^OFPHi^crro Cgra (^ermanica: SECOND SERIES : THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. Cjira ^etmanica: SECOND SEEIES THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. TRANSLATED FROMTHF GERMAN BY CATHERINE 'WINKWORTH. NEW YORK: ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH, No. 683 Broadway, 1859. Kl.WAUh (). .lliNKINS, ii$lcrfotn|Kr ^ prinlcl. 'JO KiUNuroiiT Br. PREIACE. ^—^nOSR who arc bc-ft acquainted with the j^JlTp rich Aorci of German hymnology will ft^j) feci the Jcafl furprife at the appearance of a fcconcl fcrie.-i ofTranflations from the fame fourcc. Many excellent and claflical compofitions were ncceirarily excluded from the plan of the. former volume, which it was felt would dill be no lefs ac- ceptable than thofe already tranflated, to Englifh Chriflians. In this fcrics therefore hymns arc admitted of a more pcrfonal and individual charac- ter than in tlic former, hymns adapted to particular circumftances or periods of life, and to peculiar ftates of feeling. At the fame time many will'bc found of fufficiently comprehcnfive import to be fuitcfl for congregational finging, and will be recog- nized by thofe familiar with the fervices of the Ger- man Chiirc fi as coriflantly ufcd there in public wor- /liip, cfpccjully thofe on pages 194, 196, 226, and vi Preface. 99. The firfl: of thefe indeed holds in Germany, with its fine old tune, much the fame place as the Old Hundredth with us. The fccond is remarka- ble as being, as far as we know, the only hymn of its author, a man of confideration and wealth in Frankfort. It was publifhcd without his name, and as it immediately became popular it was afcribed at firfl to Hugo Grotius, and other celebrated authors. The third is one of the well-known hymns of Joachim Ncandcr, the moft important hymn-writer of the German Reformed Church, whofe produc- tions are marked by great depth and tendcrncfs of feeling. Moft of the hymns under the laft two divihons of this feries are popular in Proteftant Germany in the trucft fcnfe of the word, to be found in the well-worn hymns-books of every cottage home, or heard as the village funeral paflc-s on to the ** court of peace." It will be obfcrvcd that one of the hymns for the burial of the dead bears the name of Michael Weifs, and that fome others arc dcfignated as belonging to the Bohemian Brethren. Thefe arc produdlions of tliat ancient Church which cxiftcd J3rcfacc. vii in Bohemia from the firft introdudlion of Christi- anity into that country by two Greek monks of the eighth century. In the eleventh century it formed itfelf into a feparate community, diftinguifhed from the Roman Church in Bohemia, among other things, by the celebration of public worfhip according to the native ritual and in the vulgar tongue. After fuiFering bitter perfecutions under various Popes, in one of which John Hufs was burnt in 141 5, in 1453 its remaining members, including men of all clafTes, withdrew to a diflridl alligned to them on the borders of Silefia and Moravia, where we find them, fifty years later, numbering about two hun- dred congregations, under the name of Brethren or United Brethren. But here too fierce perfecutions followed them ; their countrymen were incited from the pulpits to hunt them down Hke wild beads ; and in 1508, defpairing of peace at home, they fent out four meffengers to fearch whether anywhere a Chriftian people might be found, ferv- ing Chrift truly, into whofe communion they might afk admiffion. One of thefe brethren went to Ruffia, one to Greece, one to Bulgaria, and one to viii JJrcface. Palcftine and Egypt ; but they all returned unfuc- cefsful, no fuch Chriftian people had they found. Two more were then fent to the Waldenfes in France and Italy, but they too brought back noth- ing but admonitions to patience and fteadfallncfs. The Brethren therefore remained in their own country, and occupied themfelves in printing the Bible, no fewer than three editions having been publifhed in Bohemian before the Reformation. The dawn of that great event filled them with joy, and in 1522 they fent -\vo meflengers to Luther to greet him and afk his advice, one of whom was Michael Wcifs. In 1531 Michael Weifs publifhed the hymns of the Bohemian Brethren tranflated into German, with the addition of fcveral of his own. They pafTcd through many edition?, and fomc of them were introduced into Luther*s hymn- book. They have great warmth of feeling, and diredncfs of expreffion, often with intricate metres, and are marked by frequent pathetic reference to the troubles of this Church, and by a ftrong fenfc of the living union of Chriftians with each other and their Head. The fubfcqucnt fcttlcmcnt of the fmall remnant of this Church on Count Zinzen- dorPs eftates in Saxony, and its rapid growth and fpread into other countries are well known. That the fpirit of Chriftian poetry ftill lives among them in modern times is proved by the names of Zinzen- dorf, Chriftian Gregor, L. von Hayn, Spangenberg, and Albertini.* As the obje6t of this work is chiefly devotional, the hymns are arranged according to their fubjefts, not in chronological order, and have been felefted for their warmth of feeling and depth of Chriftian experience, rather than as fpecimens of a particular mailer or fchool. Still it is believed that thefe two feries afford on the whole fair examples of moft of the principal writers, not of courfe without omif- flons, fmce only about two hundred and twenty hymns are given from a literature containing feveral thoufands. Of Luther none are given in this feries, (unlefs that hymn known as " Queen Maria of Hungary's fong" were written by him for that prin- * See Bunfen's larger Gefangbuch, and Sketch of the Hiftory of the Church of the United Brethren by James Montgomery. X |Jrcfacc. cefs,) for thofe produdions of his which no collec- tion of German hymns could omit, had been already inferted in the previous volume, and there feemed the lefs neceffity for introducing any of minor importance, as all his hymns are acceflible to the Englifh reader in the excellent translation of Mr. Maffie.* The writers perhaps the leaft fully reprefented, are Gellcrt, Klopflock, and others of the middle and latter half of the lall: century, whofe produc- tions conftitute a large proportion of moll of the colleftions made fifty or fixty years ago. But thefe hymns arc, for the moft part, either of a purely re- flexive or dida6lic charadlcr, or in very many inftanccs are merely verfions of more ancient hymns, fmoothed down to a dead level of tame correilnefs in form, and robbed of their original fervour and ftrcngth. Gellcrt, however, appreciated the charac- tcriftic excellences of the ancient hymns, and his own have high merit, as leflbns of Chrillian duty. * Spiritual Songs of Luther, tranflatcd by R. Maffic, Efq. |]refaa. xi or paraphrafes of Scripture, exprefled in fimple, clear, and unafFefted verfe, fomctimes with much true poetic feeling. Yet while they thus fupplied a want among the hymns of his country, — which, during the laft century efpecially, had loft that dire6l application to real life which makes a hymn fpeak to the hearts of all, — and have therefore become very popular in Germany, yet for the fame reafon they more nearly refemble what we already poflefs in our own language. There is a very large fchool of hymn-writers fpringing up in Germany at the prefent day, whofe works are diftinguifhed by much thoughtful feeling and great fluency and fweetnefs of expreflion. In general, however, thefe hymns are fuited rather to private reading, than congregational fmging ; the length of the lines, and the refledive tone of thought, deprive them of that ftrength and fimple grandeur which many of the older hymns poiTefs. Specimens are given here from Spitta, Puchta, Knapp, Henfel, and others ; thofe hymns to which no dates are affixed being written by authors living or very recently deceafed. xii |3vcfacc. The hymns in this feries have been chofcn from various fources, moft of them being fuch as would be found in any ilandard collcdlion. The greater number, however, are taken from Bunfen's ** Ver- fuch cines allgemeinen Gefang und Gebet buchs," a colledlion diftinguifhed above moft others by its wide range of Chriftian experience and fympathy, and the poetic merit of the verfions it gives. The fhort notices prefixed to fome of thefe hymns are derived from the fame fource. One or two verfes have been omitted in feveral of the hymns, for in many inftances even fine hymns are weakened by repetition, or disfigured by verfes of decidedle inferior merits ; this is efpecially the cafe with Paul Gerhardt, notwithftanding the remarkable beauty of his works. The original metre has been almoft invariably maintained ; in fome hymns metres ftrange to our cars have been prefervcd with care for the fake of the fine chorales attached to them. Alderley Edge, May 19th, 1858. l^vdact. xiii * * From the frequent inquiries received from clergymen and others for tunes adapted to thefe hymns, it has been determined to bring out an edition of the work, containing fome of the fine old German chorales to which in their own coun- try they are fung by vaft congregations, arranged for ufe in choirs and families. CONTENTS. PART I. AIDS OF THE CHURCH. Holy Seasons. Page Advent 21 Chriftmas 37 Epiphany 41 Paffion Week • 49 Eafler 62 Afcenfion 73 Whitfuntide 81 Trinity 91 Services. Morning Prayer 97 Evening Prayer iio Baptifm 122 The Holy Communion 131 For Travellers 143 At the Burial of the Dead 161 (15) xvi (Eouteuts. PART 11. THE INNER LIFE. Penitence 175 Praife and Thankfgiving 194 The Life of Faith 212 Songs of the Crofs 236 The Final Conflidl and Heaven .... 266 LYRA GERMANICA. PART I. AIDS OF THE CHURCH. I. HOLY SEASONS. II. SERVICES. j^alg Seasons. ADVENT. I. THE DAYSPRING FROM ON HIGH. E heavens, oh hafte your dews to fhed. Ye clouds, rain gladncfs on our head. Thou earth, behold the time of grace. And bloflbm forth in rightcoufnefs ! O living Sun, with joy break forth. And pierce the gloomy clefts of earth ; Behold, the mountains melt away Like wax beneath thine ardent ray ! O Life-dew of the Churches, come. And bid this arid defert bloom ! The forrows of Thy people fee. And take our human flefh on Thee. (21) 22 £nra ^crmanlca. Rcfrcfh the parchM and drooping mind. The broken limb in mercy bind. Us fmncrs from our guilt rcleafc. And fill us with Thy heavenly peace. O wonder ! night no more is night ! Comes then at laft the long'd-for light? Ah yes. Thou fhineft, O true Sun, In whom are God and man made one ! }. Franck. 1653. £m'a ©evmanica. 23 II. THE DELIVERER. RISE, the kingdom is at hand. The King is drawing nigh ; Arife with joy, thou faithful band. To meet the Lord moft high ! Ye Chriftians, haften forth. With holy ardours greet your King, And glad Hofannas to Him fmg. Nought elfe your love is worth. Look up, ye drooping hearts, to-day ! The King is very near. Oh call: your griefs and fears away. For lo ! your Help is here ; And comfort rich and fweet In many a place for us is ftored. Where in His facraments and word Our Saviour we can meet. Look up, ye fouls weigh'd down with care ! The Sovereign is not far. Look up, faint hearts, from your defpair. Behold the Morning Star ! The Lord is with us now. Who fhall the fmking fpirit feed With ftrength and comfort at its need. To whom e'en Death fhall bow. 24 €nxa ©crmanlca. Hope, O yc broken hearts, at lafl ! The King comes on in might. He loved us in the ages past When we fat wrapp'd in night ; Now are our forrows o'er. And fear and wrath to joy give place. Since God hath made us in His grace His children evermore. O rich the gifts Thou bringell us, Thyfelf made poor and weak ; O love beyond compare that thus Can foes and fmners feek ! For this to Thee alone We raife on high a gladfome voice. And evermore with thanks rejoice Before Thy glorious throne. RisT. 1 65 1, Cura CSn-niantca. 25 III. THE HEART LONGING FOR THE INNER ADVENT. f^^ K HEREFORE doil Thou longer tarry. ^ BIcfTed of the Lord, afar ? Would it were Thy will to enter To my heart, O Thou my Star, Thou my Jefus, Fount of power. Helper in the needful hour ! Sharpeft wounds my heart is feeling. Touch them. Saviour, with Thy healing ! For I (hrink beneath the terrors Of the law's tremendous fway ; All my countlefs crimes and errors Stand before me night and day. Oh the heavy, fearful load Of the righteous wrath of God ! Oh the awful voice of thunder Cleaving heart and foul afunder ! While the foe my foul is telling, " There is grace no more for thee. Thou muft make thy endlefs dwelling In the pains that torture me.'* 2 26 £nra (5crinanica. Yes, and keener Hill thy fmart, Confciencc, in my anguiflied heart. By thy venomed tooth tormented, Long-paft fms are fore repented. Would I then, to foothe my forrow And my pain awhile forget. From the world a comfort borrow, I but fmk the deeper yet ; She hath comforts that but grieve, Joys that ftinging memories leave. Helpers that my heart are breaking. Friends that do but mock its aching. All the world can give is cheating, Strcngthlefs all, and merely nought; Have I grcatnefs, it is fleeting ; Have I riches, are they aught But a heap of glittering earth ? Plcafure ? Little is it worth When it brings no joy or laughter That thou wilt not rue hereafter. All delight, all conlohition Lies in Thee, Lord Jefus Chrift, Feed my foul with Thy falvation, O Thou Bread of Life unpriced. BlcfTcd Light, within me glow. Ere my heart breaks in its woe ; Oh rcfrcfh mc and uphold me, Jefus, come, let mc behold Thee. Cura ©n*inauica. Joy, my foul, for He hath heard thee. He will come and enter in ; Lo ! He turns and draweth toward thee. Let thy welcome-fong begin ; Oh prepare thee for fuch gueft. Give thee wholly to thy reft. With an open'd heart adore Him, Pour thy griefs and fears before Him. Thy mifdeeds are thine no longer. He hath caft them in the fea. And the love of God fhall conquer All the ftrength of fm in thee. Chrift is vidor in the field, Mightieft wrong to Him muft yield. He with bleffmg will exalt thee O'er whate'er would here aflault thee. What would fcem to hurt or fliame thee Shall but work thy good at laft ; Since that Chrift hath deign'd to claim thee. And His truth ftands ever faft ; And if thine can but endure. There is nought {o fixed and fure. As that thou (halt hymn His praifes In the happy heavenly places. Gerhardt. 1653. 28 £nva (Bcvmauica. IV. THE NEW YEAR. Composed on his journey to Gotha after his unjuft expulfion from Erfurt ; as we are told in the ora- tion delivered at his grave, ** in the full experience of the unfpeakable confolations of the Holy Spirit." HANK God that towards eternity Another ftcp is won ! Oh longing turns my heart to Thee As time flows flowly on. Thou Fountain whence my hfe is born. Whence thofe rich ftreams of grace are drawn That through my being run ! I count the hours, the days, the years. That flretch in tedious line. Until, O Life, that hour appears. When, at Thy touch divine, Whate'cr is mortal now in me Shall be confumed for aye in Thee, And deathlefs life be mine. So glows Thy love within this frame. That, touch'd with kccneft fire. My whole foul kindles in the flame Of one intcnfe dcfirc. Cpra ©n*manica. 29 To be in Thee, and Thou in me. And e'en while yet on earth to be Still preffing closer, nigher ! Oh that I foon might Thee behold ! I count the moments o'er ; Ah come, ere yet my heart grows cold And cannot call Thee more ! Come in Thy glory, for Thy Bride Hath girt her for the holy-tide. And waiteth at the door. And fince Thy Spirit Iheds abroad The oil of grace in me. And thou art inly near me. Lord, And I am loft in Thee, So ihines in me the Living Light, And fteadfaft burns my lamp and bright. To greet Thee joyoufly. Come ! is the voice, then, of Thy Bride, She loudly prays Thee come ! With faithful heart fhe long hath cried. Come quickly, Jefus, come ! Come, O my Bridegroom, Lamb of God, Thou knoweft I am Thine, my Lord Come down and take me home. Yet be the hour that none can tell Left wholly to Thy choice. Although I know thou lov'ft it well. 30 t'nra (Bmnanica. That I with heart and voice Should bid Thee come, and from this day Care but to meet Thee on Thy way. And at Thy fight rejoice ! I joy that from Thy love divine No power can part me now. That I may dare to call Thee mine. My Friend, My Lord, avow. That I, O Prince of Life, fhall be Made wholly one in heaven with Thee, My portion. Lord, art Thou ! And therefore do my thanks o'crflow. That one more year is gone. And of this Time, fo poor, fo flow. Another ftcp is won ; And, with a heart that may not wait. Toward yonder diftant golden gate I journey gladly on. And when the wearied hands grow weak. And wearied knees give way. To finking faith, oh quickly fpeak. And make Thine arm my flay ; That fo my heart drink in new ftrength. And I fpecd on, nor feel the length Nor ficcpnefs of the way. Then on, my foul, with fcarlefs faith. Let nought thy terror move; £ma <5cvmanka. 31 Nor aught that earthly pleafure faith E'er tempt thy fleps to rove ; If flow thy courfe feem o*er the wafte. Mount upwards with the eagle's hafte. On wings of tirelefs love. O Jefus, all my foul hath flown Already up to Thee, For Thou, in whom is love alone. Haft wholly conquer'd me. Farewell ye phantoms, day and year. Eternity is round me here. Since, Lord, I live in Thee. A. H. Francke, 1 69 1. 32 £tn*a ©tTinanlca. CHRISTMAS. I. A SONG OF JOY AT DAWN. LL my heart this night rejoices. As I hear. Far and near, Sw'ceteft angel voices ; " Christ is born," their choirs are Tinging, Till the air Everywhere Now with joy is ringing. For it dawns, — the promifed morrow Of His birth Who the earth Rcfcucs from her forrow. God to w;ar our form dcfccndeth. Of His grace To our race Here His Son He Icndeth ; £ma (Bcvmanka, 33 Yea, {o truly for us careth. That His Son All we've dons As our offering beareth; As our Lamb who, dying for us. Bears our load. And to God Doth in peace reftore us. Hark ! a voice from yonder manger. Soft and fweet. Doth entreat, " Flee from w^oe and danger ; Brethren come, from all doth grieve you You are freed. All you need I will furely give you." Come then, let us haflen yonder ; Here let all. Great and fmall. Kneel in awe and wonder. Love Him who with love is yearning ; Hail the Star That from far Bright with hope is blirning ! Ye who pine in weary fadnefs. Weep no more. For the door Now is found of gladnefs. 2* 34 t'nva ©cnuanica. Cling to Him, for He will guide you Where no crofs Pain or lofs. Can again betide you. Hither come, ye heavy-hearted ; Who for fin Deep within. Long and fore have fmarted ; For the poifon'd wounds you*re feeling Help is near. One is here Mighty for their heahng ! Hither come, ye poor and wretched ; Know His will Is to fill Every hand outftrctched ; Here arc riches without meafure. Here forget All regret. Fill your hearts with treafure. Blcficd Saviour, let me find Thee ? Keep Thou me Clofe to Thee, Cafl; me not behind Thee ! Life of life, my heart Thou ftillcft. Calm I reft On Thy brcaft. All this void Thou fillcft. Cgra ®erinanica. 35 Heedfully my Lord I'll cherifh. Live to Thee, And with Thee Dying fhall not perifh ; But fhall dwell with Thee for ever. Far on high. In the joy That can alter never. Paul Gerhardt. 1651, 3^ £i)va d^cvmanlfa. II. WE LOVE HIM FOR HE FIRST LOVED US. HOU faircft Child Divine In yonder manger laid. In whom is God Himfelf well pleafed. By whom were all things made. On me art Thou beflow'd ; How can fuch wonders be ! The dearefl: that the Father hath He gives me here in Thee ! I was a foe to God, I fought in Satan's holl, I trifled all His grace away, Alas ! my foul was loft. Yet God forgets my fin. His heart, with pity moved. He gives me. Heavenly Child, in Thee ; Lo ! thus our God hath loved ! Once blind with fin and felf. Along the treacherous way. That ends in ruin at the laft, I haftcn'd far aftray ; £i3ra ^cvmanica. 37 Then God fent down His Son ; For with a love moft deep, Moll undefcrved. His heart Hill yearn'd O'er me, poor wandering fheep ! God with His Hfe of love To me was far and ftrange. My heart clung only to the world Of light and fcnfe and change ; In Thee, Immanuel, Are God and man made one; In Thee my heart hath peace with God, And union in the Son. Oh ponder this, my foul. Our God hath loved us thus. That even His only deareft Son He freely giveth us. Thou precious gift of God, The pledge and bond of love. With thankful heart I kneel to take This treafure from above. I kneel befide Thy couch, I prefs Thee to my heart. For Thee I gladly all forfake And from the creature part : Thou pricelefs Pearl ! lo, he By whom Thou'rt loved and known. Will give himfelf and all he hath To win Thee for his own. 3 8 £m*a ©crmanica. Oh come. Thou Blcrcd Child, Thou Saviour of my foul. For ever bound to Thee, my name Among Thy hoft enrol. Oh deign to take my heart. And let Thy heart be mine. That all my love flow out to Thee, And lofe itfelf in Thine, Tersteegen. 1 73 1. iCmOr ®ermantca. 39 III. GOD WITH us. BLESSED Jefus! This Thy lowly manger is The Paradife where oft my foul would feed: Here is the place, my Lord, Where hes the Eternal Word Clothed with our fleih, made hke to us indeed. For He whofe mighty fway The winds and feas obey. Submits to ferve, and ftoops to those who fm; The glorious Son of God Doth bear the mortal load Of earth and dufl, like us and all our kin. For thus, O Good Supreme, Wilt Thou our flefh redeem. And raife it to Thy throne o'er every height: Eternal Strength, here Thou To brotherhood doft bow With tranfient things that pafs like miils of night. Thy glory and Thy joy All woe and grief deftroy ; Thou, Heavenly Treafure, doft all wealth reftore ! Thou deep and living Well ! 40 Cma ©crmanica. Thou great Immanuel Dofl: conquer fin and death for evermore ! Then come, whoe'er thou art, O poor defponding heart. Take courage now, let this thy fears difpel. That fmce His Son mofl: dear Thy God hath given thee here. It cannot be but God doth love thee well. How often doll: thou think That thou mull furely fink, .That hope and comfort are no more for thee; Come hither then and gaze UjX)n this Infant's face. And here the love of God incarnate fee. Ah now the blcflcd door Stands open evermore To all the joys of this world and the next : This Babe will be our Friend, And quickly make an end Of all that faithful hearts long time hath vex'd. Then, earth, we care no more To feek thy richcft flore. If but this trcafure will be ftill our own ; And he who holds it fart. Till all this life is paft, Our Lord will crown with joy before His throne. Paul Gerhardt. iCma ©crnmiuca. 41 EPIPHANY. I. THE KING OF MEN. t- KING of Glorv ! David's Son ! Our Sovereign and our Friend ! In Heaven for ever ftands Thy throne. Thy kingdom hath no end Oh now to all men, far and near. Lord, make it known, we pray. That as in heaven all creatures here May know Thee and obey. The Eaftern fages gladly bring Their tribute-gifts to Thee ; They witnefs that Thou art their King And humbly bow the knee ; To Thee the Morning Star doth lead. To Thee th' infpired Word, We hail Thee, Saviour, in our need. We worfhip Thee, the Lord. 4* 4-2 I'uva (l^cvinanlca. Ah look on mc with pitying grace. Though I am weak and poor. Within Thy kingdom grant mc place To dwell there blell and furc. Oh refcue me from all my woes. And iliield me with thine arm From Sin and Death, the mighty foes. That daily fcek our harm. And bid Thy Word, the faireft Star, Within us clearly fhine ; Keep fm and all falfe doftrine far. Since Thou hail claim'd us Thine. Let us Thy name aright confefs. And with Thy Chriilendom, Our King and Saviour own and blefs Through all the world to come. Behemb. 1606. Cgra ^cnnanica. 43 II. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. CHRIST, our true and only Light, Illumine thofe who fit in night. Let thofe afar now hear Thy voice. And in Thy fold with us rejoice. Fill with the radiance of Thy grace The fouls now loft in error's maze. And all in whom their fecret minds Some dark delufion hurts and blinds. And all who clfe have ftray'd from thee. Oh gently feck ! Thy healing be To every wounded confcience given. And let them alfo fliare Thy heaven. Oh make the deaf to hear Thy word. And teach the dumb to fpeak, dear Lord, Who dare not yet the faith avow. Though fecretly they hold it now. H Cma ©crmanica. Shine on the darkcn'd and the cold. Recall the wanderers from Thy fold. Unite thofc now who walk apart. Confirm the weak and doubting heart. So they with us may evermore Such grace with wondering thanks adore. And endless praise to thee be given By all Thy Church in earth and heaven, }. Heermann. 1630. Cnra ©enuaiuca. 45 III. FORSAKING ALL FOR THE TRUE LIGHT. S thy heart athirft to know \ That the King of heaven and earth Deigns to dwell with man below. Yea, hath flooped to mortal birth ? Search the Word with ceaseless care Till Thou find this treafure there. With the fages from afar Journey on o'er fea and land Till thou fee the Morning Star O'er thy heart unchanging ftand. Then fhalt thou behold His face Full of mercy, truth and grace. For if Chrift be born witJiin, Soon that likenefs fhall appear Which the heart had loft through fin, God's own image fair and clear. And the foul ferene and bright Mirrors back His heavenly light. 4^ £nra ©cnnanica. Jcfus, let mc fcek for nought But that Thou fhouldfl dwell in mc ; Let this only fill my thought. How I*may grow likcr Thee, Through this earthly care and ftrifc. Through the calm eternal life. With the wife \\ ho know thee right, Though the world accounts them fools, I will praife Thee day and night, I will order by Thy rules All my life, that it may be Fill'd with praife and love of Thee. Laurentius Laurenti. 1700. €^va ©crmanlca. 47 IV. CHRIST OUR EXAMPLE. VER would I fain be reading In the ancient holy Book, Of my Saviour's gentle pleading. Truth in every word and look. How when children came He blcfs'd them. Suffer' no man to reprove. Took them in his arms, and prefs'd them To His heart with words of love. How all the fick and tearful Help was ever gladly fhown ; How He fought the poor and fearful, Call'd them brothers and His own. How no contrite foul e'er fought Him, And was bidden to depart. How with gentle words He taught him. Took the death from out his heart. Still I read the ancient ftory. And my joy is ever new. How for us He left His glory. How he ftill is kind and true. 4-8 Cnra ©cvmanlca. How the flock He gently Icadcth Whom His Father gave Him here ; How His arms He widely fpreadeth To His heart to draw us near. Let me kneel, my Lord, before Thee, Let my heart in tears o'erflow. Melted by Thy love adore Thee, Blefl: in Thee 'mid joy or woe ! LuisE Hensel. Cijra ©cnnauica. 49 PASSION WEEK. I. IN THE GARDEN. HENE'ER again thou finkeft, ■^ My heart, beneath thy load, l^V U k ^^ ^'^^"■^ '■^^ battle fhrinkeft, //^>^ And murmurefl at thy God ; Then I will lead thee hither. To watch thy Saviour's prayer. And learn from His endurance How thou fhouldll: alfo bear. Oh come, wouldft thou be like Him, Thy Lord Divine, and mark What fharpeil forrows flrike Him, What anguish deep and dark, — That earneft cry to fpare Him, The trial fcarce begun ! Yet ftill he faith : '* My Father, Thy will, not mine, be done !" 5<^ £m'a ([3crii]auica. Oh wherefore doth His fpirit Such bitter conflid: know ? What fins, what crimes could merit Such deep and awful woe ? So pure are not the heavens. So clear no noonday fun. And yet He faith : ** My Father, Thy will, not mine, be done !" Oh mark that night of forrow. That agony of prayer ; No friend can watch till morrow His grief to foothc and fliarc ; Oh where fhall He find comfort ? With God, with God alone ; And ftill He faith : " My Father, Thy will, not mine, be done !" Hath life for Him no gladnefs. No joy the light of day? Can He, then, feel no fadnefs. When heart and hope give way ? That cup of mortal anguifh One bitter cry hath won. That it might pafs : " Yet, Father, Thy will, not mine, be done !" And who the cup prepared Him, And who the poifon gave ? *Twas one He loved cnfnarcd Him, *Twas thcv He came to favc. fiira ©crnmuica. 5« Oh fharpest pain, to fuffer Betray'd and mock'd — alone ; Yet flill he faith : " My Father, Thy will, not mine, be done !" But what is joy or living. What treachery or death. When all His work. His ftriving. Seem hanging on His breath ? Oh can it ftand without Him, That work but juft begun ? Yet ftill He faith : " My Father, Thy will, not mine, be done !'* He fpeaks ; no more He fhrinketh, Himfelf He offers up. He fees it all, yet drinketh For us that bitter cup. He goes to meet the traitor. The crofs He will not fhun, — He faith : " I come. My Father, Thy will, not mine, be done !" My Saviour, I will never Forget Thy word of grace. But ftill repeat it ever. Through good and evil days ; And looking up to Heaven, Till all my race is run, I'll humbly fay : " My Father, Thv will, not mine, be done !" V/. Hey. 1828. 52 £nva (Pcrnianica. II. AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS. H, world ! behold upon the tree Thy Life is hanging now for thee. Thy Saviour yields His dying breath ; The mighty Prince of glory now For thee doth unrefifting bow To cruel ftripes, to fcorn and death. Draw near, O world, and mark Him well ; Behold the drops of blood that tell How fore His conflid with the foe : And hark ! how from that noble heart, Sigh after figh doth flowly ftart From depths of yet unfathom'd woe. Alas ! my Saviour, who could dare Bid Thee fuch bitter anguifh bear. What evil heart entreat Thee thus ? For Thou art good, haft wronged none. As wc and ours too oft have done. Thou haft not fmnM, dear Lord, like us £r)va ©ermaiuca. 53 I and my fms, that number more Than yonder fands upon the iliorc. Have brought to pais this agony. 'Tis I have caufed the floods of woe That now Thy dying foul o'erflow. And thofe fad hearts that watch by Thee. 'Tis I to whom thefe pains belong, 'Tis I fliould fufFer for my wrong. Bound hand and foot in heavy chains ; Thy fcourge. Thy fetters, whatfoe'cr Thou beareft, 'tis my foul fhould bear. For fhe hath well deferved fuch pains. Yet Thou doil even for my fake On Thee, in love, the burdens take That weigh'd my fpirit to the ground : Yes, Thou art made a curfe for me. That I might yet be bleft through Thee ; My heahng in Thy wounds is found. To fave me from the moniler's power. The Death that all things would devour, Thyfelf into his jaws doft leap ; My death Thou takell thus away. And buried in Thy grave for aye, O love moll ftrangely true and deep ! From henceforth there is nought of mine But I would feek to make it Thine, Since all myfelf to Thee I owe. 54 ilma (!?crmaiuca. Whatc'cr mv utmoft powers can do. To Thcc to render fervice true. Here at Thy feet I lay it low. Ah ! little have I, Lord, to give. So poor, fo bale the life I live. But yet, till foul and body part. This one thing I will do for Thcc — The woe, the death endured for me, I'll chcrifh in my inmoll heart. Thy crofs fhall be before my fight. My hope, my joy, by day and night, Whatc'cr I do, where'er I rove ; And, gazing, I will gather thence The form of fpotlefs innocence. The fcal of faultless truth and love. And from Thy forrows will I learn How fiercely doth God's anger burn. How terribly His thunders roll. How forcly this our loving God Can fmitc with His avenging rod. How deep His floods o'erwhelm the foul. And I will ftudy to adorn My heart with mceknefs under fcorn. With gentle patience in dirtrefs. With faithful love, that yearning cleaves To thofc o'er whom to death it grieves, Whofc fins its very foul opprefs. £ura ©crmanica. 55 When evil tongues with ftinging blame Would call diflionour on my name, I'll curb the paffions that upftart ; And take injuftice patiently. And pardon, as Thou pardon'ft me, With an ungrudging generous heart. And 1 will nail me to Thy crofs. And learn to count all things but drofs Wherein the flefh doth pleafure take ; Whate'er is hateful in Thine eyes. With all the ftrength that in me lies. Will I call from me and forfake. Thy heavy groans. Thy bitter fighs. The tears that from Thy dying eyes Were fhed when Thou waft fore opprefs'd. Shall be with me, when at the laft Myfelf on Thee I wholly caft. And enter with Thee into reft. Paul Gerhardt. 1659. 5^ I'nm ©cnimntca. III. OUR HERITAGE. H, Jefus, the merit Of all that Thou haft borne Maketh me inherit The crown that hath no thorn ! Ah then, teach me duly To worfliip at Thy crofs. Owning inly, truly. The Love that bore our lofs. There to fin, oh let me From henceforth daily die ; Nor in death forget me. Then grant me life on high. Anon. ilma ©muanica. 57 IV. OUR REQUITAL. IM on yonder crofs I love. Nought on earth I elfe count dear ! May He mine for ever prove. Who is now fo inly near ! Here I ftand : whate'er may come. Days of fanfhine or of gloom. From this word I will not move ; Him upon the crofs I love ! 'Tis not hidden from my heart, What true love muft often bring ; Want and grief have forell fmart. Care and fcorn can Iharply Iling; Nay, but if Thy will were fuch, Bitterell: death were not too much ! Dark though here my courfe may prove : Him upon the crofs I love ! Rather forrows fuch as thefe. Rather love's acuteft pain. Than without Him days of eafe. Riches falfe and honours vain. f lira (Dcrmanlca. Count mc flrangc, when I am true. What He hates I will not do ; Sneers no more my heart can move ; Him upon the crofs I love ! Know ye whence my ftrength is drawn, Fearlefs thus the fight to wage ? Why my heart can laugh to fcorn Flefhly weakness, Satan s rage ? 'Tis, I know the love of Chrift, Mighty is that love unpriced ! What can grieve me, what can move ? Him upon the crofs I love ! Once the eyes that now are dim. Shall difcern the changclefs love That hath led us home to Him, That hath crown'd us far above : Would to God that all below What that love is now might know. And their hearts this word approve : Him upon the crofs I love ! Gredinc. Born 1676. Cwra ©ennauica. 59 V. AT THE SEPULCHRE HOU, forc-opprefs'd. The Sabbath reft In yon ftill grave art keeping ! All Thy labour now is done. Past is all Thy weeping! The ftrife is o'er. Nought hurts Thee more. The heart at laft hath flumber'd. That in conflidl fore for us Bore our fins unnumbered. Thou awful tomb. Once fill'd with gloom ! How bleiTed and how holy Art thou now, fince in the grave Slept the Saviour lowly ! Ho.v calm and blcft The dead now reft Who in the Lord departed ! All their works do follow them. Yea, they fleep glad-hearted. 6o £ura ©cvmaiuca. O lead us Thou, To reft c'cn now. With all who forely anguifh'd *Neath the burden of their fins. Long in woe have languifh'd O Bleflcd Rock ! Soon grant Thy flock To fee Thy Sabbath morning ! Strife and pain will all be pall When that day is dawning. Viktor Strauss. £in*a ©crmauka. 6i VI. OUR REST. ORD Jefus, who our fouls to favc, Didft reft and flumber in the grave. Now grant us all in Thee to reft. And here to live as feems Thee beft. Give us the ftrength, the dauntlefs faith. That Thou hast purchased with Thy death. And lead us to that glorious place. Where we Ihall fee the Father's face. O Lamb of God ! who once waft flain. We thank Thee for that bitter pain ! Let us partake Thy death that we May enter into life with Thee ! George Werner. 1638. 62 £in-a ©cniiQiuca. EASTER. I. THE SONG OF TRIUMPH. HRIST the Lord is rifen again ! Chrill hath broken every chain ! Hark, the angels fliout for joy. Singing evermore on high. Hallelujah. He who gave for us His life. Who for us endured the ftrife. Is our Pafchal Lamb to-day ! We too fmg for joy, and fay : Hallelujah. He who bore all pain and lofs Comfortlefs upon the crofs. Lives in glory now on high. Pleads for us and licars our cry : Hallelujah. £ma ©cnnanica. 63 He whofe path no records tell. Who defcendcd into hell. Who the ftrong man arm'd hath bound. Now in the highell heaven is crown'd : Hallelujah. He who flumbcr'd in the grave. Is exalted now to favc ; Now through Chriftendom it rings That the Lamb is King of kings ! Hallelujah. Now He bids us tell abroad. How the loft may be reftored. How the penitent forgiven. How we too may enter heaven. Hallelujah. Thou our Pafchal Lamb indeed, Chrift, to-day Thy people feed ; Take our fms and guilt away. Let us fmg by night and day. Hallelujah. Bohemian Brethren* 64 ilma ©cnimnica. ^ II. CHRIST OUR CHAMPION. RE yet the dawn hath fill'd the fkics Behold my Saviour Chrift arifc. He chafeth from us fin and night. And brings us joy and life and light. Hallelujah. flronger Thou than Death and Hell, Where is the foe Thou canft not quell What heavy flone Thou canfl: not roll From off the prifon'd anguifli'd foul ? Hallelujah. If Jefus lives, can I be sad ? 1 know He loves me, and am glad ; Though all the world were dead to me. Enough, O Chrift, if I have Thee ! Hallelujah. He feeds mc, comforts and defends, And when I die His angel fends To bear mc whither He is gone. For of His own He lofcth none. Hallelujah. £nra ©rrmaiiica. 65 No more to fear or grief I bow, God and the angels love me now ; The joys prepared for me to-day- Drive fear and mourning far away ; Hallelujah. Strong Champion ! For this comfort fee The whole world brings her thanks to Thee ; And once we too fhall raife above More fweet and loud the fong we love ; Hallelujah. J. Heermann. 1630. <56 £in-a ©cnnauica. III. THE WHOLE WORLD RESTORED IN CHRIST. SAY to all men, far and near, ^ifll) That He is rifen again ; That He is with us now and here. And ever fliall remain. And what I fay, let each this morn Go tell it to his friend. That foon in every place fhall dawn His kingdom without end. Now firll to fouls who thus awake Seems earth a fatherland, A new and endlefs life they take With rapture from His hand. The fears of death and of the grave Arc whelm'd beneath the fea. And everv heart now light and brave May face the things to be. £nra ©cnimulra. ^i The way of darkncfs that He trod To Heaven at Lift fliall come. And he who hearkens to His word Shall reach His Father's home. Now let the mourner grieve no more. Though his beloved fleep, A happier meeting Ihall reftore Their light to eyes that weep. Now every heart each noble deed With new refolve may dare, A glorious harveft fliall the feed In happier regions bear. He lives. His prefence hath not ceafed. Though foes and fears be rife ; And thus we hail in Eafter's feaft A world renewed to life ! NovALis. 1772- 1801. 68 £in*a (Pcrmanica. JY. THE RESURRECTION FROM THE DEATH OF SIN. t RISEN Lord ! O conquering King ! O Life of all that live ! To-day that peace of Eafter bring Which only Thou canfl: give ! Once death, our foe. Had laid Thee low. Now haft Thou rent his bonds in twain. Now art. Thou rifcn who once waft flain ! The power of Thy great majcfty Burfts rocks and tombs away. Thy vidlory raifcs us with Thee Into the glorious day ; Now Satan's might And Death's dark night Have loft their power this blefled morn. And we to higher life arc born. Oh that our hearts might inly know Thy vidory over death. And gazing on Thy conflid glow With eager dauntlcfs faith ; Cnra (Brrmanlca. 69 Thy quenchlefs light. Thy glorious might Still comfortlefs and lonely leave The foul that cannot yet believe. Then break through our hard hearts Thy way, O Jefus, conquering King ! Kindle the lamp of faith to-day. Teach our faint hearts to fing For joy at length. That in Thy ftrength We too may rife whom fm had flain. And Thine eternal reft attain. And when our tears for fm o'crflow. Do Thou in love draw near. The precious gift of peace beftow. Shine on us bright and clear ; That fo may we, O Chrift, from Thee Drink in the life that cannot die. And keep true Eafter feafts on high. Yes, let us truly know within Thy rifmg from the dead ; And quit the grave of death and fin. And keep that gift, our Head, That Thou didft leave For all who cleave To Thee through all this earthly ftrife. So fhall we enter into life. J. H. BOHMER. 1706. 70 Ciirn (fcvmauica. V. THE WALK TO EMMAUS. AD with longing, fick with fears. Two toward Emmaus flowly go. And their eyes arc dim with tears. And their hearts opprefs'd with wo. Of their ruin'd hopes tliey talk ; Yet while thus they fadly walk, Jcfiis is not far away. And their fears fliall foon allay. Ah ! and ftill how many a heart Onward toils in filent grief. Mourning o'er its woes apart, Hopelcfs now of all relief; Oft it fecks to walk alone. Hut to weep its fill unknown ; Yet my Jcfus comcth now, Aflcing, wherefore weepell thou? Many a time I've felt indeed That He leaves me ne'er alone. In the hour of utmoll need Then Himfclf He makcth known; Cnra ©crmanica. 71 When in forrow I confume As though He no more could come, Lo ! I find Him more than near. Quickly with His help He's here. Trueft Friend, who canft not fail me. Evermore abide with me ; When the world would moll afl*ail me. Then Thy prcfence let me fee ; When its heavicft thunders roll. Shelter Thou my trembling foul. Come and in my fpirit reft, I will do what fccms Thee beft. When I dread fome coming ill. Lord, then bid me think of this. That my Saviour loves me ftill. And that I am furely His : More of Thy word let me learn. Till my heart within me burn, Fill'd with love, and in Thy Light Learn to know her Lord aright. Comfort thofe who, fill'd with gloom. Lonely on their journey go. Or within their filent room Cry to Thee from depths of wo ; When they leave the world apart. There to weep out all their heart. Let them hear Thy whifper mild ; Wherefore doft thou mourn, my child? 72 f lira ©crmanica. When life's day hath fleeted by. When the night of death is near, When in vain the darkened eye Seeks lome flay, fome helper here : Then Thy followers' prayer fulfil. Then abide Thou with us flill. Till Thou give us peace and reft Stay, O ftay. Thou noble gueft ! L. E. S. MULLER. Cgra ©^rmamca. 73 ASCENSION. I. THE WAY OPENED. O-DAY.our Lord went up on high. And fo our fongs we raife ; To Him with ftrong defire we cry To keep us in His grace. For we poor finners here beneath Are dwelling ftill 'mid woe and death. All hope in Him we place. Hallelujah. Thank God that now the way is made ! The cherub-guarded door. Through Him on whom our help was laid Stands open evermore ; Who knoweth this is glad at heart. And fwift prepares him to depart Where Chrift is gone before. Hallelujah. 4 74 I'jjm ©n-manlca. Our heavenward courfc begins when we Have found our Father, God, And join us to His Tons, and flee The paths that once we trod ; For he looks down, and they look up. They feel His love, they live in hope. Until they meet their Lord. Hallelujah. Then all the depths of joy that lie In this day we fhall know. When we are made like Him on high. Whom we confefs below. When bath'd in life's eternal flood We dwell with Him, the highefl: Good : God grant us this to know ! Hallelujah. J. ZWICK. 1538. Cgra (Bninanka. 7s II. CHRIST'S ASCENSION THE GROUND OF OURS. INCE Chrift is gone to heaven. His home I too mull one day fhare ; And in this hope I overcome All anguifh, all defpair; For where the Head is, well we know The members he hath left below In time He gathers there. Since Chrift hath reach'd His glorious throne And mighty gifts are His, My heart can reft in heaven alone. On earth my Lord I mifs, I long to be with Him on high. And heart and thoughts would hourly fly Where now my treafure is. From Thy afcenfion let fuch grace. My Lord, be found in me. That fteadfaft faith may guide my ways Unfaultering up to Thee, And at Thy voice I may depart With joy to dwell where Thou, Lord, art ; Oh grant this prayer to me ! JosuA Wegelin. 1636. 76 Cnra ©criiianica. III. THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST. ONQUERING Prince and Lord of glory ! Majerty enthroned in light ! All the heavens are bow'd before Thee, Far beyond them fpreads Thy might ; Shall I fall not at Thy feet. And my heart with rapture beat. Now Thy glory is difplay'd. Thine ere yet the worlds were made ? Far and wide. Thou heavenly Sun, Now Thy brightnefs ftreams abroad. And Heaven's hofl: anew hath won Light and gladnefs from its Lord ; Hark, how yon unnumber'd throng Welcome Thee with joyous fong : See, Thy children weak and few Here would cry Hofanna too. Of Thy cup fliall I not drink, Now Thy glories o'er me fliine ? Shall my courage ever fink, Now I know all power is Thine? £i3ra ((5a*ina]iica. n I will truft Thee, O my King, And will fear no earthly thing. Henceforth will I bow the knee To no ruler, fave to Thee. Power and Spirit now o'erflow. On me alfo be they pour'd. Till Thy laft and mightiefl foe Hath been made Thy footHool, Lord ; Yea, let earth's rcmotell end To Thy righteous fceptre bend. Make Thy way before Thee plain. O'er all hearts and fpirits reign. Lo ! Thy prefcnce filleth now All Thy Church in ev^ery place. To my heart, oh enter Thou, See, it thirrteth for Thy grace ; Come, Thou King of glory, come. Deign to make my heart Thy home. There abide and rule alone. As upon Thy heavenly throne ! Parting, doll Thou bring Thy life, God and heaven, moft inly near : Let me rife o'er earthly ftrife. As though ftill I faw Thee here. And my heart tranfplanted hence. Strange to earth and time and fenfe. Dwell with Thee in heaven e'en now. Where our only joy art Thou ! , Tersteegek. 17^1. 78 Cnva C!?cinuuuca. IV. THE THRONE OF GRACE. Y Jcfus, if the fcraphim, Tlic burning hort: that near Thee {land. Before Thy MajeJfly are dim, y And veil their face at Thy command; How fliall thcfe mortal eyes of mine. Now dark with evil's hateful night. Endure to gaze upon the light That aye furrounds that throne of Thine ? Yet grant the eye of faith, O Lord, To pierce within the Holy Place, For I am faved and Thou adored. If I am quickened by Thy grace. Behold, O King, before Thy throne My foul in lowly love doth bend, Oh fhow Thyfelf her gracious Friend, And fay, "I choofc thee for mine own." Have mercy. Lord of love, for long My fpirit for Thy mercy fighs. My inmoft foul hath found a tongue, *' Be merciful, O God," flic cries ! €ma ©crmautca. 79 I know Thou wilt not bid me go. Thou canft not be ungracious. Lord, To one for whom Thy blood was pour'd, Whofe guilt was cancell'd by Thy woe. Here in Thy gracious hands I fall. To Thee I cling with faith's embrace, O righteous Sovereign, liear my call. And turn, O turn, to me in grace ! For through Thy forrows I am juft. And guilt no more in me is found. Thus reconciled, my foul is bound To Thee in endlefs love and truil. And let Thy wifdom be my guide. Nor take Thy light from me away. Thy grace be ever at my fide. That from the path I may not flray That Thou dofl love, but evermore In fteadfail faith my courfe fulfil. And keep Thy word, and do Thy will. Thy love within. Thy heaven before ! Reach down and arm me with Thy hand, And ftrengthen me with inner might. That I through faith may ftrive and fland Though craft and force againft me fight : So fhall the kingdom of Thy love Be through me and within me fpread. That honours Thee, our glorious Head, And crowneth us in realms above. ^o iLma ©rrmaulca. Yes, yes, to Thee my foul would cleave, O choofe it. Saviour, for Thy throne ! Couldft Thou in love to me once leave The glory that was all Thine own. So honour Thou my life and heart That Thou mayft find a heaven in me. And wlicn this houfe decay'd fliall be. Then grant the heaven where now Thou art. To Thee I rife in faith on high. Oh bend Thou down in love to me ! Let nothing rob me of this joy. That all my foul is fill'd with Thee ; As long as I have life and breath. Thee will I honour, fear, and love. And when this heart hath ceafed to move. Yet Love fhall live and conquer death. W. C. Dessler. 1692. £ma (Sti'manka, 8i WHITSUNTIDE. I. THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. OLY Spirit, once again Come Thou true Eternal God ! Nor Thy power defcend in vain. Make us ever Thine abode ; So fhall Spirit, joy, and light Dwell in us where all was night. Pour into our heart and mind Wifdom, counfel, truth, and love ; That we be to nought inclined. Save what Thou mayft well approve ; Let Thy knowledge fpread and grow. Working error's overthrow. Guide us. Lord, from day to day. Keep us in the paths of grace. Clear all hindrances away That might foil us in the race ; When we ftumble hear our call. Work repentance for our fall. 4* 82 Ctira ^cnnanica. Witnefs in our hearts that God Counts us children through His Son, That our Father's gentle rod Smites us for our good alone. So when tried, perplex'd, diflrefl In His love we ftill may reft. Quicken us to feek His face Freely, with a trufting heart. In our prayers O breathe Thy grace. Go with us when we depart. So fhall our requeft be heard. And our faith to joy be ftirr'd. And whene'er a yearning ftrong PrefTcs out the bitter cry. Ah my God, how long, how long ? Then O let me find Thee nigh. And Thy words of healing balm Bring me courage, patience, calm. Spirit Thou of ftrcngth and power Thou new Spirit God hath given. Aid us in temptation's hour. Train and perfect us for heaven. Arm us in the battle-field Leave us never there to yield. Lord, prcferve us in the faith. Suffer nought to drive us thence, Neither Satan, fcorn, nor death ; Be our God and our defence. £ma (Btvvaamca. 83 Though the flefh refill Thy will. Let Thy word be flronger ftill. And when we at laft mult die. Oh afTure the iinking heart Of the glorious realm on high Where Thou healeft every smart. Of the joys unfpeakable Where our God would have us dwell. Anon. ^4 £ma (dmnamca. II. THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM, LOVE, AND JOY. WEETEST Joy the foul can know, Faircft Light was ever fhcd, Who alike in joy or woe, Lcavefl: none unvifited ; Spirit of the Highelt God, Lord, from whom is life bestowM, Who upholdefl: everything. Hear me, hear me, while I fmg ! For the noblcfl: gift Thou art That a foul e'er fought or won. Have I wifli'd Thee to my heart. Then my wifliing all is done ; Ah then yield Thee, nor refufe Here to dwell, for Thou didll choofe This my heart, from e'en its birth. For Thy temple here on earth. Thou art fhcd like gentlcft fhowers From the Father and the Son, Bringcft to this earth of ours Purcft blcfTmg from their throne ; Cdim ©crmanica. 85 SuiFer then, O noble Gueft, That rich gift by Thee pofleft. That Thou giveft at Thy will All my foul and flefh to fill. Thou art wife, before Thee ftand Hidden things unveil'd to Thee, Counteft up the grains of fand, Fathomeft the deepeft fea. And Thou knovveft well how blind. Dark and crooked is my mind ; Give me wifdom, in Thy light Let me pleafe my God aright. Thou art holy, entereft in Where pure hearts Thy coming wait. But Thou fleeft fhame and fin. Craft and falfehood Thou doft hatej Wafh me then, O Well of grace. Every fl:ain and fpot efface. Let me flee what Thou doft flee. Grant me what Thou lov'ft to fee. Thou art loving, hateft ftrife. As a lamb of patient mood. Calm through all our reftlefs hfe. Even to finners kind and good ; Grant me, too, this noble mind. To be calm and true and kind. Loving every friend or foe. Grieving none whom Thou doft know. ^^ Crira ©crmanica. Well contented is my heart. If but Thou rcjc6l me not; If but Thou wilt ne'er depart, I am bleft whate'er my lot; Thine for ever make me now. And to Thee, my Lord, I vow Here and yonder to employ Every power for Thee with joy. Be my help when danger's nigh. When I fmk hold Thou me up. Be my life when I muft die. In the grave be Thou my hope ; Bring me when I rife again To the land that knows no pain. Where Thy followers from Thy ftream Drink for ever joys fupreme. Paul Gerhardt. 1653. t'nra (Bcrmanlca. 87 III. THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT. HE Church of Chrift that He hath hal- lovv'd here ig^ To be His houfe, is fcatter'd far and near. In North and South and Eaft and Weil abroad. And yet in earth and heaven, through Chrift her Lord, The Church is one. One member knoweth not another here. And yet their fellowfhip is true and near. One is their Saviour, and their Father one. One Spirit rules them., and among them none Lives to himfelf. They Hve to Him v/ho bought them with His blood. Baptized them with His Spirit pure and good. And in true faith and ever-burning love Their hearts and hope afcend to feek above The eternal Good. O Spirit of the Lord, all life is Thine, Now fill Thy Church with life and power divine. That many children may be born to Thee, And fpread Thy knowledge Hke the boundlefs Tea, To Christ's great praise. A. G. Spangenberg. 1747. 88 £ma (Bcrmanica. IV. THE STRENGTH OF THE CHURCH. ARK, the Church proclaims her honour And her flrength is only this : God hath laid His choice upon her, And the work Ihe doth is His. He His Church hath firmly founded. He will guard what He began ; We, by fm and foes furrounded. Build her bulwarks as we can. Frail and fleeting are our powers. Short our days, our forefight dim, And we own the choice not ours. We were chofen firft by Him. Onward then ! for nought dcfpairing. Calm we follow at His word. Thus through joy and forrow bearing Faithful witnefs to our Lord. Though we here mult rtrivc with wcaknefs. Though in tears we often bend. What His might began in meckncfs Shall achieve a glorious end. S. Prkiswerk. Cnra ©srmanka. 89 V. THE DIFFUSION OF THE GOSPEL. PREAD, oh fpread, thou mighty Word, Spread the kingdom of the Lord, Whcrefoe'er His breath has given Life to beings meant for heav^en. Tell them how the Father's will Made the world, and keeps it ftill. How He fent His Son to fave All who help and comfort crave. Tell of our Redeemer's love. Who for ever doth remove By His holy facrifice. All the guilt that on us lies. Tell them of the Spirit given Now, to guide us up to heaven. Strong and holy, juft and true. Working both to will and do. Word of Life ! moll pure and ftrong, Lo ! for Thee the nations long ; 90 ilma ^crmanica. Spread, till from its dreary night All the world awakes to light. Up, the ripening fields ye fee. Mighty ihall the harveft be. But the reapers ftill are few, Great the work they have to do. Lord of harveft, let there be Joy and flrength to work for Thee, Let the nations far and near See Thy Light, and learn Thy fear. Bahnmaier. £ma ©fnnanica. 91 TRINITY. I. A MORNING HYMN. HEE Fount of blcffing we adore ! Lo ! we unlock our lips before Thy Godhead's deep of holincfs. Oh deign to hear us now and blefs. The Lord, the Maker, with us dwell. In foul and body fhield us well. And guard us with His fleepless might From every ill by day and night. The Lord, the Saviour, Light Divine, Now caufe His face on us to fhine. That feeing Him, with perfeft faith We truft His love for life and death. The Lord, the Comforter, be near. Imprint His image deeply here. From bonds of fin and dread releafe. And give us His unchanging peace. 92 £nra (fcnnaiiica. O Triune God ! Thou vaft abrfs ! Thou ever-flowing Fount of blifs. Flow through us, heart and foul and will With endlefs praifc and blefling fill! Tersteegen. 1731. iCma ©cnimnica. 93 II. THE FATHER, REDEEMER, GUIDE. /f^ Father-eye, that hath fo truly watch'd, O Father-hand, that hath fo gently led, O Father-heart, that by my prayer is touch'd. That loved me firil when I was cold and dead : Still do Thou lead me on with faithful care The narrow path to heaven where I would go, xA.nd train me for the life that waits me there, ' Alike through love and lofs, through weal and wo. O my Redeemer, who for me waft flain. Who bringeft me forgivenefs and releafe, Whofe death has ranfom'd me to God again, Th?.t now my heart can reft in perfeft peace ; Still more and more do Thou my foul redeem. From every bondage fet me wholly free. Though Evil oft the mightieft power may feem. Still make me more than conqueror. Lord, in Thee. 94 £nra ©cvmanka. O Holy Spirit, who with gcntlcll breath Doft teach to pray, doll comfort or reprove. Who givcfl us all joy and hope and faith. Through whom we live at peace with God in love ; Still do Thou fhed Thine influences abroad. Let me the Father's image ever wear. Make me a holy temple of my God, Where dwells for ever calm adoring prayer! Spitta. Cura ©crmanica. 95 III. AN EVENING HYMN. ,RUE mirror of the Godhead ! Perfeft Light ! Thou Three in One, whofe never num- bering might Enfolds the world within its fheltering wings. And holds in being all created things ! We praife Thee with the earlieft morning ray. We praife Thee with the parting beam of day ; All things that live and move, by fea and land. For ever ready at Thy fervice ftand. Exhauillefs Treafare ! Being limitlefs ! What gaze hath ever pierced Thy deep abvfs ? Deep Fount of Life ! Light inacceflible ! How great Thy power, O God, what tongue can tell? Thy Chriflendom is linging night and day. Glory to Him, the mighty God, for aye. By Whom, through Whom, in Whom all beings are! Grant us to echo on this fong afar ! 96 £nra ©crmanica. Thy name is great. Thy kingdom in us dwell. Thy will conftrain and feed and guide us well ; Spare us, redeem us in the evil hour, For Thine the glory. Thine the rule, the power. J. Franck. 1653. £ma (Bcxmanka, 97 Bnxficts. MORNING PRAYER. r. FOR THE SABBATH MORNING. /?'^*=*^IGHT of light enlighten me m IK Now anew the day is dawning ; Sun of grace, the fhadows flee. Brighten Thou my Sabbath morning. With Thy joyous funfliine bleit Happy is my day of reft ! Fount of all our joy and peace. To Thy living waters lead me. Thou from earth my foul releafe And with grace and mercy feed me ; Blefs Thy word that it may prove Rich in fruits that Thou doll love. 5 9^ Cijra ©cvmauica. Kindle Thou the facrifice That upon my lips is lying ; Clear the fhadovvs from mine eyes That, from every error flying. No flrange fire within me glow That Thine altar doth not know. Let me with my heart to-day. Holy, Holy, Holy, fmging. Rapt awhile from earth away All my foul to Thee upfpringing. Have a foretafte inly given How they worfliip Thee in Heaven. Reft in me and I in Thee, Build a Paradife within me ; Oh reveal Thyfclf to me ; Bleflcd Love, who diedft to win mc ; Fed from Thine exhauftlefs urn Pure and bright my lamp fliall burn. Hence all care, all vanity. For the day to God is holy ; Come Thou glorious Majefty Deign to fill this temple lowly. Nought to-day my foul fliall move Simply rcfting in Thy love. B. SCHMOLCK. 1 73 1 Cin*a ©cnnanica. 99 III. BEFORE PUBLIC WORSHIP. LESSED Jcfus, at Thy word We are gather'd all to hear Thee ; Let our hearts and fouls be flirr'd Now to feck and love and fear Thee ; By Thy teachings fweet and holy Drawn from earth to love Thee folely. All our knowledge, fenfe, and fight Lie in deepeft darknefs fhrouded. Till Thy Spirit breaks our night With the beams of truth unclouded ; Thou alone to God canft win us. Thou muft work all good within us. Glorious Lord, Thyfelf impart ! Light of light from God proceeding. Open Thou our ears and heart. Help us by Thy Spirit's pleading. Hear the cry Thy people raifes. Hear, and blcfs our prayers and praifes ! T. Clausnitzer. 1 67 1. loo Ciira (I5cnnanifa. III. IN TIME OF WAR AND PERSECUTION ^^ NCE more the day-light fhincs abroad, O Brethren let us praife the Lord, Whofe grace and mercy thus have kept The nightly watch while we have flept. To Him let us together pray With one heart and one foul to-day. That He would keep us in His love. And all our guilt and fm remove. Eternal God ! Almighty Friend, Whofe deep compafhons have no end, Whofe never-failing flrength and might Have kept us fafely through the night: Now fend us from Thy heavenly throne Thy grace and help through Chrill Thy Son, That with Thy llrength our hearts may glow. And fear nor man nor ghollly foe. Ah Lord God ! hear us we implore ! Be Thou our Gu;iri.ri.in evermore, £ura 0mnamca. loi Our mighty Champion and our fhicld Who goeth with us to the field. We ofFer up ourfelves to Thee, That heart and word and deed may be In all things guided by Thy mind. And in Thine eyes acceptance find. Thus, Lord, we bring through Chrift Thy Son Our morning offering to Thy throne ; Now be Thy precious gift outpoured. And help us for Thine honour. Lord ! Bohemian Brethren. 102 Ciira ©crnuinica. IV. IN TIME OF DISTRESS. Written during the Thirty Years' War. HEN anguifli'd and pcrplex'd with many [■ .jN a figh and tear T I lift mine eyes up to Thy hills, and ^) pour out all my woe. Thou bendeft: down Thine ear. And never from Thy face, my Lord, uncomfortcd I go. My help and my defence come, faithful God, from Thee, By Whom the heavens were fix'd, and earth's foun- dations laid ; Man cannot fuccour mc. Before Tliy throne alone wc find our refuge and our aid. £ma ©crmauica. 103 Thou watcheft that my foot fhould neither flip nor flray. Thou guideft me Thyfelf through all my dark and troubled courfr. Thou pointed me the way Amid the fnares of lin and death, and this world's craft and force. Guardian of Ifrael ! Thou dofl flumber not, nor fleep. Thine eye is open day and night, ftill watching over thofe Who true allegiance keep To Jefus' banner of the Crofs, and bravely meet His foes. And when Thou bidd'll me leave this world of ftrife and pain. Grant me in Thee a fteadfaft hope, and gentle quick releafe. Knowing we rife again To dwell where death and war are not, in endlefs joy and peace. M. A. VON LOWENSTERN. lO-j. ilma (!?crinaiufa. V. THE CHRISTIAN'S MORNING SACRIFICE. THOU Moft Highcft! Guardian of man- kind ! Supreme exhauftlcfs good Thou art ! To Thcc I offer foul and heart : Praife Him all creatures with your ftrcngth and mind. For He is kind ! Yes, Lord, *tis of Thy power alone to-day That ftill I draw my living breath, Thy grace preferves me Hill from death, O Father-heart, rejeft me not, but (lay With me to-day. O Ifracl's God, I bring Thee now my will, That would be Thine whate'cr it cost. Love Thy good gifts, yet love Thcc moll ; This is my prayer while yet the morn is Hill, Take Thou my will. £ma (Bcxmanka, 105 O Fount of grace, in love be Thou my guide. Thine eye look down on me in power, Whate'er I do or am each hour Prepare me for the eternal life, abide Still at my fide. The foul and body Thou doll hold in hfe. Be ever ready in Thy fear To fight for truth and jufiice here. And trufting Thee to meet the final ftrife. For Thou art Life. Bless all my works and ways, my light increafe. Order my doings for the bell. In all my toil be Thou my reft. Until at laft I lay me down in peace That cannot ceafe. Joachim Neander. 1679. io6 £uva (5cniianica. VI. A MORNING SONG OF GLADNESS. S a bird in meadows fair Or in lonely foreft fings Till it fills the fummer air And the greenwood fweetly rings. So my heart to Thee would raife, O my God, its fong of praife That the gloom of night is o*cr And I fee the fun once more. If Thou, Sun of Love, arife. All my heart with joy is ftirr'd. And to greet Thee upward flies Gladfome as yon little bird. Shine Thou in me clear and bright Till I learn to praife Thee right ; Guide me in the narrow way. Let me ne'er in darknefs ftray. Blcfs to-day whate'cr I do, Blefs whate'cr I have and love ; From the paths of virtue true Let mc never never rove ; €m'a (Btxmanica. 107 By Thy Spirit ftrengthen me In the faith that leads to Thee, Then an heir of life on high Fearlefs I may live and die. Anon. About 1580. io8 £nra ©mnanica. VII. A MORNING PRAYER. .HE golden morn flames up the Eaftcrn fky. And what dark night had hid from every eye All-piercing day-light fummons clear to view : And all the forcfts, vale or plain oi Kill, That flcpt in mill enfliroaded, dark and IHII, In gladfome light are glittering now anew. Shine in my heart, and bring me joy and light. Sun of my darkcn'd foul, difpel its night. And flied in it the truthful day abroad ; And all the many gloomy folds lay bare Within this heart, that fain would learn to wear The pure and glorious likenefs of its Lord. Glad with Thy light, and glowing witli Tby love. So let me ever fpcak and think and move As fits a foul wcw-touch'd with life from Heaven. That fecks but fo to order all licr courfc As moft to (how the glory of that Source By whom alone licr ftrength, her life are given. I'nra ©cnnanica. 109 I aflc not, take away this weight of care ; No, for that love I pray that all can bear. And for the faith that whatfoe'er befall Muil needs be good, and for my profit prove. Since from my Father's heart moil rich in love. And from His bounteous hands it cometh all, I afk not that my courfe be calm and flill ; No, here too. Lord, be done Thy holy will ; I afk but for a quiet childlike heart ; Though thronging cares and reftlefs toil be mine. Yet may my heart remain for ever Thine, Draw it from earth, and fix it where Thou art. T afk Thee not to finifh foon the llrifc. The toil, the trouble of this earthly life ; No, be my peace amid its grief and pain ; I pray not, grant me now Thy realm on high; No, ere I die let me to evil die. And through Thy crofs my fins be wholly flain. True Morning Sun of all my life, I pray That not in vain Thou fhine on me to-day. Be Thou my light when all around is gloom ; Thy brightnefs, hope, and courage on me fhed. That I may joy to fee when life is fled The fetting fun that brings the pilgrim home. Spitta. 'lo t'nva (Pcnnauica. EVENING PRAYER. I. TRUST IN GOD. HE night is come, wherein at laft we reft, God order this and all things for the beft • Beneath His blcffing fearlcfs we may lie Since He is nigh. Drive evil thoughts and fpirits far away, O Mafter, watch o'er us till dawning day. Body and foul alike from harm defend. Thine angel fend. Let holy prayers and thoughts our lateft be. Let us awake with joy, ftill clofc to Thee, In all ferve Thee, in every deed and thought Thy praifc be fought. Give to the fick as Thy beloved flcep. And help the captive, comfort thofc who weep, Care for the widows* and the orphans' woe, Keep far our foe. Cm*a ©ermanica. m For we have none on whom for help to call. Save Thee, O God in heaven, who car'ft for all. And wilt forfake them never day or night. Who love Thee right. Father, Thy Name be praifed. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be wrought as in our heavenly home. Keep us in life, forgive our fins, del-ver Us now and ever ! Amen. Bohemian Brethren. I 12 iima (Bcvmamca, II. AN EVENING THANKSGIVING. INK not yet, my foul, to flumbcr. Wake, my heart, go forth and tell All the mercies without number That this by-gone day befell ; Tell how God hath kept afar All things that againll: me war. Hath upheld me and defended. And His grace my foul befriended. Father, merciful and holy. Thee to-night I praife and blcfs. Who to labour true and lowly Grantcfl: ever meet fucccfs ; Many a fin and many a woe. Many a fierce and fubtle foe Haft Thou chcck'd that once alarm'd me. So that nought to-day has harm'd me. Yes, our wifdom vainly ponders. Fathoms not Thy loving thought ; Never tongue can tell the wonders Tiiat each day for us are wrought; iCma ©crmanica. 1^3 So Thou'ft guided me to-day That no ill hath crofs'd my way. There is neither bound nor meafurc In Thy love's o'erflowing trcafure. Now the light, that all things gladdens. And the pomp of day is gone. And my heart is tired and iaddens As the gloomy night comes on ; Ah then, with Thy changelefs light Warm and cheer my heart to-night. As the fliadows round me gather Keep me clofe to Thee, my Father. Of Thy grace I pray Thee pardon x4.ll my fms, and heal their fmart ; Sore and heavy is their burden. Sharp their iling within my heart ; And my foe lays many a fnare But to tempt me to defpair. Only Thou, dear Lord, canft fave me. Let him not prevail to have me. Have I e'er from Thee departed. Now I feek Thy face again. And Thy Son, the loving-hearted. Made our peace through bitter pain. Yes, far greater than our lin. Though it itill be ilrong within. Is the Love that fails us never, Mercy that endures for ever. »H £nra (Pcrmanica. Brightncfs of the eternal city ! Light of every fiithful foul ! Safe beneath Thy fheltering pity Let the tempclb paft me roll ; Now it darkens far and near. Still, my God, ftill be Thou here; Thou canft comfort, and Thou only. When the night is long and lonely. E'en the twilight now hath vanifh'd. Send Thy blcffing on my fleep. Every fm and terror banifli'd. Let my rest be calm and deep. Soul and body, mind and health. Wife and children, houfe and wealth. Friend and foe, the fick, the ftranger. Keep Thou fafc from harm and danger. Keep me fafe till morn is breaking. Nightly terrors drive Thou hence. Let not ficknefs keep me waking ; Sudden death and peftilence. Fire and water, noife of war. Keep Thou from my houfe afar; Let me die not unrepented. That my foul be not tormented. O Thou mighty God, now hearken To the prayer Thy child hath made; Jefus, while the night-hours darken Be Thou Hill my hope, my aid ; Cgra ©mnamca. "<; Holy Ghoft, on Thee I call. Friend and Comforter of all. Hear my earneft prayer, oh hear me ! Lord, Thou heareft. Thou art near me. J. RisT. 1642. 11^ £]]xa (^rrnmuica. III. IN SICKNESS. ORD, a whole long day of pain Now at laft is o'er ! Ah how much we can fuftain I have felt once more ; Felt how frail are all our powers. And how weak our truft ; If Thou help not, thefe dark hours Crufli us to the duft. Could I face the coming night If Thou wert not near? Nay, without Thy love and might I mull fink with fear : Round me falls the evening gloom. Sights and founds all ceafe. But within this narrow room Night will bring no peace. Other weary eyes may clofc. All things feck their flecp. Hither comes no foft rcpofc, I mufl: wake and weep. £rn*a (Bcrmanica. "7 Come then, Jefus, o'er me bend. Give me ftrength to cope With my pains, and gently fend Thoughts of peace and hope. Draw my weary heart away From this gloom and ftrife. And thefe fever pains allay With the dew of life ; Thou canft calm the troubled mind. Thou its dread canft Hill, Teach mc to be all rcfign'd To my Father's will. Then if I must wake and weep All the long night through. Thou the watch with me wilt keep. Friend and Guardian true ; In the darknefs Thou wilt fpeak Lovingly with me. Though my heart may vainly feek Words to breathe to Thee. Wherefoe'er my couch is made In Thy hands I lie. And to Thee alone for aid Turns my reftlefs eye. Let my prayer grow weary never. Strengthen Thou the oppress'd ; In Thy fhadow. Lord, for ever Let me gently reft. Heinrich Puchta. 'i8 |;t)va ©rrmanica. IV. FOR A WAKEFUL NIGHT. OW darkncfs over all is fprcad. No founds the ftillnefs break, Tp Ah when fhall thefe fad hours be fled, (r^^y^ Am I alone awake ? Ah no, I do not wake alone. Alone I do not fleep. Around me ever watcheth One Who wakes with thofe who \wccp. On earth it is fo dark and drear. With Him fo calm and bright. The liars in folemn radiance clear Shine there through all our night. 'Tis when the lights of earth arc gone The heavenly glories fliine; When other comfort I have none. Thy comfort. Lord, is mine. f nra ©crmaulca. "9 Be flill, my throbbing heart, be Hill, Caft ofF thy weary load. And make His holy will thy will. And reft upon thy God. How many a time the night hath come. Yet ftill return'd the day ; How many a time thy crofs, thy gloom. Ere now hath pafs'd away. And thefe dark hours of anxious pain That now opprefs thee fore, I know will vanifh foon again. Then I fhall fear no more : For when the night hath lafted long. We know the morn is near. And when the trial's Iharp and ftrong Our Help fhall foon appear. Pastor Josephsen. i-o £])\a d^cnnanlca. V. AT THE CLOSE OF THE SABBATH. BIDE among us with TJiy grace. Lord Jcfus evermore. Nor let us e'er to fin give place Nor grieve Him we adore. Abide among us with Thy word. Redeemer whom we love. Thy help and mercy here afford. And life with Thee above. Abide among us with Thy ray, O Light that lighten'il all. And let Thy truth prcfcrvc our way. Nor fufFer us to fall. Abide with us to blcfs us Hill O bounteous Lord of peace ; With grace and power our fouls fulfill. Our faith and love incrcafc. £m'a ©crmanka. 121 Abide among us as our fliield, O Captain of Thy hoft ; That to the world we may not yield. Nor e'er forfake our poft. Abide with us in faithful lov^e. Our God and Saviour be. Thy help at need, oh let us prove And keep us true to Thee. Stegmann. 1630. '22 £]]xa CPcniuinica. BAPTISM. I. THE COMMAND. LESSED Jcfas, here \vc (land. Met to do as Thou hail: fpokcn. And this child at Thy command Now \vc bring to Thee, in token That to Chrift it here is given. For of fuch fliall be His Heaven. Yes, Thy warning voice is plain, And we fain would keep it duly, ** He who is not born again. Heart and life renewing truly. Born of water and the Spirit, Will My kingdom nc*cr inherit." Therefore hallcn wc to Thcc, Take the pledge wc bring, oh take it Let us here Thy glory fee. And in tender pity make it £ura ©crmanxca. 123 Now Thy child, and leave it never. Thine on earth, and Thine for ever. Turn the darknefs into Hght, To Thy grace receive and fave it ; Heal the ferpent's venomed bite. In the font where now we lave it ; Let Thy Spirit pure and lowly Banilh thought or taint unholy. Make it. Head, Thy member now. Shepherd, take Thy lamb, and feed it. Prince of Peace, its peace be Thou, Way of life, to Heaven oh lead it. Vine, this branch may nothing fever. Be it graft in Thee forever. Now upon Thy heart it lies. What our hearts fo dearly treafure. Heavenward lead our burden'd fighs. Pour Thy bleffing without meafure. Write the name we now have given. Write it in the book of Heaven. ScHMOLCK. 1672-1737. 124 £nra ([>ciinanica. n. THE NAME. FATHER-HEART, who haft created all In wifcfl: love we pray Look on this babe,-who, at Thy gracious call Is entering on life's way. Bend o'er it now with blcfling fraught. And make Thou fomething out of nought, O Father-heart. O Son of God, who diedft for us, behold We bring our child to Thee, Thou tender Shepherd take it to Thy fold. Thine own for aye to be ; Defend it through this earthly ftrife. And lead it on the path of life, O Son of God ! O Holy Ghoft, who broodeft o'er the wave, Defcend upon this child ; Give it undying life, its fpirit lave With waters undefilcd ; Grant it while yet a babe to be A child of God, a home for Thee, O Holy Ghoft ! Cj^va ®ennantca. 125 O Triune God, what Thou command'fl is done. We fpeak, but Thine the might: This child hath fcarce yet feen our earthly fun. Yet pour on it Thy light. In faith and hope, in joy and love. Thou Sun of all below, above, O Triune God ! A. Knapp. 126 £])xa ©crmanica. III. THE BLESSING. HY parents' arms now yield thee. With love all glowing warm. To Him who bell can fliicld thee To that Eternal Arm That all the heavens upholdeth And bids the dead arifc. That tender babes enfoldeth And leads them toward the fkies. Wafli'd in the blood that gufhcs From out His wounded heart, Wrapp'd in the peace that hufhes All earthly grief and fmart. Go forth upon thy journey.. Grow up in ftrength and age. And feck with joy and wifdom Thy holy heritage. Oh fwect will found the voices That hail thee from above. Where heaven's briglit hoft rejoices Before the Eternal Love ; Cttra ©crmanica. 127 " Now canft thou wander never. Now pall is all thy ftrife. Oh blefs the hour for ever That caird thee into life." A. Knapp. 128 £iira ©crmanifa. IV. FOR A CHRISTIAN CHILD. EEING I am Jesus* lamb. Ever glad at heart I am O'er my Shepherd kind and good. Who provides me daily food. And His lamb by name doth call. For He knows and loves us all. Guided by His gentle (lafF Where the funny paftures laugh, I go in and out and feed. Lacking nothing that I need ; When I third my feet He brings To the frefh and living fprings. Mull I not rejoice for this ? He is mine, and I am His, And when thcfe bright days arc part. Safely in His arms at laft He will bear me home to heaven ; Ah what joy hath Jesus given ! LuisE H. VON Haym. 1 724-1 782. €^va ®n'inaiuca. 129 V. RENEWAL OF THE VOW. AM baptized into Thy name, j) O Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft ! Among Thy feed a place I claim. Among Thy confecrated host ; Buried with Chrift, and dead to fm. Thy Spirit now Ihall live within. My loving Father, here doft Thou Proclaim me as Thy child and heir; My faithful Saviour biddefl me now The fruit of all Thy forrows fhare ; Thou Holy Ghoft wilt comfort me When darkeft clouds around I fee. And I have promised fear and love. And to obey Thee, Lord, alone ; I felt Thy Spirit in me move. And dared to pledge myfelf Thine own. Renouncing fin to keep the faith. And war with evil to the death. 6* >3o £nra ©ermanica. My faithful God, upon Thy fide This covenant ilandeth fail for aye. If I tranfgrcfs through fear or pride. Oh call mc therefore not away. If I have fore my foul defiled. Yet flill forgive, reflore Thy child. I bring Thee here, my God, anew Of all I am or have the whole. Quicken my life, and make me true. Take full pofleffion of my foul. Let nought within me, nought I own. Serve any will but Thine alone. Hence Prince of darknefs, hence my foe ! Another Lord hath purchafed mc ! My copfcience tells of fm, yet know. Baptized in Chrift I fear not thee ! Away vain World, Sin, leave me now, I turn from you ; God hears my vow. And never let me waver more, O Father, Son, and Holy Ghofl, Till at Thy will this life is o'er Still keep me in Thy faithful hofl, So unto Thee I live and die And praife Thee evermore on high. Rambach. 1720. £t)ra ©crmanica. 13' THE HOLY COMMUNION. I. THE PREPARATION. ^ORD Jefus Chrift, my faithful Shepherd, hear ! Feed me with Thy grace, draw inly near. By Thee redeemed, in Thee alone I live. All I need 'tis Thou canft give : Kyrie Eleifon ! Ah Lord, Thy timid fheep now feed With joy upon Thy heavenly mead. Lead us to the cryftal river Whence our life is flowing ever : Kyrie Eleifon ! For Thou art calling all the toil-opprefsed. All the weary to Thy reft ; The pardon of their lins is here beftowed. Thou doft free them from their load : Kyrie Eleifon ! 132 I'nra (Dcniuiiiica. Ah come, Thyfclf put forth Thine hand. Unbind this heavy iron band. Make me from my forrows free. Give me ftrength to follow Thee : Kyrie Eleifon ! Thou fain would'lt heart and foul to Thee incline. Take me from myfelf and make me Thine ; Thou art the Vine and I the branch, oh grant I may grow in Thee a living plant : Kyrie Eleifon ! For nought but fms I find in me. Yet are they done away in Thee ; Mine are anguifh, fear, unrcft. But in Thee, Lord, I am blefl : Kyrie Eleifon ! JOHANN HeERMANN. 163O. Cura ©ermanica. 133 II. THE THANKSGIVING. ECK thyfelf, my foul, with gladnefs. Leave the gloomy haunts of fadnefs. Come into the dayHght's fplendour. There with joy thy praifes render Unto Him, whofe boundlefs grace Grants thee at His feaft a place ; He whom all the heavens obey Deign to dwell in thee to-day. Haften as a bride to meet Him, And with loving reverence greet Him, Who with words of life immortal Now is knocking at thy portal ; Hafte to make for Him a way, Cafl thee at His feet, and say : Since, oh Lord, Thou com'fl to me. Never will I turn from Thee. Ah how hungers all my fpirit. For the love I do not merit ! Ah how oft with fighs fafl thronging For this food have I been longing ! 134 ^U^''^ (!5cnnainra. How have thirfted in the ftrife For this draught, O Prince of Life, Wifh'd, O Friend of man, to be Ever one with God through Thee ! Here I fink before Thee lowly, Fill'd with joy moft deep and holy. As with trembling awe and wonder On Thy mighty works I ponder; On this banquet's myftery. On the depths we cannot fee ; Far beyond all mortal fight Lie the fecrets of Thy might. Sun, who all my life doft: brighten. Light, who doft my foul enlighten, Joy, the fweeteft man e'er knoweth. Fount, whence all my being floweth. Here I fall before Thy feet. Grant me worthily to eat Of this bleflcd heavenly food, To Thy praife, and to my good. Jefus, Bread of Life from Heaven, Never be Thou vainly given. Nor I to my hurt invited ; Be Thy love with love requited; Let me learn its depths indeed. While on Thee my foul doth feed ; Let me here fo riclily blcft. Be hereafter too Thy gucft. J. Frank. 16^3. £ura ©cvmanica. 135 III. THE EXCEEDING GREAT LOVE OF OUR MASTER AND ONLY SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. LOVE, who formedft me to wear The image of Thy Godhead here ; Who foughteft me with tender care Through all my wanderings wild and drear ; O Love, I give myfelf to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be. O Love, who e'er life's earliefl dawn On me Thy choice haft gently laid ; O Love, who here as man waft born And wholly like to us waft made ; O Love, I give myfelf to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be. O Love, who once in time waft flain. Pierced through and through with bitter woe ; O Love, who wreftling thus didft gain That we eternal joy might know ; ^3^ ilma (Pcniianica. O Love, I give myfclf to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be. O Love, of whom is truth and light. The Word and Spirit, life and power, Whofe heart was bared to them that fmite. To fhicld us in our trial hour ; O Love, I give myfclf to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be. O Love, who thus hath bound me fall. Beneath that gentle yoke of Thine ; Love, who haft conquer'd me at laft And rapt away this heart of mine; O Love, I give myfclf to Thee, Thine ever, only Thine to be. O Love, who lovcft me for aye. Who for my foul doft ever plead ; O Love, who didft my ranfom pay. Whofe power fufficcth in my rtead O Love, I give myfclf to Thcc, Thine ever, only Thine to be. O Love, who once fhalt bid me rife From out this dying life of ours ; O Love, who once o'er yonder fkics Shalt fct mc in the fadeless bowers : O Love, I give myfclf to Thee, Thine evei', onlv Thine to be. Angelus. 1657. Ciora ©crmaulca. 137 ly. THE CHRISTIAN SACRIFICE. OW take my heart and all that is in me. My Lord beloved, take it from me to Thee ; (r^^^ I would have Thine. This foul and flefh of mine ; Would order thought and word and deed As Thy moft holy will fhall lead. Thou feedil me with heavenly bread and wine. Thou poureft through me ftreams of life divine ; Oh noble Face, So fweet, fo full of grace, I ponder as Thy crofs I fee. How beft to give vs\j{€i'l to Thee. Behold, through all the eternal ages, ftill My heart fhall choofe and love Thy holy will ; Would'ft Thou my death, I die to Thee in faith ; Would'ft Thou that I fhould longer live. To Thee the choice I wholly give. n^ £m'a (5txmanka. But Thou muft alfo deign to be my own. To dwell in me, to make my heart Thy throne. My God indeed. My Help in time of need. My Head from whom no power can fever. The Bridegroom of my foul for ever ! Angelus. 1657. S^'gxa 0?ennanira. «39 V. THE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP. ESUS whom Thy Church doth own J x^s her Head and King along, Blefs me Thy poor member too ; 'A^ And Thy Spirit's influence give That to Thee henceforth I Hve, Daily Thou my ftrength renew. Let Thy Hving Spirit flow Through Thy members all below. With its warmth and power divine ; Scattered far apart they dwell. Yet in every land, full well, Lord, Thou knoweft who is Thine. Thofc who ferve Thee I would ferve. Never from their union fwerve. Here I cry before Thy face : Zion, God give thee good fpeed, Chrift thy footfteps ever lead. Make Thee fl:eadfafl: in His ways ! HO Cma 0?ermn]iica. Save her from the world her foe, Satan do Thou foon o'erthrow, Cafl: him down beneath her feet ; Through the Spirit flay within Love of eafe, the world, and fin. Let her find Thee only fweet. Thofe o*er whom Thy billows roll Strengthen Thou to leave their foul In Thy hands, for Thou art Love ; Make them through their bitter pain Pure from pride and finful ftain. Fix their hopes and hearts above. Unto all Thyfclf impart, Fafliioncd after Thine own heart Make Thy children like to Thee ; Humble, pure, and calm, and flill. Loving, fingle as Thy will. And as Thou would'il have them be. And from thofe I love, I pray. Turn not. Lord, Thy face away. Hear me while for them I plead ; Be Thou their Eternal Friend, Unto each due blefling fend. For Thou knowcft all they need. Ah Lord, at this gracious hour Vifit all their fouls with power ; Let Thy gladnefs in them fliinc; €ma (5cxma\ma. 141 Draw them with Thy love away From vain pleafures of a day. Make them wholly ever Thine. Dearly were we purchafed. Lord, When Thy blood for us was poured ; Think, O Chrift, we are Thine own ! Hold me, guide me, as a child. Through the battle, through the wild. Leave me never more alone. Till at laft I meet on high With the faithful hoft who cry Hallelujah night and day ; Pure from flain we there fhall fee Thee in us, and us in Thee, And be one iiv Thee for aye. Tersteegen. 1 73 1. 142 £nra (^cvmanica. VI. THE REMEMBRANCE. ^^ H how could I forget Him Who ne'er forgettcth me ? Or tell the love that let Him Come down to fct me free ? I lay in darkefl fadnefs. Till He made all things new, And flill frefh love and gladnefs Flow from that heart fo true. Oh how could I e'er leave Him Who is fo kind a Friend ? Or how could ever grieve Him Who thus to me doth bend ? Have I not feen Him dying For us on vonder tree ? Do I not hear Him crying, Arifc and follow Me ! For ever will I love Him Who faw my hopclefs plight, Who felt my forrows move Him, And brought mc life and light : €ma (Btvmamca. hs Whofe arm fhall be around me When my laft hour is come, And fufFer none to wound me. Though dark the paiTage home. He gives me pledges holy. His body and His blood. He lifts the fcorn'd, the lowly. He makes my courage good. For He will reign within me. And fhed His graces there ; The heaven He died to win me Can I then fail to Ihare ? In joy and forrow ever Shine through me, BlefTed Heart, Who bleeding for us never Didft fhrink from foreft fmart ! Whatever I've loved or driven Or borne, I bring to Thee ; Now let Thy heart and heaven Stand open. Lord, to me ! Kerk. Died 1835. H4 £m\\ ©crmanica. VII. AFTER PARTICIPATION. LIVING Bread from Heaven, How richly hafl Thou fed Thy gueft ! The gifts Thou now haft given Have fill'd my heart with joy and reft, O wondrous food of blcffing, O cap that heals our woes. My heart this gift poflefTmg In thankful fong o'erflows ; For while the life and ftrength in mc Were quicken'd by this food. My foul hath gazed awhile on Thee, O higheft, only Good ! My Lord, Thou here haft led me Within Thy temple's holieft place. And there Thyfelf haft fed mc With all the trcafures of Thy grace ; And Thou haft freely given What earth could never buy, The bread of life from heaven. That now I fhall not die ; &ma (Bninanua. h5 And Thou haft fufFer'd me in faith To drink the blefled wine That heals the foul from inner death. And makes her wholly Thine. Thou giveil all I wanted. The food whofe power can death dellroy. And Thou hail: freely granted The cup of full eternal joy ; Ah Lord, I do not merit The favour Thou haft fliown. And all my foul and fpirit Bow down before Thy throne ; Since Thou haft fufFer'd me to eat The food of angels here. Nor Sin, nor foes that I can meet. Nor Death I now may fear. O Love incomprehended ! 'That wrought in Thee, my Saviour, thus That Thou fhould'ft have defcended From higheft heaven to dwell with us ! Creator, that hath brought Thee To fuccour fuch as I, Who elfe had vainly fought Thee ! Then grant me now to die To fm, and live alone to Thee, That when this time is o'er. Thy face, O Saviour, I may fee In heaven or evermore. H^ £m'a ©cnnanica. For as a fhadow paflcs I pafs, but Thou doft ftill endure ; I wither like the grafles. But Thou art rich, though I am poor ; Oh boundlcfs is Thy kindnefs. And righteous is Thy power ; And I in finful blindnefs Am erring hour by hour. And yet Thou comcft, doft not fpurn A finner. Lord, Hke me ! Ah how can I Thy love return. What gift have I for Thee ? A heart that hath repented. And mourns for fm with bitter fighs, — Thou, Lord, art well-contented With this my only facrifice. I know that in my weaknefs Thou wilt dcfpifc me not. But grant me in Thy meeknefs The favour I have fought ; Yes, Thou wilt deign in grace to heea The fong that now I raifc. For meet and right is it indeed That T fhould fmg Thy praife. Grant what I have partaken May through Thy grace fo work in me. That fm be all forfakcn. And I may cleave alone to Thcc, Cnra ©cnnanica, H7 xA.nd all my foul be heedful How Ihe Thy love may know. For this alone is needful. Thy love fhould in me glow; And let no beauty plcafe mine eyes No joy allure my heart. But what in Thee, my Saviour lies. What Thou doft here impart. well for me that ftrengthcn'd With heavenly bread and wine, if here My courfe on earth be lengtiien'd, I now may ferve Thee free from fear ; Away then earthly pleafure. All earthly gifts arc vain, 1 feek a heavenly treafure. My home I long to gain. Where I fhall live and praife my God, And none my peace deflroy. Where all the foul is overflow'd With pure eternal joy. RisT. 1 65 1. H^ £j)ra ^mnanictt. FOR TRAVELLERS. I. AT THE OUTSET OF ANY JOURNEY. N God's name let us on our way ! \ The Father's help and grace we pray. His love iliall guard us round about From foes within and harms without. Hallelujah. And Chrill:, be Thou our Friend and Guide, Through all our wanderings at our fide. Help us all evil to withftand That wars againfl Thy Icaft command. Hallelujah. The Holy Spirit o'er us brood With all His gifts of richcft good, With hope and ftrength when dark our road. And lead us home again in God ! Hallelujah. £^ma ©ermanica. 149 II. ON A LONG AND PERILOUS JOURNEY. Written on a Journey to Ruffia and Perfia, under- taken by the Author as Phyfician to the Embafly from Holftein. /T HERE'ER I go, whate'er my tafk. f ■^ The counfsl of my God I afk. Who all things hath and can ; Unlcfs He give both thought and deed The utmoll pains can ne'er fuccecd. And vain the wifeft plan. For what can all my toil avail ? My care, my watching all mull fail, Unlefs my God is there ; Then let Him order all for me As He in wifdom fhall decree ; On Him I caft my care. For nought can come, as nought hath been. But what my Father hath forefeen. And what fhall work my good ; ^50 ilma (!?cnnanica. Whatc'cr He gives mc 1 will take, Whatc'cr He choofes I will make My choice with thankful mood. I lean upon His mighty arm. It fhields mc well from every harm. All evil fhall avert ; If by His precepts flill I live Whatever is ufeful He will give. And nought fhall do me hurt. But only may He of His grace The record of my guilt efface. And wipe out all my debt ; Though I have finned He will not flraight Pronounce His judgment. He will wait, .Have patience with me yet. I travel to a diftant land To ferve the pofl wherein I fland. Which He hath bade mc fill ; And He will blefs me with His light That I may ferve His world aright. And make mc know His will. And though through dcfcrt wilds I fiirc. Yet Chrillian friends are with me there. And Chrill Himfelf is near; In all our dangers He will come. And He who kept me fafe at liomc. Can keep mc fafcly here. Cnra ©ennauica. 15 » Yes, He will fpeed us on our way. And point us where to go and flay. And help us ftill and lead j Let us in health and fafety live. And time and wind and weather give. And whatfoe'er we need. When late at night my reft I take. When early in the morn I wake. Halting or on my way. In hours of weaknefs or in bonds. When vexed with fears my heart defponds. His promife is my ftay. Since then my courfe is traced by Him I will not fear that future dim. But go to meet my doom. Well knowing nought can wait me there Too hard for me through Him to bear ; I yet fhall overcome. To Him myfelf I wholly give. At His command I die or live, I truft His love and power : Whether to-morrow or to-day His fummons come, I will obey. He knows the proper hour. But if it pleafe that love moft kind. And if this voice within my mind Is whifpering not in vain. 152 £ma (Bcxmanua. I yet fhall praife my God e'er long In many a fweet and joyful fong. In peace at home again. To thofe I love will He be near. With His confoling light appear. Who is my fhicld and theirs ; And He will grant beyond our thought What they and I alike have fought With many tearful prayers. Then, oh my foul, be ne'er afraid. On Him who thee and all things made Do thou all calmly reft Whate'er may come, where'er we go. Our Father in the heavens muft know In all things what is beft. Paul Flemming. 1631, £tn*a (Smuanlca. 153 III. PRAYERS AT SEA. LORD, be this our veflcl now A worthy temple unto Thee, Though none may hear its bells but Thou And this our little company. Our church's roof, yon mighty dome. Shall ring with hymns we learnt at home. Our floor the boundlefs tofling wave. Our field, our path, perchance our grave. Where fhall we aid and comfort find With toils and perils all around ? Command, O mighty God, the wind To bear us whither we are bound ; Oh bring us to our home once more From weary wanderings fafe to fhore ; And thofe who follow us with prayer Keep Thou in Thy moll tender care. And as the needle while we rove. To one point ftill is true and jull So let our hope and faith and love Be fix'd in One in whom we truft ; 7* 154 £ma (5muanica. His word is mighty ftill to favc. He ftill can walk the ftormieft wave. And hold His followers with His hand. For His are heaven and fea and land. F. WiNKELMANN. iLma ©ermanica. 155 IV. ON THE SEA-SHORE. ,^^^^vHOU, folemn Ocean, rollcil: to the ftrand Laden with prayers from many a far-ofF land. To us thy thoufand murmurs at our feet One cry repeat. Through all thy myriad tones that never ceafe We hear of death and love, the crofs and peace. New churches bright with hope and glad with pfalms. And martyrs' palms. Then on ! and come whate'er our God fees fit ! To yon frail wave-toft planks we now commit Our lives, our all, and leave our native land At His command. We take thee for our chariot, ftormy Sea ! Borne fafely on to ferve our God by thee. For thou and we alike obey His word And own Him Lord. 156 £ma ©crmanica. And whether thy chill deeps become our grave. Or far away our blood ihall ftain thy wave. Or we fhall crofs with joyous fongs thy foam Back to our home : Be it as He ordains whofe name is Love ! Whether our lot or life or death fhall prove. To Life Eternal furely guides His will. And we are ftill. De La Motte Fouque. £ma (5cvmamca. 157 V. THE PARTING. OW we muft leave our father-land. And wander far o'er ocean's foam ; Broken is kinfhip's deareft band, (r^^ Forfaken ftands our ancient home ; But One will ever with us go Through bufieft day and ftilleft night ; The heavens above, the deeps below Shrink abafh'd before His fight. Then be the iffue life or death. Let Him do as it feems Him beft. The meflenger of Chriilian faith Looks not in this world for his reft. If but His hand ftill hold us faft. His prefence hourly fold us round. The anchor of our fouls is caft Firm in the One eternal ground. The voice of Everlafting Love, That rang with living power through us. Is worthy thus our fouls to move. Worthy to fill a lifetime thus ; '5^ £ma ^crmnnlra. Here none was e'er deceived or loft, Hovve'er his earthly hopes might fade ; Then well for him who weighs the coft Ere yet his final choice is made. Yes, fcattcr'd arc our brothers now O'er land and ocean far apart, Yet to one Mafter 11:111 they bow, In Him they ftill arc one in heart ; For as one fin, one poifon ran Through all our race fince Adam's fall ; There is one hope, one life for man In Him who bore the fms of all. Sweet for each other oft to plead. And feel our onenefs in the Son, Ah then we daily meet indeed In fpirit at our Father's throne ! Our bodies are but parted here. And fade in this dark land away. The earthly fhadows difappear. The harvest ripens for that Day. Soon Time for us fhall ceafe to reign. The Saviour calls us home in peace ; At laft we all fhall meet again. And dwell together all in blifs. Where faith to clcarell vifion yields ; — Triumphant light for forrowing gloom. For defcrt waftcs fair Eden's fields. For tearful paths a blcfTed home ! Albert Knapp. £m'(x ©ennanlca. 159 VI. ON THE VOYAGE. N our fails all foft and fweetly, J Yet with bold refiftlefs force. Breathe the winds of heaven, and fleetly Wing us on our watery courfe ; Swift, and fwifter, furrowing deep Through the mighty wav^es, that keep Not a trace where we have been. On we fpeed to lands unfeen ! Sink thou deeply in our mind. Type of life, moil: apt and true ! Though we leave no track behind. Yet we plough our furrows too. Where, from out a world of blifs. Falls the feed unfeen of this. And an unfeen diftant home Beckons o'er the defert foam. Be our voyage, brethren, fuch That if direft peril came. Wreck and ruin could not touch Aught but this our weary frame ; i6o £11 va ©cnnanica. That may gladly fleep the while. Still and bleft the foul fhall fmile. In the eternal peace of Heaven, That our God hath furely given. Oh that in that blelTed peace Many and many a foul may reft ! That through us might God increafe Soon the number of the bleft ! Free through us the fouls that now 'Neath a bitter bondage bow ; Whom yet darkeft error binds ! Speed, oh fpeed us on, ye winds ! De La Motte Fouque. Ciiva ®n*mamca. i^i AT THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. I. THE SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE. OW lay we calmly in the grave This form, whereof no doubt we have That it fhall rife again that Day (r^\/ In glorious triumph o'er decay. And fo to earth again we truft What came from dull, and turns to dull. And from the dull Ihall furely rife When the lall trumpet fills the Ikies. His foul is living now in God Whofe grace his pardon hath bellowed. Who through His Son redeemed him here From bondage unto fm and fear. »62 £]jva ©crmanica. His trials and his griefs are paft, A blcffcd end is his at last. He bore Chrifl's yoke, and did His will. And though he died, he liveth ftill. He lives where none can mourn and weep. And calmly fhall this body fleep Till God fiiall Death himfelf deftroy, And raife it into glorious joy. He fuflered pain and grief below, Chrift heals him now from all his woe. For him hath endlefs jOy begun. He fliincs in glory like the fun. Then let us leave him to his reft. And homewards turn, for he is bleft. And we muft well our fouls prepare. When death fhall come, to meet him there. Then help us, Chrift, our Hope in lofs ! Thou haft redeemed us by Thy crofs From endlefs death and mifcry ; We praife, we bless, we worfhip Thee ! Michael Weiss. 1531. £ura ©crmanica. 163 n. THE DEPARTURE OF A CHRISTIAN. OW weeping at the grave we (land And fow the feed of tears, The form of him who in our band On earth no more appears. Ah no, for he hath fafely come Where we too would attain ; He dwells within our Father's home. And death to him was gain. Now he beholds what we beUeve, He has what here we want. The fins no more his foul can grieve That here the pilgrim haunt ; The Lord hath claimed him for His own And fent him calm releafe ; We weep, but it is we alone. He dwells in perfcft peace. He wears the crown of life on high. He bears the Ihining palm. ^^4 £nra ©n-manira. Where angels " Holy, holy," cry. He joins their glorious pfalm. But we poor pilgrims journey on Through this dark land of woe. Until we go where he is gone. And all his joy fhall know. Spitta. iCgra ©ermanica. 165 III. THE LORD DOTH ALL THINGS WELL. HRIST will gather in His own To the place where He is gone. Where their heart and treafure lie. Where our life is hid on high. Day by day the voice faith, ** Come, Enter thine eternal home ;" Afking not if we can fpare This dear foul it fummons there. Had He afked us, well we know i We {hould cry, oh fpare this blow ! Yes, with ftreaming tears ihould pray, " Lord, we love him, let him flay !" But the Lord doth nought amifs. And fmce He hath ordered this. We have nought to do but flill Reft in filence on His will. Many a heart no longer here. Ah ! was all too inly dear ; Yet, O Love, 'tis Thou doft call, Thou wilt be our All in all. Moravian Hymn-book, 1 66 £i)va ©crmanica. IV. THE LIGHT IN DARKNESS. HOUGH Love may weep with breaking heart. There comes, O Chrift, a Day of Thine, There is a Morning Star mull fhinc. And all thefe fhadows fhall depart. Though Faith may droop and tremble here. That Day of light fliall furely come ; His path has led him fafcly home ; When twilight breaks the dawn is near. Though Hope fccm now to have hoped in vain. And Death feem king of all below. There yet fliall come the Morning-glow, And wake our flumbcrers once again. F. A. Krummacher. £iiva (Bcrmaiuca. ^^i V. THE DEATH OF A UTTLE CHILD. ENTLE Shepherd, Thou haft ftilled Now Thy little lamb's long weeping ; Ah how peaceful, pale, and mild. In its narrow bed 'tis fleeping. And no figh of anguifh fore Heaves that little bofom more. In this world of care and pain, Lord, Thou wouldft no longer leave it. To the funny heavenly plain Doft Thou now with joy receive it. Clothed in robes of fpotlefs white. Now it dwells with Thee in light. Ah Lord Jefus, grant that we Where it lives may foon be living. And the lovely paftures fee That its heavenly food are giving. Then the gain of death we prove Though Thou take what moft we love. Meinhold. 1 68 £])xa ©cvmanica. VI. ON THE DEATH OF HIS SON. HOU'RT mine, yes, ftill thou art mine own ! Who tells me thou art lofl ? But yet thou art not mine alone, I own that He who crofs'd My hopes, hath greateft right in thee ; Yea, though He afk and take from mc Thee, O my Ton, my heart's delight. My wifli, my thought, by day and night. Ah might I wifli, ah might I choofc. Then thou, my Star, fliouldfl live. And gladly for thy fake I'd lofe All elfe that life can give. Oh fain I'd fay : Abide with me. The funfhinc of my houfc to be. No other joy but this I crave. To love thee, darling, to my grave ! Thus faith my heart, and means it well, God meancth better Hill ; My love is more than words can tell. His love is greater ftill ; fnra ©erm anka. ^^9 I am a father. He the Head And Crown of fathers, whence is flied The life and love from which have fprung All blcfled tics in old and young. I long for thee, my fon, my own. And He who once hath given, Will have thee now befide His throne, To live with Him in heaven. I cry, Alas ! my light, my child ! But God hath welcome on him fmiled. And faid : " My child, I keep thee near. For there is nought but gladnefs here." Oh blefled word, oh deep decree. More holy than we think ! With God no grief or woe can be. No bitter cup to drink. No fickening hopes, no want or care. No hurt can ever reach him there ; Yes, in that Father's fheltered home I know that forrow cannot come. We pafs our nights in wakeful thought For our dear children's fake ; All day our anxious toil hath fought How beft for them to make A future fafe from care or need. Yet feldom do our fchemes fucceed ; How feldom docs their future prove V/hat we had planned for thofe we love ! 8 17° f I3ra ©ennanica. How many a child of promife fair Ere now hath gone aftray. By ill example taught to dare Forfake Chrift's holy way. Oh fearful the reward is then. The wrath of God, the fcorn of men ! The bittcrcft tears that e'er are fhed Are his who mourns a child milled. But now I need not fear for thee. Where thou art, all is well ; For thou thy Father's Face doth fee. With Jcfus thou doft dwell ! Yes, cloudlefs joys around him fhine. His heart fhall never ache like mine. He fees the radiant armies glow That, keep and guide us here below : He hears their singing evermore. His little voice too fmgs. He drinks of wifdom deepeft lore. He fpcaks of fccrct things. That we can never fee or know Howe'cr we feck or flrive below, While yet amid the mifls we iVand That veil this dark and tearful land. Oh that I could but watch afar. And hearken but awhile. To that fwcct fong that hath no jar. And fee his hcavcnlv fmile, £ma ©cnuanka. 171 As he doth praife the holy God, Who made him pure for that abode ! In tears of joy full well I know This burdened heart would overflow. And I fliould fay : Stay here, my fon. My wild laments are o'er, well for thee that thou haft won, I call thee back no more ; But come, thou fiery chariot, come. And bear me fwiftly to that home. Where he with many a loved one dwells. And evermore of gladnefs tells ! Then be it as my Father wills, I will not weep for thee ; Thou liveft, joy thy fpirit fills. Pure funfliine thou doft fee. The funfhine of eternal reft : Abide, my child, where thou art bleft ; 1 with our friends will onward fare. And, when God wills, fhall find thee there. Paul Gerhardt. 1650. PART II. THE INNER LIFE. PENITENCE. I. THE ONLY HELPER. /^'^^^ORD Jefus Chrift, in Thee alone (^^ (V-^ My hope on earth I place ; For other comforter is none. Nor help favc in Thy grace. There is no man nor creature here. No angel in the heavenly fphere. Who at my need can fuccour mej I cry to Thee, For Thou canft: end my mifery. My fm is very fore and great, I mourn its load beneath ; Oh fe-ee me from this heavy weight Through Thy moft precious death ; And with Thy Father for me plead That Thou hail fufFer'd in my ftead. The burden then from me is roll'd ; Lord, I lay hold On Thy dear promifes of old. (175) '7^ £ma ©cvmaiiica. And of Thy grace on mc bellovv True Chriflian faith, O Lord, That all the fwectncfs I may know- That in Thy crofs is ftored. Love Thee o'er earthly pride or pelf. And love my neighbour as myfelf ; And when at laft is come my end. Be Thou my Friend, From all aflaults my foul defend. Glory to God in higheft heaven. The Father of all love ; To His dear Son, for fmners given Whofe grace we daily prove ; To God the Holy GhofI: we cry, That we may find His comfort nigh. And learn how, free from fm and fear. To pleafe Him here. And ferve Him in the fmlefs fphere. J. SCHNEESING. I 522. £ura (Bcnuantca. ^ii II. SUBMISSION. LAS ! my Lord and God, How heavy is my load. My fins are great and weigh me to the ground ; The yoke doth forely prefs. And yet in my diftrefs Through all the world no helper can be found. And fled I in my fear Far far away from here. To the earth's remoteft end — Thou flill wert there. My anguifh and my pain Would yet with me remain ; I could not flee away from defpair. 'Tis Thou canft help alone, I caft me at Thy throne, Rejcft me not, though I deferve it. Lord ; Ah think of all Thy Son For me, for me, hath done. Nor let me feel Thy fliarp avenging fword. 8* 178 £ma (Dcniiaiiica. And if it must be fo. That punifhment and woe Muft follow fin, then let me bear it here ; Low at Thy feet I bow. Oh let me fufFer now. But fpare me yonder, then in love appear. Oh Lord, forget my fm. And deign to put within A calm obedient heart, a patient mind. That I may murmur not. Though bitter feem my lot. For hearts unthankful can no blefling find. Do Thou, O Lord, with me As feemcth bell to Thee, For Thou wilt ftrengthen me to bear the rod. For this alone I pray. Oh call: me not away. For ever from Thy grace. Thou pitying God. Nay, that Thou wilt not do, I know Thy word is true. My faith can reft in quiet hope on Thee, The death of Chrift, I know. Hath freed me from my woe, And open'd heaven to fmncrs and to me. Lord Jcfus, where Thou art All doubt and dread depart. £i3ra ©cvmanlca. "^19 My refuge is the crofs where Thou waft flain. Where Thou, Lord, for our fake Didft all our griefs partake. And die our comfort and our grace to gain. Here at my Saviour's fide. Here let me ftill abide. Then death may come, but little he deftroys ; Though foul and body part, I live where Thou, Lord, art, IVJy fms wiped out amid eternal joys. All praife to God alone. Who claims me for His own. Through Chrift my Lord ; oh let me truft Him then. And lean in fulleft faith On what my Saviour faith. He who believeth fhall be faved ; Amen. RuTiLius. 1604; and Gross. 1627, i8o i-nra ©cnnauifa. III. IN GREAT INWARD DISTRESS. ESUS, pitying Saviour, hear mc, J, Draw Thou near me. Turn Thee, Lord, in grace to me ; l^^ For Thou knovveft all my forrow, Night and morrow Doth my cry go up to Thee. Lofl: in darknefs, girt with dangers. Round me ftrangcrs. Through an alien land I roam, Outward trials, bitter lofTes, Inward croflcs. Lord, Thou knovveft have fought mc home. See the fetters that have bound me. Snares furround mc. Free the captive, hear my call ; Ah from fm my foul I never Can deliver, J am weak and helplefs all. Cwra ©crmamca. '^^ Though the tempter's wiles and cunning I am fhunning. Yet they vex and wound me fore ; Oft I waver, oft I languifh, Fill'd with anguifh. Strength and reft are mine no more. Peace I cannot find, oh take me. Lord, and make me From the yoke of evil free ; Calm this longing ncver-fleeping. Still my weeping. Grant me hope once more in Thee. Sin of courage hath bereft me. And hath left me Scarce a fpark of faith or hope ; Bitter tears my heart oft fheddeth As it dreadeth [ am paft Thy mercy's fcope. Lord, wilt Thou be wroth for ever ? Oh deliver Me from all I moft deferved ; 'Tis Thyfelf, dear Lord, haft fought me. Thou haft taught me Thee to fcek from whom I fwerved. Thou, my God and King, haft known me. Yet haft ftiown me True and loving is Thy will ; 1 82 £\]xa ©rrmantca. Though my heart from Thee oft ranges. Through its changes. Lord, Thy love is faithful flill. Satan watches to betray me. He would flay me. Quicken Thou my faith and powers. Let me, though Thy face Thou'rt hiding. Still confiding. Look to Thee in darkcft hours. Blefs my trials thus to fever Me for ever From the love of felf and fin ; Let me through them fee Thee clearer. Find Thee nearer. Grow more like to Thee within. In the patience that Thou lendefl: All Thou fcndcft I embrace, I will be ftill ; Bend this ftubborn heart I pray Thee To obey Thee, Calmly waiting on Thy will. Here I bring my will, oh take it. Thine, Lord, make it. Calm this troubled heart of mine ; In Thy ftrength I too may conquer. Wait no longer, Show in me Thy grace Divine. Tersteegen. 1731 Cura ©crmanifa. 183 IV. THE WEAKNESS AND RESTLESSNESS OF SIN. JESUS, Lord of majefty ! O glorious King, eternal Son ! In mercy bend Thou down to me. As now I caft me at Thy throne. Enflaved to vanity, and weak. An alien power in me hath fway My flrength is gone, however I feek I cannot break my bonds away. How oft my heart againft my will Is torn and toffing to and fro, I cannot, as I would, fuljfill The good that yet I love and know. How many tics opprefs and bind The foul that yearneth to be free ; Diftra£led, vanquifh'd, oft .the mind That fain would reft at peace in Thee. 1^4 Cma (Pcnnaiiica. I pradifc me in fclf-controul. Yet rcll: and calm in vain purfue ; Self-will is rooted in my foul. And thwarts me ftill, whate'er I do. I hate it, but its life is ftrong, I fear, yet cannot it forfake ; Ah Lord, how long it fecms, how long. Until Thy grace my yoke fliall break ! Ah Jcfus, when, when wilt Thou lead The prifoner from this drear abode ? When fhall I feel that I am freed. And Thou art with me. Son of God ? Oh take this heart that I would give For ever to be all Thine own ; I to myfelf no more would live; Come, Lord, be Thou my King alone. Yes, take my heart, and in it rule, Direfl: it as it pleafes Thee ; I will be filent in Thy fchool. And learn whate'er Thou tcachefl: me. What lives by life that is not Thine I yield it to Thy righteous doom ; What yet refists Thy power Divine, Oh kt Thy fire of love confume. And then within the heart abide That Thou hall clcanfcd to be Thy throne; £ura (Bcniianica. A look from Thee fhall be my guide, I watch but till Thy will is known. Yes, make me Thine, — though I am weak. Thy fervicc makes us ftrong and free ; My Lord and King, Thy face I feek. For ever keep me true to Thee. Tersteegen. 1 73 1. 1 86 ilma (Bcrnmiuca. V. A CHRISTIAN'S DAILY PRAYER. GOD, Thou faithful God, Thou Fountain ever flowing. Without Whom nothing is. All pcrfeft gifts beftowing ; A pure and healthy frame Oh give me, and within A confcicnce pure from blame, A foul unhurt by fin. And grant me. Lord, to do. With ready heart and willing, Whatever Thou fhalt command. My calling here fulfilling. And do it when I ought. With all my ftrength, and blefs The work I thus have wrought. For Thou mufl: give fuccefs. And let me promife nought But I can keep it truly, Abftain from idle words. And guard my lips ftill duly ; £ura ^crmaiuca. And grant, when in my place I muft and ought to fpeak. My words due power and grace. Nor let me wound the weak. If dangers gather round. Yet keep me calm and fearlefs ; And help me bear the crofs When life is dark and chcerlefs ; And overcome my foe With words and adlions kind ; When counfel I would know. Good counfel let me find. And let me be with all In peace and friendlhip living. As far as Chriftians may ; And if Thou aught art giving Of wealth and honours fair. Oh this refufe me not. That nought be mingled there Of goods unjuflly got. And if a longer life Be here on earth decreed me. And Thou through many a ftrife To age at laft wilt lead me. Thy patience in me fhed. Avert all Hn and fliame. And crown my hoary head With pure, untarnifh'd fame. £nra ©crmanica. Let nothing that may chance. From Chrift my Saviour fever. And dying with Him, take My foul to Thee for ever ; And let my body have ; A little fpace to fleep Befide my father's grave. And friends that o'er it weep. And when the Day is come, And all the dead are waking. Oh reach me down Thy hand, Thyfelf my (lumbers breaking ; Then let mc hear Thy voice. And change this earthly frame. And bid me aye rejoice With thofe who love Thy name. JOHANN HeERMANN. 163O. i'nva ©ermanica. ^^9 VI. THE DELIVERER FROM BONDAGE. HOU who breakell every chain. Thou who ftill art ever near. Thou with whom difgracc and pain Turn to joy and heaven e'en here ; Let Thy further judgments fall On the Adam ftrong within. Till Thy grace hath freed us all From the prifon houfe of fin. 'Tis Thy Father's will toward us. Thou fhouldft end Thy work at length ; Hence in Thee are centred thus Perfeft wifdom, love, and ftrength. That Thou none fhouldft lofe of thofc Whom He gave Thee, though they roam 'Wildered here amid their foes. Thou fhouldft bring them fafely home. Ah Thou wilt. Thou canft not ceafe. Till Thy perfeft work be done ; In Thy hands we lie at peace. Knowing all Thy love hath won. 19° t'nra (Bcvmanica. Though the world may blindly dream We are captives poor and bafe. And the crofs's yoke may deem Sign of meannefs and difgrace. Look upon our bonds, and fee How doth all creation groan *Neath the yoke of \ anity. Make Thy full redemption known ; Still we wrciUe, cry, and pray. Held in bitter bondage faft. Though the foul would break away Into higher things at laft. Lord, we do not afk for reft For the flcfh, we only pray Thou wouldfl: do as fcems Thee beft. Ere yet comes our parting day ; But our fpirit clings to Thee, Will not, dare not, let Thee go. Until Thou haft fet her free From the bonds that caufe her woe. Ruler rule, and Conqueror conquer, King aflcrt Thy fovercign right. Till there be no flavery longer Spread the kingdom of Thy might ! Lead the captives freely out. Through the covenant of Thy blood, From our dark rcmorfc and doubt. For Thou wilt alor." our good. Cyra (Bcrmamra. 19* 'Tis of our own fault, we own We are flaves to fclf and floth. Yet oh leave us not alone In the living death we loathe ; Crufhed beneath our burden's weight. Crying at Thy feet we fall. Point the path, though fteep and llrait. Thou didft open once for all. Ah how dearly were we bought Not to ferve the world or fin ; By the work that Thou haft wrought Muft Thou make us pure within, — Wholly pure and free, in us Be Thine image now reftored : Filled from out Thy fulnefs thus Grace for grace is on us poured. Draw us to Thy crofs, O Love, Crucify with Thee whate'er Cannot dwell with Thee above. Lead us to thofe regions fair ! Courage ! long the time may feem. Yet His day is coming faft ; We (hall be like them that dream When our freedom dawns at laft. Gottfried Arpjold. 1697. ^92 I'lira ([5cnnanica. VII. THE SAFE REFUGE. OURAGE, my forcly-tcmptcd heart ! Break through thy woes, forget their fmart ; Come forth and on Thy Bridegroom gaze. The Lamb of God, the Fount of grace; Here is thy place ! His arms are open, thither flee ! There reft and peace arc waiting thee. The deathless crown of righteoufnefs, The entrance to eternal blifs ; He gives thee this ! Then combat well, of nought afraid, For thus His follower thou art made. Each battle teaches thee to fight. Each foe to be a braver knight. Armed with His might. If ftorms of fierce temptation rill-, Unmoved we'll face the frowning fkics ; Cwra (Bcrmanica. 193 If but the heart is true indeed, Chrill: will be with us in our need, — His own could bleed. I flee away to Thy dear crofs. For hope is there for every lofs. Healing for every wound and woe. There all the llrength of love I know And feel its glow. Before the Holy One I fall. The Eternal Sacrifice for all ; His death has freed us from our load. Peace on the anguifhed foul bellowed. Brought us to God. How then fhould I go mourning on ? I look to Thee, — my fears are gone. With Thee is rell that cannot ceafe. For Thou haft wrought us full releafe. And made our peace. Thy word hath ftill its glorious powers. The nobleft chivalry is ours ; Thou, for whom to die is gain, 1 bring Thee here my all, oh deign To accept and reign ! J. H. BOHMER. 1704. 9 194 £ma (Pcrmanica. PRAISE AND THANKS- GIVING. I. THE CHORUS OF GOD'S THANKFUL CHILDREN. OW thank wc all our God, With heart and hands and voices. Who wondrous things hath done. In whom His world rejoices ; Who from our mother's arms Hath blefled us on our way With countlcfs gifts of love. And ftill is ours to-day. Oh may this bounteous God Through all our life be near us. With ever joyful hearts And blefled peace to cheer us ; And keep us in His grace. And guide us when perplex'd, And free us from all ills In this world and the next. €m'a ©n-inantca. 195 All praife and thanks to God The Father, now be given. The Son, and Him who reigns With them in higheft heaven. The One eternal God, Whom earth and heaven adore, For thus it was, is now. And fhall be evermore ! Martin Rinckart. 1636. 196 I'nra (!>cnnanica. II. THE GOODNESS OF GOD. LL praifc and thanks to God mofl: High, The Father of all Love ! The God who docth wondroufly. The God who from above My foul with richeft folace fills. The God who every forrow ilills ; Give to our God the glory ! The hod of heaven Thy praifes tell. All thrones bow down to Thee, And all who in Thy fhadow dwell. In earth and air and fea. Declare and laud their Maker's might, Whofe wifdom orders all things right ; Give to our God the glory ! And for the creatures He hath made Our (]()d (hall well provide; His grace fliall be their conrtant aid. Their guard on evcrv fide ; €nra ©crmanica. 197 His kingdom yc may furcly truft. There all is equal, all is jull ; Give to our God the glory ! I fought Him in my hour of need ; Lord God, now hear my prayer! For death He gave me life indeed. And comfort for dcfpair ; For this my thanks fliall endlefs be. Oh thank Him, thank Him too with me ; Give to our God the glory ! The Lord is never far away. Nor fundered from His flock ; He is their refuge and their ftay. Their peace, their trufl:, their rock. And with a mother's watchful love He guides them wherefoe'er they rove Give to our God the glory ! And when earth cannot comfort more. Nor earthly help avail. The Maker comes Himfclf, whofe ftorc Of blefTmg cannot fail. And bends on them a Father's eyes Whom earth all rell and hope denies : Give to our God the glory ! Ah then till life hath reached its bound. My God, I'll worfhip Thee, The chorus of Thy praifc fhall found Far over land and fca ; 198 ilma 0?mnanica. Oh foul and body now rejoice. My heart fend forth a gladfome voice Give to our God the glory ! All ye who name ChriiVs holy Name, Give to our God the glory ! Ye who the Father's power proclaim. Give to our God the glory ! All idols under foot be trod. The Lord is God ! The Lord is God ! Give to our God the glory ! J. J. SCHUTZ. 1673. tma ©n*manica. 199 III. THE GLORY OF GOD IN CREATION. ^* O, heaven and earth, and Tea and air, W Their Maker's glory all declare ; And thou, my foul, awake and fing. To Him Thy praifes alfo bring. Through Him the glorious Source of Day- Can break the clouds of night away ; The pomp of ftars, the moon's fdft light, Praife Him through all the filent night. Behold, how He hath everywhere Made earth fo wondrous rich and fair; The fore ft dark, the fruitful land. All living things do fhow His hand. Behold, how through the boundlefs fky The happy birds all fwiftly fly ; And fire and wind and ftorm are ftill The ready fcrvants of His will. / 200 £in*a ©cnuQuica. Behold the waters' ccafelefs flow. For ever circling to and fro ; The mighty Tea, the bubbling well. Alike their Maker's glory tell. My God how wondroufly doft Thou Unfold Thyfelf to us e'en now ! O grave it deeply on my heart What I am, and what Thou, Lord, art! Joachim Neander. 1679. Ctira ©ermanica. 201 IV. THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD. WHO fo oft in deep dlftrcfs 1^ And bitter grief muft dwell. Will now my God with gladnefs blefs, ^M^ And all His mercies tell ; Oh hear me then, my God and King, While of Thy Holy Name I fmg. Who doeft all things well. Our fathers who are now no more Have praifed Thee in their day. They taught their children oft of yore The wonders of Thy way ; Our children Ihall not reft, and ftill They fhall not all the meafure fill, Nor all exhauft the lay. To Thee how many thankful fongs Have gone up ere my days. And yet to me a part belongs In that great hymn of praife ; I too muft tell Thy wondrous might. And praife Thy covenant juft and right. And Thine all-conquering grace. 202 €ma ©crnianlca. And many a pious heart fliall learn The fongs I make to Thee, Far o'er the flars that yonder burn Shall rife our harmony. Thy Majcfly, Thy mighty Hand, Shall be rcveal'd to every land. And all Thy goodncfs fee ! For who is gracious, Lord, as Thou ? Who hath fo much forgiven ? Who Hill to us would pitying bow Who thus with grace have ftriven ? For loft in fms the whole world lies. Her ceafclefs crimes would scale the fkies. And cry aloud to heaven. Yes, it muft be a faithful heart That thus can love us ftill. Who oft rejeft the better part. And thanklefs choofe the ill ; But God can be nought elfe but good. And therefore doth His mercies' flood All things with blcfling fill. For this the works that Thou halt made Do thank Thee and rejoice, Thv faints fliall blefs Thee for Thine aid. And make Thy ways their choice. And tell abroad from hour to hour Thy glorious rule, Thy kingdom's power. With far-rcfounding voice. £m'a (Bcvmanica. 203 Yes, they fhall praife it, till its fame Through all the world fhall ring. And all men learn to know Thy name And gifts and fervice bring ; Eternal is Thy glorious throne. Thy rule is like Thyfelf alone, O juft. Eternal King! 4 And yet in death or pain or lofs. The Lord is with us all. Lightens the preflure of the crofs. Upholds us when we fall ; He flems the fwelling tide of woes. And when we fink beneath its blows He comes, ere yet we call. All eyes do wait on Thee, O Lord, Who keepeft us from dearth. Who fcattereft rich fupplies abroad For all the wants of earth ; Thou openeft oft Thy bounteous hand. And all in fea and air and land Are fill'd with food and mirth. Thy thoughts are good, and Thou art kind E'en when we think it not ; How many an anxious faithlefs mind Sits grieving o'er its lot. And frets and pines by day and night. As God had loft it out of fight. And all its wants forgot ! 204 Cnra (Pfvinanica. Ah no ! God ne'er forgets His own. His heart is far too true. He ever feeks their good alone. His love is daily new ; And though thou deem that things go ill. Yet He is juft and holy ftill In all things He can do. The Lord is ever clofe and near To thofe who keep His word. Whene'er they cry to Him in fear Their prayer is furely heard * He knoweth well who loves Him well. His love fhall yet their clouds difpel. And grant the hope dcfcrr'd. To thofe who love Him He denies No good thing that they feek; He fees their forrow, counts their fighs. And hearkens when they fpcak. And furely frees them from their woes; But thofe who hate them He o'crthrows. And makes their boallnig weak. Yet this is but a little part Of what I fain would fmg ; But daily fliall my voice and heart New thanks and praifcs bring ; Oh help me all that live and move. Help mc to fpeak His faithful love. And praifc our glorious King. Paul Gerhardt. 1606- 1676. £i3ra ^crmauica. 205 V. THE HOLINESS OF GOD BROUGHT NEAR TO MAN IN CHRIST. MIGHTY Spirit! Source whence all things fprung ! O glorious Majefty of perfeft Light ! Hath ever worthy praife to Thee been fung. Or mortal heart endured to meet Thy fight? If they who fm have never known Muft veil their faces at Thy throne. Oh how Ihall I, who am but fm and dull. Approach untrcmbling to the Pure and Jull? The voice of confcience in the foul hath ihown Some far-off glimpfes of Thy holinefs. And yet more clearly hail Thou made it known In Thy dear word that tells us of Thy grace ; But with all-glorious light divine In His face we behold it fhine. The fmlefs One, who this dark earth has trod To win through forrow finncrs back to God. 2o6 £nra ©cvmanica. The brightncfs of Thy glory was the Son ; Thy law engraven on His heart He wore, And on His forehead that all clearly fhone That Aaron's forehead but in fhadow bore;* And even to death did He obey To take the guilt of fin away. And made a curfe for man, and dying thus. He won the power of holincfs for us. Now may Thine image in us fliine anew In holy righteoufncfs and innocence ; Now ftrengthened by Thy Son a fervice true Thy people render, pure from all offence ; But all their light is only dim, A fhadowed broken light from Him, Who that we might be holy bore our load. In Whom we dare to meet the Holy God. J. J. Rambach. 1720. * Exodus xxviii. 36-38. £j3ra (6n*manlfa. 207 VI. TO THE SAVIOUR. N Thee is gladnefs J Amid all fadncfs, Jefus, Sunfliine of my heart ! ^ By Thee are given The gifts of heaven. Thou the true Redeemer art ! Our fouls Thou wakefl. Our bonds Thou breakeft. Who trulls Thee furely Hath built fecurely. He Hands for ever : Hallelujah. Our hearts are pining To fee Thy fhining. Dying or living To Thee are cleaving. Nought can us fever; Hallelujah. If He is ours. We fear no powers Of earth or Satan, fin or death ! 2-0^ flma a^nmamca. He fees and blcflcs In word diftrcflcs. He can change them with a breath ! Wherefore the flory Tell of His glory With heart and voices ; All heaven rejoices In Him for ever : Hallelujah. We triumph o'er fadnefs. We fmg in our gladnefs, Wc love Thee, we praife Thee, And yonder fliall raife Thee, Glad hymns for ever ; Hallelujah. I. LiNDEMANN. 1580-1630. Cnra ®crmamca. 209 VII. FOR PUBLIC PEACE. Written at the clofc of the Thirty Years' War. HANK God it hath refounded. The bleffcd voice of joy and Peace! And murder's reign is bounded. And fpear and fword at laft may cease. Arife, take down thy lyre. My country, and once more Uplift in fulI-toncd choir Thy happy fongs of yore ; Oh raife thy heart to God and fay : Thy covenants. Lord, endure. Thy mercies do not pafs away. Thy promifes are fure. For nothing do we merit. But fiery wrath and fharpeft rod, A race of froward fpirit, Whofe fhamelefs fins flill mock our God ; 2IO £nva (Bcvmanica. And He indeed hath fent us Full many a bitter flrokc. And yet, do we repent us. Or learn to bear His yoke? Nay, as we were fo Hill we are. But God abideth true. His help fliall ftill the noife of war. The captive's bonds undo. O welcome day, that brought us This precious noble gift of Peace ! For war hath deeply taught us What forrows come where thou dofl: ceafe ; In thee our God now layeth All hope, all happincfs ; Who wounded thee, or flayeth. Doth, like a madman, prefs The arrow to his own heart's core. And quench with impious hand The golden torch of Peace once more. That glads at laft our land. This ye could teach as only. So dull and hard thefe hearts of ours. Ye homes, now ftripp'd and lonely. Ye wafted cities, ruin'd towers ; Ye fields once fairly blooming. With golden harvefts graced. Where forcfts now arc glooming. Or fprcads a dreary walle ; ilma ©crmanica. • 211 Ye graves, with corpfes piled, where lies Full many a hero brave, Whofc like no more fhall meet our eyes. Who died, yet could not fave. O man, with bitter mourning Remember now the bygone years. When thou haft met God's warning With carelefs fcofF, not contrite tears ; Yet hke a loving Father, He lays afide His wrath. And feeks with kindnefs rather To lure thee to His path ; He tries if love may yet conftrain The heart that hath withftood His rod, — oh let Him not in vain Now ftrive with thee for good ! Thou carelefs world awaken ! Awake, awake, all ye that fleep. Ere yet ye be overtaken With ruin fudden, fwift, and deep ! But he who knows Chrift liveth. May hope and fear no ill. The Peace that now He giveth Hath deeper meaning ftill. For He will furely teach us this : ** The end is nigh at hand. When ye in perfe6l reft and peace Before your God fhall ftand." Paul Gerhardt. 164S. 212 £in*a ©cnnanira. THE LIFE OF FAITH. I. FAITH. AITH is a living power from heaven. That grafps the promife God hath given, A trufl: that cannot be o'erthrown, Fix'd heartily on Chrifl alone. Faith finds in Chrifl: whatc'er we need To fave or ftrengthcn us indeed. Receives the grace He fends us down, And makes us fhare His crofs and crown. Faith in the confciencc worketh peace, And bids the mourner's weeping ceafe ; By Faith the children's place we claim. And give all honour to One Name. Faith feels the Spirit's kindling breath In love and hope that conquer death ; Faith worketh hourly joy in God, And trull:, and blcflls c'cu the rod. €ma ©crmanica. 213 We thank Thee then, O God of heaven. That Thou to us this faith haft given In Jefus Chrill Thy Son, Who is Our only Fount and Source of blifs ; And from His fulnefs grant each foul The rightful faith's true end and goal. The bleffednefs no foes deftroy. Eternal love and light and joy. Bohemian Brethren. 214 fiu'tt (!5cvn]anicn. II. FAITH THAT WORKETH BY LOVE. HO kcepeth not God's word, yet faith^ y. I know the Lord, is wrong ; In him is not that bleflcd faith Through which the truth is llrong ; But he wlio hears and keeps the word. Is not of this world, but of God. The faith His word hath caufcd to fhinc Will kindle love in thee ; More wouldfl: thou know of things divine. Deeper thy love mull be ; True faith not only gives thee light. But ftrcngth to love and do the right. Jcfus hath wafli'd away our fin, And we arc children now ; Who feels fuch hope as this within, To evil cannot bow ; Rather with Chrill all fcorn endure. So wc be like our Mafter, pure ! £»va ©cvmanica. 215 For he doth pleafe the Father well Who liniply can obey ; In him the love of God doth dwell Who lleadfaft keeps His way ; A daily aftive life of love. Such fruits a living faith mufl: prove. He is in God, and God in him. Who dill abides in love ; 'Tis love that makes the Cherubim Obey and praife above ; For God is love, the lovelefs heart Hath in His life and joy no part. C. F. Gellert. 1757. 2i6 tiiva 0?crmanica. ]^ III. THE CHRISTIAN'S TRUST. KNOW in whom I put my trull:, I know what ftandeth faft. When all things here diflolve like dull Or fmoke before the blafl: : I know what ftill endures, howe'er All elfe may quake and fall. When lies the prudent men cnfnare. And dreams the wife enthral. It is the Dayfpring from on high. The adamantine Rock, Whence never ftorm can make me fly. That fears no earthquake's fl^ock. My Jcfus Chrift, my fure Defence, My Saviour, and my Light, That fliines within, and fcattcrs thence Dark phantoms of the night : Who, once was borne, betray'd and flain. At evening to the grave; Whom God awoke, who rofc again, A Conqueror ftrong to favc ; £tira ^n-maiuca. 217 Who pardons all my fin, who fends His Spirit pure and mild; Whofe grace my every ftep befriends. Who ne'er forgets His child ! Therefore I know in whom I trufl, I know what ftandeth faft. When all things form'd of earthly dull Are whirling in the blafl: ; The terrors of the final foe Can rob me not of this, And this fhall crown me once, I know. With never-fading bhfs. E. M. Arndt. 10 2i8 £\]xci (Pcvmanica. IV. THE ANCHOR OF THE SOUL. /^i*==«%sORD, all my heart is fix'd on Thee, «J<|| IP I pray Thee, be not far from me. With grace and love divine. The whole wide world delights me not. Of heaven or earth. Lord, afk I not. If only Thou art mine : And though my heart be like to break. Thou art my truft that nought can fhake. My portion, and my hidden joy, Whofe crofs could all my bonds deftroy ; Lord Jefus Chrifl: ! My God and Lord ! My God and Lord ! Forfake me not who trull: Thy word ! Rich are Thy gifts ! *Twas God that gave Body and foul, and all I have In this poor life I live ; That I may ufe them to Thy praife. And man's true welfare all my days. Thy grace I pray Thee give ; From all falfc do6lrine keep me, Lord ; All lies and malice from mc ward ; Cyra ©crmanica. 219 In every crofs uphold Thou me. That I may bear it patiently ; Lord Jefus Chrift ! My God and Lord ! My God and Lord ! In death Thy comfort ftill afFord. Ah Lord, let Thy dear angels come At my lajft end to bear me home To Paradife for aye ; And in its narrow chamber keep My body fafc in painlcfs fleep Until Thy Judgment Day ; And then from death awaken me. That thefe mine eyes with joy may fee, O Son of God, Thy glorious face. My Saviour, and my Fount of Grace ! Lord Jefus Chrill ! Receive my prayer, receive my prayer. Thy love will I for aye declare. SCHALLING. 1594. 220 ilma ©cnnanica. V. THE RESOLVE. /^^ OW at laft I end the ftrife, To my God I give my life Wholly, with a fteadfaft mind ; Sin, I will not hearken more. World, I turn from thee, 'tis o'er. Not a look I'll call behind. Hath my heart been wavering long. Have I dallied oft with wrong. Now at laft I firmly fay : All my will to this I give. Only to my God to live. And to serve Him night and day. Lord, I offer at Thy feet All I have moll: dear and fwect, Lo ! I keep no fecret hoard ! Try my heart, and lurks there aught Falfc within its inmoft thought. Take it hence this moment. Lord ! £nra (!5crmaiiica. 221 I will fhun no toil or wo. Where Thou leadell I will go. Be my pathway plain or rough ; It but every hour may be Spent in work that pleafes Thee, Ah, dear Lord, it is enough ! One thing will I feck alone. Nought without me fhall be known. Sought, or toil'd for, more by me j Strange to earth and all her care. Well content with pilgrim's fare. Shall my life be hid in Thee. Thee I make my choice alone. Make for ever. Lord, Thine own All my powers of foul and mind ; Yes, I give myfelf away. Let the covenant ftand for aye That my hand to-day hath figned. Tersteegen. 1 73 1. 222 £i)xa (Pciinanica. VI. THE CHRISTIAN RACE. \ E who'd make the prize his own. Runs as fwiftly as he can ; He who would attain the crown. Strives in earneft as a man ; Trains himfelf betimes with care For the conflid he would fharc, Cafts afidc whate'cr could be Hindrance to His vi6lorv. Lord, Thou biddeft me afpire To a prize fo high, fo grand. That it fcts my foul on fire To be found amid Thy band : Oh how brightly fhineth down From Thy heights the ftarry crown And the throne to vi6lors given, Who for Thee have bravely ftrivcn ! Yet it fccms I rtrivc in vain, Lord, in pity look on mc, Thou my wcakncfs Inurt fuilain, Set mc now from all things free Ctiva ©rrmanica. 223 That could keep me from my goal,; Come, Thyfelf prepare m/ foul. Give me joy and ftrength and life. Help me in the race, the ftrife. Well our utmoft efforts worth Is the crown I fee afar. Though the blinded fons of earth Care not for our holy war ; An exceeding great reward Is that crown of grace, my Lord ; Be Thyfelf my Strength divine. And the prize fhall foon be thine. J. Mentzer. 1704. 224 t'lira (5crmanica. \c) VII. THE CHRISTIAN'S JOY. H, dcareft Lord ! to feci that Thou art near f"Jf~\^' Brings deepefl peace, and hulhes every (r-—^\/^ fear; To fee Thy fmile, to hear Thy gracious voice, Makes foul and body inwardly rejoice With praife and thanks. We cannot fee as yet Thy glorious face, Not yet our eyes behold its love and grace, But Thee our inrnoft foul can furcly feel. Oh clearly. Lord, canft Thou Thyfclf reveal. Though all unfeen ! Oh well for him who ever day and night Should only feck to £;:cd on Thee aright ! In him a well of joy for ever fprings, And all day long his heart is glad and fings : Who is like Thee ? For Thou dort love to meet us as a Friend, Our comfort, healing, hope, and joy to fend ; fCma ©ermamca. 225 Patient to pity and to calm our woe. And daily to forgive us all we owe. Of Thy rich grace. Whene'er we weep foon bid our tears to ceafe. And make us feel how ftrong Thy love and peace ; And let the foul fee Thee within, and learn From need a^id love alike to Thee to turn With ceafelefs gaze. A warm and loving heart, a childlike mind. Through every change mayfl: Thou within us find ; The comfort of Thy holy forrows keep Our hearts at reft, in peace moft calm and deep. In joy or woe ! So fhall we all, until Thy heaven we fee. Like children evermore be glad in Thee, Though many a time the fudden tear may ftart, — If only Thou wilt touch the throbbing heart And ftill is pain ! Thou reacheft down to us Thy wounded hand. And at Thy crofs, dear Lord, afhamed we ftand. Remembering all Thy truth through weal and woe. Until our eyes with tears muft overflow Of thanks and praife. Christian Gregor. 1778. 10 * 226 £^)xa (Bcvmamca. VIII. UNDER CLOUDS. ERE behold mc, as I caft mc At Thy throne, O glorious King! Tears fail thronging, childlike longing, ^^y]/ Son of Man, to Thee I bring. Let me find Thee — let me find Thee ! Me a poor and wortlilcfs thing. Look upon me. Lord, I pray Thee, Let Thy Spirit dwell in mine ; Thou hail fought me. Thou haft bought mc. Only Thee to know I pine ; Let me find Thee — let me find Thee ! Take my heart and grant mc Thine. Nought I afk for, nought I ftrive for. But Thy grace fo rich and free. That Thou givcft whom Thou lovcft. And who truly cleave to Thee ; Let mc find Thcc — let mc find Thee ! He hath all things who haili Thcc. £nra ©crinaiiica. 227 Earthly treafurc, mirth and pleafure. Glorious name, or richeft hoard. Are but weary, void and dreary. To the heart that longs for God ! Let me find Thee — let me find Thee ! I am ready, mighry Lord. Joachim Neander. 1679. 228 £ma <5cvmm\ca. IX. ASPIRATION. f=^ P ! yes, upward to thy gladnefb lU I Rife, my heart, and foul, and mind ! 4Jq ^ Cafl:, oh caft away thy fadncfs, (/^\Jy\^ Rife where thou thy Lord canfl: find. He is thy home. And thy hfe alone is He; Hath the world no place for thee. With Him is room. On, ftill onward, mounting higher On the wings of faith to Him ! On, ftill onward, ever higher. Till the mournful earth grows dim ! God is Thy Rock; Chrifl: thy Champion cannot fail thee, Howfoe'cr thy foes afTail thee, Fear not their fliock. Firm, yes firmly, ever cleaving Unto Chrift the flrong and true. All, yes all, to God ftill leaving, For His love is daily new. £ma ©ermanica. 229 Be fteadfaft here ; Soon thy foes fhall be o'erthrown. Since He wills thy good alone. Be of good cheer. Hide thee, in His chamber hide thee, Chrill hath opcn'd now the door ; Tell Him all that doth betide thee. All thy forrows there outpour; He hears thy cry ; Men may hate thee and deceive thee. But He cannot, will not leave thee. He flill is nigh. High, oh high, o'er all things earthy, Raife thy thoughts, my foul, to heaven ; One alone of thee is worthy. All thou hafl to Him be given ; Thy Lord He is Who fo truly pleads to have thee. Who in love hath died to fave thee ; Then thou art His. Up then, upwards ! feek thou only For the things that are above ; Sin thou hateft, earth is lonely. Rife to Him whom thou dofl love, — There art thou bleft ; All things here muft change and die. Only with our Lord on high Is perfect reft. J. C. SCHADE. 1699. 23° £ma ©crmanica. X. SONG OF THE CHRISTIAN PILGRIM. PILGRIM here I wander. On earth have no abode. My fatherland is yonder. My home is with my God. For here I journey to and fro. There in eternal reft Will God His gracious gift beftow On all the toil-opprefsed. For what hath life been giving. From youth up till this day. But conftant toil and ftriving? Far back as thought can ftray. How many a day of toil and care. How many a night of tears. Hath pafsed in grief that none could fliarc. In lonely anxious fears ! How many a ftorm hath lightened And thundered round my path ! And winds and rains have frightened My heart with ficrccft wrath : I'lira (Bcvmanlca. 231 And cruel envy, hatred, fcorn. Have darkened oft my lot. And patiently reproach I've borne. Though I deferved it not. Then through this life of dangers I onward take my way ; But in this land of ftrangers I do not think to ftay. But onward on the road I fare That leads me to my home. My Father's comfort waits me there. When I have overcome. Ah yes, my home is yonder. Where all the angelic bands Praife Him with awe and wonder. In whofe Almighty hands All things that are and fhall be, lie. By Him upholden flill. Who cafteth down and lifts on high At His moft holy will. That home have 1 defired, 'Tis there I would be gone ; Till I am well-nigh tired. O'er earth I've journeyed on; The longer here I roam, I find The lefs of real joy That e'er could pleafe or fill my mind. For all hath fome alloy. 232 Cma ©evmantca. The lodging is too chccrlcfs. The forrow is too much ; Ah come, my heart is fearlefs, Releafe it with Thy touch. When Thy heart wills, and make an end Of all this pilgrimage. And with Thine arm and ftrength defend. When foes again ft me rage. Where now my fpirit ftayeth Is not her true abode. This earthly houfc decayeth. And flie will drop its load. When comes the hour to leave beneath What now I ufe and have ; And when Pve yielded up my breath Earth, gives me but a grave. But Thou, my Joy and gladnefs, O Thou, my Life and Light, Wilt raife mc from this fadnefs. This long tcmpeftuous night. Into the pcrfcd gladfomc day. Where bathed in joy divine. Among Thy faints, and bright as they, I too fhall ever fhine. There fliall I dwell for ever. Not as a guert alone. With thofc who ceafc there nevei To worfliip at Thy throne; £ma ©crmauira. 233 There in my heritage I reft. From bafer things fet free. And join the chorus of the bleft For ever. Lord, to Thee ! Paul Gerhardt. 1606- 1676. 234 £ma ©cnimuica. XT. LONGING FOR HOME. OW the pearly gates unfold, O Thou Joy of highcfl: heaven. Who ere earth was made, of old (r^^^ Light of light for light waft given Haften, Lord, and quickly come. Bring the bride Thou haft betrothed. In Thine own pure radiance clothed, Safe to Thine eternal home. Where no more the night of fm Spreads its fear and gloom within. All my fpirit thirfts to fee. Lord, Thy face unveiled and bright ; And to ftand from fm fct free, Spotlefs Lamb, amid Thy light. But I leave it, — Thou doft well. And my heaven is here and now, Dayftar of my foul, if Thou Wilt but deign in me to dwell ; For without Thee could there be Joy in heaven itfelf for me? Blifs from Thee my foul hath won. Spite of darkly threatening ill ; Cwra (Bcnnantca. 235 And my heart calls Thee its Sun, And the fea of care grows ilill In the fhining of Thy fmile ; And Thy love's all-quickening ray Chafes night and pain away. That my heart grows light the while ; Heavenly joys in Thee are mine. Far from Thee I mourn and pine. Graft me into Thee for ever. Tree of Life, that I may grow Stronger heavenward, drooping never For the fliarpeft ilorms that blow. Bearing fruits of faith and truth ; Then tranfplant me out of time Into that eternal cHme Where I fhall renew my youth. When earth's wither'd leaves fhall bloom Frcfh in beauty from the tomb. Life, to whom as to my Head I unite me, through my foul Now Thy quickening life-ftream fhed. And Thy love's warm current roll, Frefliening all with llrength and grace ; Be Thou mine, I am Thine own. Here and ever Thine alone. All my hope in Thee I place ; Heaven and earth are nought to me. Save, oh Life of life, with Thee ! D£;3LER. 1692. 236 £ma ©cnnanica. SONGS OF THE CROSS. I. QUEEN MARIA OF HUNGARY'S SONG. Composed moft probably in 1526, when flic was compelled to flee from Buda on account of her ad- herence to the Reformed Dodlrine, after the Battle of Mohacz ; in which her hufband and the flower of the Hungarian nobility fell in defending their country againrt the Turks. AN I my fate no more withrtand, * Nor 'fcape the hand That for my faith would grieve me ; This is my Itrength, that well I know In weal or woe God's love the world mufl: leave me. God is not far, though hidden now. He foon fliall rife and make them bow Who of His word bereave me. fudge as ye will may caufc this hour, Yours is the power, Cora ©erinanlca. 237 God bids me ftrive no longer ; I know what mightiefl feems to-day Shall pafs away. Time than your rule is ftrongcr. The Eternal Good I rather choofe. And fearlefs all for this I lofe ; God help me thus to conquer ! All has its day, the proverb faith : This is my faith. Thou, Chrift, wilt be befide me. And look on all this pain of mine As were it Thine, When fharpeft woes betide me ; Mufl I then tread this path — I yield ; World, as thou wilt, God is my fhield. And He will rightly guide me ! 238 K'^va (fcnnanica. II. IN OUTWARD AND INWARD DISTRESS. From the Dark Times of the Thirty Years* War. CHRIST, Thou bright and Morning Star, Now fhed Tliy light abroad ; Shine on us from Thy throne afar In this dark place, dear Lord, With Thy pure glorious word. Jefus, Comfort of the poor, I lift my heart to Thee 1 know Thy mercies ftill endure And Thou wilt pity me ; I trufl: alone to Thee. I cannot rell, I may not fleep, No jov or peace I know, My foul is torn with anguilh deep. And fears a deeper woe ; O OniR, Thy pity fliow ! £m'a ©iTinanlca. 239 For Thou didll fufFcr for my foul. Her burdens to remove ; Oh make me through Thy forrows whole, Refrefli me with Thy love ; Lord, help me from above. Then Jefus, glory, honour, praife, I'll ever fmg to Thee ; Increafe my faith that Thou wilt raife Me once where I (hall fee Eternal joys with Thee ! Anon. 240 I'lira (Pcrinanica. III. THE ONLY REFUGE IN TIME OF TROUBLE. n HEN in the hour of utmofl: need f y. We know not where to look for aid, T When days and nights of anxious thought "^ Nor help nor counfcl yet have brought : Then this our comfort is alone. That we may meet before Thy throne. And cry, O faithful God, to Thee For refcue from our mifery : To Thee may raife our hearts and eyes. Repenting fore with bitter fighs, And feck Thy pardon for our fin. And rcfpite from our griefs within : For Thou luill: promifcd gracioufly Fo hear all thofc who cry to Thee, Through Him whofc Name alone is great. Our Saviour and our Advocate. Cma (BtxmanKa. 241 And thus we come, O God, to-day. And all our woes before Thee lay. For tried, forfakcn, lo ! we ftand. Perils and foes on every hand. Ah hide not for our iins Thy face, Abfolve us through Thy boundlefs grace. Be with us in our anguifh ftill. Free us at lail: from every ill. That fo with all our hearts may we Once more with joy give thanks to Thee, And walk obedient to Thy word. And now and ever praife the Lord. Paul Eber. 151 i- 1569. II 242 Cj3va ©cvmanica. IV. UNDER A HEAVY PRIVATE CROSS OR BEREAVEMENT. FAITHFUL God ! O pitying Heart, Whofc goodnefs hath no end ; I know this crofs with all its fmart Thy hand alone doth fend ! Yes, Lord, I know it is Thy love. Not wrath or hatred bids me prove The load 'ncath which I bend. *Twas ever wont with Thee, my God, To chaften oft a Ton ; He V horn Thou lovcf- feels Th/ rod. Tears flow ere joy is won , Thou Icadefl: us through darkcft pain Back to the joyous light again; Thus ever haft Thou done. For c'cn the Son Thou moft doft love Here trod the path of woe ; Ere He might reach His throne above He bore the crofs below ; Through anguifli, fcorn, and poverty. Through bittereft death He pafsed, that wc The blifs of heaven might know. £ma (5cvmanica. 243 And if the pure and finlefs One Could thus to forrow bow. Shall I who To much ill have done Refift the crofs? O Thou In whom doth pcrfedl patience fliine. Whoe'er would fain be counted Thine Mull wear Thy likenefs now. Yet, Father, each frclh aching heart Will qucftion in its woe. If Thou canfl: fend fuch bitter fmart And yet no anger know ? How long the hours beneath the crofs ! How hard to learn that love and lofs From one fole Fountain flow ! But what I cannot. Thou true Good, Oh work Thyfelf in me ; Nor ever let my trials' flood O'erwhelm my faith in Thee ; Keep me from every murmur. Lord, And make me fteadfaft in Thy word. My tower of refuge be ! If I am weak. Thy tender care Help me to face each ill ! With ceafclefs cries and tears and prayer The long fad hours I'll fill ; The heart that yet can hope and truft. And cry to Thee, though from the duft. Is all unconquered ftill ! 244 I'nra (Bcnnaulca. O Thou who dicdft to give us life. Full well to Thee is known The crofs, and all the inner ftrife Of thofe who weep alone. And 'neath their burden well-nigh faint ; The aching heart's unfpokcn plaint Finds echo in Thine own. Ah Chrift, do Thou within me fpeak. For Thou canft comfort befl: ; The tower and llronghold of the weak. The weary wanderer's reft, Our fhadow in the noon-day hours. And when the tcmpeft round us lowers. Our fhelter fafe and bleft ! O Holy Spirit, fent of God, In whom all gladnefs lies, Refrefh my foul, lift off her load. From Thee all fadncfs flies ; Thou know'Il the glories yet to come. The joy, the folace, of that home. Where we fliall one day rife. There in Thy prefence we fliall fee Glories beyond our ken; The crofs known here to none but Thee Shall turn to gladnefs then ; There fmiles for all our tears arc given. And for our woes the joys of heaven ; Lord, I believe ! Amen ! Paul Gerhardt. 1606-1676. £ma (5ninan\ca. 245 V. THE ONE TRUE FRIEND. H God, my days are dark indeed. How oft this aching heart muft bleed. The narrow way, how filled with pain That I mull pafs ere heav^en I gain ! How hard to teach this flefli and blood To feek alone the Eternal Good ! Ah whither now for comfort turn ? For Thee, my Jefus, do I yearn. In Thee have I, howe'er diftreft. Found ever counfel, aid, and reft ; I cannot all forfaken be While ftill my heart can truft in Thee. Jefus, my only God and Lord, What fweetnefs in Thy name is ftored ! So dark and hopelefs is no grief But Thy fweet Name can bring relief. So keen no forrows' rankling dart But Thy fweet Name can heal my heart. 246 ilma <3txu\mm. The world can fliow no truth like Thine, And therefore will I not repine ; I know Thou wilt forfake me not. Thy truth is fixed, though dark my lot ; Thou art my Shepherd, and Thy flieep From every real harm Thou wilt keep. Jefus, my boaft, my light, my joy. The treafure nought can e'er deftroy. No words, no fong that I can frame Speak half the fweetnefs of Thy name ; They only all its power fhall prove Whofe hearts have learnt Thy faith and love How many a time I've fadly faid. Far better were it I were dead. Far better ne'er the light to fee. If I had not this joy in Thee; For he who hath not Thee in faith. His very life is merely death. Jefus, my Bridegroom, and my crown. If Thou but fmile, the world may frown. In Thee lie depths of joy untold. Far richer than her richcll gold; Whene'er I do but think of Thee, Thy dews drop down and folace me. Whene'er I hope in Thee, my Friend, Thy comfort and Thy peace defccnd ; Whene'er in grief I pray and fing £nra ©^vmanica. 247 T feel new courage in me fpring ; Thy Spirit witncfiTes that this Is foretalte of the eternal bhfs. Then while I live this life of care The crofs for Thee I'll gladly bear ; Grant me a patient willing mood, I know that it Ihall work my good ; Help me to do my talk aright. That it may Hand before Thy light. Let me this flelh and blood controul. From fin and fhame preferve my foul. And keep me fteadfaft in the faith. Then I am Thine in life and death j Jefus, Confoler, bend to me. Ah would I were e'en now with Thee ! Conrad Hojer. 1584. 248 £nva ©crmauica. vi. UNDER THE PRESSURE OF CARE OR POVERTY. Written mofl: probably cither during the great Fa- mine in Nuremburg in 1552, or the time of the Siege in 1561. a HY art thou thus call down, my heart ? r\t y. Why troubled, why doft mourn apart, 1 f O'er nought but earthly wealth? /?^> ^j Trull: in thy God, be not afraid. He is thy Friend who all things made. Dofl: think thy prayers He doth not heed ? He knows full well what thou dofl: need. And heaven and earth are His ; My Father and my God, who flill Is with my foul in every ill. Since Thou my God and Father art, I know Thy faithful loving heart Will ne'er forget Thy child. See I am poor, I am but dull. On earth is none whom I can trurt. The rich man in his wealth confides. But in my God my trufl abides; Laugh as ye will, I hold Cnva (&txmanka. 249 This one thing fall that He hath taught, — Who trufts in God fhall want for nought. Yes, Lord, Thou art as rich to-day As Thou haft been and fhalt be aye, I reft on Thee alone ; Thy riches to my foul be given, And 'tis enough for earth and heaven What here may Ihine I all refign, If the eternal crown be mine. That through Thy bitter death Thou gainedft, O Lord Chrift, for mc. For this, for this, I cry to Thee ! All wealth, all glories, here below. The beft that this world can bcftow. Silver or gold or lands. But for a Httle time is given. And helps us not to enter heaven. I thank Thee, Chrift, Eternal God, That Thou haft taught me by Thy word To know this truth and Thee ; O o-rant me alfo fteadfaftnefs o Thy heavenly kingdom not to mifs. Praife, honour, thanks, to Thee be brought. For all things in and for me wrought By Thy great mercy, Chrift, This one thing only ftill I pray, Oh caft me ne'er from Thee £iway. Hans Sa' 25° f tn*a ©cnimuica. VII. THE RESTING-PLACE AMID CHANGES. LL things hang on our poflciTing God's free love and grace and bleffing. Though all earthly wealth depart ; He who God for his hath taken, 'Mid the changing world unfhaken Keeps a free heroic heart. He who hitherto hath fed me. And to many a joy hath led me. Is and fhall be ever mine ; He who did fo gently fchool me. He who ftill doth guide and rule me. Will not leave me now to pine. Shall I weary me with fretting O'er vain trifles, and regretting Things that never can remain ? I will ftrive but that to win me That can flicd true rell within me, Rell the world murt feck in vain. Cnra ©crmanica. 251 When my heart with longing fickens, Hope again my courage quickens. For my wifh fhall be fulfill'd. If it pleafe His love moll tender ; Life and foul I all furrender Unto Him on whom I build. Well He knows how bell to grant me All the longing hopes that haunt me. All things have their proper day ; I would didate to Him never. As God wills, fo be it ever. When He wills, I will obey. If on earth He bids me linger. He will guide me with His linger Through the years that now look dim ; All that earth has fleets and changes As a river onward ranges. But I reft in peace on Him. Anon, in a Nuremberg Hymn- book of 1676. ZC2 Cnra (Dcnnanica. VIII. REST IN THE LORD. Y God, in Thee all fulncfs lies. All want in me from Thee apart ; In Thee my foul hath endlcfs joys, 4r^^y In mc is but an aching heart ; Poor as the pooreil: here I pine. In Thee a heavenly kingdom's mine. Thou fecfl: whatfoe'er I need. Thou fecfl: it, and pityefl: mc ; Thy fwift companions hither fpeed. Ere yet my woes are told to Thee ; Thou hcarefl:. Father, ere we cry. Shall I not fl:ill before Thee lie ? I leave to Thee whate'cr is mine, And in Thy will I calmly reft; I know that richeft gifts arc Thine, Thou canfl and Th(ju wilt make me blefl, For Thou hall: promifcd, and our Lord Will never break His promifcd word. £j)va ©crmaiuca. 253 Thou loveft me. Father, with the love Wherewith Thou lovedft Chrift Thy Son, And (o a brightnefs from above Still glads me though my tears may run. For in Thy love I fmd and know What all the world could ne'er bellow. Then I can let the world go by. And yet be ftill and reft in Thee, I fit, I walk, I ftand, I lie. Thou ever watcheft over me. And when the yoke is preffing fore I think, my God lives evermore ! Anon. 254 Cijva ©ermantca. IX. THE. CHRISTIAN'S CONFIDENCE. Probably by Joachim Magdeburg, a Pallor wlio died in 1560 — long a favourite Hymn at death-beds; faid to be found in a flained elafs window in Nord- haufcn with the date i -p2, printed at iatcil ! ^98. ^ ^ HO puts his truft in God moft jull Tf J. Hath built his houfe fecurely ; f He who relics on Jefus Chrift, /^^> ^ Heaven fliall be his moll: furely : Then fix'd on Thee my truft fhall be. For Thy truth cannot alter ; While mine Thou art, not death's worft fmart Shall make my courage falter. Though ficrceft foes my.courfc oppofe, A dauntlefs front I'll fliow them ; My champion Thou, Lord Chrift, art now. Who foon flialt ovcrflirow them ! And if but Thee I have in me With Thy good gifts and Spirit, Nor deatii nor hell, I know full well, Shall hurt me, through Thy merit. £ma (6crmamca. 255 I reft m2 here without a fear. By Thee fliall all be given ♦ That I can need, O faithful God, For this life or for heaven. O make me true, my heart renew. My foui and flefh deliver ! Lord, hear my prayer, and in Thy care Keep me in peace for ever. 256 i'nux ©cnnaiiica. X. CHILDLIKE SUBMISSION. n HAT plcalcs God, O pious foul. [ y. Accept with joy, though thunders roll n [T And tcmpclb lower on every fide. Thou knowell nought can thee betide But plcafcs God. The bcft will is our Father's will. And we may reft there calm and ftill. Oh make it hour by hour thine own. And wifh for nought but that alone Which pleafes God. His thought is aye the wifcft thought. How oft man's wifdom comes to nought, Miftakc or weaknefs in it lurks. It brings forth ill, and feldom works What pleafes God. His mind is aye the gjntkft mind. His will and deeds arc ever kind. He blcffes when againft us fpcaks The evil world, that rarely fecks What pleafes God. £yva ©cnuQuica. 257 His heart is aye the trueft heart. He bidb all woe and harm depart. Defending, fhielding day and night The man who knows and loves aright What plcafes God. He governs all things here below. In Him lie all our weal and woe. He bears the world within His hand. And fo to us bear fea and land What pleafcs God. And o'er His little flock He yearns. And when to evil ways it turns. The Father's rod oft fmiteth fore. Until it learns to do once more ^ What pleafes God. What moll would profit us He knows. And ne'er denies aught good to thofe Who with their utmoft ftrength purfue The right, and only care to do What pleafes God. If this be fo, then World, from me Keep if thou wilt, what pleafes thee ; But thou, my foul, be well content With God and all things He hath fent ; As pleafes God. And muft thou fufFer here and there. Cling but the firmer to His care. 258 flma (!?cnnanica. For all things are beneath His fway, And mull in very truth obey What plcafes God. True faith will grafp His mercy fall, And hope bring patience at the laft. Then both within thy heart cnlhrinc. So fliall the heritage be thine That plcafes God. To thee for ever fliall be given A kingdom and a crown in heaven. And there fliall be fulfilFd in thee. And thou flialt taftc and hear and fee What pleafes God. Paul Gerhardt. 1653. £ura (Bn'manica. 259 XL THE QUIET HOPING HEART. Written for the comfort of a Sick Friend, who fet it to Mufic, and on his recovery frequently caufed it to be fang before his houfe by the School-Choir. HATE'ER, my God ordains is right. His will is ever juft ; Howe'er He order now my caufe I will be ftill and truft. He is my God, Though dark my road. He holds me that I Ihall not fall. Wherefore to Him I leave it all. Whate'er my God ordains is right. He never will deceive ; He leads me by the proper path. And fo to Him I cleave. And take content What He hath fent ; His hand can turn hiy griefs away. And patiently I wait His day. Whate'er my God ordains is right. He taketh thought for me. The cup that my Phyfician gives No poifon'd draught can be. 26o £))X'a (!5cnnanica. But medicine due ; For God is true. And on that changclefs truth I build. And all my heart with hope is filled. Whate'cr my God ordains is right. Though I the cup muft drink That bitter feems to my faint heart, I will not fear nor flirink ; Tears pafs away With dawn of day. Sweet comfort yet fhall fill my heart. And pain and forrow fhall depart. Whatever my God ordains is right. My Light my Life is He, Who tannot will me aught but good, I trufl Him utterly j For well I know. In joy or woe. We once fhall fee as funlight clear How faithful was our Guardian here. Whate'cr my God ordains is right. Here will I take my ftand ; Though forrow, need, or death make earth For me a defert land. My Father's care Is around mc there. He holds mc that I fliall not fall. And fo to Him I leave it all. vS. RonioAST. 1675. Cma (Bcrmaiuca. 261 XII. THE COURAGE OF PERFECT TRUST. /f HEREFORE fhould I grieve and pine ? Is not Chrift the Lord ftill mine ? I tr] Who can fever me from Him ? ^^^^^ Who can rob me of the heaven Which the Son of God hath given Unto faith though weak and dim? Naked, helplefs, was I born When my earlieft breath was drawn. Naked mull I wander forth. As a fhadow fiits away At the coming of the day. Bearing nought with me from earth. Soul and body, life and goods. Are not mine, are only God's, Given me by His loving will ; Would He take back aught of His, Let Him take .it, not for this Shall my fong of praife be ftill. Sendeth He fome crofs to bear, Cometh forrow, need, or care. 262 £])xa (6miuiuica. Shall it all my peace dcftroy ? He who fends can end it too. Well He knows in fcafon due, How to turn my griefs to joy. Many a day of happincfs Hath He fent who loves to blefs, Shall I not bear aught for God ? He is kind, we know that He Ne'er forfakcs us utterly. Love lies hidden in His rod. What is there my foes can do. Though they be nor weak nor few. Save to fcorn and mock my woe ? Let them laugh, and let them mock, God my Saviour and my Rock Soon fhall all their fchemes overthrow With a glad and fearlefs mien Should a Chriftian man be fcen, Wherefoe'er be cafl: his lot; Yea, though death feem clofe at hand. Calm and quiet let him ftand. And his fpirit tremble not. Him no death has power to kill. But from many a Ireadcd ill Bears his fpirit fafc away ; Shuts the door of bitter woes. Opens yon bright path that glows With the light of pcrf-d dav. £ma (5cvman\ta. 263 There in deepeft joy my heart Shall be healed from all the fmart Of the wounds that pierced it here; Here can no true good be found. Seeming goods that here abound In a moment difappcar. Wealth that this world can command. Is it aught but barren fand. Bringing cares and troubles fore ? There, there are the gifts unpriced Where my Shepherd Jefus Chrifl Shall refrcfh me evermore. Fount of Joy, mv Lord Divine, Thine I am, and Thou art mine. Nought can part my foul from Thee ; I am Thine, for Thou didft give Once Thy life that I might live. Dearly didfl: Thou purchafe me. Thou art mine, becaufe my heart Ne'er will let Thee more depart. Clings to Thee her joy, her light ; Bring me, bring me to that place Where, enclafped in Thine embrace, ^ Love at laft is bleft with fight. Paul Gerhardt. 1653. 2^4 Cnra (!?cvinanifa. XIII. THE SUFFICIENCY OF GOD. EEMS it in my anguifh lone, As though God forfook His own, ^^- Yet I hold this knowledge faft, God will farcly help at hill. He denicth not His aid Though awhile it be delayed ; Though it come not oft with fpeed, It will furely come at need. As a father not too foon Grants his child the longed-for boon. So our God gives when He will ; Wait His leifure and be iVill. I can reft in thoughts of Him, When all courage clfe grew dim. For I know my foul fhall prove His is more than father's love. Would the powcr-i of ill affright, I can fmilc at all their might ; £nra ©crnmnica. 265 Or the crofs is preffing fore, God, my God, lives evermore ! Man may hate me caufelefsly, Man may plot to ruin me. Foes my heart may pierce and rend ; God in heaven is ftill my Friend. Earth may all her gifts deny. Safe my treafure ftill on high. And if heaven at laft be mine. All things eKc I can refign. I renounce thee willingly. World, I hate what pleafes thee. Baneful every gift of thine. Only be my God fhill mine. Ah Lord, if but Thee I have Nought of other good I crave. Bright is even death's dark road. If but Thou art there, my God. C. TiTius. 1641-1703. 266 £gva ©cnnanica. THE FINAL CONFLICT AND HEAVEN. I. THE UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE. KNOW my end mull: lurcly come. But know not when, or where, or how. It may be I fhall hear my doom To-night, to-morrow, nay, or now. Ere yet this prefent hour is fled. This living body may be dead. Lord Jefus, let me daily die. And at the lall Thy prefence give. Then Death his utmofl: power may try. He can but make me truly live. Then welcome my lafl: hour fliall be. When, where, and how it pleafes Thee. S. Franck. 1711, Cnra (Bcrinaulca. '^^1 II. PREPARATION FOR DEATH. Said to be written on occafion of the fudden death of Duke George of Saxe-Eifcnach, while hunting. HO knows how near my end may be ? ■J. Time fpeeds away, and Death comes /J^>"^ How fwiftly, ah ! how fuddenly. May Death be here, and Life be gone ! My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day. The world that fmiled when morn was come . May change for me ere clofe of eve ; So long as earth is ilill my home In peril of my death I live ; My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day. Teach me to ponder oft my end. And ere the hour of death appears. To call my foul on Chriil: her Friend, Nor fpare repentant cries and tears ; My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day. 268 £v)va (Dcrmanica. And let mc now fo order all. That ever ready I may be To fay with joy, whatc'cr befall. Lord, do Thou as Thou wilt with me ; My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying dav. Let LeaveL to n.e be ever fweei. And this world bitter let me find. That I, *mid all its toil and heat. May keep eternity in mind ; My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day. Father, cover all my fms With Jefu's merits, who alone 'The pardon that I covet wins. And makes His long-fought reft my own ; My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day. His forrows and His crofs I know Make death-beds foft, and light the grave. They comfort in the hour of woe, They give me all I fain would have ; My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day. From Him can nought my foul divide. Nor life nor death can part us now ; 1 lay my hand upon His fide, And fay, My Lord ami God art Thou; fnra ©crmanka. 269 My God, for Jcfu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day. In holy baptifm long ago, I joined me to the living Vine, Thou loveft me in Him, I know. In Him Thou doll accept me Thine ; My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day. And I have eaten of His flefh And drunk His blood, — nor can I be Forfakcn now, nor doubt afrcfli, I am in Him and He in me; My God, for jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day. Then death may come or tarry yet, I know in Chrift I perifh not. He never will His own forget. He gives me robes without a fpot ; My God, for Jefu's fake I pray Thy peace may blefs my dying day. And thus I hve in God at peace, ■ And die without a thought of fear. Content to take what God decrees. For through His Son my faith is clear. His grace fhall be in death my ftay. And peace fhall blefs my dying day. Emilia Juliana, Countefs of Schwarzburg Rudolftadt. 1686. 270 i'nra (l?cnnanica. III. A WEARY PILGRIM'S SONG. f^ ORLD, farewell ! Of thee I'm tired, 'r yj Now toward heaven my way I take; T There is peace the long-defired, Lofty calm that nought can break ; World, with thee is war and ftrifc. Thou with cheating hopes art rife. But in heaven is no alloy. Only peace and love and joy. When I reach that home of gladncfs, I fhall feel no more this load. Feel no fickncfs, want, or fadncfs, Refting in the arms of God. In the world woes follow fall. And a bitter death comes laft. But in heaven fliall nought dcftroy Endlcfs peace and love and joy What arc earthly joys ? a weary Chafe of mill, or wind-borne foam ! On this dcfcrt black and dreary Sins and vices have their home; S^ma ^crmauica. 271 Thine, O World, are war and ftrife. Mocking pleafures, dying life ; But in heaven is no annoy. Only peace and love and joy. Oh the mufic and the linging Of the hoft redeemed by love ! Oh the hallelujahs ringing Through the halls of light above ! Thine, O World, the fcornful fneer, Mifery thy reward, and fear ; But in heaven is no annoy. Only peace and love and joy. Here is nought but care and mourning. Comes a joy, it will not ftay ; Fairly Ihines the fun at dawning. Night will foon o'ercloud the day ; World, with thee we weep and pine. Gnawing care and grief are thine ; But in heaven is no alloy. Only peace and love and joy. Onwards then ! not long I wander. Ere my Saviour comes for me. And with Him abiding yonder All His glory I fhall fee ; For there's nought but forrow here. Toil and pain and many a fear. But in heaven is no annoy. Only peace and love and joy. 2/2 f nra ©cnimnica. Well for him whom death has landed Safely on yon blclTed fhore. Where in joyful worfliip banded. Sing the faithful evermore ; For the world hath Ilrife and war. All her works and hopes they mar. But in heaven is no annoy Only peace and love and joy. Time, thou fpecdell on but flowly. Hours, how tardy is your pace. Ere with Him the High and Holy I hold convcrfe face to face ; World, with partings thou art rife. Filled with tears and florms and ftrifc But in heaven can nought dcilroy Endlefs peace and love and joy. Therefore will I now prepare me. That my work may Hand His doom. And when all is finking round me, I may hear not '* Go" — but " Come !** World, the voice of grief is here. Outward feeming, care, and fear. But in heaven is no alloy. Only peace and love and joy ! J. G. Albinus. 1652. £ma (Scvmauica. 273 ^ IV. IN TIME OF DANGEROUS DUTY. Y caufe is God's, and I am flill. Let Him do with mc as He will ; Whether for me the fight is won, f;K^\/ Or fcarce begun, I afk no more — His will be done ! My fmS are more than I can bear. Yet not for this will I defpair, I know to death and to the grave The Father gave His deareft Son, that He might fave. In Him my Saviour I abide, I know for all my Uns He died. And rifen again to work my good. The burning flood Hath quenched with His moll precious blood. To Him I live and die alone. Death cannot part Him from His own ; Living or dying I am His Who only is Our comfort, and our gate of blifs. 274 £\n'a (Pcnnanica. This is my folace, day by day. When fnarcs and death bcfct my way, I know that at the morn of doom From out the tomb With joy to meet Him I fhall come. Then I fliall fee God face to face, I doubt it not, through Jefu*s grace. Amid the joys prepared for me ! Thanks be to Thee Who givefl us the vidlory ! O Jcfus Chrift, Thou Son of God, Who once for me didft bear the rod. Ah hide me in Thy wounded heart When I depart; My help, my liopc. Thou only art ! Amen, dear God ! now fend us faith. And a: the lall a happy death ; And grant us all ere long to be In heaven with Thee, To praife Thee there eternally. J. Pappus, i 598. £ma ©trmanica. 275 V. IN THE NEAR PROSPECT OF DEATH. LORD my God, I cry to Thee, In my dillrefs Thou helpefl: me ; To Thee myfelf I all commend. Oh fwiftly now Thine angel fend To guide me home, and cheer my heart. Since Thou doft call me to depart ! O Jefus Chrift, Thou Lamb of God, Once (lain to take away our load. Now let Thy crofs. Thine agony. Avail to fave and folace me ; Thy death to open heaven, and there Bid me the joy of angels fliare. O Holy Spirit, at the end. Sweet Comforter, be Thou my Friend ! When death and hell affail me fore. Leave me, oh leave me, nevermore. But bear me fafely through that ftrife. As Thou haft promifed, into life ! Nicholas Selnecker, 1587. 276 £nra (Pcnnaiilca. VI. IN WEAKNESS AND DISTRESS OF MIND. ORD Jcfus Chrifl:, my Life, my Light, W My ftrcngth by day, my trull: by niglit. On earth Tm but a paHing gucll. And forcly with my fins opprefs'd. Far off I fee my fatherland. Where through Thy grace I hope to ftand. But ere I reach that Paradifc A weary way before me lies. My heart finks at the journey's length. My wafted flcfh has little ftrcngth. Only my foul Hill cries in me. Lord, fetch me home, take me to Thee ! Oil let Thy fuffcrings give me power To meet the laft and darkcft hour; Thy prayer refrcfli and comfort me. Thy bonds and fetters fct me free ! That thirll and bitter draught of Thine Help me to btar with patience mine. Thy piercing cry avail my foul, When floods of an^uifli o'er me roll ! iima (5cvman\ca. ^77 And when my lips grow white and chill. Thy Spirit cry within me ftill. And help my foul Thy heaven to find. When thefe poor eyes grow dark and blind ! And when the fpirit flies away. Thy parting words fliall be my ftay. Thy crofs the ftafF whereon I lean. My couch the grave where Thou haft been. Since Thou haft died, the Pure, the Juft, I take my homeward way in truft. The gates of heaven. Lord, open wide. When here I may no more abide. And when the laft great Day is come. And Thou our Judge fhalt fpeak the doom. Let me with joy behold the light. And fet me then upon Thy right. Renew this wafted flefh of mine. That like the fan it there may fhlne. Among the angels pure and bright. Yea, like Thyfelf in glorious light. Ah then I have my heart's delire. When finging with the angel's choir. Among the ranfom'd of Thy grace. For ever I behold Thy face ! M. Behemb. 1606. 278 £nra (Pmnanica. VII. RESIGNATION. ^ORD God, now open wide Thy heaven. My parting hour is near; ijjj My courfc is run, enough I've driven. Enough Tve TufFer'd here ; Weary and fad My foul is glad That flie may lay her down to reft ; Now all on earth I can rcfign. But only let Thy heaven be mine. As Thou, Lord, haft commanded me, Have I with perfcdl faith Embraced my Saviour, and to Thee I calmly look in death ; With willing heart I hence depart, I hope to ftand before Thy face : Yes, all on earth I can rcfign. If but thy heaven at laft be mine. Then let me go like Simeon In peace with thee to dwell. £ma ©crmanica. ^79 For I commend me to Thy Son, And He will guard me well. And guide me ftraight To the golden gate ; And in this hope I calmly die ; Yes, all on earth I can refign. If but Thy heaven may now be mine. T. Kiel. 1620. 28o £ma (Pcrmanica. VIII. THE FAITHFUL SERVANT LONGING FOR PEACE. ORD, now let Thy fervant Pafs in peace away ; I have had enough of Hfc, Here I would not flay : Let me go, if fuch Thy will. With a heart at reft and ftill. Here, Lord, have I wrcftled, SufFcr'd many a woe. Fought as fearlcfs warriors fight, ConqucrM many a foe. Kept the faith with them of old. Helped to guard and warn Thy fold. Many an hour of forrow. Many an anguifh'd tear. Many a thorny path was mine With Thy people here ; O'er my fins I've had to mourn. Many a crofs and trial home. £ma (Bcvmamta, 281 All at laft is ended. Fight and race are o'er, God will free me now from all Ills for evermore ; To a better life I go. Than this tearful earth can fliow Peace fhall I find yonder. And be free from fm. No more ftrife and wars without. No more foes within. All around me fhall be peace. And the joy that cannot ceafe. Where they bear the fceptre. There a crown for me Is laid up through Jcfu's grace. Bright that crown ihall be : Dcepeil calm my foul fhall fill. And this longing fhall be ftill. My Redeemer liveth. He fhall bid me rife From the gloomy realm of death. There all forrow lies. And I need not fear to wake. Since His voice my fleep fhall break. He will change this body. Make it hke His own. When the dead arife from earth. When the trump is blown. 282 £])ra ©crmanica. I fhall fee Him face to face. Here my fteadfafl hope I place. Therefore of His mercy Ever will I fing. All my heart and foul to Him Praife and thanks fliall bring ; Praifc Him now, and praife Him then. When the heavens fliall cry Amen ! David Bohme. 1605-1657. C«ra ^crmanlca. 283 IX. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER REJOICING THAT HE HAS OVERCOME. HEN now at lail: the hour is come. That I have long'd for many a time. When God with joy fhould call me home From this ftrange land, this wintry clime ; Thy vidlim. Death, efcapes no more, The hour draws on when I fhall be From all the bonds of earth fet free. And life's long battle fhall be o'er. To combat for His glory here The Father fent me forth ; — and lo ! The hour of victory draws near. And conquer'd now is every foe ; And I have borne me in the Ilrife As true and fearlefs warriors ought, x'\nd bravely to the laft have fought Through all the wars and woes of life. My cry, when rough the march and dark. Was, watch and llrive till thou haft won, Prefs forward fearlefs to the mark ! As now, thank God, at laft I've done. 284 i'nra (^crnianica. Now it is o'er, I cannot mifs ; Through every danger to the death True to my Lord I've kept the faitli. And freely rifk'd all elfe for this. It lacketh now a few fliort hours. And I am in eternity ; The wreath of fadelefs heavenly flowers Is wound already there for me. The crown is waiting for mc there. Until the fight is wholly fought. And all my foul is thither caught. Where fhining palms the conquerors bear. But when that morning fliall appear. When our great Judge, the Son of God, Shall give to thofe who loved Him here Their gracious undefervcd reward. Then in the glorious halls above, I too among that holt fliall Hand, And take from His all-faithful hand The crown of rightcoufnefs and love. Nor fhall I yonder ftand alone, I fee the crowned holl appear. The mighty holl before His throne. Who fliinc for ever pure and clear. The fouls of thofe, who on their way Were longing hour by hour here. With burning love, and many a tear, To fee the glories of that Day. Spener. 1676. i'nm d^cnnanica. 285 X. JERUSALEM. ERUSALEM, thou city fair and high. Would God I were in thee ! My longing heart fain fain to thee would fly. It will not ftay with mc ; Far over vale and mountain. Far over field and plain. It haftes to fcek its Fountain And quit this world of pain. Oh happy day, and yet far happier hour, When wilt thou come at laft ? When fcarlefs to my Father's love and power, Whofe promife flandeth faft. My foul I gladly render. For furely will His hand Lead her with guidance tender To heaven her fatherland. A moment's fpace, and gently, wondroufly, Releafed from earthly ties. The fiery chariot bears her up to thee Through all thcfc lower flcics. 286 £v)va (Pcrinanica. To yonder fliining regions. While down to meet her come The blcflcd angel legions. And bid her welcome home. Oh hail thou glorious city ! now unfold The gates of grace to me ! How many a time I long'd for thee of old. Ere yet I was fet free From yon dark life of fadnefs. Yon world of fliadowy nought. And God had given the gladncfs. The heritage I fought. Oh what the nation, what the glorious hofl. Comes fweeping fwiftly down ? The chofcn ones on earth who wrought the moll, The Church's brighteft crown. Our Lord hath fcnt to meet me. As in the far-ofF years Their words oft came to greet me In yonder land of tears. The Patriarchs* and Prophets' noble train. With all Chrift's followers true. Who bore the crofs, and could the worll dillain That tyrants dared to do, I fee them fliinc for ever. All-glorious as the fun, 'Mid light that fadcth never, Th'jir pcrfcd freedom won. £ma ©n*mantca. 287 And when within that lovely Paradife At kft I fafely dwell. From out my blifsful foul what fongs fhall rife. What joy my lips fhall tell. While holy faints are finging Hofannas o'er and o'er. Pure Hallelujahs ringing Around me evermore. Innumerous choirs before the fhining throne Their joyful anthems raife. Till Heaven's glad halls are echoing with the tone Of that great hymn of praife. And all its hofl rejoices. And all its blefTed throng Unite their myriad voices In one eternal fong ! J. M. Meyfart. 1634. 288 ilma (f?cvinanlca. /^^ XI. THE NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH. OW fain my joyous heart would fing That lovely fummcr-time. When God rencweth everything In His celeflial prime ; When He fliall make new heavens and earth. And all the creatures there Shall Tpring from out that fccond birth All-glorious, pure, and fair. The perfeft beauty of that fphcrc No mortal tongue may fpeak, Wc have no likenefs for it here. Our words arc far too weak ; And we nuirt wait til! we behold The hour of judgment true. That to the foul fliall all unfold What God is, and can do. For God ere long will fumnion all Who e'er on earth were born. This flcfli fliall hear the trumjKH's call And li\c (gain that morn, £nra ©rrmauka. 289 And when in Chrift His Son we wake, Thefe fkies afander roll. And all the blifs of heaven ihall break Upon the raptured foul. And He will lead the white-robed throng To His fair Paradife, Where from the marriagc-feaft the fong Of endlefs praife Ihall rife. And from His fathomlefs abyfs Of perfedl love and truth. Shall flow perpetual joy and blifs. In never-ending youth. Ah God, now lead me of Thy love Through this dark world aright ; Lord Chrift, defend me left I rove Or lies delude my fight ; And keep me fteadfaft in the faith Till thefe dark days have ceafed. And ready ftill in life or death For Thy great marriage-feaft. And herewith will I end the fong Of that fair fummer-time ; The blofToms fhall burft out ere long Of heaven's eternal prime. The year begin, for ever new ; God grant us then on high To fee our vilion here made true. And cat the fruits of joy ! 13 J. Walthe^i. 1557. 290 ilma (BLTiiianica. xn. THE FINAL JOY. AKE, awake, for night is flying, y. The watchmen on the heights are crying ; Awake, Jerufalem, at lall I Midnight iiears the welcome voices. And at the thrilling cry rejoices : Come forth, ye virgins, night is pall! The Bridegroom comes, awake. Your lamps with gladnefs take ; Hallelujah ! And for His marriage-feaft prepare. For ye muft go to meet Him there. Zion hears the watchmen finging. And all her heart with joy is fpringing. She wakes, fhe rifes from her gloom ; For her Lord comes down all-glorious. The llrong in grace, in truth vidorious. Her Star is rifen, her Light is come ! Ah come. Thou bleflcd Lord, O Jcfus, Son of God, Hallelujah ! We follow till the halls we fee Where Thou hall bid us fup with Thcc. £ura ^crmauica. 291 Now let all the heavens adore Thee, And men and angels fing before Thee With harp and cymbal's cleareft tone ; Of one pearl each fhining portal. Where we are with the choir immortal Of angels round Thy dazzling throne ; Nor eye hath feen, nor ear Hath yet attain'd to hear What there is ours. But we rejoice, and fmg to Thee Our hymn of joy eternally. Philip NicoLAi. 1598. ^92 t'nva (&cnnanica. THE END. =?\ HEN the Lord recalls the banifh'd, J^ Frees the captives all at lafl. Every forrow will have vanifh'd /f"^ ^ Like a dream when night is part ; Then fliall all our hearts rejoice. And with glad refounding voice We fhall praife the Lord who fought us. For the freedom He hath wrought us. Lift Thy hand to aid us, Father, Look on us who widely roam. And Thy fcattcr'd children gather In their long'd-for promifcd home ; Steep and weary is the way. Shorten Thou the fultry day. Faithful warriors haft Thou found us. Let Thy peace for aye furround us. In that peace we reap in gladnefs What was fown in tearful fhowcrs : There the fruit of all our Hidncfs Ripens, — there the palm is ours ; There our God upon His throne Is our full reward alone ; They who all for God furrcndcr Bring their flicavcs in heavenly splendour. S. G. HuRDF. 1794. INDEX. BIDE among us with Thy grace Ah God, my days are dark indeed (TJF^' Ah dearefl Lord! to feel that thou f