm is ours ; 
 
 There our God upon His throne 
 
 Is our full reward alone ; 
 
 They who all for God surrender 
 
 Bring their sheaves in heavenly splendour. 
 
 S. G. BURDE. 1794 
 
 389 
 
INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Abide among us with Thy grace . . 268 
 
 Ah dearest Lord ! to feel that Thou . 338 
 
 Ah God, my days are dark indeed . . 353 
 Ah, Jesus, the merit .... 226 
 
 Ah wounded Head ! Must Thou . . 60 
 Alas, dear Lord, what evil hast Thou done 58 
 
 Alas ! my Lord and God . . .305 
 
 All my heart this night rejoices . . 209 
 All praise and thanks to God most High 319 
 
 All things hang on our possessing . -357 
 
 All ye Gentile lands awake ! . . 23 
 
 Am 1 a stranger here, on earth alone . 43 
 
 A pilgrim here I wander . . . 342 
 
 Arise, the kingdom is at hand . . 202 
 
 As a bird in meadows fair . . .258 
 
 A sure stronghold our God is He . .134 
 
 Awake, O man, and from thee shake . 46 
 
 Awake, thou careless world, awake . . 3 
 
 Awake, Thou Spirit, who of old . . 31 
 
 Be thou content ; be still before . . 121 
 
 Blessed Jesus, at Thy word . .254 
 
 Blessed Jesus, here we stand . . . 269 
 
 Can I my fate no more withstand . . 347 
 
 Christ the Lord is risen again . . .229 
 391 
 
INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Christ, Thou the champion of that war- 
 worn host ..... 79 
 
 Christ will gather in His own . . . 297 
 
 Come, brethren, let us go . . .125 
 
 Come, deck our feast to-day . . .83 
 
 Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord . . 90 
 
 Come, my soul, awake, 'tis morning . .166 
 
 Cometh sunshine after rain . . -75 
 
 Come to Thy temple here on earth . . 86 
 
 Conquering Prince and Lord of glory . 239 
 
 Courage, my sorely-tempted heart . . 316 
 
 Dayspring of Eternity . . . .168 
 
 Dear Soul, couldst thou become a child . 16 
 
 Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness . 275 
 
 Ere yet the dawn hath fill'd the skies . 231 
 
 Eternity ! Eternity ! . . .20 
 
 Ever would I fain be reading . . .219 
 
 Faith is a living power from heaven . 330 
 
 Fear not, O little flock, the foe . . 13 
 
 Follow me, in me ye live . . 145 
 
 From Heaven above to earth I come . 9 
 
 Gentle Shepherd, Thou hast still'd . . 299 
 
 Go and dig my grave to-day . . .182 
 
 Go forth my heart, and seek delight . 105 
 
 God liveth ever ! . . . . .25 
 
 God who madest earth and heaven . .162 
 
 God ! whom I as love have known . . 178 
 
 Great High-priest, who deign' dst to be . 24 
 
 Hark, the Church proclaims her honour . 248 
 
 Heart and heart together bound . . 95 
 
 Heavenward doth our journey tend . 82 
 
 Here behold me, as I cast me . . -339 
 
 Here, O my God, I cast me at Thy feet . 47 
 
 Him on yonder cross I love . . .226 
 392 
 
INDEX- 
 PAGE 
 
 Holy Ghost ! rny Comforter ! . . . 78 
 
 Holy Spirit, once again . . . .243 
 
 Hosanna to the Son of David ! Raise . 50 
 How blest to all Thy followers, Lord, the 
 
 Road . . . . . .136 
 
 How shall I meet Thee ? How my heart . 5 
 I am baptized into Thy name . . . 273 
 
 If God be on my side . . . 101 
 
 If Thou, True Life, wilt in me live . . 14 
 
 I know in Whom I put my trust . . 333 
 
 I know my end must surely come . . 369 
 
 I say to all men, far and near . . .232 
 
 I who so oft in deep distress . . .322 
 
 I will not let Thee go, Thou help in time 
 
 of need ...... 45 
 
 In God's name let us on our way . . 287 
 
 In our sails all soft and sweetly . . 294 
 In the bonds of Death He lay ... 66 
 In Thee is gladness .... 327 
 
 In the midst of life, behold . . .176 
 Is thy heart athirst to know . . .217 
 
 Jerusalem, thou city fair and high . . 383 
 
 Jesus my Redeemer lives . . .71 
 
 Jesus, pitying Saviour, hear me . . 307 
 
 Jesus, whom Thy Church doth own . .280 
 
 Leave all to God . . . . .124 
 
 Leave God to order all thy ways . . 117 
 
 Let who will in thee rejoice . . .140 
 
 Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates . / 
 
 Light of light enlighten me . . 253 
 
 Light of the Gentile world . . .149 
 
 Lo, heaven and earth, and sea and air . 321 
 Long in the spirit -world my soul had 
 
 sought . . . . . .147 
 
 393 
 
INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Lord, a whole long day of pain . .265 
 
 Lord, all my heart is fix'd on Thee . .334 
 
 Lord God, now open wide Thy heaven . 378 
 
 Lord Jesus Christ, in Thee alone . . 304 
 Lord Jesus Christ, my faithful Shepherd . 274 
 
 Lord Jesus Christ, my Life, my Light . 377 
 
 Lord Jesus Christ, true Man and God . 180 
 
 Lord Jesus, who, our souls to save . . 229 
 
 Lord, now let Thy servant . 379 
 
 Lord, on earth T dwell in pain . . . 80 
 
 Lord ! Thy death and passion give . . 54 
 
 Loving Shepherd, kind and true . . 74 
 
 Many a gift did Christ impart . . .38 
 
 Most High and Holy Trinity ! . . . 91 
 
 My cause is God's, and I am still . . 374 
 
 My God, in Thee all fulness lies . . 358 
 
 My God ! lo, here before Thy face . . 29 
 
 My God, to Thee I now commend . .186 
 
 My Jesus, if the seraphim . . . 240 
 
 My Saviour, what Thou didst of old . 40 
 
 Nothing fair on earth I see . . 36 
 Not in anger smite us, Lord ... 42 
 
 Now all the woods are sleeping . 172 
 
 Now at last I end the strife . . -335 
 
 Now darkness over all is spread . . 266 
 
 Now fain my joyous heart would sing . 385 
 Now hush your cries, and shed no tear . 187 
 
 Now lay we calmly in the grave . . 295 
 
 Now rests her soul in Jesu's arms . .188 
 Now take my heart and all that is in me 279 
 
 Now thank we all our God . . .318 
 
 Now the pearly gates unfold . . .345 
 
 Now we must leave our father-land . . 292 
 
 Now weeping at the grave we stand . . 296 
 394 
 
INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 O Blessed Jesus ! This . . . .213 
 
 O Christ, our true and only Light . . 216 
 O Christ, Thou bright and Morning Star 348 
 
 O Cross, we hail thy bitter reign . .119 
 O faithful God ! O pitying heart . 350 
 
 O Father-eye, that hath so truly watch'd 251 
 
 O Father-heart, who hast created all . 270 
 
 O Friend of souls, how well is me . . 113 
 
 O Glorious Head, Thou livest now . . 68 
 
 O God, I long Thy light to see . .112 
 
 O God, O Spirit, Light of all that live . 108 
 
 O God, Thou faithful God . . .312 
 
 O how blessed, faithful souls, are ye . 190 
 
 O how could I forget Him . . .282 
 
 O Jesus, Lord of majesty . . .310 
 
 O King of glory ! David's Son . .215 
 
 O Living Bread from Heaven . . .283 
 
 O Lord, be this our vessel now . . 290 
 
 O Lord my God, I cry to Thee . -376 
 
 O Love who formedst me to wear . . 277 
 
 O mighty Spirit ! Source whence . -325 
 
 O risen Lord ! O conquering King . , 233 
 
 O Thou Essential Word . . . .11 
 
 O Thou Most Highest ! Guardian of man- 
 kind . . . . . .257 
 
 Out of the depths I cry to Thee . . 49 
 
 O watchman, will the night of sin . . i 
 
 O well for him who all things braves . 129 
 
 O, world ! behold upon the tree . . 222 
 
 O would I had a thousand tongues . . 132 
 
 On wings of faith, ye thoughts, fly hence . 92 
 
 Once more from rest I rise again . . 169 
 
 Once more the daylight shines abroad . 255 
 
 One thing is needful ! Let me deem . 142 
 395 
 
INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Praise and thanks to Thee be sung . . 158 
 Pure Essence ! Spotless Fount of Light . 33 
 Redeemer of the nations ! Come . .144 
 
 Rest of the weary ! Thou . . .65 
 
 Sad with longing, sick with fears . .235 
 
 Seeing I am Jesus' lamb . . . .272 
 
 Seems it in my anguish lone . . . 367 
 
 Shall I not sing praise to Thee . .154 
 
 Since Christ is gone to heaven, His home 238 
 Sink not yet, my soul, to slumber . . 262 
 
 Spread, oh spread, thou mighty Word . 249 
 Strive when thou art call'd of God . . 35 
 Sweetest joy the soul can know . .245 
 
 Thank God it hath resounded . . . 328 
 
 Thank God that towards eternity . . 206 
 
 The Church of Christ that He . . . 247 
 The day expires . . . . 173 
 
 The golden morn flames up the Eastern 
 
 sky 259 
 
 The golden sunbeams with their joyous 
 
 gleams . . . . . .164 
 
 The happy sunshine all is gone . . 171 
 The moon hath risen on high . . 175 
 
 The night is come, wherein at last we rest 261 
 Thee Fount of blessing we adore . . 250 
 
 Thee, O Immanuel, we praise . . .18 
 
 Then I have conquer'd ; then at last . 184 
 Then now at last the hour is come . .381 
 Thou fairest Child Divine . . .211 
 
 Thou Holiest Love, whom most I love . 63 
 Though all to Thee were faithless . . 128 
 Though Love may weep with breaking 
 
 heart . ..... 298 
 
 Thou'rt mine, yes, still thou art mine own 300 
 396 
 
INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Thou, solemn Ocean, rollest to the strand 291 
 
 Thou sore-oppress'd, the Sabbath-rest . 228 
 
 Thou weepest o'er Jerusalem . . 52 
 
 Thou Who breakest every chain . 314 
 
 Thy parents' arms now yield thee . .271 
 
 Thy Word, O Lord, like gentle dews . 28 
 
 To-day our Lord went up on high . .237 
 True mirror of the Godhead ! Perfect 
 
 Light 252 
 
 Up ! yes, upward to thy gladness . . 340 
 
 Wake, awake, for night is flying . . 387 
 
 W T elcome Thou victor in the strife . . 69 
 
 W T ell for him who all things losing . .104 
 
 Whate'er my God ordains is right . . 363 
 
 What had I been if Thou wert not , . 73 
 
 What pleases God, O pious soul . , 360 
 What within me and without ... 97 
 
 When anguish'd and perplex'd . .256 
 
 Whene'er again thou sinkest . . . 220 
 
 When in the hour of utmost need . . 349 
 
 When sorrow and remorse . . > 56 
 
 When the last agony draws nigh . .180 
 
 When the Lord recalls the banish'd . . 388 
 
 Where'er I go, whate'er my task . .287 
 
 Wherefore dost Thou longer tarry . .203 
 
 Wherefore should I grieve and pine . .365 
 
 Who are those before God's throne . .160 
 
 Who keepeth not God's word, yet faith . 331 
 
 Who knows how near my end may be . 369 
 
 Who puts his trust in God most just . 359 
 
 Who seeks in weakness an excuse . . 115 
 
 Who would make the prize his own . . 337 
 Why art thou thus cast down, my heart 355 
 
 Why halt thus, O deluded heart . .no 
 397 
 
INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 World, farewell ! of thee I'm tired . . 372 
 
 Wouldst thou inherit life with Christ on 
 
 high ...... 100 
 
 Ye heavens, O haste your dews to shed 201 
 Yea, my spirit fain would sink . . 152 
 
 Yes, there remaineth yet a rest . .150 
 
 393 
 
TABLE OF GERMAN TITLES TO 
 THE HYMNS TRANSLATED 
 
 PAGE 
 
 ADVENT : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 1. Hiiter, \\ird die Nacht der Siinclen . I 
 
 2. Wach' auf, wach' auf du sich're Welt 3 
 
 3. Wie soil ich dich empfangen . 5 
 
 4. Macht hoch die Thiir, die Thor macht 7 
 
 CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Ihr Himmel tropfelt Thau in Eil . 201 
 
 2. Auf, auf, ihr Reichsgenossen . . 202 
 
 3. Warum wills! du drauszen stehn . 203 
 
 4. Gottlob ein Schritt zur Ewigkeit . 206 
 
 CHRISTMAS WEEK : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 T . Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her . 9 
 
 2. Du wesentliches Wort . . 1 1 
 
 3. Verzage nicht du Haiiflein klein ; 13 
 
 4. Lebst du in mir o wahres Leben . 14 
 
 5. O liebe Seele konnt'st du werden . 16 
 
 6. Wir singen dir Jmmanuel . .18 
 
 7. O Ewigkeit, o Ewigkeit . 20 
 
 CHRISTMAS : CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1 . Frohlich soil mein Herze springen . 209 
 
 2. Du schonstes Gotteskind . . .211 
 
 3. Herr Jesu Christ dein Kripplein ist . 213 
 
 399 
 
TABLE OF GERMAN TITLES 
 
 EPIPHANY : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 Werde Licht du Stadt der Heiden 
 
 1. Hochster Priester, der du dich 
 
 2. Gott lebet noch . 
 
 3. Dein Wort, O Herr, 1st milder Thau 
 
 4. Hier lieg' ich, Herr, im Staube 
 
 5. Wach auf, du Geist der ersten Zeugen 
 
 6. O reines Wesen, lautre Quelle . 
 
 CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. O Konig aller Ehren 
 
 2. O Jesu Christe wahres Licht 
 
 3. Wer im Herzen will erfahren 
 
 4. Immer muss ich wieder lesen 
 
 SEPTUAGESIMA : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 Ringe recht wenn Gottes Gnade 
 
 SEXAGESIMA : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 Keine Schonheit hat die Welt 
 
 QUINOUAGESIMA ! CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 1. Unter jenen grossen Gutern 
 
 2. Was du vor tausend Jahren 
 
 LENT : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 Straf mich nicht in deinem Zorn 
 
 1. Bin ich allein ein Fremdling auf 
 
 2. Ich lass dich nicht, du Hulf in 
 
 3. Erwach, o Mensch. erwache . 
 
 4. Hier lieg ich nun mein Gott zu deineii 
 
 5. A.US tiefer Noth schrei ich zu dir 
 
 PASSION WEEK : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 1 . Hosianna ! Davids Sohn 
 
 2. Du weinst fur Jerusalem 
 
 400 
 
TABLE OF GERMAN TITLES 
 
 PAGE 
 
 3. Jesu deine tiefen Wunden . . 54 
 
 4. Wenn meine Siind' mich kranken . 56 
 
 5. Herzliebster Jesu, \vas hast du ?8 
 
 6. O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden . 60 
 
 7. O du Liebe meiner Liebe . . 63 
 
 8. So ruhest du, o meine Ruh . . 65 
 
 CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Wenn je du wieder zagst . . . 220 
 
 2. O Welt, sieh hier dein Leben . . 222 
 
 3. Ach Jesu, dein Sterben . . .226 
 
 4. Der am Kreuz ist meine Liebe . . 226 
 
 5. Nun gingst auch Du . . 228 
 
 6. Der du, Herr Jesu, Ruh und Rast , 229 
 
 EASTER : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 1. Christ lag in Todesbanden . . 66 
 
 2. Verklartes Haupt nun lebest du . 68 
 
 3. Willkommen Held im Streite . 69 
 
 4. Jesus meine Zuversicht . . 71 
 
 CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Christus ist erstanden . . . 229 
 
 2. Fruhmorgens da die Sonn aufgeht . 231 
 
 3. Ich sage Jedem dass Er lebt . .232 
 
 4. O auferstandener Siegesfiirst . . 233 
 
 5. Trauernd und mit bangem Sehnen . 235 
 
 AFTER EASTER : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 1. Was war ich ohne dich gewesen . 73 
 
 2. Outer Hirte willst du nicht . . 74 
 
 3. Auf den Nebel folgt die Sonne . 75 
 
 4. Heil'ger Geist, du Troster mein . 78 
 
 5. Christe, du Beistand deiner Kreuz- 
 
 gemeine . . . -79 
 
 401 2 c 
 
TABLE OF GERMAN TITLES 
 
 PAGE 
 
 ASCENSION : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 1. Herr auf Erden muss ich leiden . 80 
 
 2. Himmelwarts geht unsere Bahn . 82 
 
 CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Auf diesen Tag bedenken wir . 237 
 
 2. Auf Christ! Himmelfahrt . .238 
 
 3. Siegesfurst und Ehrenkonig . 239 
 
 4. Mein Jesu, den die Seraphinen . 240 
 
 WHITSUNTIDE : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 1. Schmuckt das Fest mit Maien . 83 
 
 2. Zeuch ein zu deinen Thoren . . 86 
 
 3. Komm Heil'gcr Geist, Herre Gott . 90 
 
 CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Komm o komm, du Geist des Lebens 243 
 
 2. O du allersiisste Freude . . *. 245 
 
 3. Die Kirche Christi die Er geweiht . 247 
 
 4. Diess ist der Gemeinde Starke . 248 
 
 5. Walte walte nah und fern . . 249 
 
 TRINITY : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 Hochheilige Dreieinigkeit . . 91 
 
 1. Geht hin ihr glaubigen Gedanken . 92 
 
 2. Herz und Herz vereint zusammen . 9^ 
 
 3. Was von aussen und von innen . 97 
 
 4. Wer hofft mit Christo dort zu erben . 100 
 
 5. Ist Gott HIT mich so trete . . 101 
 
 6. O der alles hatt verloren . .104 
 
 7. Geh aus, mein Herz, und suche Freud 105 
 
 8. O Gott, o Geist, o Licht des Lebens 108 
 
 9. Was hinket ihr betrognen Seelen . no 
 10. Nach dir, o Gott verlanget mich . 112 
 
 402 
 
TABLE OF GERMAN TITLES 
 
 PAGE 
 
 11. Wie wohl 1st mir o Freund der Seelen 1 1 3 
 
 12. Wer sich auf seiner Schwachheit 
 
 steurt . . . . -US 
 
 13. Wer nur den lieben Gott lasst walten 117 
 
 14. Kreuz wir grussen dich von Herzen . 119 
 
 15. Gieb dich zufrieden . . . 121 
 
 1 6. Lass dich Gott . . . .124 
 
 17. Kommt Briider lasst uns gehen . 125 
 
 1 8. Wenn alle untren werden . . 128 
 
 19. Wohl dem der sich mit Fleiss 
 
 bemuhet . . . .129 
 
 20. O dass ich tausend Zungen hatte . 132 
 
 21. Ein feste Burg . . . .134 
 
 22. So fiihrst du doch recht selig Herr . 136 
 
 23. Du o schones Weltgebaude . . 140 
 
 24. Eins ist Noth . . . .142 
 
 25. Komm Heidenheiland, Losegeld . 144 
 
 CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Brunn alles Heils, dich ehren wir . 250 
 
 2. O Vaterhand die mich so treu gefuhre 251 
 
 3. Dreieinigkeit, der Gottheit wahrer 
 
 Spiegel . . . . .252 
 
 ST. ANDREW : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 Folget mir, ruft uns das Leben . 145 
 
 ST. THOMAS : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 Langst suchtest du, mein Geist, ein . 147 
 
 PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 Herr Jesu Licht der Heiden . .149 
 403 
 
TABLE OF GERMAN TITLES 
 
 ST. MATTHIAS : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 Es 1st noch eine Ruh vorhanden 
 
 THE ANNUNCIATION : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 Meine Seele senket sich . 
 
 ST. BARNABAS : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 Sollt ich meinem Gott nicht singen . 
 
 ST. MICHAEL : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 Ehr und Dank sei Der gesungen 
 
 ALL SAINTS : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 Wer sind die vor Gottes Throne 
 
 MORNING : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 1. Gott des Himmels und der Erden 
 
 2. Die goldene Sonne 
 
 3. Seele du musst munter werden 
 
 4. Morgenglanz der Ewigkeit 
 
 5. Nun tret ich wieder aus der Ruh 
 
 MORNING PRAYER : CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Licht von Licht erleuchte mich 
 
 2. Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier 
 
 3. Es geht daher des Tages Schein 
 
 4. Wenn ich in Angst und Noth . 
 
 5. O allerhochster Menschenhiiter 
 
 6. Wie ein Vogel lieblich singet 
 
 7. Im Osten flammt empor die goldene 
 
 Sonne ..... 
 
 EVENING : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 1. Hinunter ist der Sonnenschein 
 
 2. Nun ruhen alie Walder . 
 
 404 
 
TABLE OF GERMAN TITLES 
 
 PAGE 
 
 3. Der Tag ist hin mein Geist und . 173 
 
 4. Der Mond ist aufgegangen . . 175 
 
 EVENING PRAYER : CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Die Nacht ist kommen darin wir 
 
 ruhen . . . . .261 
 
 2. Werde munter mein Gemiithe . . 262 
 
 3. Herr, ein ganzer Leidenstag . . 265 
 
 4. Es ruht die Nacht auf Erden . . 266 
 
 5. Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade . . 268 
 
 BAPTISM : CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Liebster Jesu hier sind wir . . 269 
 
 2. O Vaterherz das Erd und Himmel chuf 270 
 
 3. Auf deiner Eltern Armen . .271 
 
 4. Weil ich Jesu Schaflein bin . . 272 
 
 5. Ich bin getauft auf deinen Namen . 273 
 
 COMMUNION : CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Herr Jesu Christe mein getreuer Hirte 274 
 
 2. Schmucke dich o liebe Seele . .275 
 
 3. Liebe die du mich so milde . . 277 
 
 4. Nun nimm mein Herz und alles was 
 
 ich bin ..... 279 
 
 5. Jesu der du bist alleine . . .280 
 
 6. Wie konnt ich Sein vergessen . .282 
 
 7. Wie wohl hast du gelabet . .283 
 
 FOR TRAVELLERS : CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. In Gottesnamen reisen wir . . 287 
 
 2. In alien unseren Thaten . . .287 
 
 3. O Herr lass unser Schifflein heute . 290 
 
 4. Wie schaumt so feierlich . . .291 
 
 405 
 
TABLE OF GERMAN TITLES 
 
 PAGE 
 
 5. Einst fahren wir vom Vaterland . 292 
 
 6. In die Segel saiift und linde . . 294 
 
 f 
 
 FOR THE SICK AND DYING : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 1. Mitten wir im Leben sind . .176 
 
 2. Gott den ich als Liebe kenne . .178 
 
 3. Kommt an der Tod, da ich muss 
 
 ringen . . . . .180 
 
 4. Herr Jesu Christ, wahr Mensch und 
 
 Gott 180 
 
 5. Geht nun hin und grabt mein 
 
 Grab . . . . .182 
 
 6. So hab ich obgesieget . . .184 
 
 7. Mein Gott in deine Hande . .186 
 
 FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD : CHRISTIAN YEAR 
 
 1. Hort auf mit Trauern und mit Klag 187 
 
 2. Die Seele ruht in Jesu Armen . 188 
 
 3. O wie selig seid ihr doch ihr Frommen 190 
 
 BURIAL : CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Nun lasst uns den Leib begraben . 295 
 
 2. Am Grabe stehn wir stille . . 296 
 
 3. Aller Glaubigen Sammelplatz . . 297 
 
 4. Mag auch die Liebe weinen . . 298 
 
 5. Guter Hirt, du hast gestillet . . 299 
 
 6. Du bist zwar mein und bleibest mein 300 
 
 PART II. 
 
 PENITENCE : CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Allein zu dir Herr Jesu Christ . . 304 
 
 2. Ach Gott und Herr wie gross und 
 
 schwer ..... 305 
 406 
 
TABLE OF GERMAN TITLES 
 
 PAGE 
 
 3. Jesu mein Erbarmer hore . . 307 
 
 4. O Jesu Konig hoch zu ehren . . 310 
 
 5. O Gott du frommer Gott . . . 312 
 
 6. O Durchbrecher aller Bande . . 314 
 
 7. Brich durch mein angefochtnes . 316 
 
 THANKSGIVING : CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Nun danket alle Gott . . .318 
 
 2. Sei Lob und Ehr dem hochsten Gut . 319 
 3* Himmel Erde Luft und Meer . . 321 
 
 4. Ich der ich oft in grosser Noth . . 322 
 
 5. O grosser Geist, o Ursprung . -325 
 
 6. In dir ist Freude . . . .327 
 
 7. Gottlob, nun ist erschollen . .328 
 
 THE LIFE OF FAITH : CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Der Glaub ist eine lebendige Kraft . 330 
 
 2. Wer halt nicht Gottes Wort doch 
 
 spricht . . . . .331 
 
 3. Ich weiss an wen ich glaube . . 333 
 
 4. Herzlich lieb hab ich dich O Herr . 334 
 
 5. Nun so will ich denn mein Leben . 335 
 
 6. Wer das Kleinod will erlangen . . 337 
 
 7. Ach mein Herr Jesu dein Naheseyn . 338 
 
 8. Sieh hier bin ich Ehrenkonig . -339 
 
 9. Auf hinauf zu deiner Freude . . 340 
 
 10. Ich bin ein Gast auf Erden . . 342 
 
 11. Oeffne nun die Perlenthoren . -345 
 
 SONGS OF THE CROSS : CHRISTIAN LIFE 
 
 1. Mag ich Ungliick nicht widerstehn . 347 
 
 2. O Christe Morgensterne . . . 348 
 
 3. Wenn wir in hochsten Nothen sein . 349 
 
 4. Ach treuer Gott, barmherzigs Herz . 350 
 
 407 
 
TABLE OF GERMAN TITLES 
 
 5. Ach Gott wie manches Herzeleid 
 
 6. Warum betriibst du dich mein Herz . 
 
 7. Alles 1st an Gottes Segen . 
 
 8. Mein Gott bei dir 1st alle Fiille . 
 
 9. Wer Gott vertraut hat wohl gebaut . 
 
 10. Was Gott gefallt o frommes Kind 
 
 1 1 . Was Gott thut das ist wohlgethan 
 
 12. Warum sollt ich mich denn gramen . 
 
 13. Sollt es denn bisweilen scheinen 
 
 THE FINAL CONFLICT AND HEAVEN : CHRISTIAN 
 LIFE 
 
 1 . Ich weiss es wird mein Elide kommen 
 
 2. Wer weiss wie nahe mir mein Ende . 
 
 3. Welt, lebwohl, ich bin dein miide 
 
 4. Ich hab mein Sach Gott heimgestellt 
 
 5. O Herre Gott ich ruf zu dir 
 
 6. Herr Jesu Christ mein Lebens Licht . 
 
 7. Herr Gott nun schleuss dein Himmel 
 
 auf ...... 
 
 8. Herr nun lass in Friede . 
 
 9. So ists an dem dass ich mit Freude . 
 
 10. Jerusalem du hochgebaute Stadt 
 
 11. Herzlich thut mich erfreuen 
 
 12. Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme 
 
 13. Wann der Herr einst die Gefangenen 
 
 Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & Co. 
 London & Edinburgh 
 
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r A 03808