Part 26

3. He is not a bear or lion Thirsting only for thy blood, Faithful is thy God in Zion, Gentle ever is His mood. God aye as a Father feels, He’s afflicted by our ills; Our misfortune sorrow gives Him, And our dying ever grieves Him.

4. “Truly,” saith He, “as I’m living, I the death of none desire, But that men, themselves upgiving, May be rescued from sin’s mire.” When a prodigal returns, God’s heart then with rapture burns, Wills that not the least one even Ever from His flock be driven.

5. Shepherd was so faithful never, Seeking sheep that go astray. Couldest thou God’s heart see ever How He cares for them alway, How it thirsts and sighs and burns After him who from Him turns, From His people’s midst doth wander, Love would make thee weep and ponder.

6. God the good not only loveth, Those who in His house now dwell, But His heart compassion moveth For those whom the Prince of hell Hath enslaved, the cruel foe, Who men’s hearts with hate to glow Makes ’gainst Him, who when He ever Moves His foot, can make earth quiver.

7. Deep His love and most enduring, His desire is ever great; He is calling and alluring Us to enter heaven’s gate. When they come, whoe’er they be, Seeking now that liberty From the devil’s fangs be given, Glad are all the hosts of heaven.

8. God and all those with Him dwelling, ’Fore whom heaven must hush its voice When their Maker’s praise forth telling, O’er our penitence rejoice; But what has been done amiss Covered now and buried is, All offense to Him we’ve given,— All, yea all, is now forgiven.

9. From no lake so much is gushing, No depth is so deep at all, With such force no stream is rushing, All compared with God is small; Naught is like His grace so great, That remits our mighty debt, That He ever throweth over All our lives e’en as a cover.

10. Soul, why art thou sad and dreary? Rest now and contented be! Why wilt thou thyself so weary When there is no need for thee? Though thy sins appear to thee Like a vast and shoreless sea, If with God’s heart thou compare them, ’Twill a trifle seem to bear them.

11. Could we myriad worlds discover, All sunk in apostasy, Had the sins there o’er and over Every one been done by thee, Oh! still there were less by far Than the light of grace so clear Could on earth extinguish ever, God from greater could deliver.

12. Of such wondrous love and favor Open wide the door to me; Everywhere and aye, my Savior, Tasted be Thy grace by me. Love me, Lord, and let me be Nearer ever drawn to Thee That I may embrace and love Thee, Nevermore to anger move Thee.

Paul Gerhardt, 1653; J. Kelly, tr.

507

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

Whatever God ordains is good! His righteous will abideth; I will be still whate’er He doth And follow where He guideth. He is my God; Though dark my road, He knoweth how to shield me, Wherefore to Him I yield me.

2. Whatever God ordains is good! He never will deceive me; He leads me by the proper path, I know He will not leave me, And take content What He hath sent; His hand that sends my sadness Will turn my tears to gladness.

3. Whatever God ordains is good! His loving thought attends me; No poisoned draught the cup can be That my Physician sends me, But medicine; God true has been. Of doubt, then, I’ll divest me And on His goodness rest me.

4. Whatever God ordains is good! My Life, my Light, can never Intend me harm; then, to His care I give myself forever In weal or woe; For well I know Some day I shall see clearly That God did love me dearly.

5. Whatever God ordains is good! Though now this cup in drinking May bitter to my taste appear I take it all unshrinking; For to my heart God will impart A timely balm of healing And end each painful feeling.

6. Whatever God ordains is good! Here shall my stand be taken; Though sorrow, need, or death be mine, Yet am I not forsaken; My Father’s care Is round me there, His arms embrace and shield me; Then to my God I yield me.

Samuel Rodigast, 1675; C. Winkworth, 1863, a.

508

6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7

In God, my faithful God, I trust when dark my road; Though many woes o’ertake me, Yet He will not forsake me; His love it is doth send them And, when ’tis best, will end them.

2. My sins assail me sore, But I despair no more. I build on Christ, who loves me; From this Rock nothing moves me. To Him I all surrender, To Him, my soul’s Defender.

3. If death my portion be, Then death is gain to me, And Christ my Life forever, From whom death cannot sever; Come when it may, He’ll shield me, To Him I wholly yield me.

4. O Jesus Christ, my Lord, So meek in deed and word, Thou once didst die to save us, Because Thou fain wouldst have us After this life of sadness The heirs of heavenly gladness.

5. “So be it,” then I say With all my heart each day. We, too, dear Lord, adore Thee, We sing for joy before Thee. Guide us while here we wander Till safely landed yonder.

S. Weingaertner, 1607; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

509

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

From God shall naught divide me, For He is true for aye And on my path will guide me, Who else should often stray; His ever-bounteous hand By night and day is heedful And gives me what is needful, Where’er I go or stand.

2. When man’s help and affection Shall unavailing prove, God grants me His protection And proves His power and love; He helps me in my need, Delivers me from evil, From sin and death and devil; He is my Friend indeed.

3. If sorrow comes, He sent it, In Him I put my trust; I never shall repent it, For He is true and just And endeth every ill; My life and soul I render To God, my strong Defender; Let Him do as He will.

4. Whate’er shall be His pleasure Is surely best for me; He sent His dearest Treasure That our weak hearts may see His good and gracious will. In His own Son He gave us Whate’er can bless and save us; Praise Him who loves us still!

5. O praise Him, for He never Forgets our daily need; O blest the hour whenever Our thoughts to Him can speed; Yea, all the time we spend Without Him is but wasted, Till we His joy have tasted, The joy that hath no end.

6. The world away is passing With all its pomp and pride; All we have been amassing No longer may abide. But in our earthly bed, When safely we are sleeping, God hath us in His keeping, To wake us from the dead.

7. Our soul shall never perish, But in yon paradise The joys of heaven shall cherish. Our body shall arise Pure, holy, new-born, free From every sin and evil; The tempting of the devil We then no more shall see.

8. Then, though on earth I suffer Much trial, well I know I merit ways still rougher, And ’tis to heaven I go. For Christ I know and love, To Him I now am hasting, And gladness everlasting With Him my heart shall prove.

9. Such is His will that made us. The Father seeks our good; The Son of sin doth rid us, And saves us by His blood; His Spirit rules our ways, Through faith in us abiding, To heaven our footsteps guiding. To Him be thanks and praise!

L. Helmbold, 1563.

510

8, 7, 8, 7

God is Love; His mercy brightens All the path in which we rove; Bliss He wakes, and woe He lightens: God is Wisdom, God is Love.

2. Chance and change are busy ever, Man decays, and ages move, But His mercy waneth never: God is Wisdom, God is Love.

3. E’en the hour that darkest seemeth Will His changeless goodness prove; From the gloom His brightness streameth: God is Wisdom, God is Love.

4. He with earthly cares entwineth Hope and comfort from above; Everywhere His glory shineth: God is Wisdom, God is Love.

J. Bowring, 1825.

511

8, 7, 8 l

Who puts his trust In God most just Hath built his house securely; He who relies On Jesus Christ, Heaven shall be his most surely. Then fixed on Thee My trust shall be, For Thy truth cannot alter; While mine Thou art Not death’s worst smart Shall make my courage falter.

2. Though fiercest foes My course oppose, A dauntless front I’ll show them; My Champion Thou, Lord Christ, art now, Who soon shalt overthrow them; And if but Thee I have in me With Thy good gifts and Spirit, Nor death nor hell, I know full well, Shall hurt me, through Thy merit.

3. I rest me here Without a fear; By Thee shall all be given That I can need, O Friend indeed, For this life or for heaven. O keep me true, My heart renew, My soul and flesh deliver! Lord, hear my prayer And in Thy care Keep me in peace forever.

J. Magdeburg, 1572; C. Winkworth, tr.

512

11, 10, 11, 10

Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye languish, Come to the mercy-seat, fervently kneel; Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish; Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.

2. Joy of the desolate, light of the straying, Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure, Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying, Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure.

3. Here see the Bread of Life, see water flowing Forth from the throne of God, pure from above. Come to the feast of love; come, ever knowing Earth has no sorrow but Heaven can remove.

T. Moore, 1816. Stanza 3 a.

513

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

God liveth still! Soul, despair not, fear no ill! God is good; from His compassion Earthly help and comfort flow; Strong is His right hand to fashion All things well for man below. Trial, oft the most distressing, In the end has proved a blessing. Wherefore, then, my soul, despair? God still lives, who heareth prayer.

2. God liveth still! Soul, despair not, fear no ill! He who gave the eye its vision, Shall He slumber once or sleep? He who gave the ear its mission, Hears He not His children weep? God is God; His ear attendeth When the sigh our bosom rendeth. Wherefore, then, my soul, despair? God still lives, who heareth prayer.

3. God liveth still! Soul, despair not, fear no ill! He who gives the clouds their measure, Stretching out the heavens alone; He who stores the earth with treasure, Is not far from every one. God in the hour of need defendeth Him whose heart in love ascendeth. Wherefore, then, my soul, despair? God still lives, who heareth prayer.

4. God liveth still! Soul, despair not, fear no ill! Is thy cross too great and pond’rous, Cast on Him thy grievous load; God is great, His love is wondrous, He will speed thee on the road. For His truth endureth ever, And His mercy ceaseth never. Wherefore, then, my soul, despair? God still lives, who heareth prayer.

5. God liveth still! Soul, despair not, fear no ill! Is the yoke of sin too galling? Christ Himself has set thee free, Borne for thee their weight appalling, Cast them in oblivion’s sea! In thy deepest grief and sadness He can grant thee joy and gladness. Wherefore, then, my soul, despair? God still lives, who heareth prayer.

6. God liveth still! Soul, despair not, fear no ill! When the world would let thee perish, Pathless all thy tangled way, God the nearer draws to cherish Him who makes the Lord his Stay. Children oft that most He loveth Thus with strictest rod He proveth. Wherefore, then, my soul, despair? God still lives, who heareth prayer.

7. God liveth still! Soul, despair not, fear no ill! Heaven’s huge vault may cleave asunder, Earth’s round globe in ruins burst, Satan’s fellest rage may thunder, Death and hell may spend their worst; Yet will God keep safe and surely Those who trust in Him securely. Wherefore, then, my soul, despair? God still lives, who heareth prayer.

8. God liveth still! Soul, despair not, fear no ill! Be thy life until its ending Full of thorns, of grief, or need, God, in love the trial sending, Thus His child would heavenwards lead. For this life’s long night of sadness He will give thee peace and gladness. Wherefore, then, my soul, despair? God still lives, who heareth prayer.

J. F. Zihn, 1782; F. E. Cox, tr., a.

514

L. M.

Thy ways, O Lord, with wise design Are framed upon Thy throne above, And every dark and bending line Meets in the center of Thy love.

2. With feeble light and half obscure, Poor mortals Thine arrangements view, Not knowing that the least are sure And the mysterious just and true.

3. Thy flock, Thine own peculiar care, Though now they seem to roam uneyed, Are led or driven only where They best and safest may abide.

4. They neither know nor trace the way; But whilst they trust Thy guardian eye, Their feet shall ne’er to ruin stray, Nor shall the weakest fail or die.

5. My favored soul shall meekly learn To lay her reason at Thy throne; Too weak Thy secrets to discern, I’ll trust Thee for my guide alone.

Ambrose Serle, 1786.

515

L. M.

When in the hour of utmost need We know not where to look for aid; When days and nights of anxious thought Nor help nor counsel yet have brought,

2. Then this our comfort is alone, That we may meet before Thy throne And cry, O faithful God, to Thee For rescue from our misery;

3. To Thee may raise our hearts and eyes, Repenting sore with bitter sighs, And seek Thy pardon for our sin And respite from our griefs within.

4. For Thou hast promised graciously To hear all those who cry to Thee, Through Him whose name alone is great, Our Savior and our Advocate.

5. And thus we come, O God, to-day And all our woes before Thee lay; For tried, afflicted, lo! we stand, Perils and foes on every hand.

6. Ah! hide not for our sins Thy face, Absolve us through Thy boundless grace, Be with us in our anguish still, Free us at last from every ill,

7. That so with all our hearts we may Once more our glad thanksgivings pay And walk obedient to Thy Word And now and ever praise Thee, Lord.

Paul Eber, 1547; C. Winkworth, tr.

516

7s

Seems it in my anguish lone As if God forsook His own, Yet I hold the knowledge fast God will surely help at last.

2. Though awhile it be delayed, He denieth not His aid; Though it come not oft with speed, It will surely come at need.

3. As a father not too soon Grants his child the longed-for boon, So our God gives when He will; Wait His pleasure and be still.

4. I can rest in thoughts of Him When all courage else grows dim, For I know my soul shall prove His is more than father’s love.

5. Would the powers of ill affright, I can smile at all their might; Or the cross be pressing sore, God, my God, lives evermore.

6. Man may hate me causelessly, Man may plot to ruin me, Foes my heart may pierce and rend; God in heaven is still my Friend.

7. Earth against me may declare, For her love I do not care; Though the world bear me a grudge, God, my Father, is my Judge.

8. Earth may all her gifts deny, Safe my treasure is on high; And if heaven at last be mine, All things else I can resign.

9. I renounce thee willingly, World, I hate what pleases thee. Baneful every gift of thine; Only be, my God, still mine.

10. Ah! Lord, if but Thee I have, Naught of other good I crave; Bright is even death’s dark road If but Thou art there, my God.

C. Titius, † 1703; C. Winkworth, tr., a.

517

L. M.

Lord God, who art my Father dear, I pray in Jesus’ name: O hear What, trusting in His promised Word, I humbly ask of Thee, good Lord.

2. Grant us Thy Word, Thy Spirit give, That by His grace we godly live; Give shelter, peace, good friends, and food, Protect our native land, O God.

3. Save us from sin and Satan’s fraud, Deliver us from evil, God, Be with us in our dying hour; Thine is the kingdom, glory, power.

4. Lord, at Thy word Amen I say; Increase my feeble faith, I pray. Thou lead’st me with a father’s care; Oh, let me be Thy child and heir!

J. Mathesius, † 1565; A. Crull, tr.

518

S. M.

Beloved, “It is well!” God’s ways are always right; And perfect love is o’er them all Though far above our sight.

2. Beloved, “It is well!” Though deep and sore the smart, The hand that wounds knows how to bind And heal the broken heart.

3. Beloved, “It is well!” Though sorrow clouds our way, ’Twill only make the joy more dear That ushers in the day.

4. Beloved, “It is well!” The path that Jesus trod, Though rough and strait and dark it be, Leads home to heaven and God.

G. W. Doane, 1833.

519

S. M.

My Father! cheering name! O may I call Thee mine! Give me with humble hope to claim A portion so divine.

2. Whate’er Thy will denies I calmly would resign; For Thou art just and good and wise,— Oh, bend my will to Thine!

3. Whate’er Thy will ordains, Oh, give me strength to bear! Still let me know a Father reigns And trust a Father’s care.

4. Thy ways are little known To my weak, erring sight; Yet shall my soul, believing, own That all Thy ways are right.

Anne Steele, 1760, a.

520

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

Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a cross That raiseth me, Still all my song shall be, Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!

2. Nearer, my Lord, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! Who to Thy cross didst come Dying for me. Strengthen my willing feet, Hold me in service sweet Nearer, O Christ, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!

3. Nearer, O Comforter, Nearer to Thee! Who with my loving Lord Dwellest with me. Grant me Thy fellowship, Help me each day to keep Nearer, my Guide, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!

4. But to be nearer still, Bring me, O God, Not by the visioned steeps Angels have trod. Here where Thy cross I see, Jesus, I wait for Thee, Then evermore to be Nearer to Thee!

Sarah F. Adams, 1841; a. by H. D. Ganse, † 1891.

521

C. M. 8 l

And let this feeble body fail And let it faint or die; My soul shall quit the mournful vale And soar to worlds on high; Shall join the disembodied saints And find its long-sought rest, That only bliss for which it pants, In my Redeemer’s breast.

2. In hope of that immortal crown I now the cross sustain And gladly wander up and down And smile at toil and pain. I suffer on my threescore years Till my Deliverer come And wipe away His servant’s tears And take His exile home.

3. Oh, what hath Jesus bought for me! Before my ravished eyes Rivers of life divine I see And trees of paradise! I see a world of spirits bright Who reap the pleasures there; They all are robed in spotless white, And conquering palms they bear.

4. Oh, what are all my sufferings here If, Lord, Thou count me meet With that enraptured host t’appear And worship at Thy feet! Give joy or grief, give ease or pain, Take life or friends away, But let me find them all again In that eternal day.

Charles Wesley, 1759, a.

522

L. M.

God of my life, to Thee I call; Afflicted, at Thy feet I fall: When the great water-floods prevail, Leave not my trembling heart to fail.

2. Friend of the friendless and the faint, Where should I lodge my deep complaint? Where but with Thee, whose open door Invites the helpless and the poor?

3. Did ever mourner plead with Thee, And Thou refuse that mourner’s plea? Does not the word still fixed remain, That none shall seek Thy face in vain?

4. That were a grief I could not bear, Didst Thou not hear and answer prayer; But a prayer-hearing, answering God Supports me under every load.

5. Fair is the lot that’s cast for me; I have an Advocate with Thee; They whom the world caresses most Have no such privilege to boast.

6. Poor though I be, despised, forgot, Yet God, my God, forgets me not; And he is safe and must succeed For whom the Lord Himself does plead.

W. Cowper, 1779, a.

523

L. M.

Help me, O Lord, in fear and need, Have mercy, to my prayer give heed! I know Thou lov’st me still as Thine, Though world and hell ’gainst me combine.

2. My God and Lord, I trust in Thee; What need I if Thou art with me? And Thou, Lord Jesus Christ, art mine; My God and Savior, I am Thine.

3. Therefore my happiness is great; I am content, for Thee I wait, Trust wholly in Thy name, and then I know Thy help is sure. Amen.

Martin Moller, 1598.

524

C. M.

God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm.

2. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never-failing skill He treasures up His bright designs And works His sovereign will.

3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head.

4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.

5. His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.

6. Blind unbelief is sure to err And scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain.

W. Cowper, 1772.

525

7, 6, 8 l

Commit whatever grieves thee At heart, and all thy ways, To Him who never leaves thee, On whom creation stays, Who freest courses maketh For clouds and air and wind, Who care and counsel taketh A path for thee to find.

2. On God repose forever If thou wouldst prosper sure; On his work gaze thou ever, If thine is to endure. By anxious care and grieving, By self-consuming pain, God is not moved to giving; By prayer must thou obtain.

3. Thy grace, that ever floweth, O Father, what is good Or evil, ever knoweth, To mortal flesh and blood. What to Thine eye all-seeing, And to Thy counsel wise Seems good must into being, O mighty Prince, arise.

4. For means it fails Thee never, Thou always find’st a way, Thy deeds are blessing ever, Thy path like brightest day. Thy work no one can hinder, Thy labor cannot rest, If Thou design’st Thy tender Children should all be blessed.

5. Though all the power of evil Should rise up to resist, Without a doubt or cavil God never will desist; His undertakings ever At length He carries through; What He designs He never Can fail at all to do.