1. Lord, I would be Thine forever,
Always in Thy service stay;
Naught shall part me for Thee ever,
I would walk upon Thy way.
Thou, the life within me growing,
Light and vigor dost provide,
Like a vine whose strength is flowing
To the branches at its side.
2. Lord, how could I have it better
Than with Thee to run life's race,
Who hast made of me a debtor
By Thy countless gifts of grace?
Where could more content be given
Than, Lord Jesus Christ, with Thee,
Unto whom in earth and heaven
Power belongs and majesty?
3. Where is there a Lord so gracious,
Who would do as Thou hast done;
Who with Thine own blood so precious
For my sins didst once atone?
Ought I not be faithful to Him,
Who for me His life thus gave,
In deep love give honor due Him,
And be true till death and grave?
4. Yea, Lord Jesus, Thine forever,
Both in joy and grief, I'll be;
Nothing shall our union sever,
Now and in eternity.
Lord, on Thee I am relying
For my summons to depart;
He is well prepared for dying
Who here gave to Thee his heart.
5. On this pilgrimage be near me!
O abide when my day ends;
When its evening closes o'er me,
As the night on me descends!
Then, upon my head extending
Thine own hands, a blessing give,
Saying, "Child, thy day is ending;
Who believes here, there shall live!"
6. With Thee at my side, I boldly
Shall meet death when it draws near -
Like the wind that blows so coldly
Ere the rays of dawn appear.
When the darkness me would cover,
Let Thy light dispel the gloom,
That I joyful may pass over, -
As one who is going home!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
204. O Faithful Savior, Thanks to Thee
1. O faithful Savior, thanks to Thee,
Who hast us not forsaken;
Else we would helpless orphans be
Who unknown ways have taken,
With strangers in a foreign land,
Who do our speech not understand,
Our customs that Thou givest.
Nay, we dwell not as orphans here,
For Thou art present everywhere,
And in our midst Thou livest.
2. With Thy good Spirit Thou art near,
A blessed, holy nearness,
So vivid, as if we did here
Behold Thee, Lord, with clearness.
Thou givest light in this dark vale,
The beams of Thy love never fail,
Our souls Thou richly feedest;
With word and deed Thou dost abide,
And Thou Thyself as trusted Guide
Our pilgrim pathway leadest.
3. Within Thy Word, Lord, we have Thee,
We feel its living powers,
Whereby Thou dost continually
Revive these hearts of ours.
How kindly Thou dost speak to us,
How tenderly dost comfort thus,
Thy many loved ones teaching!
How quickly anguish then departs,
How warmly glow in us our hearts,
How mighty is Thy preaching!
4. Thou in Thy Supper dost present
To us Thy love and favor;
In it we find a deep content
Close to Thy heart, O Savior.
A heart the once its precious blood
Poured out for us and for our good,
That still with love is burning;
Thence floweth a rich stream of grace
And strength for souls in every place,
Where men for Thee are yearning.
5. Thou art with us, where two or three
In holy union gather,
And pray in faith, from doubting free,
Unto the heav’nly Father.
For Thou Thyself art present, Lord,
Where brethren meet in one accord,
And blesséd hours are given,
A foretaste of that heritage,
Beyond our earthly pilgrimage,
Awaiting us in heaven.
6. Thy sacred peace doth rest upon
Our hearts when fears may grieve us;
What, dying, Thou for us hast won
Thou here on earth dost give us.
Though troubles in our path may lie,
And Satan, world, and sin may try
With threats to terrify us:
In Thee our peace shall anchored be
Because we fully trust in Thee,
And Thou wilt well supply us.
7. Thou art with us, - we do not sigh,
Uncertain and forsaken;
We fear not although ills be nigh
Upon the path we've taken;
We dread no cross, though dark its night,
No foe's grim wrath or evil might,
Nor even hell's black portal;
For He who is our Lord and King,
Beneath the shadow of His wing
Keeps us for life immortal!
8. Although unseen, Thou art with us;
And while we wait in sadness,
The time is brief till we shall pass
Into Thy realm of gladness,
Forevermore to be with Thee,
To view Thy glorious majesty,
And praise Thy name, O Savior.
Abide with us and be our stay
And guide us safely to the day
We see Thy face forever!
Who hast us not forsaken;
Else we would helpless orphans be
Who unknown ways have taken,
With strangers in a foreign land,
Who do our speech not understand,
Our customs that Thou givest.
Nay, we dwell not as orphans here,
For Thou art present everywhere,
And in our midst Thou livest.
2. With Thy good Spirit Thou art near,
A blessed, holy nearness,
So vivid, as if we did here
Behold Thee, Lord, with clearness.
Thou givest light in this dark vale,
The beams of Thy love never fail,
Our souls Thou richly feedest;
With word and deed Thou dost abide,
And Thou Thyself as trusted Guide
Our pilgrim pathway leadest.
3. Within Thy Word, Lord, we have Thee,
We feel its living powers,
Whereby Thou dost continually
Revive these hearts of ours.
How kindly Thou dost speak to us,
How tenderly dost comfort thus,
Thy many loved ones teaching!
How quickly anguish then departs,
How warmly glow in us our hearts,
How mighty is Thy preaching!
4. Thou in Thy Supper dost present
To us Thy love and favor;
In it we find a deep content
Close to Thy heart, O Savior.
A heart the once its precious blood
Poured out for us and for our good,
That still with love is burning;
Thence floweth a rich stream of grace
And strength for souls in every place,
Where men for Thee are yearning.
5. Thou art with us, where two or three
In holy union gather,
And pray in faith, from doubting free,
Unto the heav’nly Father.
For Thou Thyself art present, Lord,
Where brethren meet in one accord,
And blesséd hours are given,
A foretaste of that heritage,
Beyond our earthly pilgrimage,
Awaiting us in heaven.
6. Thy sacred peace doth rest upon
Our hearts when fears may grieve us;
What, dying, Thou for us hast won
Thou here on earth dost give us.
Though troubles in our path may lie,
And Satan, world, and sin may try
With threats to terrify us:
In Thee our peace shall anchored be
Because we fully trust in Thee,
And Thou wilt well supply us.
7. Thou art with us, - we do not sigh,
Uncertain and forsaken;
We fear not although ills be nigh
Upon the path we've taken;
We dread no cross, though dark its night,
No foe's grim wrath or evil might,
Nor even hell's black portal;
For He who is our Lord and King,
Beneath the shadow of His wing
Keeps us for life immortal!
8. Although unseen, Thou art with us;
And while we wait in sadness,
The time is brief till we shall pass
Into Thy realm of gladness,
Forevermore to be with Thee,
To view Thy glorious majesty,
And praise Thy name, O Savior.
Abide with us and be our stay
And guide us safely to the day
We see Thy face forever!
203. O How Joyous Is the Hour
1. O how joyous is the hour...
When we, Lord, to Thee draw near,
To receive the Word of power
From Thy lips, so true and clear!
Let us, then, not listen vainly
To that Word of Life today.
O inscribe its message plainly,
Deep within our hearts, we pray.
2. At Thy feet we sit for learning, -
Speak to us, great Master, Thou!
For the saving wisdom yearning,
To Thy words we listen now.
Teach us, while on earth we're waiting,
To be more and more like Thee,
To redeem this time so fleeting
For a blest eternity!
3. Teach us how we may be fleeing
Ruin, by the power of grace,
Unto all things truly dying
That must shun Thy holy face;
That according to Thy pleasure
We may think and do and speak:
This is not a time of leisure,
For, a better land, we seek.
4. As for Thy disciples, Savior,
Open Thou our minds today;
Give us living knowledge ever;
Take the torch and lead the way!
Light of Light, that oft did brighten
Pathways dark and insecure, -
Light of Light, our hearts enlighten,
For in light we travel sure!
5. Pour upon our hearts the fervor
Of Thy love, O Lord, that we,
When we joy or when we suffer,
E'er may firmly cling to Thee!
May we find each burden easy
That Thou givest us to take,
And whatever does not please Thee
Teach us gladly to forsake.
6. May it be a power-giving
And a light-bestowing Word,
One that works with forces living
In us more and more, dear Lord!
Help us all Thou art revealing
Now to treasure in our hearts,
And let others know the healing
That Thy living Word imparts.
When we, Lord, to Thee draw near,
To receive the Word of power
From Thy lips, so true and clear!
Let us, then, not listen vainly
To that Word of Life today.
O inscribe its message plainly,
Deep within our hearts, we pray.
2. At Thy feet we sit for learning, -
Speak to us, great Master, Thou!
For the saving wisdom yearning,
To Thy words we listen now.
Teach us, while on earth we're waiting,
To be more and more like Thee,
To redeem this time so fleeting
For a blest eternity!
3. Teach us how we may be fleeing
Ruin, by the power of grace,
Unto all things truly dying
That must shun Thy holy face;
That according to Thy pleasure
We may think and do and speak:
This is not a time of leisure,
For, a better land, we seek.
4. As for Thy disciples, Savior,
Open Thou our minds today;
Give us living knowledge ever;
Take the torch and lead the way!
Light of Light, that oft did brighten
Pathways dark and insecure, -
Light of Light, our hearts enlighten,
For in light we travel sure!
5. Pour upon our hearts the fervor
Of Thy love, O Lord, that we,
When we joy or when we suffer,
E'er may firmly cling to Thee!
May we find each burden easy
That Thou givest us to take,
And whatever does not please Thee
Teach us gladly to forsake.
6. May it be a power-giving
And a light-bestowing Word,
One that works with forces living
In us more and more, dear Lord!
Help us all Thou art revealing
Now to treasure in our hearts,
And let others know the healing
That Thy living Word imparts.
202. O Fount of Love, Mine Own
1. O Fount of love, mine own
Bleeding and Dying One,
Savior above!
O my Immanuel,
Thou true, lifegiving Well,
Now let me fully dwell
Within Thy love!
Within Thy love!
2. O Jesus Christ, my Lord,
Thou loving, living Word,
God's Lamb for me!
Thou paid'st what I did owe,
When in Thy love's deep glow,
Thy blood for me did flow
Upon the tree;
Upon the tree.
3. God's perfect righteousness
Is now my glorious dress
Before Thy throne.
Thou, freeing me from sin,
Dost now restore again
Thine image true within,
Thou Holy One!
Thou Holy One!
4. Who now condemneth me
At once despiseth Thee,
My blessed Lord!
For I long since am dead,
And Thou my living Head,
Dost dwell in me instead,
O mighty Word!
O mighty Word!
5. O my Immanuel!
Though Satan cast his spell
And threaten harm, -
Yet I shall have no fear,
Though conflicts be severe,
For Thou art ever near
With Thy strong arm!
With Thy strong arm!
6. Thou art my Light and Power,
My Joy and Life each hour,
Redeemer blest!
While pilgrim here I be,
I lift mine eyes to Thee,
My faith's security,
My soul's true Rest!
My soul's true Rest!
7. Faith's language this shall be,
Through all adversity:
Faithful is God!
In Christ, His Only Son,
He dearly loved each one,
Chose them to be His own,
Ere man earth trod,
Ere man earth trod.
8. Worship and laud and praise
In strength and clarity,
O Lord, to Thee!
Now feeble, verily;
One day Thy praise shall be
Unclouded, pure and free,
Eternally!
Eternally!
Bleeding and Dying One,
Savior above!
O my Immanuel,
Thou true, lifegiving Well,
Now let me fully dwell
Within Thy love!
Within Thy love!
2. O Jesus Christ, my Lord,
Thou loving, living Word,
God's Lamb for me!
Thou paid'st what I did owe,
When in Thy love's deep glow,
Thy blood for me did flow
Upon the tree;
Upon the tree.
3. God's perfect righteousness
Is now my glorious dress
Before Thy throne.
Thou, freeing me from sin,
Dost now restore again
Thine image true within,
Thou Holy One!
Thou Holy One!
4. Who now condemneth me
At once despiseth Thee,
My blessed Lord!
For I long since am dead,
And Thou my living Head,
Dost dwell in me instead,
O mighty Word!
O mighty Word!
5. O my Immanuel!
Though Satan cast his spell
And threaten harm, -
Yet I shall have no fear,
Though conflicts be severe,
For Thou art ever near
With Thy strong arm!
With Thy strong arm!
6. Thou art my Light and Power,
My Joy and Life each hour,
Redeemer blest!
While pilgrim here I be,
I lift mine eyes to Thee,
My faith's security,
My soul's true Rest!
My soul's true Rest!
7. Faith's language this shall be,
Through all adversity:
Faithful is God!
In Christ, His Only Son,
He dearly loved each one,
Chose them to be His own,
Ere man earth trod,
Ere man earth trod.
8. Worship and laud and praise
In strength and clarity,
O Lord, to Thee!
Now feeble, verily;
One day Thy praise shall be
Unclouded, pure and free,
Eternally!
Eternally!
201. O Jesus Christ, My Lord
1. O Jesus Christ, my Lord,
What grace did me accord
The right to be
Numbered among Thy band,
Amid Thy saints to stand,
Redeemed, at Thy right hand,
Eternally! Eternally!
2. Such lovingkindnesses
As Thine by far surpass
My highest thought;
The grace so full and free,
Thy counsel offers me,
Enduring endlessly,
My good hath wrought!
My good hath wrought!
3. Christ died, man's ransom paid,
And in the grave was laid:
Death came to me.
Thou cam'st to me, and then
Didst waken me again;
I fear no death, Amen –
All praise to Thee!
All praise to Thee!
4. Thy Son is Head of all,
Who heard, by faith, His call, -
Many - yet one!
I, though of sinful race,
In this good year of grace,
Have also found a place
Among His own!
Among His own!
5. Thanks to Thy grace so free,
I am in high degree
A proof of love;
The power was in thy hand
Alone to break my band
And draw me from this land
To Thee above,
To Thee above!
6. Therefore Thy holy Name
I shall on earth proclaim,
Thy grace commend;
Then in the choir on high,
With angels in the sky,
Thy praise I'll magnify
World without end,
World without end!
What grace did me accord
The right to be
Numbered among Thy band,
Amid Thy saints to stand,
Redeemed, at Thy right hand,
Eternally! Eternally!
2. Such lovingkindnesses
As Thine by far surpass
My highest thought;
The grace so full and free,
Thy counsel offers me,
Enduring endlessly,
My good hath wrought!
My good hath wrought!
3. Christ died, man's ransom paid,
And in the grave was laid:
Death came to me.
Thou cam'st to me, and then
Didst waken me again;
I fear no death, Amen –
All praise to Thee!
All praise to Thee!
4. Thy Son is Head of all,
Who heard, by faith, His call, -
Many - yet one!
I, though of sinful race,
In this good year of grace,
Have also found a place
Among His own!
Among His own!
5. Thanks to Thy grace so free,
I am in high degree
A proof of love;
The power was in thy hand
Alone to break my band
And draw me from this land
To Thee above,
To Thee above!
6. Therefore Thy holy Name
I shall on earth proclaim,
Thy grace commend;
Then in the choir on high,
With angels in the sky,
Thy praise I'll magnify
World without end,
World without end!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
200. O Holy Ghost, Thou Source of Might
1. O Holy Ghost, Thou Source of might,
Who works in us new life and light,
Let us united in one mind
The way unto God's throne now find
By Thy great light!
2. O keep us that, united, we
In bonds of sacred love may be,
As members, truly bound alone
In Christ's own body now as one,
All moved by Thee.
3. O let us stand in love's accord
Around the table of the Lord;
Let soul and body holy be
That God may bless abundantly
The Sacred Feast.
4. Come, Lord, into our midst, and thus
In Spirit give Thyself to us
E'en in this holy bread and wine
That seal the covenant divine,
Made in Thy blood.
---------------------------
5. We are once more at one with Thee
By this Communion, so that we,
In Spirit one, and in one mind,
Our way to Zion's gate may find
As pilgrims true.
6. Lord, guide us with Thy gentle hand
In safety through this foreign land!
Though here the foes of every soul
Pursue us to our very goal, -
Yet we are Thine!
7. To Father, Son, and Spirit praise
For help and guidance on our ways!
Thou givest power from above,
Hast chosen us, through Christ, in love
To be Thine own!
8. Our joyful praise we sing to Thee,
O Lord of glorious majesty!
Through Jesus Christ to Thee we pray
And bring our thanks to Thee today
Before Thy throne!
Who works in us new life and light,
Let us united in one mind
The way unto God's throne now find
By Thy great light!
2. O keep us that, united, we
In bonds of sacred love may be,
As members, truly bound alone
In Christ's own body now as one,
All moved by Thee.
3. O let us stand in love's accord
Around the table of the Lord;
Let soul and body holy be
That God may bless abundantly
The Sacred Feast.
4. Come, Lord, into our midst, and thus
In Spirit give Thyself to us
E'en in this holy bread and wine
That seal the covenant divine,
Made in Thy blood.
---------------------------
5. We are once more at one with Thee
By this Communion, so that we,
In Spirit one, and in one mind,
Our way to Zion's gate may find
As pilgrims true.
6. Lord, guide us with Thy gentle hand
In safety through this foreign land!
Though here the foes of every soul
Pursue us to our very goal, -
Yet we are Thine!
7. To Father, Son, and Spirit praise
For help and guidance on our ways!
Thou givest power from above,
Hast chosen us, through Christ, in love
To be Thine own!
8. Our joyful praise we sing to Thee,
O Lord of glorious majesty!
Through Jesus Christ to Thee we pray
And bring our thanks to Thee today
Before Thy throne!
199. We Sing to Thee, O Son Divine
1. We sing to Thee, O Son divine!
May to that holy throne of Thine
In chorus rise our songs of praise;
Incline Thine ear toward us always!
We sing to Thee!
2. O Lamb of God, our thanks to Thee
That Thou upon the sacred tree
Didst win for us eternal grace
And in Thy heaven an honored place:
We give Thee thanks!
3. We now rejoice, O Christ, our Light,
In Thy return form death’s dark night;
Thou livest and in Thee we live,
And Thou to us wilt heaven give:
We now rejoice!
4. We now are Thine, O Prince of Light!
Thy flock whom Thou dost lead aright;
All that we are, and have, and own,
We lay before Thy glorious throne:
We now are Thine!
5. Draw us to Thee, exalted Friend!
Thy hand from heaven to us extend
That we may ever follow Thee
Through all our pain and misery:
Draw us to Thee!
6. Abide with us, Immanuel!
Thou Prince most strong in Israel;
Our Strength and Fortress be, we pray,
And lead us safely all the way:
Abide with us!
May to that holy throne of Thine
In chorus rise our songs of praise;
Incline Thine ear toward us always!
We sing to Thee!
2. O Lamb of God, our thanks to Thee
That Thou upon the sacred tree
Didst win for us eternal grace
And in Thy heaven an honored place:
We give Thee thanks!
3. We now rejoice, O Christ, our Light,
In Thy return form death’s dark night;
Thou livest and in Thee we live,
And Thou to us wilt heaven give:
We now rejoice!
4. We now are Thine, O Prince of Light!
Thy flock whom Thou dost lead aright;
All that we are, and have, and own,
We lay before Thy glorious throne:
We now are Thine!
5. Draw us to Thee, exalted Friend!
Thy hand from heaven to us extend
That we may ever follow Thee
Through all our pain and misery:
Draw us to Thee!
6. Abide with us, Immanuel!
Thou Prince most strong in Israel;
Our Strength and Fortress be, we pray,
And lead us safely all the way:
Abide with us!
198. Our True Homeland Is In Heaven
1. Our true Homeland is in heaven!
As a man may, lost in thought,
Even though by tumult driven,
Thing of home, disturbed by naught;
When his feet him onward carry
To the home his heart holds dear;
So we now in heaven tarry
Though we still may sojourn here.
2. Who loves us, and love is giving,
Is the One our strivings choose;
For the soul alone is living
Unto Him who His love shows.
There alone the soul finds pleasure,
There alone is satisfied;
Nothing else the soul would treasure,
Save, where love is, to abide.
3. Jesus’ love the heart upraises,
Like a magnet, to the skies;
Every prayer the spirit raises,
As on wings we seem to rise.
We are walking here and living
As before the Savior’s face;
All our dealing and perceiving
Do not this vain would embrace.
4. If men in contempt withstand us,
Our dear Lord, who loves us so,
In His holy Word commands us
Here to love our greatest foe.
He who died for our salvation,
Gave us heaven’s home on high,
Wills that by our conversation
His Name we should glorify.
5. Could our Homeland be in heaven,
While we earthly-minded live?
And we, who have been forgiven,
Not forget and not forgive?
Could we only love our brothers,
And then hate who hatred bear?
Not, like Jesus, one another’s
Every burden gladly share?
6. But where there is hatred ever,
Envy, malice, blasphemy -
Where these are the heart can never
With the loving Savior be.
For true love is always growing
Like the Loved One, more and more;
May we strive till we are glowing
In the Image we adore.
7. Let me not from Thee be turning,
Savior, who so faithful art;
From Thee may I here be learning
To be heavenly at heart!
Let not any earthly leaven
Make me worldly-minded here,
Till at last with Thee in heaven
I shall be most blesséd there!
As a man may, lost in thought,
Even though by tumult driven,
Thing of home, disturbed by naught;
When his feet him onward carry
To the home his heart holds dear;
So we now in heaven tarry
Though we still may sojourn here.
2. Who loves us, and love is giving,
Is the One our strivings choose;
For the soul alone is living
Unto Him who His love shows.
There alone the soul finds pleasure,
There alone is satisfied;
Nothing else the soul would treasure,
Save, where love is, to abide.
3. Jesus’ love the heart upraises,
Like a magnet, to the skies;
Every prayer the spirit raises,
As on wings we seem to rise.
We are walking here and living
As before the Savior’s face;
All our dealing and perceiving
Do not this vain would embrace.
4. If men in contempt withstand us,
Our dear Lord, who loves us so,
In His holy Word commands us
Here to love our greatest foe.
He who died for our salvation,
Gave us heaven’s home on high,
Wills that by our conversation
His Name we should glorify.
5. Could our Homeland be in heaven,
While we earthly-minded live?
And we, who have been forgiven,
Not forget and not forgive?
Could we only love our brothers,
And then hate who hatred bear?
Not, like Jesus, one another’s
Every burden gladly share?
6. But where there is hatred ever,
Envy, malice, blasphemy -
Where these are the heart can never
With the loving Savior be.
For true love is always growing
Like the Loved One, more and more;
May we strive till we are glowing
In the Image we adore.
7. Let me not from Thee be turning,
Savior, who so faithful art;
From Thee may I here be learning
To be heavenly at heart!
Let not any earthly leaven
Make me worldly-minded here,
Till at last with Thee in heaven
I shall be most blesséd there!
197. Jesus, Thou Art Mine Forever
1. Jesus, Thou are mine forever;
No one is so fair as Thou!
I cannot keep silence ever,
I must love for Thee avow:
Love that asketh all of me,
Love that knows no one but Thee,
Love that me to Thee is binding,
In Thee only rest is finding!
2. In this life on thing is needful:
Thy good will, Lord, I must gain.
I of this alone am heedful,
That my heart may Thee retain.
Who in truth doth Thee possess
Need not fear in storm and stress,
He can sing Thy praise sincerely,
Though the foe may rage severely.
3. Thou art mine when ills distress me,
I in Thee may comfort take;
Even though men would destroy me,
Naught my faith in Thee can shake.
Thou art mine, I am content!
And Thy love’s encouragement
Draws me from earth’s futile pleasure
Unto Thee, my highest Treasure.
4. Draw me, as Thou wilt, O Savior;
Give to me Thy holy mind!
Then my heart shall rest forever,
All my troubles left behind;
For the sufferings of this time
Measure not the joy sublime
That in heaven shall be given
To those who here well have striven.
5. All this world, its empty pleasures, -
These no longer have my love;
They who hold them as their treasures
Void are of the wealth above,
That they who Thine own would be,
Dearest Jesus, find in Thee;
And with those their stand have taken
Who this vain world have forsaken.
6. So my heart is in Thy heaven;
There my spirit too would be;
For this world, by pleasure driven,
But a Babel is to me.
My true homeland is above;
There I’m drawn by bonds of love
Toward Him who love showers o’er me,
And who giveth Himself for me!
7. Jesus, help me then to conquer
World and sin and vanity;
That I may securely anchor
All my hope and trust in Thee!
Let my heart and soul and mind
Ever be to Thee inclined;
Keep me, Savior, from backsliding,
Always in Thy grace confiding.
8. Faithful Thou remainest ever,
Jesus, - Thou today art true!
Sweet Thy love in sorrow, Savior;
Every morning it is new;
And, dear Lord, at eventide
I still find Thee at my side,
So That I may freely tell Thee
Of the troubles that befell me.
9. Deep upon my heart, O Savior,
Thy love’s image now impress;
Strengthen me in my behavior
And In constant watchfulness;
Do Thou turn my heart to Thee
And my tongue direct for me;
Let it only tell the story
Of Thy honor, praise, and glory!
No one is so fair as Thou!
I cannot keep silence ever,
I must love for Thee avow:
Love that asketh all of me,
Love that knows no one but Thee,
Love that me to Thee is binding,
In Thee only rest is finding!
2. In this life on thing is needful:
Thy good will, Lord, I must gain.
I of this alone am heedful,
That my heart may Thee retain.
Who in truth doth Thee possess
Need not fear in storm and stress,
He can sing Thy praise sincerely,
Though the foe may rage severely.
3. Thou art mine when ills distress me,
I in Thee may comfort take;
Even though men would destroy me,
Naught my faith in Thee can shake.
Thou art mine, I am content!
And Thy love’s encouragement
Draws me from earth’s futile pleasure
Unto Thee, my highest Treasure.
4. Draw me, as Thou wilt, O Savior;
Give to me Thy holy mind!
Then my heart shall rest forever,
All my troubles left behind;
For the sufferings of this time
Measure not the joy sublime
That in heaven shall be given
To those who here well have striven.
5. All this world, its empty pleasures, -
These no longer have my love;
They who hold them as their treasures
Void are of the wealth above,
That they who Thine own would be,
Dearest Jesus, find in Thee;
And with those their stand have taken
Who this vain world have forsaken.
6. So my heart is in Thy heaven;
There my spirit too would be;
For this world, by pleasure driven,
But a Babel is to me.
My true homeland is above;
There I’m drawn by bonds of love
Toward Him who love showers o’er me,
And who giveth Himself for me!
7. Jesus, help me then to conquer
World and sin and vanity;
That I may securely anchor
All my hope and trust in Thee!
Let my heart and soul and mind
Ever be to Thee inclined;
Keep me, Savior, from backsliding,
Always in Thy grace confiding.
8. Faithful Thou remainest ever,
Jesus, - Thou today art true!
Sweet Thy love in sorrow, Savior;
Every morning it is new;
And, dear Lord, at eventide
I still find Thee at my side,
So That I may freely tell Thee
Of the troubles that befell me.
9. Deep upon my heart, O Savior,
Thy love’s image now impress;
Strengthen me in my behavior
And In constant watchfulness;
Do Thou turn my heart to Thee
And my tongue direct for me;
Let it only tell the story
Of Thy honor, praise, and glory!
196. Care Will I Not Borrow
1. Care will I not borrow!
Know I if tomorrow
I shall still be here?
He who thus far led me,
Daily clothed and fed me,
He is ever near.
If each day
He leads the way, -
Be it hidden by the morrow, -
Why should I care borrow?
2. I’ll not be repining!
If no sun is shining,
Shall I then despair?
If the heart is calling
And the tears are falling,
God regards my prayer!
Let not me
Impatient be;
Help in need He is designing!
Should I be repining?
3. I would do no choosing!
Ah, I might be losing
In my self-conceit!
Weak my understanding,
And mine own commanding
Leads but to defeat.
Willfulness
Can never bless;
Though His plan He may be veiling, -
God is never-failing.
4. I trust God’s decreeing!
Faith will lead to seeing,
Hope will stay the heart.
Though the skies be dreary,
God’s love is not weary,
Love can heal each smart.
Though great woes
His love bestows,
I shall not in hours of trial
Show Him base denial.
5. Though I seem forsaken,
Though I have mistaken
What the Father will;
Yet whene’er He proves me,
Truly it behooves me
To be meek and still.
In His sight
He doeth right; -
Every earthly tribulation
Tends to my salvation.
6. Though strife be ordainéd
For me, thus is gainéd
Lasting peace, I know;
And death’s mighty Victor,
My Divine Protector,
Leads the way I go.
World and all
Before Thee fall!
All are victors who obeyed Thee;
Thou wilt also aid me!
Know I if tomorrow
I shall still be here?
He who thus far led me,
Daily clothed and fed me,
He is ever near.
If each day
He leads the way, -
Be it hidden by the morrow, -
Why should I care borrow?
2. I’ll not be repining!
If no sun is shining,
Shall I then despair?
If the heart is calling
And the tears are falling,
God regards my prayer!
Let not me
Impatient be;
Help in need He is designing!
Should I be repining?
3. I would do no choosing!
Ah, I might be losing
In my self-conceit!
Weak my understanding,
And mine own commanding
Leads but to defeat.
Willfulness
Can never bless;
Though His plan He may be veiling, -
God is never-failing.
4. I trust God’s decreeing!
Faith will lead to seeing,
Hope will stay the heart.
Though the skies be dreary,
God’s love is not weary,
Love can heal each smart.
Though great woes
His love bestows,
I shall not in hours of trial
Show Him base denial.
5. Though I seem forsaken,
Though I have mistaken
What the Father will;
Yet whene’er He proves me,
Truly it behooves me
To be meek and still.
In His sight
He doeth right; -
Every earthly tribulation
Tends to my salvation.
6. Though strife be ordainéd
For me, thus is gainéd
Lasting peace, I know;
And death’s mighty Victor,
My Divine Protector,
Leads the way I go.
World and all
Before Thee fall!
All are victors who obeyed Thee;
Thou wilt also aid me!
195. “Live Peaceably!” Thus Said the Lord
1. “Live peaceably!” Thus said the Lord
To loved ones to Him cleaving.
Beloved, learn this from His Word,
As born of God, believing.
And this today
To you I say,
That ye may never waver;
Though I depart,
You have my heart
Until we meet forever.
2. My heart is overcome with pain
And sorely I am grieving,
For so the Master did ordain
That you I must be leaving.
A dread that’s strong
Filled me so long,
I shall forget it never.
Though I depart,
You have my heart -
Could I forget you ever?
3. In Christ’s own Spirit then abide,
As it to you is given;
Firm on this Rock, whate’er betide,
Strive for the goal of heaven!
Beloved, lo, I give you now
This counsel for your keeping:
Though I depart,
You have my heart
To share your joy and weeping.
4. We’ve lived in peace together here,
As all can see most clearly;
We’ve lived as Christians who would bear
The Savior’s name sincerely, -
E’en as all do
Whose faith is true;
And hence I leave with sadness,
Though I depart,
You have my heart
To think of you with gladness.
5. My loving friends, full many a tear
Have I shed for you, weeping;
This has been done in love sincere
While I my watch was keeping.
For night and day
My heart did pray:
God keep you every hour!
Though I depart,
You have my heart
That you with love will shower.
6. Ye fathers all, with courage bold,
In service true abiding,
Keep faithful charge of all the fold,
God is to you confiding;
Until the Lord,
As your reward,
About His throne will place you!
Though I depart,
You have my heart,
In love it doth embrace you.
7. Ye children, in obedience live
Unto your fathers ever;
As God hath taught, for concord strive,
For love, and then forever
A peace that’s blest
On each will rest,
And joy in Christ, your Savior!
Though I depart,
You have my heart, -
Let wisdom teach behavior.
8. All praise to God who strengthened us
And guided every member!
O turn to prayer, and in them thus
My needs also remember;
Prayer is not vain,
But as a chain
In God unites us ever.
Though I depart,
You have my heart,
In Jesus’ Name forever!
To loved ones to Him cleaving.
Beloved, learn this from His Word,
As born of God, believing.
And this today
To you I say,
That ye may never waver;
Though I depart,
You have my heart
Until we meet forever.
2. My heart is overcome with pain
And sorely I am grieving,
For so the Master did ordain
That you I must be leaving.
A dread that’s strong
Filled me so long,
I shall forget it never.
Though I depart,
You have my heart -
Could I forget you ever?
3. In Christ’s own Spirit then abide,
As it to you is given;
Firm on this Rock, whate’er betide,
Strive for the goal of heaven!
Beloved, lo, I give you now
This counsel for your keeping:
Though I depart,
You have my heart
To share your joy and weeping.
4. We’ve lived in peace together here,
As all can see most clearly;
We’ve lived as Christians who would bear
The Savior’s name sincerely, -
E’en as all do
Whose faith is true;
And hence I leave with sadness,
Though I depart,
You have my heart
To think of you with gladness.
5. My loving friends, full many a tear
Have I shed for you, weeping;
This has been done in love sincere
While I my watch was keeping.
For night and day
My heart did pray:
God keep you every hour!
Though I depart,
You have my heart
That you with love will shower.
6. Ye fathers all, with courage bold,
In service true abiding,
Keep faithful charge of all the fold,
God is to you confiding;
Until the Lord,
As your reward,
About His throne will place you!
Though I depart,
You have my heart,
In love it doth embrace you.
7. Ye children, in obedience live
Unto your fathers ever;
As God hath taught, for concord strive,
For love, and then forever
A peace that’s blest
On each will rest,
And joy in Christ, your Savior!
Though I depart,
You have my heart, -
Let wisdom teach behavior.
8. All praise to God who strengthened us
And guided every member!
O turn to prayer, and in them thus
My needs also remember;
Prayer is not vain,
But as a chain
In God unites us ever.
Though I depart,
You have my heart,
In Jesus’ Name forever!
194. Zion Stands Securely Grounded
1. Zion stands securely grounded
On holy mountains, though surrounded
By evil powers ev’rywhere. -
Zion stands and will be standing,
Man’s wonder and respect commanding,
Because of Him who guards here there.
The God of Israel,
Her Rock, protects her well.
Hallelujah!
Now sing His praise:
O bless the race,
That in her hath a dwelling place!
2. Zion’s portals are His treasure;
He looks on them with grace and pleasure,
And makes their bars secure with skill:
Blesses all who there are dwelling,
And He reward with grace excelling
Who let Him govern as He will.
How great His grace must be
To bear so patiently
All His loved ones!
O God’s Zion,
Thou rich Zion,
That such a Lord and King doth own!
3. Mighty things and things most holy
Are preached in Thee, O Zion, solely,
As nowhere else on earth are heard.
Thou hast Truth, the night dispelling,
In Thee the Holy Ghost is dwelling,
Thy light is God’s own Holy Word.
There day by day is heard
The ever-precious Word
Of God’s mercy.
O Gospel pure,
Atoning here,
And bringing life eternal there!
4. Nations that have never known thee,
From distant lands will come to own thee,
And to thy gates, O Zion, run.
Yea, to those in darkness dwelling,
The Lord shall send His Gospel, telling
What once for all the world was done.
“Where is God’s only son?”
“Where is His gracious throne?”
Men are asking.
The day draws near,
When everywhere,
The Lord in glory shall appear!
5. Dry your tears, ye hearts nigh broken,
Of Zion it shall yet be spoken:
“Her citizens in number grow!”
Men shall see with fear and wonder
How God builds Zion, they shall ponder
The grace and strength He doth bestow.
Lift up your souls and hearts,
The nations’ day departs.
Then His day comes,
Zion shall rise,
And Judah’s eyes
The One it pierced will recognize!
6. Mother thou of every nation,
That here hath sought and found salvation,
O Zion, thou shalt truly be.
What a chorus of rejoicing
Shall once the saints in thee be voicing!
The Fount of Life is found in thee.
In thee the waters well
That every thirst can still.
Hallelujah!
From death’s dread cave,
From dangers grave,
No one, but Zion’s God, can save!
On holy mountains, though surrounded
By evil powers ev’rywhere. -
Zion stands and will be standing,
Man’s wonder and respect commanding,
Because of Him who guards here there.
The God of Israel,
Her Rock, protects her well.
Hallelujah!
Now sing His praise:
O bless the race,
That in her hath a dwelling place!
2. Zion’s portals are His treasure;
He looks on them with grace and pleasure,
And makes their bars secure with skill:
Blesses all who there are dwelling,
And He reward with grace excelling
Who let Him govern as He will.
How great His grace must be
To bear so patiently
All His loved ones!
O God’s Zion,
Thou rich Zion,
That such a Lord and King doth own!
3. Mighty things and things most holy
Are preached in Thee, O Zion, solely,
As nowhere else on earth are heard.
Thou hast Truth, the night dispelling,
In Thee the Holy Ghost is dwelling,
Thy light is God’s own Holy Word.
There day by day is heard
The ever-precious Word
Of God’s mercy.
O Gospel pure,
Atoning here,
And bringing life eternal there!
4. Nations that have never known thee,
From distant lands will come to own thee,
And to thy gates, O Zion, run.
Yea, to those in darkness dwelling,
The Lord shall send His Gospel, telling
What once for all the world was done.
“Where is God’s only son?”
“Where is His gracious throne?”
Men are asking.
The day draws near,
When everywhere,
The Lord in glory shall appear!
5. Dry your tears, ye hearts nigh broken,
Of Zion it shall yet be spoken:
“Her citizens in number grow!”
Men shall see with fear and wonder
How God builds Zion, they shall ponder
The grace and strength He doth bestow.
Lift up your souls and hearts,
The nations’ day departs.
Then His day comes,
Zion shall rise,
And Judah’s eyes
The One it pierced will recognize!
6. Mother thou of every nation,
That here hath sought and found salvation,
O Zion, thou shalt truly be.
What a chorus of rejoicing
Shall once the saints in thee be voicing!
The Fount of Life is found in thee.
In thee the waters well
That every thirst can still.
Hallelujah!
From death’s dread cave,
From dangers grave,
No one, but Zion’s God, can save!
193. O Thou Eternal One, to Thee Be Hallowed
1. O Thou Eternal One, to Thee be hallowed
This day, and by Thy children truly hallowed.
O let us too with gladness come before Thee,
Lord to adore Thee!
2. To Thee the heavenly host its praise is bringing;
Our voices too are to Thine honor singing,
Our thanks are, and our heart-felt, humble sighing,
Thee glorifying.
3. In vain the world is tempting with her pleasure;
My spirit in Thy teaching finds its treasure;
Thy Word, taught by Thy teachers, I revere it
And gladly hear it.
4. Let us in meekness, Father, come before Thee!
Thou lovest those who childlike do adore Thee;
And gladly what Thy children need for living
Wilt Thou be giving.
5. May we today, through Thy good Spirit learning,
From way, that please Thee not, our steps be turning!
O let us, through Thy Word new pow’rs receiving,
To Thee be cleaving!
6. This is a day of gladness and of blessing;
Thou leadest us, Thy pastures green possessing,
Unto the Fount of grace, the waters living
And all-reviving.
7. Yea, praise be Thine! Grim death hast Thou defeated,
O Prince of Life, salvation is completed!
For us, Redeemer, Thou hast been victorious, -
Thy praise be glorious!
8. O may today through all the earth be ringing
The praise Thy small, but faithful, flock is singing!
O ye redeemed, His holy Name praise ever,
Amen, forever!
This day, and by Thy children truly hallowed.
O let us too with gladness come before Thee,
Lord to adore Thee!
2. To Thee the heavenly host its praise is bringing;
Our voices too are to Thine honor singing,
Our thanks are, and our heart-felt, humble sighing,
Thee glorifying.
3. In vain the world is tempting with her pleasure;
My spirit in Thy teaching finds its treasure;
Thy Word, taught by Thy teachers, I revere it
And gladly hear it.
4. Let us in meekness, Father, come before Thee!
Thou lovest those who childlike do adore Thee;
And gladly what Thy children need for living
Wilt Thou be giving.
5. May we today, through Thy good Spirit learning,
From way, that please Thee not, our steps be turning!
O let us, through Thy Word new pow’rs receiving,
To Thee be cleaving!
6. This is a day of gladness and of blessing;
Thou leadest us, Thy pastures green possessing,
Unto the Fount of grace, the waters living
And all-reviving.
7. Yea, praise be Thine! Grim death hast Thou defeated,
O Prince of Life, salvation is completed!
For us, Redeemer, Thou hast been victorious, -
Thy praise be glorious!
8. O may today through all the earth be ringing
The praise Thy small, but faithful, flock is singing!
O ye redeemed, His holy Name praise ever,
Amen, forever!
192. Wake, Witness-Spirit! O Inspire
1. Wake, witness-spirit! O inspire thou
Our hearts, thou burning ardor of first love;
That on each one the tongues of fire, now
Descending, may flame up to heaven above,
That by their glowing warmth the may anon
Fuse all the true believers into one!
2. Is then love’s flame no longer glowing?
Nay, love shall in us too be kept alive
And strong, the seed of God’s own sowing,
That fruits shall bear that will abide and thrive;
Love brings to us the heav’nly air so pure,
Gives us in good things joy, makes vict’ry sure.
3. Good Shepherd, Thou wouldst have us ever
Be busy at Thy work with earnest zeal;
May love in us diminish never,
But us in Thy disciples’ union seal!
May love give courage, lest we be afraid,
And teach dependence only on Thine aid!
4. Thy Cross, O may it ever teach us
Our hearts to hallow as Thy temple here,
That endless fire may never reach us
And strike the soul with suffering severe.
Let loud and strong Thy Shepherd’s call then ring,
Within our hearts forever echoing.
5. The heav’nly gates are open for us,
Secure within Thy covenant are we;
With holiness Thou wilt adore us,
If we here honor Thee and trust in Thee;
And though this earth and heaven pass away,
We in Thy covenant of peace shall stay.
6. For life or death, - the call has sounded; -
The coward is afraid, despairs, and fails;
He who is by Christ’s pow’r surrounded,
As by a buckler, he, yes he, prevails.
Then up, ye brethren! Forward joyfully, -
For ours shall be the crown of victory!
Our hearts, thou burning ardor of first love;
That on each one the tongues of fire, now
Descending, may flame up to heaven above,
That by their glowing warmth the may anon
Fuse all the true believers into one!
2. Is then love’s flame no longer glowing?
Nay, love shall in us too be kept alive
And strong, the seed of God’s own sowing,
That fruits shall bear that will abide and thrive;
Love brings to us the heav’nly air so pure,
Gives us in good things joy, makes vict’ry sure.
3. Good Shepherd, Thou wouldst have us ever
Be busy at Thy work with earnest zeal;
May love in us diminish never,
But us in Thy disciples’ union seal!
May love give courage, lest we be afraid,
And teach dependence only on Thine aid!
4. Thy Cross, O may it ever teach us
Our hearts to hallow as Thy temple here,
That endless fire may never reach us
And strike the soul with suffering severe.
Let loud and strong Thy Shepherd’s call then ring,
Within our hearts forever echoing.
5. The heav’nly gates are open for us,
Secure within Thy covenant are we;
With holiness Thou wilt adore us,
If we here honor Thee and trust in Thee;
And though this earth and heaven pass away,
We in Thy covenant of peace shall stay.
6. For life or death, - the call has sounded; -
The coward is afraid, despairs, and fails;
He who is by Christ’s pow’r surrounded,
As by a buckler, he, yes he, prevails.
Then up, ye brethren! Forward joyfully, -
For ours shall be the crown of victory!
191. Sing Praise to God, All Ye Who Love the Savior
1. Sing praise to God, all ye who love the Savior,
O laud His works, His faithfulness so true!
Sing to the Lord, who loved us first and ever,
For His great mercies ev’ry morn are new!
With love and favor all His own He meeteth,
Bestoweth on them health, content, and grace;
Forever He Himself with them uniteth,
And giveth them in heav’n above a place.
2. Ye children of the cov’nant, love Him ever,
Ye who have died unto the world and sin,
Who in the death of this our conqu’ring Savior,
And through Baptism buried are with Him!
In love profound His life and blood He gave us,
From sin and guilt redeemed us here below;
He for a life, renewed in Him, did save us,
And henceforth us His love and grace doth show.
3. O gracious Savior, Thou hast left us duly
Thy dear example, and we follow Thee;
O now enfold us with Thy love most truly,
That willing bearers of Thy shame we be!
How blest, all this for Thy sake to be sharing!
Thou dwell’st in us, we follow faithfully.
Through crosses here Thou art Thine own preparing
For glory there: - O truly blest are we!
4. O therefore, ye disciples of the Savior,
Now consecrate yourselves to Him anew!
Unite, and let your love’s true fervor ever
Anew to Him in your hearts brightly glow;
Upon your fellow-members your love shower
In Him who chose them as His Bride alone;
He calls us brethren, loves us every hour,
And by Him we are numbered with His own.
5. As His own people He will then possess us
When dawns at last the day of judgment great;
Before His Father He will then confess us,
And from His love will us naught separate!
What holy gladness shall at last requite us
When He as Bridegroom comes in bright array,
When as His Church with Him He shall unite us
Eternally - and wipe all tears away!
6. Eternal bliss shall crown us then in heaven,
The crown of life shall then the Bride adorn.
Where we shall be no more to sorrow given,
We shall exchange for glory, pain and scorn.
Fulfilled shall be the promises held o’er us,
Then we shall see Him whom our soul holds dear;
The Fount of life shall open stand before us,
That floweth pure and undisturbed and clear.
7. As King of Glory we shall see our Savior,
Before whose face all earth and heaven flee;
Before whose feet, as humble subjects ever,
The heav’nly host in rev’rence bows the knee.
Yea, there at length must every knee be bowing
When He appears upon that judgment-morn;
When He Himself as World-Judge will be showing,
Of whom the present world but speaks with scorn.
8. O woe to all, who here His Word disdaining,
Now proudly, boldly walk the sinner’s way,
Whose only thought is gold and honor gaining,
Who think the Christian foolish in his day.
How the Avenger, then Himself revealing,
Shall recompense what everyone hath done!
How foolish then shall seem their earthly dealing
Who here upon the scorner’s path have gone.
9. Then shall their laughter all be changed to sorrow
When earthly joys their final end shall gain;
Yea, gnashing teeth shall have an endless morrow
In late remorse, in torment, and in pain.
Their worm, the evil conscience, never dying,
And endless fire at the spirit gnaws,
For worldly sowing brings endless destroying;
Woe him who not unto the Spirit sows!
10. It shall be well, if we with tears are sowing
The seed in hope of blest eternity,
Despising scorn our foes are here bestowing,
And bearing persecution patiently;
Eternally will prosper fresh and vernal
The seed of faith that we have planted here,
When we shall harvest mid the joys eternal
And see the ripened sheaves in glory there.
11. The harvest there will truly our hearts gladden,
So let us freely sow while here we may;
And let us bear all crosses that would sadden;
The Father will reward us in that day.
There will the joys of heaven be unended,
The pain of earth will soon forgotten be.
Here sowing-days with sighs and cares are blended,
There we shall reap and joy eternally.
12. Belovéd pilgrims, in one faith united,
Strive on to build the kingdom day by day!
Pray, labor, and let not your zeal be blighted,
For harvest-season is not far away!
Behold, the fields are growing white for reaping,
The fig-tree now is showing buds and leaves.
Up, gather in! Who in this time is sleeping
No crown of glory from his Lord receives!
O laud His works, His faithfulness so true!
Sing to the Lord, who loved us first and ever,
For His great mercies ev’ry morn are new!
With love and favor all His own He meeteth,
Bestoweth on them health, content, and grace;
Forever He Himself with them uniteth,
And giveth them in heav’n above a place.
2. Ye children of the cov’nant, love Him ever,
Ye who have died unto the world and sin,
Who in the death of this our conqu’ring Savior,
And through Baptism buried are with Him!
In love profound His life and blood He gave us,
From sin and guilt redeemed us here below;
He for a life, renewed in Him, did save us,
And henceforth us His love and grace doth show.
3. O gracious Savior, Thou hast left us duly
Thy dear example, and we follow Thee;
O now enfold us with Thy love most truly,
That willing bearers of Thy shame we be!
How blest, all this for Thy sake to be sharing!
Thou dwell’st in us, we follow faithfully.
Through crosses here Thou art Thine own preparing
For glory there: - O truly blest are we!
4. O therefore, ye disciples of the Savior,
Now consecrate yourselves to Him anew!
Unite, and let your love’s true fervor ever
Anew to Him in your hearts brightly glow;
Upon your fellow-members your love shower
In Him who chose them as His Bride alone;
He calls us brethren, loves us every hour,
And by Him we are numbered with His own.
5. As His own people He will then possess us
When dawns at last the day of judgment great;
Before His Father He will then confess us,
And from His love will us naught separate!
What holy gladness shall at last requite us
When He as Bridegroom comes in bright array,
When as His Church with Him He shall unite us
Eternally - and wipe all tears away!
6. Eternal bliss shall crown us then in heaven,
The crown of life shall then the Bride adorn.
Where we shall be no more to sorrow given,
We shall exchange for glory, pain and scorn.
Fulfilled shall be the promises held o’er us,
Then we shall see Him whom our soul holds dear;
The Fount of life shall open stand before us,
That floweth pure and undisturbed and clear.
7. As King of Glory we shall see our Savior,
Before whose face all earth and heaven flee;
Before whose feet, as humble subjects ever,
The heav’nly host in rev’rence bows the knee.
Yea, there at length must every knee be bowing
When He appears upon that judgment-morn;
When He Himself as World-Judge will be showing,
Of whom the present world but speaks with scorn.
8. O woe to all, who here His Word disdaining,
Now proudly, boldly walk the sinner’s way,
Whose only thought is gold and honor gaining,
Who think the Christian foolish in his day.
How the Avenger, then Himself revealing,
Shall recompense what everyone hath done!
How foolish then shall seem their earthly dealing
Who here upon the scorner’s path have gone.
9. Then shall their laughter all be changed to sorrow
When earthly joys their final end shall gain;
Yea, gnashing teeth shall have an endless morrow
In late remorse, in torment, and in pain.
Their worm, the evil conscience, never dying,
And endless fire at the spirit gnaws,
For worldly sowing brings endless destroying;
Woe him who not unto the Spirit sows!
10. It shall be well, if we with tears are sowing
The seed in hope of blest eternity,
Despising scorn our foes are here bestowing,
And bearing persecution patiently;
Eternally will prosper fresh and vernal
The seed of faith that we have planted here,
When we shall harvest mid the joys eternal
And see the ripened sheaves in glory there.
11. The harvest there will truly our hearts gladden,
So let us freely sow while here we may;
And let us bear all crosses that would sadden;
The Father will reward us in that day.
There will the joys of heaven be unended,
The pain of earth will soon forgotten be.
Here sowing-days with sighs and cares are blended,
There we shall reap and joy eternally.
12. Belovéd pilgrims, in one faith united,
Strive on to build the kingdom day by day!
Pray, labor, and let not your zeal be blighted,
For harvest-season is not far away!
Behold, the fields are growing white for reaping,
The fig-tree now is showing buds and leaves.
Up, gather in! Who in this time is sleeping
No crown of glory from his Lord receives!
190. Jesus Reigns, Let Us Adore Him
1. Jesus reigns, let us adore Him,
All that lives doth bow before Him,
God lays all things at His feet;
Every tongue shall be confessing,
Jesus Christ as Lord professing, -
Honor Him as it is meet.
2. Only through His mediation
Wondrously we have salvation,
By His pain and sorrow won.
Lo, here is life’s revelation,
Our eternal reclamation
Is declared by God’s own Son!
3. Hear the hymn and learn the story:
Christ doth lead His own to glory!
Grace and peace He giveth thee.
Lo, He death and hell defieth:
“Death, where is thy sting?” He crieth,
“Grave, where is thy victory?”
4. Nor does His dear Church so holy
Have these gracious blessings solely, -
She has Him as Head, who lives!
With His blood the Savior bought her,
As His heavenly Bride He sought her,
And she lives, for she believes.
5. All your hearts to Him surrender,
All your burdens to Him tender,
Tell Him every care and need!
In His wounds find your restoring;
He the balm of grace is pouring,
Endless riches gives indeed!
6. Haste, then! Shame and care, O leave it!
Seek ye grace? ‘Tis yours, receive it!
Seek ye life? Pray Him who lives!
Sinners, you He justifieth;
Grace to no one He denieth;
Everlasting gain He gives.
7. Here the ransomed souls shall treasure
All His good in boundless measure,
And praise God in full accord.
Hallowed words! Most precious teaching!
Unto all the world out-reaching,
Sweet Evangel of our Lord!
8. Though each one his cross must carry,
‘Tis not long that sorrows harry;
Soon these days of pain are past.
Then be patient, gladness follows,
Naught shall harm whom Jesus hallows,
He shall dwell with Him at last.
9. Wealth and honor here may fail us,
Pain and sorrow may assail us,
Yet shall scorn and death be gain!
Though men threaten, though there’s danger,
All things are to him a stranger
Who this Treasure would obtain!
10. Open is the heavenly portal
That leads into life immortal,
To all who hope in His grace!
Well they know the time is nearing
When, before their King appearing
They shall see Him face to face.
11. Ye, His servants, sing His glory;
All ye righteous, tell His story;
Ye who bear the palms, rejoice;
Sing, all ye redeemed and crownéd;
Sing, ye choir where He is thronéd,
Praise His name with harp and voice!
12. Even we, though lowly, name Him;
We believing, shall acclaim Him,
While we walk as pilgrims here.
Christ doth reign! Let us adore Him!
All that live shall bow before Him,
Honor, love, and praise Him there.
All that lives doth bow before Him,
God lays all things at His feet;
Every tongue shall be confessing,
Jesus Christ as Lord professing, -
Honor Him as it is meet.
2. Only through His mediation
Wondrously we have salvation,
By His pain and sorrow won.
Lo, here is life’s revelation,
Our eternal reclamation
Is declared by God’s own Son!
3. Hear the hymn and learn the story:
Christ doth lead His own to glory!
Grace and peace He giveth thee.
Lo, He death and hell defieth:
“Death, where is thy sting?” He crieth,
“Grave, where is thy victory?”
4. Nor does His dear Church so holy
Have these gracious blessings solely, -
She has Him as Head, who lives!
With His blood the Savior bought her,
As His heavenly Bride He sought her,
And she lives, for she believes.
5. All your hearts to Him surrender,
All your burdens to Him tender,
Tell Him every care and need!
In His wounds find your restoring;
He the balm of grace is pouring,
Endless riches gives indeed!
6. Haste, then! Shame and care, O leave it!
Seek ye grace? ‘Tis yours, receive it!
Seek ye life? Pray Him who lives!
Sinners, you He justifieth;
Grace to no one He denieth;
Everlasting gain He gives.
7. Here the ransomed souls shall treasure
All His good in boundless measure,
And praise God in full accord.
Hallowed words! Most precious teaching!
Unto all the world out-reaching,
Sweet Evangel of our Lord!
8. Though each one his cross must carry,
‘Tis not long that sorrows harry;
Soon these days of pain are past.
Then be patient, gladness follows,
Naught shall harm whom Jesus hallows,
He shall dwell with Him at last.
9. Wealth and honor here may fail us,
Pain and sorrow may assail us,
Yet shall scorn and death be gain!
Though men threaten, though there’s danger,
All things are to him a stranger
Who this Treasure would obtain!
10. Open is the heavenly portal
That leads into life immortal,
To all who hope in His grace!
Well they know the time is nearing
When, before their King appearing
They shall see Him face to face.
11. Ye, His servants, sing His glory;
All ye righteous, tell His story;
Ye who bear the palms, rejoice;
Sing, all ye redeemed and crownéd;
Sing, ye choir where He is thronéd,
Praise His name with harp and voice!
12. Even we, though lowly, name Him;
We believing, shall acclaim Him,
While we walk as pilgrims here.
Christ doth reign! Let us adore Him!
All that live shall bow before Him,
Honor, love, and praise Him there.
189. Jesus, Head and Ruler Solely
1. Jesus, Head and Ruler solely
Of Thy congregation holy,
Bless Thou me, a member poor!
Thy good Spirit’s power by giving,
That to Thee I may be living;
By thy strength make me secure!
2. With Thy grace and power bless Thou
Every member! O impress Thou
On them all Thy Spirit now!
Scattered though their habitations
Be among so many nations,
Thus, O Lord, dost each one know.
3. How I love Thine own, O Savior,
Those who seek and serve Thee ever,
Precious are they all to me!
Thou dost know how it doth cheer me
When I see and have those near me
Who now live alone to Thee!
4. Those who serve Thee all delight me,
And with them I here unite me;
From Thy holy presence bright
Over Zion blessings shower;
For Thy ways, O give them power,
Lead them onward in Thy light.
5. From the world Thine own deliver
And let Satan soon forever
Wholly ‘neath their feet be trod!
By Thy Spirit in them dwelling,
Earthly lust and nature quelling,
Be their only joy, O God!
6. Those in pain and sorrow living
Strengthen, that they may be giving
Life and soul into Thy hand!
Teach them more and more true meekness.
Cleanse them, Lord, from every weakness,
Till in Thee alone they stand!
7. Let Thy children, while here stationed,
After Thine own heart be fashioned,
Beautiful for piety:
Quiet, set apart, and lowly,
Upright, as Thy will most holy, -
And as Thou wouldst have them be!
8. Look on those with special favor
Who desire of me, O Savior,
That for them my prayers arise!
To Thy mercy I commend them,
And I pray such blessing send them
As is needful in Thine eyes!
9. Visit in the hour of sadness
All their hearts; may they find gladness,
In the end, alone in Thee!
Draw with Thy love’s fullest measure
All their longing and their pleasure
Into Thine own unity!
10. Ah, how dearly Thou hast bought us,
By Thy cross salvation brought us,
Thanks to Thee that Thine we are!
Hold us fast, while here we tarry
In this earthly desert dreary, -
O forsake us nevermore!
11. Till at length, in holy union,
We shall join the saints’ communion,
And, from every blemish free,
At Thy throne Thy glory telling,
We in Thee - Thou in us dwelling,
We shall all be one in Thee!
Of Thy congregation holy,
Bless Thou me, a member poor!
Thy good Spirit’s power by giving,
That to Thee I may be living;
By thy strength make me secure!
2. With Thy grace and power bless Thou
Every member! O impress Thou
On them all Thy Spirit now!
Scattered though their habitations
Be among so many nations,
Thus, O Lord, dost each one know.
3. How I love Thine own, O Savior,
Those who seek and serve Thee ever,
Precious are they all to me!
Thou dost know how it doth cheer me
When I see and have those near me
Who now live alone to Thee!
4. Those who serve Thee all delight me,
And with them I here unite me;
From Thy holy presence bright
Over Zion blessings shower;
For Thy ways, O give them power,
Lead them onward in Thy light.
5. From the world Thine own deliver
And let Satan soon forever
Wholly ‘neath their feet be trod!
By Thy Spirit in them dwelling,
Earthly lust and nature quelling,
Be their only joy, O God!
6. Those in pain and sorrow living
Strengthen, that they may be giving
Life and soul into Thy hand!
Teach them more and more true meekness.
Cleanse them, Lord, from every weakness,
Till in Thee alone they stand!
7. Let Thy children, while here stationed,
After Thine own heart be fashioned,
Beautiful for piety:
Quiet, set apart, and lowly,
Upright, as Thy will most holy, -
And as Thou wouldst have them be!
8. Look on those with special favor
Who desire of me, O Savior,
That for them my prayers arise!
To Thy mercy I commend them,
And I pray such blessing send them
As is needful in Thine eyes!
9. Visit in the hour of sadness
All their hearts; may they find gladness,
In the end, alone in Thee!
Draw with Thy love’s fullest measure
All their longing and their pleasure
Into Thine own unity!
10. Ah, how dearly Thou hast bought us,
By Thy cross salvation brought us,
Thanks to Thee that Thine we are!
Hold us fast, while here we tarry
In this earthly desert dreary, -
O forsake us nevermore!
11. Till at length, in holy union,
We shall join the saints’ communion,
And, from every blemish free,
At Thy throne Thy glory telling,
We in Thee - Thou in us dwelling,
We shall all be one in Thee!
188. Time Flies and Death Comes Speedily
1. Time flies and death comes speedily,
Uniting us, O Lord, with Thee!
Do Thou us here in time prepare
Eternity’s glad day to share!
2. To Thee our many needs are known;
Have mercy, Lord, upon Thine own!
Thou, Thou alone our Helper art, -
O take Thy humble children’s part!
3. Preserve to us Thy light of truth,
O Lord, Thy dearest gift forsooth,
The Word of Life, that us doth lead
And that our souls doth richly feed!
4. Enlighten Thou all who believe,
Let them Thy blessing, Lord, receive, -
All that will serve for holiness;
All that they need for steadfastness!
5. May every home Thy goodness share!
Extend Thy kingdom everywhere!
Lord Jesus Christ, from Thee alone
Comes all that prospers well Thine own.
6. Thy teachers gird with spirit, might,
With wisdom that will give them light,
So that they truly sow good seed,
And in the fruits find joy indeed.
7. The treasure of pure love anew
Preserve among Thy children true!
Let not their innocence depart,
But guard and hallow every heart!
8. O may young men devote in truth
To Thee the flower of their youth:
Be maidens’ beauty holiness,
The fear of God their glorious dress!
9. By word and deed through us proclaim
How we here glorify Thy name;
That all our lives pure, holy be,
We – living witnesses to Thee.
10. Our mind, O Lord, then sanctify
And lead us, Thy redeemed, on high;
From earthly tumult take our soul
Into the Father’s house - our goal!
Uniting us, O Lord, with Thee!
Do Thou us here in time prepare
Eternity’s glad day to share!
2. To Thee our many needs are known;
Have mercy, Lord, upon Thine own!
Thou, Thou alone our Helper art, -
O take Thy humble children’s part!
3. Preserve to us Thy light of truth,
O Lord, Thy dearest gift forsooth,
The Word of Life, that us doth lead
And that our souls doth richly feed!
4. Enlighten Thou all who believe,
Let them Thy blessing, Lord, receive, -
All that will serve for holiness;
All that they need for steadfastness!
5. May every home Thy goodness share!
Extend Thy kingdom everywhere!
Lord Jesus Christ, from Thee alone
Comes all that prospers well Thine own.
6. Thy teachers gird with spirit, might,
With wisdom that will give them light,
So that they truly sow good seed,
And in the fruits find joy indeed.
7. The treasure of pure love anew
Preserve among Thy children true!
Let not their innocence depart,
But guard and hallow every heart!
8. O may young men devote in truth
To Thee the flower of their youth:
Be maidens’ beauty holiness,
The fear of God their glorious dress!
9. By word and deed through us proclaim
How we here glorify Thy name;
That all our lives pure, holy be,
We – living witnesses to Thee.
10. Our mind, O Lord, then sanctify
And lead us, Thy redeemed, on high;
From earthly tumult take our soul
Into the Father’s house - our goal!
187. Who by Water and the Spirit
1. Who by water and the Spirit
Is not truly born again,
He will heaven not inherit, -
This the Word of God makes plain;
Man must here give up his nature,
And become a new-born creature,
If, when life is ended here,
He would enter glory there.
2. This new birth must be effected
By Baptism.. and God’s Word;
Then if these are not rejected,
Nor the grace of Christ our Lord,
There one early will discover
That the reign of sin is over;
For when God indwells the heart
Sin itself must soon depart.
3. At the same time there is given
God, the Holy Spirit, too;
By whom sin from us is driven,
And a life begins that’s new.
In the heart He then commences
New words, new works, and new senses,
Urging us to deeds of light,
That we may serve God aright.
4. Henceforth man must then endeavor
God to love from day to day,
World and sin rejecting ever,
To perfection grow alway;
From the heart he must hate truly,
And neglect sincerely, wholly,
All that he had loved before,
And find joy therein no more.
5. To God’s glory singing, praying,
Is the joy of man renewed;
Not the world, but God, obeying,
And with powers new endued;
In all things he is pursuing,
Striving God’s will to be doing;
Fully new, that is his aim,
For he is no more the same.
6. Thus in thee must also follow
Now a thorough change of heart;
Thy life thou to God must hallow,
In the world no more have part;
Heart and mind and all thy doing
Must receive complete renewing,
Be adorned by faith and love,
Ruled by God from heaven above. -
7. O my God, I bow before Thee:
Now in me Thy work fulfill!
By Thy Spirit’s brooding o’er me
Sanctify my heart and will.
Let me not be lost forever,
But reborn of Thee, O Savior,
May I, child-like, Thee adore,
Learn to love Thee more and more.
8. Lord, let me continue ever
In this state, so richly blest,
Until death earth’s bonds shall sever,
And I enter into rest.
O let nothing from Thee take me;
Thou art mine, do not forsake me;
Then with joy I hence depart,
E’er to be where Thou, Lord, art!
Is not truly born again,
He will heaven not inherit, -
This the Word of God makes plain;
Man must here give up his nature,
And become a new-born creature,
If, when life is ended here,
He would enter glory there.
2. This new birth must be effected
By Baptism.. and God’s Word;
Then if these are not rejected,
Nor the grace of Christ our Lord,
There one early will discover
That the reign of sin is over;
For when God indwells the heart
Sin itself must soon depart.
3. At the same time there is given
God, the Holy Spirit, too;
By whom sin from us is driven,
And a life begins that’s new.
In the heart He then commences
New words, new works, and new senses,
Urging us to deeds of light,
That we may serve God aright.
4. Henceforth man must then endeavor
God to love from day to day,
World and sin rejecting ever,
To perfection grow alway;
From the heart he must hate truly,
And neglect sincerely, wholly,
All that he had loved before,
And find joy therein no more.
5. To God’s glory singing, praying,
Is the joy of man renewed;
Not the world, but God, obeying,
And with powers new endued;
In all things he is pursuing,
Striving God’s will to be doing;
Fully new, that is his aim,
For he is no more the same.
6. Thus in thee must also follow
Now a thorough change of heart;
Thy life thou to God must hallow,
In the world no more have part;
Heart and mind and all thy doing
Must receive complete renewing,
Be adorned by faith and love,
Ruled by God from heaven above. -
7. O my God, I bow before Thee:
Now in me Thy work fulfill!
By Thy Spirit’s brooding o’er me
Sanctify my heart and will.
Let me not be lost forever,
But reborn of Thee, O Savior,
May I, child-like, Thee adore,
Learn to love Thee more and more.
8. Lord, let me continue ever
In this state, so richly blest,
Until death earth’s bonds shall sever,
And I enter into rest.
O let nothing from Thee take me;
Thou art mine, do not forsake me;
Then with joy I hence depart,
E’er to be where Thou, Lord, art!
186. Meekness Is a Virtue Gracious
1. Meekness is a virtue gracious,
Every Christian’s glory here;
In our young we find it precious,
In our elders still more dear.
Though they whom the world upraises
Do not sing true meekness’ praises, -
Meekness is much more than gold;
Yea its worth cannot be told.
2. See, how meek was our dear Savior,
Void of every kind of pride;
Friendly, loving, gentle, ever
From vainglory turned aside.
In His life none could moreover
Boastful vanity discover;
So to us the Lord doth speak:
“Learn of Me, for I am meek.”
3. Who here humbly walks in meekness
Is beloved by everyone;
Who well knows and feels his weakness,
God will honor in His Son.
God takes pleasure in the lowly -
And these also please Him wholly
Who, here walking on God’s way,
In the love of Jesus stay.
4. Truly meekness greatly blesses,
And obtains the Father’s grace.
Who this virtue here possesses,
Knowing here most fitting place,
Will in all his deeds find favor,
And his soul is glorious ever;
Faith, hope, love, and gentleness
Do a heart of meekness bless.
5. These good fruits of God the Spirit
That are given to the meek,
They, through Jesus, may inherit
Who for them sincerely seek.
Only where true faith is dwelling
There true meekness is excelling;
And thereby is manifest
Who Christ’s Spirit knows the best.
6. Therefore I would know true meekness,
Evermore by lowly, small;
First the heart must show true meekness,
Then the actions, one and all;
That in all that I am doing,
In the good I am pursuing,
Men the Spirit’s power may see
Working in me mightily.
7. After meekness follows gladness:
Here in time God’s richest grace,
Then in heaven, past all sadness,
Glory, light, and lasting peace.
There will meekness shine most glorious
And receive the crown victorious;
What men here deemed poor and slight,
There will glow with heavenly light.
Every Christian’s glory here;
In our young we find it precious,
In our elders still more dear.
Though they whom the world upraises
Do not sing true meekness’ praises, -
Meekness is much more than gold;
Yea its worth cannot be told.
2. See, how meek was our dear Savior,
Void of every kind of pride;
Friendly, loving, gentle, ever
From vainglory turned aside.
In His life none could moreover
Boastful vanity discover;
So to us the Lord doth speak:
“Learn of Me, for I am meek.”
3. Who here humbly walks in meekness
Is beloved by everyone;
Who well knows and feels his weakness,
God will honor in His Son.
God takes pleasure in the lowly -
And these also please Him wholly
Who, here walking on God’s way,
In the love of Jesus stay.
4. Truly meekness greatly blesses,
And obtains the Father’s grace.
Who this virtue here possesses,
Knowing here most fitting place,
Will in all his deeds find favor,
And his soul is glorious ever;
Faith, hope, love, and gentleness
Do a heart of meekness bless.
5. These good fruits of God the Spirit
That are given to the meek,
They, through Jesus, may inherit
Who for them sincerely seek.
Only where true faith is dwelling
There true meekness is excelling;
And thereby is manifest
Who Christ’s Spirit knows the best.
6. Therefore I would know true meekness,
Evermore by lowly, small;
First the heart must show true meekness,
Then the actions, one and all;
That in all that I am doing,
In the good I am pursuing,
Men the Spirit’s power may see
Working in me mightily.
7. After meekness follows gladness:
Here in time God’s richest grace,
Then in heaven, past all sadness,
Glory, light, and lasting peace.
There will meekness shine most glorious
And receive the crown victorious;
What men here deemed poor and slight,
There will glow with heavenly light.
185. Up, Brethren, Onward Pressing
1. Up, brethren, onward pressing!
The shades of night draw near;
To tarry is distressing
Upon this desert drear.
Come, gird your loins with strength;
The goal eternal heeding,
From strength to strength proceeding,
You gain your goal at length.
2. We shall not be regretful
To walk the narrow road;
Nor can we be forgetful
That we are called of God.
Come, put your trust in Him!
Your faces heavenward turning,
Come, satisfy your yearning
To reach Jerusalem!
3. No tears of parting blind us
As we go on our way;
We leave the world behind us
To find a better day.
Let nothing cause dismay;
A thousand worlds disdaining,
Their tempting and complaining,
Go calmly on your way!
4. From self turn here your faces,
Then will your path be sure!
Who flesh and sense embraces
Is but a pilgrim poor.
The creature leave below,
And all things that still bind you,
Your own self leave behind you, -
Through death these all must go!
5. As pilgrims we must wander,
From earthly burdens free;
Else as we journey yonder
Our path would trying be!
He fails who will not heed!
The least can satisfy us;
All things we would deny us
Save what we truly need.
6. Adorn your hearts with graces!
Let house and self alone; -
Ours are but strangers’ faces
And soon we shall be gone.
Lo, ease but leads astray; -
So humble bear each trial
And practice self-denial
In this short pilgrim day.
7. We must not pause to dally
With child’s play by the way!
Our powers we must rally,
Sloth follows on delay.
Pay no attention here –
On then! All ease now spurning,
Away from vain thoughts turning,
For danger’s always near!
8. And though the way be narrow,
So lonely, rough, and drear,
Though thorns our feeling harrow,
With there a cross and here;
It is the one way home!
Fear not! But onward pressing,
We, with our Leader’s blessing,
All ills shall overcome!
9. What may take place about us,
We scarcely hear or see;
May these go on without us,
No idle dreams have we.
Eternal is our goal;
Our dealings are in heaven,
Our life to God is given,
Our very heart and soul.
10. The image of our Savior
Is pressed upon us here;
It shows in our behavior
So childlike and so fair;
How gently, pure and still,
The lambs, their path surveying,
All follow without straying
Just as their Shepherd will.
11. We journey in seclusion,
Despised and quite unknown;
Unseen mid the confusion
Of this land, not our own;
Yet, if the world pays heed,
It hears our voices ringing,
Songs of the homeland singing,
For which we yearn indeed.
12. Up, then, let naught defy us,
The Father with us goes,
And He himself stands by us,
Each bitter step He knows.
He will our courage raise,
His looks of grace attend us,
He will refresh, defend us, -
Oh, we have blissful days!
13. Then onward, sister, brother,
Let us go hand in hand,
With joy in one another,
In this unfriendly land.
O let us childlike be;
Let here no strife divide us!
The angels walk beside us, -
God’s children, they and we.
14. Or should a weak one stumble,
The strong must help with zest:
To aid, none is too humble.
All thus sow love and rest.
Come, be more firm today;
Let each strive to be lowly
And likewise pure and holy
Upon our blesséd way.
15. Come, let us journey gladly,
Day follows after day,
The way grows shorter daily,
The flesh soon proves but clay.
More courage and more love!
To be a little truer,
Of earthly matters freer,
And turned to things above!
16. Then journey on reliant,
The goal is well worthwhile;
Of all things be defiant
That hinder or beguile!
Earth, thou art small indeed:
With Christ Himself to guide us,
Eternity shall hide us, -
For Christ is all we need!
17. O Friend, so true and precious,
A pleasure to our eyes;
Abiding and all gracious,
What hope Thy love supplies!
Our joys are all in Thee,
O Fount of life and pleasure,
Thou art our only Treasure
Through all eternity!
The shades of night draw near;
To tarry is distressing
Upon this desert drear.
Come, gird your loins with strength;
The goal eternal heeding,
From strength to strength proceeding,
You gain your goal at length.
2. We shall not be regretful
To walk the narrow road;
Nor can we be forgetful
That we are called of God.
Come, put your trust in Him!
Your faces heavenward turning,
Come, satisfy your yearning
To reach Jerusalem!
3. No tears of parting blind us
As we go on our way;
We leave the world behind us
To find a better day.
Let nothing cause dismay;
A thousand worlds disdaining,
Their tempting and complaining,
Go calmly on your way!
4. From self turn here your faces,
Then will your path be sure!
Who flesh and sense embraces
Is but a pilgrim poor.
The creature leave below,
And all things that still bind you,
Your own self leave behind you, -
Through death these all must go!
5. As pilgrims we must wander,
From earthly burdens free;
Else as we journey yonder
Our path would trying be!
He fails who will not heed!
The least can satisfy us;
All things we would deny us
Save what we truly need.
6. Adorn your hearts with graces!
Let house and self alone; -
Ours are but strangers’ faces
And soon we shall be gone.
Lo, ease but leads astray; -
So humble bear each trial
And practice self-denial
In this short pilgrim day.
7. We must not pause to dally
With child’s play by the way!
Our powers we must rally,
Sloth follows on delay.
Pay no attention here –
On then! All ease now spurning,
Away from vain thoughts turning,
For danger’s always near!
8. And though the way be narrow,
So lonely, rough, and drear,
Though thorns our feeling harrow,
With there a cross and here;
It is the one way home!
Fear not! But onward pressing,
We, with our Leader’s blessing,
All ills shall overcome!
9. What may take place about us,
We scarcely hear or see;
May these go on without us,
No idle dreams have we.
Eternal is our goal;
Our dealings are in heaven,
Our life to God is given,
Our very heart and soul.
10. The image of our Savior
Is pressed upon us here;
It shows in our behavior
So childlike and so fair;
How gently, pure and still,
The lambs, their path surveying,
All follow without straying
Just as their Shepherd will.
11. We journey in seclusion,
Despised and quite unknown;
Unseen mid the confusion
Of this land, not our own;
Yet, if the world pays heed,
It hears our voices ringing,
Songs of the homeland singing,
For which we yearn indeed.
12. Up, then, let naught defy us,
The Father with us goes,
And He himself stands by us,
Each bitter step He knows.
He will our courage raise,
His looks of grace attend us,
He will refresh, defend us, -
Oh, we have blissful days!
13. Then onward, sister, brother,
Let us go hand in hand,
With joy in one another,
In this unfriendly land.
O let us childlike be;
Let here no strife divide us!
The angels walk beside us, -
God’s children, they and we.
14. Or should a weak one stumble,
The strong must help with zest:
To aid, none is too humble.
All thus sow love and rest.
Come, be more firm today;
Let each strive to be lowly
And likewise pure and holy
Upon our blesséd way.
15. Come, let us journey gladly,
Day follows after day,
The way grows shorter daily,
The flesh soon proves but clay.
More courage and more love!
To be a little truer,
Of earthly matters freer,
And turned to things above!
16. Then journey on reliant,
The goal is well worthwhile;
Of all things be defiant
That hinder or beguile!
Earth, thou art small indeed:
With Christ Himself to guide us,
Eternity shall hide us, -
For Christ is all we need!
17. O Friend, so true and precious,
A pleasure to our eyes;
Abiding and all gracious,
What hope Thy love supplies!
Our joys are all in Thee,
O Fount of life and pleasure,
Thou art our only Treasure
Through all eternity!
184. Thou Lamb Once Slain
1. Thou Lamb, once slain, the guarded seals hast broken
For my salvation and my comfort too;
My faith sends Thee, on Zion’s mount, a token
Of love, a longing look devout and true!
Thou art the Lamb, now throned on high,
What wonder that to Thee my spirit fain would fly!
2. Thou hast o’er-come all foes that here surround me,
So I have all the conquering power I need!
From all the bands of death Thou hast unbound me,
I know whereto my pilgrim pathways lead. -
Thou after cross Thy joys didst see, -
Shall not the member with the Head united be?
3. Thou precious Lamb, what promise hast Thou spoken!
O words eternal and most truly said: -
“No lamb shall ever from My hand be taken,
Nor shall be harmed a hair upon its head!”
O Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
With all Thy loved ones let me hide myself in Thee!
4. Yet more: “And I, when I shall be uplifted
Above the earth, shall draw all men to Me!”
O blessed word! Let care and pain be lifted
From off my heart, as I flee unto Thee.
O draw me by Thy love so sweet,
As I to other men leave all vain self-deceit.
5. O Lamb of God, Thou into death wast given
For all my sins, a curse upon the tree!
What mind can fathom this great love from heaven?
Who is there that can be compared to Thee?
As long as life in me is stayed,
So long shall life and treasure at Thy feet be laid!
6. But can I do this, mine own strength supplying?
Perchance it is too great a claim for me?
Yes, were I on my helpless state relying,
I would not dare to speak so ardently;
But now my faith holds fast anew
To the Omnipotence that mighty things can do.
7. O precious Lamb, Thou, Thou hast well provided
Thy people with the will to heed Thy call!
The issue thus is easily decided:
I, I am naught, but Thou art All in all!
O Constancy, make Thou me true;
O Love, love me, that I may truly love Thee too!
8. To Thee must be ascribed my whole salvation,
Thou hast done all, my Savior and my Lord!
Thy merit only is my consolation;
I take unmerited Thy great reward.
This truth eternal shall not fall:
The Lamb, once slain, shall ever be my All in all!
For my salvation and my comfort too;
My faith sends Thee, on Zion’s mount, a token
Of love, a longing look devout and true!
Thou art the Lamb, now throned on high,
What wonder that to Thee my spirit fain would fly!
2. Thou hast o’er-come all foes that here surround me,
So I have all the conquering power I need!
From all the bands of death Thou hast unbound me,
I know whereto my pilgrim pathways lead. -
Thou after cross Thy joys didst see, -
Shall not the member with the Head united be?
3. Thou precious Lamb, what promise hast Thou spoken!
O words eternal and most truly said: -
“No lamb shall ever from My hand be taken,
Nor shall be harmed a hair upon its head!”
O Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
With all Thy loved ones let me hide myself in Thee!
4. Yet more: “And I, when I shall be uplifted
Above the earth, shall draw all men to Me!”
O blessed word! Let care and pain be lifted
From off my heart, as I flee unto Thee.
O draw me by Thy love so sweet,
As I to other men leave all vain self-deceit.
5. O Lamb of God, Thou into death wast given
For all my sins, a curse upon the tree!
What mind can fathom this great love from heaven?
Who is there that can be compared to Thee?
As long as life in me is stayed,
So long shall life and treasure at Thy feet be laid!
6. But can I do this, mine own strength supplying?
Perchance it is too great a claim for me?
Yes, were I on my helpless state relying,
I would not dare to speak so ardently;
But now my faith holds fast anew
To the Omnipotence that mighty things can do.
7. O precious Lamb, Thou, Thou hast well provided
Thy people with the will to heed Thy call!
The issue thus is easily decided:
I, I am naught, but Thou art All in all!
O Constancy, make Thou me true;
O Love, love me, that I may truly love Thee too!
8. To Thee must be ascribed my whole salvation,
Thou hast done all, my Savior and my Lord!
Thy merit only is my consolation;
I take unmerited Thy great reward.
This truth eternal shall not fall:
The Lamb, once slain, shall ever be my All in all!
183. Rise, My Soul
1. Rise, my soul, completely throwing
Off the bonds of vanity!
To the heavenly home be going,
From this earthly desert flee!
For thou in the world wilt see
Always, only vanity.
2. Let it by thy heart’s deep yearning,
Blessed Zion to attain;
All earth’s vanity here spurning;
Haste, for that will be thy gain!
O let nothing now delay
Thee upon thy homeward way!
3. Come and spend a solemn hour..
At the tomb where Jesus lay,
Who by God’s almighty power
Rose on the appointed day!
He to life mad thee a way,
With His life the price did pay.
4. There the Savior took thy many
Sins with Him upon the cross;
Silently, and without any
Due reproach, He suffered loss;
There He won for me and thee
Life and joy eternally.
5. Death, the first, is now forever
Conquered and his might laid low;
For the Hero broke that scepter
When He to the grave did go;
Bonds are broken, dungeon’s might;
Liberty is brought to light!
6. Now the very sting is taken
That gave second death its power;
Vanquished is the evil dragon
That so long did fiercely lower.
Now the serpent’s poison may
No believer’s heart dismay.
7. O the lovely, glorious portal,
That o’er Jesus’ grave I see:
“Jesus lives!” O words immortal,
Like a magnet, drawing me!
“Jesus lives!” this, too, I see:
“Who believes, shall live with Me!”
8. Death therefore me no more frightens:
Jesus lives, so also I!
And for me, His heir, this brightens
All the grave where I must lie;
He will take me from its gloom
Into my eternal home.
9. Now with Job I say believing:
Jesus, my Redeemer, lives!
New life I will be receiving
By the power that He gives:
He, the strong, will me not leave,
Till He also breaks my grave.
10. As to Christ I cling forever, -
He the Head, I, member true, -
So He will forsake me never
Whatsoe’er He passeth through.
He, the First-fruit, goes ahead
That I may by Him be led.
11. Adam being dead within me,
Henceforth live Thou, Lord, in me;
What Thy sacred death did win me,
May it bring much fruit to Thee:
May the Spirit victor be
And the flesh succumb to Thee.
12. Thou of life the Prince and Giver,
For Thy death I now thank Thee!
Now my faith is fruitless never,
And my hope in death shall be,
That in death – I trust in Thee –
I shall not forsaken be!
13. O how will the voice be ringing
That doth call us from the grave;
What a sound the trump be bringing,
Piercing every burial-cave:
“Come, ye dead,” it loudly cries,
“Nothing hinders ye, arise!”
14. Thou the dust will then enliven,
All the bones new lIfe will see;
A new form I will be given,
For I shall immortal be;
And, transfigured by Thy hand,
In Thy likeness I shall stand.
15. This hope I ascribe, dear Savior,
To Thy resurrection blest,
For Thy life is mine forever,
And Thy rest, Lord, is my rest;
Thine own triumph mine shall be, -
All I own I have from Thee.
Off the bonds of vanity!
To the heavenly home be going,
From this earthly desert flee!
For thou in the world wilt see
Always, only vanity.
2. Let it by thy heart’s deep yearning,
Blessed Zion to attain;
All earth’s vanity here spurning;
Haste, for that will be thy gain!
O let nothing now delay
Thee upon thy homeward way!
3. Come and spend a solemn hour..
At the tomb where Jesus lay,
Who by God’s almighty power
Rose on the appointed day!
He to life mad thee a way,
With His life the price did pay.
4. There the Savior took thy many
Sins with Him upon the cross;
Silently, and without any
Due reproach, He suffered loss;
There He won for me and thee
Life and joy eternally.
5. Death, the first, is now forever
Conquered and his might laid low;
For the Hero broke that scepter
When He to the grave did go;
Bonds are broken, dungeon’s might;
Liberty is brought to light!
6. Now the very sting is taken
That gave second death its power;
Vanquished is the evil dragon
That so long did fiercely lower.
Now the serpent’s poison may
No believer’s heart dismay.
7. O the lovely, glorious portal,
That o’er Jesus’ grave I see:
“Jesus lives!” O words immortal,
Like a magnet, drawing me!
“Jesus lives!” this, too, I see:
“Who believes, shall live with Me!”
8. Death therefore me no more frightens:
Jesus lives, so also I!
And for me, His heir, this brightens
All the grave where I must lie;
He will take me from its gloom
Into my eternal home.
9. Now with Job I say believing:
Jesus, my Redeemer, lives!
New life I will be receiving
By the power that He gives:
He, the strong, will me not leave,
Till He also breaks my grave.
10. As to Christ I cling forever, -
He the Head, I, member true, -
So He will forsake me never
Whatsoe’er He passeth through.
He, the First-fruit, goes ahead
That I may by Him be led.
11. Adam being dead within me,
Henceforth live Thou, Lord, in me;
What Thy sacred death did win me,
May it bring much fruit to Thee:
May the Spirit victor be
And the flesh succumb to Thee.
12. Thou of life the Prince and Giver,
For Thy death I now thank Thee!
Now my faith is fruitless never,
And my hope in death shall be,
That in death – I trust in Thee –
I shall not forsaken be!
13. O how will the voice be ringing
That doth call us from the grave;
What a sound the trump be bringing,
Piercing every burial-cave:
“Come, ye dead,” it loudly cries,
“Nothing hinders ye, arise!”
14. Thou the dust will then enliven,
All the bones new lIfe will see;
A new form I will be given,
For I shall immortal be;
And, transfigured by Thy hand,
In Thy likeness I shall stand.
15. This hope I ascribe, dear Savior,
To Thy resurrection blest,
For Thy life is mine forever,
And Thy rest, Lord, is my rest;
Thine own triumph mine shall be, -
All I own I have from Thee.
182. Lord, I Think of Thee, and Joy of Heaven
1. Lord, I think of Thee, and joy of heaven
Overwhelms the soul that Thou dost love.
Such indeed are treasured moments given
To Thy blessed children from above.
2. What a train of dark and dreary hours..
Followed me in youthful years gone by; -
Since I found Thee, Savior, O what powers
And what light stream o’er me from on high.
3. Ere I knew Thee and the life that’s higher,
Peace was far from my unhappy heart,
Burning with so many an ill desire,…
Bleeding with so many a bitter smart.
4. Full of youthful zeal I was pursuing
Nothing but deceit and vanity;
Sham and shadow I was ever wooing,
And the truth remained unknown to me.
5. Filled with false ambition, pride, and cunning,
Wanting meekness, sense of right, and light,
Into error’s mazes I was running,
Oft unwilling, slave to sin’s dread might.
6. Were I loved – thought I – or glory earning,
All my inner longing would be stilled;
Though I found these richly, yet the yearning
In my heart and soul remained unfilled.
7. Shepherdless, and in a desert wandering,
I did stray, a lost and erring sheep,
Finding nowhere aught to still my hungering,
Nor a spring of water cool and deep.
8. In my need I surely would have perished,
Pain and anguish would have smothered me, -
Had I not perceived Thy call so cherished,
Shepherd, had I not found rest in Thee!
9. What a struggle faced me, and moreover
Doubt and fear bound me on every side!
Till at last, the bitter conflict over,
My poor soul in Thee, Lord, did confide!
10. Long a downcast spirit did depress me; -
Now Thou cheerest both my heart and mind;
Only peace and happiness possess me
Since my blessed lot in Thee I find.
11. Since that sacred day when I did find Thee,
O’er desire now can victor be;
Anger, discontent I leave behind me; -
Heaven came into my heart through Thee!
12. Nor will there be dreary clouds above me,
That will overcast my heaven’s blue, -
If I evermore, O Lord, will love Thee,
Without discontent, to Thee be true.
13. Woe unto the world, such love despising,
That such joy in Jesus casts away;
For, its value never realizing,
It is led by vanity astray! -
14. O forsake me not, my faithful Savior,
Though at times Thy face I fail to see!
As the gold by fire, purge me ever,
Till I am as Thou wouldst have me be!
15. When at last these bitter trials are ended,
And I finish this my earthly race,
There within the land of joys unblended, -
Dare I hope it? – I shall see Thy face!
16. Purified in heart, enraptured, Savior,
With my song I’ll praise Thy Name most blest,
That Thou, all earth’s anguish past forever,
Hast bestowed on me Thine endless rest!
Overwhelms the soul that Thou dost love.
Such indeed are treasured moments given
To Thy blessed children from above.
2. What a train of dark and dreary hours..
Followed me in youthful years gone by; -
Since I found Thee, Savior, O what powers
And what light stream o’er me from on high.
3. Ere I knew Thee and the life that’s higher,
Peace was far from my unhappy heart,
Burning with so many an ill desire,…
Bleeding with so many a bitter smart.
4. Full of youthful zeal I was pursuing
Nothing but deceit and vanity;
Sham and shadow I was ever wooing,
And the truth remained unknown to me.
5. Filled with false ambition, pride, and cunning,
Wanting meekness, sense of right, and light,
Into error’s mazes I was running,
Oft unwilling, slave to sin’s dread might.
6. Were I loved – thought I – or glory earning,
All my inner longing would be stilled;
Though I found these richly, yet the yearning
In my heart and soul remained unfilled.
7. Shepherdless, and in a desert wandering,
I did stray, a lost and erring sheep,
Finding nowhere aught to still my hungering,
Nor a spring of water cool and deep.
8. In my need I surely would have perished,
Pain and anguish would have smothered me, -
Had I not perceived Thy call so cherished,
Shepherd, had I not found rest in Thee!
9. What a struggle faced me, and moreover
Doubt and fear bound me on every side!
Till at last, the bitter conflict over,
My poor soul in Thee, Lord, did confide!
10. Long a downcast spirit did depress me; -
Now Thou cheerest both my heart and mind;
Only peace and happiness possess me
Since my blessed lot in Thee I find.
11. Since that sacred day when I did find Thee,
O’er desire now can victor be;
Anger, discontent I leave behind me; -
Heaven came into my heart through Thee!
12. Nor will there be dreary clouds above me,
That will overcast my heaven’s blue, -
If I evermore, O Lord, will love Thee,
Without discontent, to Thee be true.
13. Woe unto the world, such love despising,
That such joy in Jesus casts away;
For, its value never realizing,
It is led by vanity astray! -
14. O forsake me not, my faithful Savior,
Though at times Thy face I fail to see!
As the gold by fire, purge me ever,
Till I am as Thou wouldst have me be!
15. When at last these bitter trials are ended,
And I finish this my earthly race,
There within the land of joys unblended, -
Dare I hope it? – I shall see Thy face!
16. Purified in heart, enraptured, Savior,
With my song I’ll praise Thy Name most blest,
That Thou, all earth’s anguish past forever,
Hast bestowed on me Thine endless rest!
181. Lo, How Pleasant and How Fair
1. Lo, how pleasant and how fair
Is the unity we share;
One in Christ, a brotherhood
That is ever praising God!
2. As the precious ointment spread,
And that flowed from Aaron’s head
Down upon his vesture fair,
Shedding fragrance everywhere:
3. So it is most pleasant too,
When, Christ’s teaching held in view,
Brethren dwell in unity
And can Jesus only see.
4. As from Hermon falls the dew
Down upon Mount Zion too,
So God’s blessings, rich and free,
Fall on Christian unity.
5. Faith and hope and charity
Form the strength of unity:
One Lord, one Faith, Baptism one,
One Heart, Spirit, Head alone.
6. Thus the brotherhood is fair,
For the Savior reigneth there.
Brethren, on your pathway here
Look to Him in faith sincere!
7. Let your love in trueness be
And confess ye fearlessly
God’s rich grace in Jesus Christ
Who for you was sacrificed!
8. As the Father, Spirit, Son,
“Three” are, yet are truly One,
So the Church’s unity
One alone in love shall be.
9. Water, blood, and Spirit so
In Baptism together flow
As to bless him who believes
And the grace of God receives; -
10. So this unity has bound
Heart to heart on faith’s firm ground:
Many members - body one,
Many souls - but Spirit one.
11. But one Lord and but on Bride,
Who doth look to none beside,
Who doth call unto her Lord:
Come, Belovéd, speak Thy Word!
12. Come, O Jesus, is our plea,
Come and take Thy Bride to Thee;
Show to her Thy face so bright,
Shining with eternal light.
Is the unity we share;
One in Christ, a brotherhood
That is ever praising God!
2. As the precious ointment spread,
And that flowed from Aaron’s head
Down upon his vesture fair,
Shedding fragrance everywhere:
3. So it is most pleasant too,
When, Christ’s teaching held in view,
Brethren dwell in unity
And can Jesus only see.
4. As from Hermon falls the dew
Down upon Mount Zion too,
So God’s blessings, rich and free,
Fall on Christian unity.
5. Faith and hope and charity
Form the strength of unity:
One Lord, one Faith, Baptism one,
One Heart, Spirit, Head alone.
6. Thus the brotherhood is fair,
For the Savior reigneth there.
Brethren, on your pathway here
Look to Him in faith sincere!
7. Let your love in trueness be
And confess ye fearlessly
God’s rich grace in Jesus Christ
Who for you was sacrificed!
8. As the Father, Spirit, Son,
“Three” are, yet are truly One,
So the Church’s unity
One alone in love shall be.
9. Water, blood, and Spirit so
In Baptism together flow
As to bless him who believes
And the grace of God receives; -
10. So this unity has bound
Heart to heart on faith’s firm ground:
Many members - body one,
Many souls - but Spirit one.
11. But one Lord and but on Bride,
Who doth look to none beside,
Who doth call unto her Lord:
Come, Belovéd, speak Thy Word!
12. Come, O Jesus, is our plea,
Come and take Thy Bride to Thee;
Show to her Thy face so bright,
Shining with eternal light.
180. O Fatherhand, That Hath My Path Directed
1. O Father-hand that hath my path directed;
O Father-eye, that watcheth faithfully;
O Father-heart, by my poor prayer affected,
That with an endless love hath thought of me!
O Father, wilt Thou truly lead me ever
That I the narrow way to heaven may go,
Preparing me to live with Thee forever,
Be it in love or pain, through weal or woe.
2. O my Redeemer, who for me didst merit
With God a ransom by Thy precious blood;
That I complete forgiveness could inherit
And rest and peace with God, that priceless good;
Wilt Thou now loose the bondage of all evil
And day by day more fully make me free;
Against all craft and power of the Devil,
The Hero strong - through whom I conquer - be!
3. O Holy Ghost, who me with gentle power
Dost guide and comfort, teaching me to pray;
Thou who on me the peace of God dost shower,
Faith, hope and charity from day to day:
O rule within me, on my soul impressing
The seal of holy kinship, Lord, with Thee;
O fill my heart with stillness and with blessing,
And let it e’er Thy holy temple be!
O Father-eye, that watcheth faithfully;
O Father-heart, by my poor prayer affected,
That with an endless love hath thought of me!
O Father, wilt Thou truly lead me ever
That I the narrow way to heaven may go,
Preparing me to live with Thee forever,
Be it in love or pain, through weal or woe.
2. O my Redeemer, who for me didst merit
With God a ransom by Thy precious blood;
That I complete forgiveness could inherit
And rest and peace with God, that priceless good;
Wilt Thou now loose the bondage of all evil
And day by day more fully make me free;
Against all craft and power of the Devil,
The Hero strong - through whom I conquer - be!
3. O Holy Ghost, who me with gentle power
Dost guide and comfort, teaching me to pray;
Thou who on me the peace of God dost shower,
Faith, hope and charity from day to day:
O rule within me, on my soul impressing
The seal of holy kinship, Lord, with Thee;
O fill my heart with stillness and with blessing,
And let it e’er Thy holy temple be!
179. This Is the Mark of Love’s Devotion
1. This is the mark of love’s devotion:
True loyalty unto the Lord,
To Him in everything unceasing
And faithful service in accord;
In all the common things and little,
To be exact and most sincere,
Not knowingly in one thing erring,
However small it may appear.
2. O soul, know this: the smallest service
By God will not forgotten be,
Because in lowly service mostly
The heart from selfishness if free:
Begin in small things then to serve Him,
The smallest sin, O hate and flee;
For in obedience love grows stronger,
And faithfulness will greater be.
3. If thou the greater sin avoidest,
For fear that they will bring thee shame;
And yet dost all the smaller harbor,
True faithfulness thou couldst not claim!
That does not mean to love the Savior,
To give to Him your very heart;
That means to follow selfish motives
And only serve the Lord in part.
4. For who would wholly be the Savior’s
Will follow Shim in all things here,
Will shun the smallest sin and even
The things that sinful do appear;
Will seek in all things Jesus’ glory,
Will strive in all sincerity
To be conformed unto the image
Of Him whose servant he would be.
5. In every deed, at every hour,
His care it is, unto the Lord
In everything to be found faithful,
And loyal to His holy Word;
For Him he suffers every trial,
Dishonor, sorrow, cross, and woe;
Enough that he may say sincerely:
My loving Lord hath willed it so!
6. O heart, for such true love’s devotion
Endeavor thou and truly strive;
O seek each day alone His honor
And learn, obedient, to live.
Not only in the great things serve Him,
But in the least, with purpose true;
Then will your diligence accomplish
What slothfulness can never do.
7. O do not say, In greater trials
Will I to Jesus faithful be!
That is what Peter also promised;
And yet thou dost Him weeping see.
So learn true faithfulness in small things,
In little conflicts faithful be; -
Or else thou shalt perhaps with Peter
For faithlessness weep bitterly.
True loyalty unto the Lord,
To Him in everything unceasing
And faithful service in accord;
In all the common things and little,
To be exact and most sincere,
Not knowingly in one thing erring,
However small it may appear.
2. O soul, know this: the smallest service
By God will not forgotten be,
Because in lowly service mostly
The heart from selfishness if free:
Begin in small things then to serve Him,
The smallest sin, O hate and flee;
For in obedience love grows stronger,
And faithfulness will greater be.
3. If thou the greater sin avoidest,
For fear that they will bring thee shame;
And yet dost all the smaller harbor,
True faithfulness thou couldst not claim!
That does not mean to love the Savior,
To give to Him your very heart;
That means to follow selfish motives
And only serve the Lord in part.
4. For who would wholly be the Savior’s
Will follow Shim in all things here,
Will shun the smallest sin and even
The things that sinful do appear;
Will seek in all things Jesus’ glory,
Will strive in all sincerity
To be conformed unto the image
Of Him whose servant he would be.
5. In every deed, at every hour,
His care it is, unto the Lord
In everything to be found faithful,
And loyal to His holy Word;
For Him he suffers every trial,
Dishonor, sorrow, cross, and woe;
Enough that he may say sincerely:
My loving Lord hath willed it so!
6. O heart, for such true love’s devotion
Endeavor thou and truly strive;
O seek each day alone His honor
And learn, obedient, to live.
Not only in the great things serve Him,
But in the least, with purpose true;
Then will your diligence accomplish
What slothfulness can never do.
7. O do not say, In greater trials
Will I to Jesus faithful be!
That is what Peter also promised;
And yet thou dost Him weeping see.
So learn true faithfulness in small things,
In little conflicts faithful be; -
Or else thou shalt perhaps with Peter
For faithlessness weep bitterly.
178. O Jesus, Light and Treasure
1. O Jesus, Light and Treasure,
Before Thee darkness flees;
O Jesus, Thou my Pleasure,
Who makest woes to cease;
Within my heart is sounding
Each day the silvery tone
Of Thy deep love abounding
For me, O God’s own Son!
2. A fervent, heavenly feeling
Doth often fill my breast,
As thou this truth revealing:
“Here is thy goal, thy rest!”
Though nothing were remaining,
I would, with happy heart,
Lord, for Thy love sustaining,
With everything here part.
3. To gain this noble treasure,
This precious pearl, I would
Give honor, wealth, and pleasure,
And every earthly good;
I gladly would surrender
All that earth would afford
To hide His love so tender,
Or rob me of my Lord.
4. O know no life divided,
O Lord of Life, from Thee;
True life Thou hast provided,
Thou art life’s Source for me.
Nor more can death annoy me,
Since, Lord, in Thee I live;
No sin can now destroy me,
For Thou didst all forgive.
5. I fear no tribulation,
Since trial nor distress
Can cause our separation,
O Fount of Blessedness.
Lord, if I have Thee only,
What matter anything?
I am, though poor and lonely,
Far richer than a king.
6. If, while on earth I wander,
I am a blesséd one,
What shall it be, when yonder
All weaknesses are gone?
This makes of death a blessing
That I, by grace alone,
Shall heaven be possessing
And an eternal crown! –
7. Lord, with this truth impress me;
O write it on my heart,
To comfort and to bless me:
That Thou my Savior art.
Were not Thy love so near me,
I should be wholly lost,
Without this hope to cheer me,
On life’s wild ocean tossed.
8. I know Thy grace has sought me,
And so I joy in Thee;
Thy love to harbor brought me,
Where I am blest and free.
Amid all fear securely
On Thee I rest my heart;
Because I know it surely,
That Thou my Savior art!
Before Thee darkness flees;
O Jesus, Thou my Pleasure,
Who makest woes to cease;
Within my heart is sounding
Each day the silvery tone
Of Thy deep love abounding
For me, O God’s own Son!
2. A fervent, heavenly feeling
Doth often fill my breast,
As thou this truth revealing:
“Here is thy goal, thy rest!”
Though nothing were remaining,
I would, with happy heart,
Lord, for Thy love sustaining,
With everything here part.
3. To gain this noble treasure,
This precious pearl, I would
Give honor, wealth, and pleasure,
And every earthly good;
I gladly would surrender
All that earth would afford
To hide His love so tender,
Or rob me of my Lord.
4. O know no life divided,
O Lord of Life, from Thee;
True life Thou hast provided,
Thou art life’s Source for me.
Nor more can death annoy me,
Since, Lord, in Thee I live;
No sin can now destroy me,
For Thou didst all forgive.
5. I fear no tribulation,
Since trial nor distress
Can cause our separation,
O Fount of Blessedness.
Lord, if I have Thee only,
What matter anything?
I am, though poor and lonely,
Far richer than a king.
6. If, while on earth I wander,
I am a blesséd one,
What shall it be, when yonder
All weaknesses are gone?
This makes of death a blessing
That I, by grace alone,
Shall heaven be possessing
And an eternal crown! –
7. Lord, with this truth impress me;
O write it on my heart,
To comfort and to bless me:
That Thou my Savior art.
Were not Thy love so near me,
I should be wholly lost,
Without this hope to cheer me,
On life’s wild ocean tossed.
8. I know Thy grace has sought me,
And so I joy in Thee;
Thy love to harbor brought me,
Where I am blest and free.
Amid all fear securely
On Thee I rest my heart;
Because I know it surely,
That Thou my Savior art!
177. I Place Myself In Jesus’ Hands
1. I place myself in Jesus’ hands
And there I’d stay forever;
Nor grief, nor joy shall loose these bands,
Nor this our union sever!
Were all the world
To chaos hurled, -
Who holds to Him, by Him is held,
Is kept securely ever.
2. A Rock and Refuge is the Lord,
And all shall see and wonder,
Who build upon His faithful Word,
And trusting, thereon ponder.
To what He saith,
In life and death,
My heart shall hold with steadfast faith,
Though earth be rent asunder.
3. However He may deal with me,
Whate’er He wills shall please me;
By faith His will my will shall be,
I hope that He will bless me;
Whatever He
May do shall be
The very best there is for me;
His care will e’er possess me.
4. In midst of life’s most trying woes,
I joy in His care ever;
I know whatever ways He goes
They’re wondrous ways forever.
What ill may seem,
He well doth mean,
My foe He nevermore hath been,
In love He chastens ever!
5. And thus my faith secure shall stand
Upon His promise ever;
No one shall me from His strong hand
Now or hereafter severe.
For what He spake,
He will not brake!
He is my Trust that naught shall shake, -
His Name I’ll praise forever!
And there I’d stay forever;
Nor grief, nor joy shall loose these bands,
Nor this our union sever!
Were all the world
To chaos hurled, -
Who holds to Him, by Him is held,
Is kept securely ever.
2. A Rock and Refuge is the Lord,
And all shall see and wonder,
Who build upon His faithful Word,
And trusting, thereon ponder.
To what He saith,
In life and death,
My heart shall hold with steadfast faith,
Though earth be rent asunder.
3. However He may deal with me,
Whate’er He wills shall please me;
By faith His will my will shall be,
I hope that He will bless me;
Whatever He
May do shall be
The very best there is for me;
His care will e’er possess me.
4. In midst of life’s most trying woes,
I joy in His care ever;
I know whatever ways He goes
They’re wondrous ways forever.
What ill may seem,
He well doth mean,
My foe He nevermore hath been,
In love He chastens ever!
5. And thus my faith secure shall stand
Upon His promise ever;
No one shall me from His strong hand
Now or hereafter severe.
For what He spake,
He will not brake!
He is my Trust that naught shall shake, -
His Name I’ll praise forever!
176. Word of Life, Thou Fount of Crystal
1. Word of Life, thou Fount of crystal,
Flowing down from heaven above;
Life and strength to all thou givest,
Opening their hearts in love;
Who are like the wilting flowers
Drooping ‘neath the sun’s hot glow,
From the dry land turning, thirsting,
To the cooling spring bend low.
2. What is all this world without thee?
A benighted, dreary vale.
What is heav’n above without thee?
A deserted banquet hall,
What is life on earth without thee?
Gloomy death, forever new.
What is dying here without thee?
Night, without the morning’s glow.
3. Word of Life, thou truly lightest
And thou warmest us anew;
Heaven’s kingdom thou revealest,
And the realm of Satan too:
Terribly thou wakest sinners
From their dull and slothful rest;
But thou also gently hidest
Sins repented and confessed.
4. At a Judge we learn to tremble,
Who doth weigh with righteous scales;
And to love a heav’nly Father
Whose long-suffering prevails;
Who in love His Sole-begotten
For us as an off’ring gave,
Who in Him transgression judgeth,
And through Him doth sinners save.
5. Word of Life, to all who heed thee,
Thou dost promise endless rest;
Yet all they alone who keep thee
With this treasure shall be blessed;
Therefore I would truly keep thee,
Word of God, the Spirit’s Sword;
Help me here on earth to battle
And to win the blest reward!
Flowing down from heaven above;
Life and strength to all thou givest,
Opening their hearts in love;
Who are like the wilting flowers
Drooping ‘neath the sun’s hot glow,
From the dry land turning, thirsting,
To the cooling spring bend low.
2. What is all this world without thee?
A benighted, dreary vale.
What is heav’n above without thee?
A deserted banquet hall,
What is life on earth without thee?
Gloomy death, forever new.
What is dying here without thee?
Night, without the morning’s glow.
3. Word of Life, thou truly lightest
And thou warmest us anew;
Heaven’s kingdom thou revealest,
And the realm of Satan too:
Terribly thou wakest sinners
From their dull and slothful rest;
But thou also gently hidest
Sins repented and confessed.
4. At a Judge we learn to tremble,
Who doth weigh with righteous scales;
And to love a heav’nly Father
Whose long-suffering prevails;
Who in love His Sole-begotten
For us as an off’ring gave,
Who in Him transgression judgeth,
And through Him doth sinners save.
5. Word of Life, to all who heed thee,
Thou dost promise endless rest;
Yet all they alone who keep thee
With this treasure shall be blessed;
Therefore I would truly keep thee,
Word of God, the Spirit’s Sword;
Help me here on earth to battle
And to win the blest reward!
175. Spirit, Thou, of Faith, of Power
1. Spirit, Thou, of faith, of power,
Of obedience, discipline;
Author of God’s works, Endower
Of His gifts in hearts of men!
Spirit, who the holy sages,
Prophets, kings, apostles true,
And the martyrs of all ages
Didst with strength and truth and endue.
2. Now, O God, Thy gifts so treasured
To Thy children, weak, accord;
Bless our faith, grant zeal unmeasured
For the House of our dear Lord;
May we yield all earthly pleasure,
Human favor, goods, and life, -
Everything that men here treasure,
In the great and holy strife!
3. Give us Abraham’s well-grounded
Faith and confidence in Thee,
That all foes will be confounded
And all care and doubt will flee.
That Thy covenant trusts sincerely,
Thy rich grace, Lord, as is meet,
And all that we love most dearly
Humbly lays at Jesus’ feet.
4. Give us Joseph’s chaste behavior
When the world with crafty wiles
Seeks to draw us from the Savior
With her frowns and fawning smiles.
Teach us how to flee the cunning
Of this wicked Potiphar,
And her open hatred shunning
True to Thee be evermore.
5. Give us David’s faith unshaken
In the strife with Israel’s foes;
He his God as Rock had taken
For a refuge in all woes;
Give us David’s spirit royal,
God’s great grace he sought and praised,
In his friendships he was loyal,
He in love his foes upraised!
6. Give a zeal that never falters,
As Elijah had, we pray;
When the masses build their alters
To the idols of our day.
Keep us true that we may never
Bow the head nor bend the knee
At their alters, but may ever
Witnesses, Lord, be to Thee!
7. Give us Thine apostles’ daring,
Their unbending, fearless mood,
Who, though persecution sharing,
Preached of Jesus’ precious blood.
Let us, boldly testifying
To the truth that made us free,
And on Thee alone relying,
Praise Thee for the victory.
8. Grant to us the peace of Stephen,
When fear reigns on every hand,
And the lot to us is given
In the hottest strife to stand.
In the midst of shouts and crying,
Let us faith’s true gladness share,
Open heaven to us, dying;
Let us see Christ’s glory there.
9. Spirit, Thou of faith, of power,
Of obedience, discipline;
Author of God’s works, Endower
Of His gifts in hearts of men!
Spirit of the holy sages,
Prophets, kings, apostles true,
And the martyrs of all ages, -
Also us with strength endue!
Of obedience, discipline;
Author of God’s works, Endower
Of His gifts in hearts of men!
Spirit, who the holy sages,
Prophets, kings, apostles true,
And the martyrs of all ages
Didst with strength and truth and endue.
2. Now, O God, Thy gifts so treasured
To Thy children, weak, accord;
Bless our faith, grant zeal unmeasured
For the House of our dear Lord;
May we yield all earthly pleasure,
Human favor, goods, and life, -
Everything that men here treasure,
In the great and holy strife!
3. Give us Abraham’s well-grounded
Faith and confidence in Thee,
That all foes will be confounded
And all care and doubt will flee.
That Thy covenant trusts sincerely,
Thy rich grace, Lord, as is meet,
And all that we love most dearly
Humbly lays at Jesus’ feet.
4. Give us Joseph’s chaste behavior
When the world with crafty wiles
Seeks to draw us from the Savior
With her frowns and fawning smiles.
Teach us how to flee the cunning
Of this wicked Potiphar,
And her open hatred shunning
True to Thee be evermore.
5. Give us David’s faith unshaken
In the strife with Israel’s foes;
He his God as Rock had taken
For a refuge in all woes;
Give us David’s spirit royal,
God’s great grace he sought and praised,
In his friendships he was loyal,
He in love his foes upraised!
6. Give a zeal that never falters,
As Elijah had, we pray;
When the masses build their alters
To the idols of our day.
Keep us true that we may never
Bow the head nor bend the knee
At their alters, but may ever
Witnesses, Lord, be to Thee!
7. Give us Thine apostles’ daring,
Their unbending, fearless mood,
Who, though persecution sharing,
Preached of Jesus’ precious blood.
Let us, boldly testifying
To the truth that made us free,
And on Thee alone relying,
Praise Thee for the victory.
8. Grant to us the peace of Stephen,
When fear reigns on every hand,
And the lot to us is given
In the hottest strife to stand.
In the midst of shouts and crying,
Let us faith’s true gladness share,
Open heaven to us, dying;
Let us see Christ’s glory there.
9. Spirit, Thou of faith, of power,
Of obedience, discipline;
Author of God’s works, Endower
Of His gifts in hearts of men!
Spirit of the holy sages,
Prophets, kings, apostles true,
And the martyrs of all ages, -
Also us with strength endue!
174. Pray, Ye Christians, Hallowed Be
1. Pray, ye Christians, hallowed be
With the unction holy!
May Christ’s Spirit occupy
And control you solely.
Hourly forth
From your mouth,
May there be proceeding
Fervent prayer and pleading.
2. Hallow now the flame of God
Of your spirit’s yearning:
Christ for you once shed His blood,
E’er to Him be turning!
Let Him see
Incense free
To His throne appealing,
When in prayer you’re kneeling.
3. Prayers of those who are God’s own,
Though their lips may falter,
Are poured out before God’s throne
On the holy alter.
Christ is there,
Hears each prayer,
Great High Priest and Savior
Of His servants ever.
4. God thus hears most graciously
All the prayers we offer,
And the angels glad will be
Worship there to proffer
To the Lord,
In accord
With us poor and lowly,
To God, high and holy.
5. Incense of the saints by grace
Truly much availeth!
On the coals our grains we place,
To God who ne’er faileth!
Even now
Let us bow,
Joined by love’s communion
In a sacred union.
6. If a single fervent prayer
Of one soul believing
Finds with God a hearing ear,
Its goal is achieving, -
How much more
Will He hear,
When they all together
Pray unto the Father!
7. If saints here, and those above
By God’s glory lighted, -
Men and angels, in true love,
All should be united,
And one prayer
Would rise there, -
With what praise abounding,
Heav’n would be resounding!
8. O the strength and might unknown
Of the Christians’ praying;
Without this could not be done
All they are essaying;
Thus alone
There is won
Vict’ry o’er deceivers,
Triumph for believers!
9. Mount in spirit up to God,
Pray ye without ceasing;
Holy hands lift up to God,
Earnestness increasing!
Hallowed there,
Every prayer,
That to God is winging,
Grace and strength is bringing.
10. All your prayers that now aspire
To your God in heaven
Should thus be an holy fire
On His alter given;
Worldy fire,
False desire,
Should not then be blended
With what hath ascended.
11. Pray ye that time’s latter end
Quickly may be nearing,
That our Lord may soon descend
For His great appearing.
Come then all,
Great and small,
Join the angels’ yearning
For our Lord’s returning!
12. Prayers from inmost depth of heart
Find the Master’s favor,
And the Christian’s highest art
Is to please the Savior.
So should we
Watchful be,
Waiting, hoping, longing
For His second coming.
13. But this longing must before
In thy soul be gleaming;
Then from out each prayer will pour
Thunder, lightning streaming,
That goes forth
O’er the earth,
Till foes quake before thee,
And give God the glory!
With the unction holy!
May Christ’s Spirit occupy
And control you solely.
Hourly forth
From your mouth,
May there be proceeding
Fervent prayer and pleading.
2. Hallow now the flame of God
Of your spirit’s yearning:
Christ for you once shed His blood,
E’er to Him be turning!
Let Him see
Incense free
To His throne appealing,
When in prayer you’re kneeling.
3. Prayers of those who are God’s own,
Though their lips may falter,
Are poured out before God’s throne
On the holy alter.
Christ is there,
Hears each prayer,
Great High Priest and Savior
Of His servants ever.
4. God thus hears most graciously
All the prayers we offer,
And the angels glad will be
Worship there to proffer
To the Lord,
In accord
With us poor and lowly,
To God, high and holy.
5. Incense of the saints by grace
Truly much availeth!
On the coals our grains we place,
To God who ne’er faileth!
Even now
Let us bow,
Joined by love’s communion
In a sacred union.
6. If a single fervent prayer
Of one soul believing
Finds with God a hearing ear,
Its goal is achieving, -
How much more
Will He hear,
When they all together
Pray unto the Father!
7. If saints here, and those above
By God’s glory lighted, -
Men and angels, in true love,
All should be united,
And one prayer
Would rise there, -
With what praise abounding,
Heav’n would be resounding!
8. O the strength and might unknown
Of the Christians’ praying;
Without this could not be done
All they are essaying;
Thus alone
There is won
Vict’ry o’er deceivers,
Triumph for believers!
9. Mount in spirit up to God,
Pray ye without ceasing;
Holy hands lift up to God,
Earnestness increasing!
Hallowed there,
Every prayer,
That to God is winging,
Grace and strength is bringing.
10. All your prayers that now aspire
To your God in heaven
Should thus be an holy fire
On His alter given;
Worldy fire,
False desire,
Should not then be blended
With what hath ascended.
11. Pray ye that time’s latter end
Quickly may be nearing,
That our Lord may soon descend
For His great appearing.
Come then all,
Great and small,
Join the angels’ yearning
For our Lord’s returning!
12. Prayers from inmost depth of heart
Find the Master’s favor,
And the Christian’s highest art
Is to please the Savior.
So should we
Watchful be,
Waiting, hoping, longing
For His second coming.
13. But this longing must before
In thy soul be gleaming;
Then from out each prayer will pour
Thunder, lightning streaming,
That goes forth
O’er the earth,
Till foes quake before thee,
And give God the glory!
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