Part 14
Since Christ has gone to heaven, His home, I, too, that home one day must share; And in this hope I overcome All doubt, all anguish, and despair; For where the Head is, well we know, The members He has left below In time He surely gathers.
2. Since Christ has reached His glorious throne And mighty gifts henceforth are His, My heart can rest in heaven alone, On earth my Lord I always miss; I long to be with Him on high, My heart and thoughts forever fly Where is my only Treasure.
3. From Thy ascension let such grace, Dear Lord, be ever found in me, That steadfast faith may guide my ways With step unfalt’ring up to Thee, And at Thy voice I may depart With joy to dwell where Thou, Lord, art; Lord, hear my supplication!
J. Wegelin, 1637; C. Winkworth, tr.
SESSION.
237
C. M.
The Head that once was crowned with thorns Is crowned with glory now; A royal diadem adorns The mighty Victor’s brow.
2. The highest place that heaven affords Is His by sovereign right, The King of kings and Lord of lords, And heaven’s eternal Light;
3. The Joy of all who dwell above, The Joy of all below, To whom He manifests His love And grants His name to know.
4. To them the cross, with all its shame, With all its grace, is given; Their name an everlasting name, Their joy the joy of heaven.
5. They suffer with their Lord below, They reign with Him above, Their profit and their joy to know The mystery of His love.
6. The cross He bore is life and health, Though shame and death to Him: His people’s hope, His people’s wealth, Their everlasting theme.
Thomas Kelly, 1820.
238
8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7
Hark! ten thousand harps and voices Sound the note of praise above; Jesus reigns, and Heaven rejoices,— Jesus reigns, the God of Love. See, He sits on yonder throne: Jesus rules the world alone.
2. Christians, come, unite your praises With the angels round His throne; Soon, we hope, our God will raise us To the place where He is gone. Meet it is that we should sing, “Glory, glory, to our King!”
3. Sing how Jesus came from heaven, How He bore the cross below, How all power to Him is given, How He reigns in glory now; ’Tis a great and endless theme, Oh, ’tis sweet to sing of Him!
4. Jesus, hail! whose glory brightens All above and makes it fair. Lord of Life, Thy smile enlightens, Cheers, and charms Thy people here. When we think of love like Thine, Lord, we own it love divine.
5. King of Glory, reign forever; Thine an everlasting crown. Nothing from Thy love shall sever Those whom Thou hast made Thine own, Happy objects of Thy grace, Destined to behold Thy face.
6. Savior, hasten Thine appearing; Bring, O bring the glorious day When, the awful summons hearing, Heaven and earth shall pass away; Then with golden harps we’ll sing, “Glory, glory, to our King!”
Thomas Kelly, 1806, a.
239
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!