Chapter L: M. (with Hall.)

We thank Thee, Jesus, dearest Friend,
That Thou didst into heaven ascend,
O mighty God, Immanuel;
Make soul and body strong and well.
Hallelujah!

2. Now all His Christians can rejoice
And sing His praise with cheerful voice:
Glory to God in heaven’s high throne,
Our Brother is God’s only Son.
Hallelujah!

3. Ascended to His throne on high,
He yet to us is always nigh;
As God and man He ever reigns
And infinite in power remains.
Hallelujah!

4. Above all heavens in glory raised,
Forever by all angels praised,
All human beings rules our Lord,
All creatures must obey His word.
Hallelujah!

5. He rules and reigns at God’s right hand
And has all power at His command,
All things are subject to His rod—
The Son of man and Son of God.
Hallelujah!

6. The world, sin, Satan, death, and hell
Are vanquished by Immanuel.
Dispute who will His mighty reign,
He still the Victor must remain.
Hallelujah!

7. The man who trusts in Him is blest
And finds in Him eternal rest;
This world’s allurements we despise
And fix on Christ alone our eyes.
Hallelujah!

8. We trust in Him, our Lord and God,
Who hath redeemed us by His blood;
He captive led captivity,
From bitter death to set us free.
Hallelujah!

9. We, therefore, heartily rejoice
And sing His praise with cheerful voice:
Our Brother, our own flesh and blood,
Is God and King, our greatest Good.
Hallelujah!

10. Through Him we heirs of heaven are made;
O Brother, Christ, extend Thine aid
That we may firmly trust in Thee
And live through Thee eternally.
Hallelujah!

11. Amen, Amen, O Lord! we cry;
Do Thou, who art exalted high,
In Thy pure doctrine keep our hearts
And shield us from the devil’s arts.
Hallelujah!

Praetorius’s _Musae Sioniae_, 1607.

INTERCESSION.

240

6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)

Arise, my soul, arise,
Shake off thy guilty fears,
The bleeding Sacrifice
In my behalf appears;
Before the throne my Surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.

2. He ever lives above
For me to intercede,
His all-redeeming love,
His precious blood to plead;
His blood atoned for all our race
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

3. Five bleeding wounds He bears,
Received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers,
They strongly speak for me;
Forgive him, O forgive, they cry,
Nor let that ransomed sinner die!

4. The Father hears Him pray,
His dear Anointed One;
He cannot turn away,
Cannot refuse His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood
And tells me I am born of God.

5. My God is reconciled,
His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child,
I can no longer fear;
With confidence I now draw nigh
And “Father, Abba, Father!” cry.

Charles Wesley, 1742, a.

241

6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)

Th’ atoning work is done,
The Victim’s blood is shed,
And Jesus now is gone
His people’s cause to plead:
He stands in heaven their great High Priest
And bears their names upon His breast.

2. He sprinkled with His blood
The mercy-seat above;
For justice had withstood
The purposes of love;
But justice now withstands no more,
And mercy yields her boundless store.

3. No temple made with hands
His place of service is;
In heaven itself He stands,
A heavenly priesthood His.
In Him the shadows of the Law
Are all fulfilled and now withdraw.

4. And though awhile He be
Hid from the eyes of men,
His people look to see
Their great High Priest again;
In brightest glory He will come
And take His waiting people home.

Thomas Kelly, 1806.

242

8, 7, 8 l

Hail, Thou once despisèd Jesus!
Hail, Thou Galilean King!
Thou didst suffer to release us;
Thou didst free salvation bring.
Hail, Thou agonizing Savior,
Bearer of our sin and shame!
By Thy merits we find favor;
Life is given through Thy name.

2. Paschal Lamb, by God appointed.
All our sins on Thee were laid;
By almighty love anointed,
Thou hast full atonement made.
All Thy people are forgiven
Through the virtue of Thy blood;
Open is the gate of heaven,
Peace is made ’twixt man and God.

3. Jesus, hail! enthroned in glory,
There forever to abide;
All the heavenly host adore Thee,
Seated at Thy Father’s side.
There for sinners Thou art pleading,
There Thou dost our place prepare,
Ever for us interceding,
Till in glory we appear.

4. Worship, honor, power, and blessing
Thou art worthy to receive;
Loudest praises, without ceasing,
Meet it is for us to give.
Help, ye bright angelic spirits,
Bring your sweetest, noblest lays;
Help to sing our Savior’s merits,
Help to chant Immanuel’s praise.

John Bakewell, 1757; Stanza 3 by M. Toplady, 1776.

243

7s

Hail the day that sees Him rise,
To His throne above the skies!
Christ, the Lamb for sinners given,
Reascends His native heaven.

2. There the glorious triumph waits:
Lift your heads, eternal gates;
He hath conquered death and sin;
Take the King of Glory in!

3. Him though highest heaven receives,
Still He loves the earth He leaves;
Though returning to His throne,
Still He calls mankind His own.

4. See, He lifts His hands above;
See, He shows the prints of love.
Hark! His gracious lips bestow
Blessings on His Church below.

5. Still for us His death He pleads;
Prevalent, He intercedes;
Near Himself prepares our place,
Harbinger of human race.

6. There we shall with Thee remain
Partners of Thy endless reign;
There Thy face unclouded see,
Find our heaven of heavens in Thee.

Charles Wesley, 1739.

244

6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)

Jesus, my great High Priest,
Offered His blood and died;
My guilty conscience seeks
No sacrifice beside.
His powerful blood did once atone,
And now it pleads before the throne.

2. To this dear Surety’s hand
Will I commit my cause;
He answers and fulfils
His Father’s broken laws.
Behold my soul at freedom set;
My Surety paid the dreadful debt.

3. My Advocate appears
For my defense on high;
The Father bows His ears
And lays His thunder by.
Not all that hell or sin can say
Shall turn His heart, His love, away.

4. Should all the hosts of death
And powers of hell unknown
Put their most dreadful forms
Of rage and mischief on,
I shall be safe, for Christ displays
Superior power and guardian grace.

Isaac Watts, 1709.

245

C. M.

I know that my Redeemer lives
And ever prays for me;
A token of His love He gives,
A pledge of liberty.

2. I find Him lifting up my head;
He brings salvation near;
His presence makes me free indeed,
And He will soon appear.

3. He wills that I should holy be;
What can withstand His will?
The counsel of His grace in me
He surely shall fulfil.

4. Jesus, I hang upon Thy word:
I steadfastly believe
Thou wilt return and claim me, Lord,
And to Thyself receive.

5. When God is mine and I am His,
Of Paradise possest,
I taste unutterable bliss
And everlasting rest.

Charles Wesley, 1742, abr.

PENTECOST.

246

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7

Come, O come, Thou quickening Spirit,
God from all eternity!
Let us Thy blest grace inherit
And our souls be filled with Thee;
Then shall spirit, life, and light
Drive away our inner night.

2. Grant our hearts Thy heavenly treasure:
Wisdom, counsel, purity,
That in naught we may take pleasure
Save in that which pleaseth Thee.
Let Thy knowledge spread and grow,
Working error’s overthrow.

3. Lead us to our soul’s salvation,
Keep us in the paths of grace,
Shield us from the world’s temptation
That might foil us in the race;
When we stumble, hear our call,
Work repentance for our fall.

4. Let us trust Thy witness wholly
That we children are of God
Who rely upon Him solely
When they pass beneath the rod;
For the Father’s chastenings
Bless above all earthly things.

5. Prompt us e’er to come before Him
Joyously with hope in view;
Sigh in us when we implore Him,
Ever plead for us anew;
Then our prayer shall not be vain,
And our faith new strength shall gain.

6. If our soul for comfort languish
And despondency grow strong,
That the heart must cry in anguish:
“O my God, my God, how long!”
Comfort then the aching breast,
Grant us courage, patience, rest.

7. Mighty Spirit of reliance,
Sure Defense in all our need,
When the foe bids us defiance,
Bid Thy work in us Godspeed!
Grant us weapons for the strife
And with victory crown our life.

8. Guard, O God, our faith forever;
Let not Satan, death, or shame
Ever part us from our Savior;
Lord, our Refuge is Thy name.
Though our flesh would fain say Nay,
Be Thy Word to us still Yea.

9. And when death life’s thread is rending,
Then assure us yet the more,
As the heirs of life unending,
Of the glory there in store
Which can never be exprest,
But with which we shall be blest.

H. Held, † 1659.

247

8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 4, 8, 4, 8

O Holy Spirit, enter in,
And in our hearts Thy work begin,
Thy temple deign to make us;
Sun of the soul, Thou Light Divine,
Around and in us brightly shine,
To joy and gladness wake us.
That we To Thee
Truly living, To Thee giving
Prayer unceasing,
May in love be still increasing.

2. Give to Thy Word impressive power
That in our hearts, from this good hour,
As fire it may be glowing;
That we confess the Father, Son,
And Thee, the Spirit, Three in One,
Thy glory ever showing.
O stay And sway
Our souls ever That they never
May forsake Thee,
But by faith their refuge make Thee.

3. Thou Fountain, whence all wisdom flows
Which God on pious hearts bestows,
Grant us Thy consolation
That in our pure faith’s unity
We faithful witnesses may be
Of grace that brings salvation.
Hear us, Cheer us
By Thy teaching; Let our preaching
And our labor
Praise Thee, Lord, and bless our neighbor.

4. Left to ourselves, we shall but stray;
O lead us on the narrow way,
With wisest counsel guide us
And give us steadfastness that we
May ever faithful prove to Thee
Whatever woes betide us.
Lord, now Heal Thou
All hearts broken And betoken
Thou art near us,
Whom we trust to light and cheer us.

3. Thy heavenly strength sustain our heart
That we may act the valiant part
With Thee as our Reliance;
Be Thou our Refuge and our Shield
That we may never quit the field,
But stand in bold defiance.
Descend, Defend
From all errors And earth’s terrors;
Thy salvation
Be our constant consolation.

6. O mighty Rock, O Source of Life,
Let Thy dear Word, mid doubt and strife,
Be so within us burning
That we be faithful unto death,
In Thy pure love and holy faith,
From Thee true wisdom learning.
Thy grace And peace
On us shower; By Thy power
Christ confessing,
Let us win our Savior’s blessing.

7. O gentle Dew, from heaven now fall
With power upon the hearts of all,
Thy tender love instilling,
That heart to heart more closely bound,
In kindly deeds be fruitful found,
The law of love fulfilling;
Then, Lord, Discord
Shall not grieve Thee; We receive Thee;
Where Thou livest,
Peace and love and joy Thou givest.

8. Grant that our days, while life shall last,
In purest holiness be passed,
Be Thou our Strength forever;
Grant that our hearts henceforth be free
From sinful lust and vanity,
Which us from Thee must sever.
Keep Thou Pure now
From offenses Heart and senses.
Blessed Spirit,
Let us heavenly life inherit.

Michael Schirmer, 1640; Stanza 2 anon., c. 1660.

248

8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8

Send, O God, a gentle shower,
For my heart is dry as sand;
Father, bathe Thy drooping flower,
Water Thou Thy thirsty land;
Let Thy Holy Spirit’s boon
O’er me from Thy heavenly throne
Like abundant streams be flowing,
Blessings on my heart bestowing.

2. By a human father, even
Though he is by sin defiled,
Only good gifts will be given
Unto a beloved child;
How much more dost Thou the same,
For “Good Father” is Thy name!
Thou wilt send to me Thy Spirit;
Thy good gifts I shall inherit.

3. Jesus, who for my salvation
To the Father didst ascend.
Hear my earnest supplication,
Unto me Thy Spirit send;
Let the Comforter for aye
Bide with me, my Strength and Stay,
That in faith I may not waver,
Steadfast in the truth forever.

4. Holy Ghost, Strength of the simple,
O make Thine abode with me,
Let me ever be Thy temple;
Cheerfully I welcome Thee.
Do Thou purify my heart,
Cast out all things that might part
Me from those sweet joys of heaven
Which by Thee to faith are given.

5. With Thy gifts my heart endowing,
Make it new and clean and fair;
Let in true love it be glowing,
Living in Thy grace fore’er;
Give me courage bold and good,
Sanctify my flesh and blood,
Let me, trusting in Christ’s merit,
Worship God in truth and spirit.

6. Thus myself I will deliver,
Lord, to Thee; my soul shall strive
Only after heaven forever
Until there I shall arrive
Where the Father and the Son
And Thyself in heaven’s high throne
I shall praise and all Thy treasures
In angelic, heavenly measures.

M. Kraemer, 1683; A. Crull, tr.

249

8, 8, 8, 7

Come, God, Creator, Holy Ghost,
And visit Thou the souls of men;
Fill them with graces, as Thou dost,
Thy creatures make pure again.

2. For Comforter Thy name we call,
Sweet Gift of God most high above,
A holy Unction to us all,
A living Fount, Fire, and Love.

3. Our minds enlighten and refresh,
Deep in our hearts let love burn bright;
Thou know’st the weakness of our flesh;
O strengthen us with Thy might.

4. Thou with Thy wondrous sevenfold gifts,
The Finger art of God’s right hand;
The Father’s Word Thou sendest swift
On tongues of fire to each land.

5. Drive far from us our wily foe,
Grant us Thy blessed peace within,
That in Thy footsteps we may go
And shun the dark ways of sin.

6. Teach us to know the Father well
And Jesus Christ, His Son, our Lord,
That in our hearts true faith may dwell,
Spirit of both, aye adored!

7. To God the Father, God the Son,
Who from the dead is risen again,
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
Be evermore praise. Amen.

From the Latin _Veni, Creator Spiritus_, Martin Luther, 1524;
L. W. Bacon, tr., a.

250

L. M.

Spirit of mercy, truth, and love,
O shed Thine influence from above
And still from age to age convey
The wonders of this sacred day.

2. In every clime, by every tongue,
Be God’s surpassing glory sung;
Let all the listening earth be taught
The wonders by our Savior wrought.

3. Unfailing Comfort, heavenly Guide,
Still o’er Thy holy Church preside;
Still let mankind Thy blessings prove,
Spirit of mercy, truth, and love.

Anon., 1774.

251

L. M.

O Holy Ghost, eternal God,
Blest Comfort for life’s rugged road,
With all my heart I pray to Thee;
Hear my entreaty graciously.

2. O Lord, be Thou my Comforter
Lest in my sins I might despair;
Protect me from the snares of hell,
Grant that in Jesus Christ I dwell;

3. That always I may ready be
To serve this Master faithfully
And own Him in true living faith
My Lord and Savior unto death.

4. O lead me in the narrow way
And from the fold let me not stray,
That when this mortal frame I leave,
The crown of life I may receive.

B. Helder, † 1635; A. Crull, tr.

252

7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 7, 7, 6

O enter, Lord, Thy temple,
Be Thou my spirit’s Guest,
Who gavest me, the earth-born,
A second birth more blest.
Thou in the Godhead, Lord,
Though here to dwell Thou deignest,
Forever equal reignest,
Art equally adored.

2. O enter, let me know Thee
And feel Thy power within,
The power that breaks our fetters
And rescues us from sin;
So wash and cleanse Thou me
That I may serve Thee truly
And render honor duly
With perfect heart to Thee.

3. An olive wild by nature
Thou graftedst me anew;
Death preyed upon my vitals
And claimed me as his due:
But Christ’s atoning blood,
In death true comfort granting,
Drowned death with all his vaunting,
In His baptismal flood.

4. Thou art, O Holy Spirit,
The true anointing Oil,
Through which are consecrated
Soul, body, ease, and toil
To Christ, whose guardian wings,
Where’er their lot appointed,
Protect His own anointed,
His prophets, priests, and kings.

5. ’Tis Thou, O Spirit, teachest
The soul to pray aright;
Thy songs have sweetest music,
Thy prayers have wondrous might;
Unheard they cannot fall,
They pierce the highest heaven,
Till He His help hath given
Who surely helpeth all.

6. Joy is Thy gift, O Spirit,
Thou wouldst not have us pine;
In darkest hours Thy comfort
Doth aye most brightly shine;
And oh, how oft Thy voice
Hath shed its sweetness o’er me
And opened heaven before me
And bid my heart rejoice!

7. All love is Thine, O Spirit;
Thou hatest enmity;
Thou lovest peace and friendship,
All strife wouldst have us flee;
Where wrath and discord reign,
Thy whisper inly pleadeth
And to the heart that heedeth
Brings love and light again.

8. The whole wide world, O Spirit,
Upon Thy hands doth rest;
Our wayward hearts Thou turnest
As it may seem Thee best;
Once more Thy power make known,
As Thou hast done so often,
Convert the wicked, soften
Thou all the hearts of stone.

9. O Holy Spirit, hear us
And make our sorrow cease;
Thy scattered flock restore now
To union, joy, and peace;
Bid flourish once again
The lands by men forsaken,
The churches spoiled and shaken
By war’s unhallowed train.

10. On those that rule our country,
Oh! shower Thy blessings down
And in Thy loving-kindness
Adorn, as with a crown,
With piety our youth,
With godliness our nation,
That all, to gain salvation,
May know Thy heavenly truth.

11. With holy zeal then fill us
To keep the faith still pure;
And bless our lands and houses
With wealth that may endure;
And make the Foe to flee,
Who in us with Thee striveth,
From out our heart he driveth
Whate’er delighteth Thee.

12. Grant steadfastness and courage
That bravely we contend
Against the wiles of Satan;
O Lord, Thy flock defend!
Help us to battle well,
To triumph o’er the devil,
To overcome the evil
And all the powers of hell.

13. Direct our paths in all things
According to Thy mind,
And when this life is over
And all must be resigned,
O grant us then to die
With calm and fearless spirit
And after death inherit
Eternal life on high.

Paul Gerhardt, 1653.

253

7s

Gracious Spirit, Dove Divine,
Let Thy light within me shine;
All my guilty fears remove,
Fill me with Thy heavenly love.

2. Speak Thy pardoning grace to me,
Set the burdened sinner free;
Lead me to the Lamb of God,
Wash me in His precious blood.

3. Life and peace to me impart;
Seal salvation on my heart;
Dwell Thyself within my breast,
Earnest of eternal rest.

4. Let me never from Thee stray,
Keep me in the narrow way;
Fill my soul with joy divine;
Keep me, Lord, forever Thine.

John Stocker, 1777, a.

254

8, 6, 8, 6, 8, 8

Let songs of praises fill the sky:
Christ, our ascended Lord,
Sends down His Spirit from on high
According to His word:
All hail the day of Pentecost,
The coming of the Holy Ghost!

2. The Spirit by His heavenly breath
Creates new life within;
He quickens sinners from the death
Of trespasses and sin:
All hail the day of Pentecost,
The coming of the Holy Ghost!

3. The things of Christ the Spirit takes
And shows them unto men;
The fallen soul His temple makes;
God’s image stamps again:
All hail the day of Pentecost,
The coming of the Holy Ghost!

4. Come, Holy Spirit, from above
With Thy celestial fire;
Come and with flames of zeal and love
Our hearts and tongues inspire!
Be this our day of Pentecost,
The coming of the Holy Ghost!

Thomas Cotterill, 1819.

255

C. M.

Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove,
With all Thy quickening powers;
Kindle a flame of sacred love
In these cold hearts of ours.

2. See how we grovel here below,
Fond of these earthly toys;
Our souls, how heavily they go
To reach eternal joys!

3. In vain we tune our formal songs,
In vain we strive to rise;
Hosannas languish on our tongues,
And our devotion dies.

4. Dear Lord, and shall we ever live
At this poor, dying rate—
Our love so cold, so faint to Thee,
And Thine to us so great?

5. Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove,
With all Thy quickening powers,
Come, shed abroad a Savior’s love,
And that shall kindle ours.

Isaac Watts, 1709.

256

6, 5, 6, 5

Holy Spirit, hear us
On this sacred day;
Come to us with blessing,
Come with us to stay.

2. Come as once Thou camest
To the faithful few,
Patiently awaiting
Jesus’ promise true.

3. Up to heaven ascending,
Our dear Lord has gone;
Yet His little children
Leaves He not alone.

4. To His blessed promise
Now in faith we cling.
Comforter, most holy!
Spread o’er us Thy wing.

5. Lighten Thou our darkness,
Be Thyself our Light;
Strengthen Thou our weakness,
Spirit of all might.

6. Spirit of adoption,
Make us overflow
With Thy sevenfold blessing
And in grace to grow.

7. Into Christ baptizèd
Grant that we may be,
Day and night, dear Spirit,
Perfected by Thee!

J. Mohr, 1818; C. F. Hernamann, tr.

257

7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 8

Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord!
Be all Thy graces now outpoured
On each believer’s mind and heart;
Thy fervent love to them impart.
Lord, by the brightness of Thy light
Thou in the faith dost men unite
Of every tongue and every nation;
We, therefore, sing with exultation:
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

2. Thou holy Light, Guide Divine,
O cause the Word of Life to shine;
Teach us to know our God aright
And call Him Father with delight.
From error, Lord, our souls defend
That they on Christ alone attend,
In Him with living faith abiding,
In Him with all their might confiding.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

3. Thou holy Fire, Source of rest,
Grant that, with joy and hope possest,
We always in Thy service stay
And trouble drive us not away.
Lord, by Thy power prepare each heart,
To our weak nature strength impart
That firmly here we be contending,
Through life and death to Thee ascending.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

From the Latin _Veni, Sancte Spiritus_; Martin Luther, 1524.

258

S. M.

Come, Holy Spirit, come!
Let Thy bright beams arise;
Dispel the sorrow from our minds,
The darkness from our eyes.

2. Revive our drooping faith,
Our doubts and fears remove,
And kindle in our breasts the flame
Of never-dying love.

3. Convince us of our sin,
Then lead to Jesus’ blood,
And to our wondering view reveal
The mercies of our God.

4. ’Tis Thine to cleanse the heart,
To sanctify the soul,
To pour fresh life on every part,
And new-create the whole.

5. Dwell, therefore, in our hearts;
Our minds from bondage free;
Then shall we know and praise and love
The Father, Son, and Thee.

Joseph Hart, 1759.

259

7s

Holy Ghost, with light divine
Shine upon this heart of mine;
Chase the shades of night away,
Turn the darkness into day.

2. Let me see my Savior’s face,
Let me all His beauties trace;
Show those glorious truths to me
Which are only known to Thee.

3. Holy Ghost, with power divine
Cleanse this guilty heart of mine;
In Thy mercy pity me,
From sin’s bondage set me free.

4. Holy Ghost, with joy divine
Cheer this saddened heart of mine;
Yield a sacred, settled peace,
Let it grow and still increase.

5. Holy Spirit, all divine,
Dwell within this heart of mine;
Cast down every idol-throne,
Reign supreme and reign alone.

6. See, to Thee I yield my heart,
Shed Thy life through every part;
A pure temple I would be,
Wholly dedicate to Thee.

Andrew Reed, 1817.

260

9, 9, 11, 10, 4

Now do we pray God the Holy Ghost
For the true faith which we need the most
And that He defend us when life is ending
And from exile home we shall be wending.
Lord, have mercy!

2. Shine in our hearts, O most precious Light,
That we Jesus Christ may know aright,
Clinging to our Savior, whose blood has bought us,
Who again to our true home has brought us.
Lord, have mercy!

3. Thou sweetest Love, grace on us bestow,
Set our hearts with heavenly fire aglow,
That with hearts united we love each other,
Of one mind, in peace with every brother.
Lord, have mercy!

4. Thou highest Comfort in every need!
Grant that neither shame nor death we heed,
That e’en then our courage may never fail us
When at last th’ Accuser shall assail us.
Lord, have mercy!

Martin Luther, 1524; Stanza 1, 13th century.

TRINITY.

261

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

All glory be to God on high,
Who hath our race befriended!
To us no harm shall now come nigh,
The strife at last is ended;
God showeth His good will to men,
And peace shall reign on earth again;
O thank Him for His goodness!

2. We praise, we worship Thee, we trust,
And give Thee thanks forever,
O Father, that Thy rule is just
And wise and changes never.
Thy boundless power o’er all things reigns,
Done is whate’er Thy will ordains:
Well for us that Thou rulest!

3. O Jesus Christ, Thou only Son
Of God, Thy heavenly Father,
Who didst for all our sins atone
And the lost sheep dost gather:
Thou Lamb of God, to Thee on high,
From out our depths, we sinners cry,
Have mercy on us, Jesus!

4. O Holy Ghost, Thou precious Gift,
Thou Comforter unfailing,
O’er Satan’s snares our souls uplift
And let Thy power availing
Avert our woes and calm our dread;
For us the Savior’s blood was shed,
We trust in Thee to save us.

N. Decius, 1526; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

262

6, 6, 4, 6, 6, 6, 4

Come, Thou almighty King,
Help us Thy name to sing,
Help us to praise!
Father all glorious,
O’er all victorious,
Come and reign over us,
Ancient of Days.

2. Jesus, our Lord, arise,
Scatter our enemies,
And make them fall.
Let Thine almighty aid
Our sure defense be made;
Our souls on Thee be stayed;
Lord, hear our call!

3. Come, Thou incarnate Word,
Gird on Thy mighty sword,
Our prayer attend;
Come and Thy people bless
And give Thy Word success;
Spirit of Holiness,
On us descend.

4. Come, holy Comforter,
Thy sacred witness bear
In this glad hour.
Thou, who almighty art,
Now rule in every heart,
And ne’er from us depart,
Spirit of Power!

5. To the great One in Three
The highest praises be,
Hence, evermore!
His sovereign majesty
May we in glory see
And to eternity
Love and adore!

Charles Wesley, 1757.

263

11, 12, 12, 10

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity!

2. Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea,
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert and art and evermore shalt be.

3. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

4. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Reginald Heber, 1827.

264

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7

The mystery hidden from the eyes
Of learned men and sages,
God hath revealed us from the skies,
In Scripture’s holy pages,
That He alone is King above
All other gods whatever,
Great, mighty, faithful, full of love,
His people’s Shield and Savior;
One Essence, but Three Persons.

2. As Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
The righteous seed adore Him;
So named, so praised, He is the boast
Of all who bow before Him;
He’s Abraham’s and Isaac’s God,
And Jacob’s, whom He knoweth,
The Lord of hosts, who every good,
Both night and day, bestoweth;
Who only worketh wonders.

3. The Father hath the Son begot,
First-born of every creature;
The Son took our weak flesh, but not
Our sinfulness of nature;
Both from the Father and the Son
The Holy Ghost proceedeth
From all eternity; yet none
In might and power exceedeth;
All equal, coeternal.

4. Be glad, my heart, thy Portion see,
Thy priceless Pearl and Treasure!
He is thy Friend, supply will He
Thy needs with bounteous measure;
He made thee in His image, was
For thy offenses smitten,
With true faith fill thee, through His grace
Doth all thy crosses sweeten
With His dear word of promise.

5. Rise, then, to Him, the Ever-blest,
And learn to know Him rightly;
Such knowledge can alone bring rest
And make thy soul burn brightly
With the pure flame of holy love,
Which cheers thy course to heaven;
For God will show thee things above
Which here ’tis only given
To hear of and see darkly.

6. But woe to the ungodly race,
In wilful blindness living,
Rejecting God and His dear grace,
Their hearts to creatures giving.
On them, alas! hell’s dreadful gates
Ere long will close forever;
For him who God rejects and hates
God will reject and sever
From His eternal kingdom.

7. O Prince of Might, Thy mercy show,
Thou God of earth and heaven;
To every sinner here below
Thy saving grace be given!
Bring back Thy sheep that go astray
And blinded eyes enlighten,
And turn Thou everything away
That wickedly might frighten
Thine own, whose faith is feeble.

8. Grant this, that we, Thy people, may
All reach the heavenly portals
And in Thy kingdom sing for aye
Mid all the blest immortals:
That Thou, O Lord, art King alone,
Above all gods whatever,
The Father, Son, and Spirit, One,
Thy people’s Shield and Savior,
One Essence, but Three Persons!

Paul Gerhardt, 1666.

265

8, 8, 8, 6

God of my life, Thy boundless grace
Chose, pardoned, and adopted me;
My Rest, my Home, my Dwelling-place:
Father, I come to Thee.

2. Jesus, my Hope, my Rock, my Shield,
Whose precious blood was shed for me,
Into Thy hands my soul I yield:
Savior, I come to Thee.

3. Spirit of glory and of God,
Long hast Thou deigned my Guide to be;
Now be Thy comfort sweet bestowed:
My God, I come to Thee.

4. I come to join that countless host
Who praise Thy name unceasingly;
Blest Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
My God, I come to Thee.

Charlotte Elliott, 1841.

266

L. M.

Thou who art Three in unity,
True God from all eternity,
The sun is fading from our sight,
Shine Thou on us with heavenly light.

2. We praise Thee with the dawning day,
To Thee at even also pray;
With our poor song we worship Thee
Now, ever, and eternally.

3. Let God the Father be adored,
And God the Son, the only Lord,
And God the Holy Spirit be
Adored throughout eternity!

From the Latin of St. Ambrose; M. Luther, 1543; R. Massie, tr.

267

C. M.

Father of glory, to Thy name
Immortal praise we give,
Who dost an act of grace proclaim
And bid us rebels live.

2. Immortal honor to the Son,
Who makes Thine anger cease;
Our lives He ransomed with His own
And died to make our peace.

3. To Thine almighty Spirit be
Immortal glory given,
Whose teachings bring us near to Thee
And train us up for heaven.

4. Let men with their united voice
Adore th’ eternal God
And spread His honors and their joys
Through nations far abroad.

5. Let faith and love and duty join
One grateful song to raise;
Let saints in earth and heaven combine
In harmony and praise.

Isaac Watts, c. 1721.

268

8, 7, 8, 7, 4, 7

Glory be to God the Father,
Glory be to God the Son,
Glory be to God the Spirit;
Great Jehovah, Three in One!
Glory, glory,
While eternal ages run!

2. Glory be to Him who loved us,
Washed us from each spot and stain;
Glory be to Him who bought us,
Made us kings with Him to reign!
Glory, glory,
To the Lamb that once was slain!

3. Glory to the King of angels,
Glory to the Church’s King,
Glory to the King of nations;
Heaven and earth, your praises bring!
Glory, glory,
To the King of Glory bring!

4. Glory, blessing, praise eternal!
Thus the choir of angels sings;
Honor, riches, power, dominion!
Thus its praise creation brings;
Glory, glory,
Glory to the King of kings!

H. Bonar, 1866.

269

L. M.

Father of heav’n, whose love profound
A ransom for our souls has found,
Before Thy throne we sinners bend;
To us Thy pardoning love extend.

2. Almighty Son, Incarnate Word,
Our Prophet, Priest, Redeemer, Lord,
Before Thy throne we sinners bend;
To us Thy saving grace extend.

3. Eternal Spirit, by whose breath
The soul is raised from sin and death,
Before Thy throne we sinners bend;
To us Thy quickening power extend.

4. Jehovah, Father, Spirit, Son,
Eternal Godhead, Three in One,
Before Thy throne we sinners bend;
Grace, pardon, life, to us extend.

E. Cooper, 1805.

270

S. M.

Father, in whom we live,
In whom we are and move,
All glory, power, and praise receive
For Thy creating love.

2. O Thou Incarnate Word,
Let all Thy ransomed race
Unite in thanks, with one accord,
For Thy redeeming grace.

3. Spirit of Holiness,
Let all Thy saints adore
Thy sacred gifts and join to bless
Thy heart-renewing power.

4. Eternal Triune Lord,
Let all the hosts above,
Let all the sons of men record,
And dwell upon, Thy love.

Charles Wesley, 1746.

271

7s 14 l

God the Father, be our Stay
When hell’s dread powers assail us;
Cleanse us from our sins, we pray,
Nor in our last hour fail us.
Keep us from the Evil One,
Firm in the faith abiding,
In Christ, our Savior, hiding,
And heartily confiding.
Let us put God’s armor on:
With all true Christians running
Our heavenly race and shunning
The devil’s wiles and cunning.
Amen, Amen, this be done,
So sing we, Hallelujah!

2. Jesus Christ, be Thou our Stay
When hell’s dread powers assail us;
Cleanse us from our sins, we pray,
Nor in our last hour fail us.
Keep us from the Evil One,
Firm in the faith abiding,
In Christ, our Savior, hiding,
And heartily confiding.
Let us put God’s armor on:
With all true Christians running
Our heavenly race and shunning
The devil’s wiles and cunning.
Amen, Amen, this be done,
So sing we, Hallelujah!

3. Holy Ghost, be Thou our Stay
When hell’s dread powers assail us;
Cleanse us from our sins, we pray,
Nor in our last hour fail us.
Keep us from the Evil One,
Firm in the faith abiding,
In Christ, our Savior, hiding,
And heartily confiding.
Let us put God’s armor on:
With all true Christians running
Our heavenly race and shunning
The devil’s wiles and cunning.
Amen, Amen, this be done,
So sing we, Hallelujah!

Adapted by Martin Luther, 1524, from 15th Cent. Litany.

272

6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6

The Lord, my God, be praised,
My Light, my Life from heaven;
My Maker, who to me
Hath soul and body given;
My Father, who protects
My life from infancy
And mighty gifts of love
Hath e’er bestowed on me.

2. The Lord, my God, be praised,
My Trust, my Life from heaven,
The Father’s own dear Son,
Whose life for me was given;
Who thus atoned for me
With His most precious blood;
Who giveth to my faith
The greatest heavenly good.

3. The Lord, my God, be praised,
My Hope, my Life from heaven,
The Father’s Spirit, whom
The Son to me hath given;
He who revives my heart
And gives me strength and power,
Help, comfort, and support
In sorrow’s gloomy hour.

4. The Lord, my God, be praised,
He who forever liveth,
To whom the heavenly host
E’er praise and honor giveth.
The Lord, my God, be praised,
In whose great name I boast,
God Father, God the Son,
And God the Holy Ghost.

5. To Him we now sing praise,
With joy our offering bringing
And with the angel host
The “Holy! Holy!” singing.
To Him all Christendom
Sings praises joyfully;
The Lord, my God, be praised
Throughout eternity!

J. Olearius, 1671; A. Crull, tr.

REFORMATION.

273

8, 7, 8, 7, 5, 5, 5, 6, 7

A Mighty Fortress is our God,
A trusty Shield and Weapon;
He helps us free from every need
That hath us now o’ertaken.
The old evil Foe
Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight,
On earth is not his equal.

2. With might of ours can naught be done,
Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the Valiant One,
Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, Who is this?
Jesus Christ it is,
Of Sabaoth Lord,
And there’s none other God,
He holds the field forever.

3. Though devils all the world should fill,
All eager to devour us,
We tremble not, we fear no ill,
They shall not overpower us.
This world’s prince may still
Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none,
He’s judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.

4. The Word they still shall let remain
And not a thank have for it;
He’s by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life,
Goods, fame, child, and wife:
Let these all be gone,
They yet have nothing won;
The Kingdom ours remaineth.

Martin Luther, 1527.

274

L. M.

Lord, keep us in Thy Word and work,
Restrain the murderous Pope and Turk,
Who fain would tear from off Thy throne
Christ Jesus, Thy beloved Son.

2. Lord Jesus Christ, Thy power make known,
For Thou art Lord of lords alone;
Shield Thy poor Christendom that we
May evermore sing praise to Thee.

3. Thou Comforter of priceless worth,
Give one mind to Thy flock on earth,
Stand by us in our final strife,
And lead us out of death to life.

4. Destroy their counsels, Lord, our God,
And smite them with an iron rod,
And let them fall into the snare
Which for Thy Christians they prepare,

5. So that at last they may perceive
That, Lord, our God, Thou still dost live
And dost deliver mightily
All those who put their trust in Thee.

Martin Luther, 1541; Stanzas 4 and 5, J. Jonas, 1544.

275

L. M.

Thine honor rescue, Christ, our Lord!
Hear Zion’s sighs and help afford;
Destroy the wiles of mighty foes,
Who now Thy Word and truth oppose.

2. Their craft and vaunting pomp is great;
High beat their hearts, with power elate;
Our dearest hopes they but deride,
They deem us nothing in their pride.

3. Forgive, O Lord, our sins forgive,
Grant us Thy grace and let us live;
Convince Thy foes throughout the land
That godless counsels shall not stand.

4. Preserve Thy little flock in peace,
Nor let Thy boundless mercy cease;
Let it to all the world appear
That Thy true Church indeed is here.

5. That Thou art with us loud proclaim,
Who put’st our enemies to shame,
Dost all their haughtiness suppress
And help Thine own in their distress.

J. Heermann, 1630; M. Loy, tr., a.

276

8, 8, 6, 8, 8, 6

Fear not, O little flock, the Foe
Who madly seeks your overthrow;
Dread not his rage and power:
What though your courage sometimes faints,
His seeming triumph o’er God’s saints
Lasts but a little hour.

2. Be of good cheer; your cause belongs
To Him who can avenge your wrongs;
Leave it to Him, our Lord.
Though hidden yet from mortal eyes,
His Gideon shall for you arise,
Uphold you and His Word.

3. As true as God’s own Word is true,
Not earth nor hell with all their crew
Against us shall prevail.
A jest and byword are they grown;
God is with us, we are His own;
Our victory cannot fail.

4. Amen, Lord Jesus, grant our prayer!
Great Captain, now Thine arm make bare,
Fight for us once again!
So shall Thy saints and martyrs raise
A mighty chorus to Thy praise,
World without end. Amen.

J. M. Altenburg, † 1640; C. Winkworth, tr., 1855, a.

277

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

The mouth of fools doth God confess,
But while their lips draw nigh Him,
Their heart is full of wickedness,
And all their deeds deny Him.
Corrupt are they, and every one
Abominable works hath done;
There is not one well-doer.

2. The Lord looked from His heavenly throne
On all mankind below Him
To see if there were any one
Who truly sought to know Him,
And all his understanding bent
To search His holy Word, intent
To do His will in earnest.

3. But none there was who walked with God,
For all aside had slidden,
Delusive paths of folly trod,
And followed lusts forbidden;
Not one there was who practised good,
Though many deemed, in haughty mood,
Their deeds to God were pleasing.

4. “How long, by folly blindly led,
Will they oppress the needy
And My own flock devour like bread?”
So fierce are they and greedy!
In God they put no trust at all,
Nor on His name in trouble call,
But be their own providers.

5. Therefore their heart is never still,
A constant fear dismays them,
God is with him who doth His will,
Who trusts Him and obeys Him;
Ye shame the counsel of the poor
And mock him when he doth assure
That God is e’er his Refuge.

6. Who shall to Israel’s outcast race
From Zion bring salvation?
God will Himself at length show grace
And loose the captive nation;
That will He do by Christ, their King;
Let Jacob then be glad and sing
And Israel be joyful.

Ps. 14. Martin Luther, 1524; R. Massie, tr.

278

8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7

O God, from heaven look down and see,
A sight which well may move Thee:
Of godly men, how few there be;
Forsaken we who love Thee!
Withheld is Thy pure Word, the light
Of faith itself extinguished quite
In all the sons of Adam.

2. Fictions they teach with cunning art
And lies of man’s invention;
Not grounded on God’s Word, their heart
Breeds naught but strange dissension;
One chooses this, another that,
Untold division they create
Though saintlike in appearance.

3. May God root out all heresy
And of false teachers rid us,
Who proudly say: “Now, where is he
Who would our speech forbid us!
We have the right and might alone,
And what we say must stand, we own
None as our lord and master.”

4. Therefore saith God: “I must arise
To quell their great wrong-doing;
To Me ascend My people’s sighs,
And I have heard their suing.
My saving Word shall take the field,
Shall be the poor man’s strength and shield,
Shall conquer all opponents.”

5. As silver seven times furnace-tried,
Is pure from all its drosses,
So doth the Word of God abide
The brighter for its crosses;
For trial shows its worth aright
And manifests its strength and light,
That through all lands it shineth.

6. O God, preserve it pure and free
From this vile generation
And let us be preserved by Thee
From their abomination.
The wicked walk on every side
When mid Thy flock the vile abide
In power and are exalted.

Ps. 12. Martin Luther, 1524.

279

10, 10, 10, 4

Christ, Thou the Champion of the band who own
Thy Cross, O make Thy succor quickly known!
The schemes of those who long our blood have sought
Bring Thou to naught.

2. Do Thou Thyself for us, Thy children, fight,
Withstand the devil, quell his rage and might;
Whate’er assails Thy members left below
Do Thou o’erthrow.

3. And give us Thy peace: peace in Church and school;
Peace to the powers who o’er our country rule;
Peace to the conscience, peace within the heart,
Do Thou impart.

4. So shall Thy goodness here be still adored,
Thou Guardian of Thy little flock, dear Lord;
And heaven and earth through all eternity
Shall worship Thee.