Part 8
2. The rolling sun, the changing light, And nights and days, Thy power confess; But the blest Volume Thou didst write Reveals Thy justice and Thy grace.
3. Thy Gospel-heralds dare not rest Till through the world Thy truth has run; Till Christ has all the nations blest That see the light or feel the sun.
4. Great Sun of Righteousness, arise; Bless the dark world with heavenly light; The Gospel makes the simple wise, Thy laws are pure, Thy judgments right.
5. Thy noblest wonders here we view In souls renewed and sins forgiv’n. Lord, cleanse our sins, our souls renew, And make Thy Word our guide to heav’n.
Isaac Watts, 1719, abr.
115
L. M.
The Law of God is good and wise And sets His will before our eyes, Shows us the way of righteousness, And dooms to death when we transgress.
2. Its light of holiness imparts The knowledge of our sinful hearts, That we may see our lost estate And seek deliv’rance ere too late.
3. To those who help in Christ have found And would in works of love abound It shows what deeds are His delight And should be done as good and right.
4. When men the offered help disdain And wilfully in sin remain, Its terror in their ear resounds And keeps their wickedness in bounds.
5. The Law is good; but since the Fall Its holiness condemns us all; It dooms us for our sin to die And has no power to justify.
6. To Jesus we for refuge flee, Who from the curse has set us free, And humbly worship at His throne, Saved by His grace through faith alone.
M. Loy, 1863.
116
L. M.
The Gospel shows the Father’s grace, Who sent His Son to save our race, Proclaims how Jesus lived and died That man might thus be justified.
2. It sets the Lamb before our eyes Who made th’ atoning sacrifice And calls the souls with guilt opprest To come and find eternal rest.
3. It brings the Savior’s righteousness Our souls to robe in royal dress; From all our guilt it brings release And gives the troubled conscience peace.
4. It is the power of God to save From sin and Satan and the grave; It works the faith which firmly clings To all the treasures which it brings.
5. It bears to all the tidings glad And bids their hearts no more be sad; The heavy-laden soul it cheers And banishes their guilty fears.
6. May we in faith its tidings learn, Nor thanklessly its blessings spurn; May we in faith its truth confess And praise the Lord, our Righteousness!
M. Loy, 1863.
117
C. M.
Father of mercies, in Thy Word What endless glory shines! Forever be Thy name adored For these celestial lines.
2. Here the Redeemer’s welcome voice Spreads heavenly peace around; And life and everlasting joys Attend the blissful sound.
3. Oh, may these heavenly pages be My ever dear delight; And still new beauties may I see And still increasing light!
4. Divine Instructor, gracious Lord! Be Thou forever near; Teach me to love Thy sacred Word And view my Savior there.
Anne Steele, 1760.
118
L. M.
When Israel through the desert passed, A fiery pillar went before To guide them through the dreary waste And lessen the fatigues they bore.
2. Such is Thy glorious Word, O God! ’Tis for our light and guidance giv’n; It sheds its luster all abroad And points the path to bliss and heav’n.
3. It fills the soul with sweet delight And quickens its inactive powers; It sets our wand’ring footsteps right, Displays Thy love, and kindles ours.
4. Its promises rejoice our hearts, Its doctrines are divinely true; While highest wisdom it imparts, It comforts and instructs us too.
5. Ye favored lands, that have this Word, Ye saints, who feel its saving power, Unite your tongues to praise the Lord And His distinguished grace adore!
B. Beddome, 1769.
119
C. M.
Lamp of our feet, whereby we trace Our path when wont to stray, Stream from the fount of heav’nly grace, Brook by the traveler’s way;
2. Bread of our souls, whereon we feed, True manna from on high; Our guide and chart, wherein we read Of realms beyond the sky;
3. Pillar of fire, through watches dark, Or radiant cloud by day; When waves would break our tossing bark, Our anchor and our stay:—
4. Word of the ever-living God, Will of His glorious Son; Without thee, how could earth be trod Or heaven itself be won?
5. Lord, grant us all aright to learn The wisdom it imparts And to its heavenly teaching turn With simple, childlike hearts.
B. Barton, 1826, a.
120
L. M.
We have a sure prophetic Word, By inspiration of the Lord; And though assailed on every hand, Jehovah’s Word shall ever stand.
2. By powers of empire banned and burned, By pagan pride rejected, spurned, The Word still stands the Christian’s trust While haughty empires lie in dust.
3. Lo! what the Word in times of old Of future days and deeds foretold Is all fulfilled, while ages roll, As traced on the prophetic scroll.
4. Abiding, steadfast, firm, and sure, The teachings of the Word endure: Blest he who trusts this steadfast Word, His anchor holds in Christ, the Lord!
E. Cronenwett, 1880.
121
8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7
Christians, come, in sweetest measures, Sing of those who spread the treasures In the holy Gospel shrined; Blessed tidings of salvation, Peace on earth their proclamation, Love from God to lost mankind.
2. See the rivers four that gladden With their streams the better Eden, Planted by our Savior dear: Christ the Fountain, these the waters. Drink, O Zion’s sons and daughters, Drink, and find salvation here.
3. Here our souls, by Jesus sated, More and more shall be translated Earth’s temptations far above; Freed from sin’s abhorred dominion, Soaring on angelic pinion, They shall reach the source of love.
4. Then shall thanks and praise ascending, For Thy mercies without ending, Rise to Thee, O Savior blest. With Thy gracious aid defend us, Let Thy guiding light attend us, Bring us to Thy place of rest.
Adam of St. Victor, 1150; R. Campbell, tr., 1850, a.
122
L. M.
In vain would boasting reason find The path to happiness and God; Her weak directions leave the mind Bewildered in a doubtful road.
2. Jesus, Thy words alone impart Eternal life; on these I live; Here sweeter comforts cheer my heart Than all the powers of nature give.
3. Here let my constant feet abide; Thou art the true, the living Way. Let Thy good Spirit be my guide To the bright realms of endless day.
4. The various forms that men devise To shake my faith with treacherous art I scorn as vanity and lies And bind Thy Gospel to my heart.
Anne Steele, 1760, a.
THE LORD’S DAY.
123
7s 6 l
Father, who the light this day Out of darkness didst create, Shine upon us now, we pray, While within Thy courts we wait. Wean us from the works of night, Make us children of the light.
2. Savior, who this day didst break From the bondage of the tomb, Bid our slumbering souls awake And dispel their doubt and gloom; Let us, from our bonds set free, Rise from sin and live to Thee.
3. Blessed Spirit, Comforter, Sent this day from Christ on high, Lord, on us Thy gifts confer, Cleanse, illumine, sanctify; All Thine influence shed abroad; Lead us to the truth of God.
Julia A. Elliott, 1833, a.
124
6, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8 (H. M.)
Welcome, delightful morn, Thou day of sacred rest; I hail thy kind return: Lord, make these moments blest. From the low train of mortal toys I soar to reach immortal joys.
2. Now may the King descend And fill His throne of grace; Thy scepter, Lord, extend While saints address Thy face; Let sinners feel Thy quickening Word And learn to know and fear the Lord.
3. Descend, O heavenly Dove, With all Thy quickening powers, Disclose a Savior’s love, And bless these sacred hours. Then shall my soul new life obtain, Nor Lord’s Days e’er be spent in vain.
Hayward, in Dobell’s New Sel., 1806.
125
7s 6 l
Safely through another week God has brought us on our way; Let us now a blessing seek, Waiting in His courts to-day: Day of all the week the best, Emblem of eternal rest.
2. Mercies multiplied each hour Through the week our praise demand; Guarded by almighty power, Fed and guided by His hand, Though ungrateful we have been And repaying love with sin.
3. While we pray for pardoning grace, Through the dear Redeemer’s name, Show Thy reconcilèd face, Take away our sin and shame; From our worldly cares set free, May we rest this day in Thee.
4. As we come Thy name to praise, May we feel Thy presence near; May Thy glory meet our eyes While we in Thy house appear. Here afford us, Lord, a taste Of our everlasting feast.
5. May Thy Gospel’s joyful sound Conquer sinners, comfort saints; Make the fruits of grace abound, Bring relief for all complaints. Thus may all our Sabbaths prove Till we join the Church above.
John Newton, 1774.
126
7s
On this day, the first of days, God the Father’s name we praise, Who, creation’s Fount and Spring, Did the world from darkness bring.
2. On this day th’ eternal Son, Over death His triumph won; On this day the Spirit came With His gifts of living flame.
3. Oh, that fervent love to-day May in every heart have sway, Teaching us to praise aright God, the Source of life and light!
4. Father, who didst fashion me Image of Thyself to be, Fill me with Thy love divine, Let my every thought be Thine.
5. Holy Jesus, may I be Dead and buried here with Thee, And, by love inflamed, arise Unto Thee a sacrifice.
_Die Parente Temporum_, 1748; H. W. Baker, tr., 1861.
127
L. M.
This day at Thy creating word First o’er the earth the light was poured. O Lord, this day upon us shine And fill our souls with light divine.
2. This day the Lord for sinners slain In might victorious rose again. O Jesus, may we raised be From death of sin to life in Thee.
3. This day the Holy Spirit came With fiery tongues of cloven flame.— O Spirit, fill our hearts this day With grace to hear and grace to pray.
4. O day of light and life and grace, From earthly toils sweet resting-place, Thy hallowed hours, best gift of love, Give we again to God above!
W. W. How, 1854.
128
C. M.
With joy we hail the sacred day Which we have called God’s own; With joy the summons we obey To worship at His throne.
2. Thy chosen temple, Lord, how fair! As here Thy servants throng To breathe the humble, fervent prayer And pour the choral song.
3. Spirit of Grace, O deign to dwell Within Thy Church below; Make her in holiness excel, With pure devotion glow.
4. Let peace within her walls be found; Let all her sons unite To spread with holy zeal around Her clear and shining light.
5. Great God, we hail the sacred day Which we have called Thine own; With joy the summons we obey To worship at Thy throne.
H. Auber, 1833, a.
129
C. M.
This is the day the Lord hath made; He calls the hours His own; Let heaven rejoice, let earth be glad, And praise surround the throne.
2. To-day He rose and left the dead, And Satan’s empire fell; To-day the saints His triumph spread And all His wonders tell.
3. Hosanna to th’ anointed King, To David’s holy Son! Help us, O Lord; descend and bring Salvation from Thy throne.
4. Blest be the Lord, who comes to men With messages of grace; Who comes in God His Father’s name To save our sinful race.
5. Hosanna in the highest strains The Church on earth can raise! The highest heavens, in which He reigns, Shall give Him nobler praise.
Isaac Watts, 1719.
ADVENT.
130
8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8
Comfort, comfort ye My people, Speak ye peace, thus saith your God; Comfort those who sit in darkness, Mourning ’neath their sorrow’s load; Speak ye to Jerusalem Of the peace that waits for them; Tell her that her sins I cover, And her warfare now is over.
2. For the Herald’s voice is crying In the desert far and near, Bidding all men to repentance, Since the kingdom now is here. Oh, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way! Let the valleys rise to meet Him And the hills bow down to greet Him.
3. Make ye straight what long was crooked, Make the rougher places plain; Let your hearts be true and humble, As befits His holy reign; For the glory of the Lord Now o’er earth is shed abroad, And all flesh shall see the token That His Word is never broken.
J. Olearius, 1671; C. Winkworth, tr., 1862.
131
8, 7, 6 l
Jesus came, the heav’ns adoring, Came with peace from realms on high; Jesus came for man’s redemption, Lowly came on earth to die; Alleluia! Alleluia! Came in deep humility.
2. Jesus comes again in mercy, When our hearts are bowed with care; Jesus comes again in answer To an earnest, heartfelt prayer; Alleluia! Alleluia! Comes to save us from despair.
3. Jesus comes to hearts rejoicing, Bringing news of sins forgiv’n; Jesus comes in sounds of gladness, Leading souls redeemed to heav’n; Alleluia! Alleluia! Now the gate of death is riv’n.
4. Jesus comes in joy and sorrow, Shares alike our hopes and fears; Jesus comes, whate’er befalls us, Glads our hearts and dries our tears; Alleluia! Alleluia! Cheering e’en our failing years.
5. Jesus comes on clouds triumphant When the heavens shall pass away; Jesus comes again in glory, Let us, then, our homage pay, Alleluia! ever singing Till the dawn of endless day.
G. Thring, 1864.
132
7, 6, 8 l
Hail to the Lord’s Anointed, Great David’s greater Son! Hail, in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun! He comes to break oppression, To set the captive free, To take away transgression, And rule in equity.
2. He comes with succor speedy To those who suffer wrong, To help the poor and needy, And bid the weak be strong; To give them songs for sighing, Their darkness turn to light, Whose souls, condemned and dying, Were precious in His sight.
3. He shall come down like showers Upon the fruitful earth; And love, joy, hope, like flowers, Spring in His path to birth. Before Him on the mountains Shall peace, the herald, go, And righteousness, in fountains, From hill to valley flow.
4. To Him shall prayer unceasing And daily vows ascend, His kingdom still increasing, A kingdom without end. The tide of time shall never His covenant remove; His name shall stand forever,— That name to us is Love.
James Montgomery, 1821.
133
8, 7, 8, 7
Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding: “Christ is nigh!” it seems to say; “Cast away the dreams of darkness, O ye children of the day!”
2. Startled at the solemn warning, Let the earth-bound soul arise; Christ, her Sun, all sloth dispelling, Shines upon the morning skies.
3. Lo, the Lamb, so long expected, Comes with pardon down from heav’n. Let us haste, with tears of sorrow, One and all, to be forgiv’n.
4. So, when next He comes with glory, Wrapping all the earth in fear, With His mercy He may shield us And with words of love draw near.
From the Latin (c. 5th cent.); E. Caswall, tr. 1849.
134
7, 6, 8 l
The Bridegroom soon will call us: Come, all ye wedding-guests! May not His voice appall us While slumber binds our breasts! May all our lamps be burning And oil be found in store, That we, with Him returning, May open find the door!
2. There shall we see delighted Our dear Redeemer’s face, Who leads our souls benighted To glory by His grace; The patriarchs shall meet us, The prophets’ holy band, Apostles, martyrs, greet us In that celestial land.
3. They will not blush to own us As brothers, sisters dear, Love ever will be shown us When we with them appear. We all shall come before Him Who for us man became, As Lord and God adore Him, And ever bless His name.
4. Our Father, rich in blessing, Will give us crowns of gold And, to His bosom pressing, Impart a bliss untold, Will welcome with embraces Of never-ending love, And deck us with His graces In blissful realms above.
5. In yonder home shall never Be silent music’s voice; With hearts and lips forever We shall in God rejoice. The angels shall adore Him, All saints shall sing His praise, And bring with joy before Him Their sweetest heavenly lays.
6. In mansions fair and spacious Will God the feast prepare And, ever kind and gracious, Bid us its riches share; There bliss that knows no measure From springs of love shall flow, And never-changing pleasure His bounty will bestow.
7. Thus God shall from all evil Forever make us free, From sin and from the devil, From all adversity, From sickness, pain, and sadness, From troubles, cares, and fears, And grant us heavenly gladness, And wipe away our tears.
Johann Walther, † c. 1566.
135
7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7
Come, Thou precious Ransom, come! Only Hope for sinful mortals! Come, O Savior of the world! Open are to Thee all portals; Come, Thy beauty let us see: Anxiously we wait for Thee.
2. O great King of Glory, come! Let me be Thy living temple; Enter Thou into my heart; Though I am but poor and simple, Yet my riches then shall be That Thou reignest, Lord, in me.
3. My hosannas and my palms Graciously receive, I pray Thee; Evermore, as best I can, Savior, I will homage pay Thee, And in faith I will embrace, Lord, Thy merit through Thy grace.
4. Hail! Hosanna! David’s Son, Help, Lord, hear our supplication! Let Thy kingdom, scepter, crown Bring us blessing and salvation That forever we may sing: Hail! Hosanna! to our King.
J. G. Olearius, 1644; A. Crull, tr.
136
7, 6, 8 l
O Lord, how shall I meet Thee, How welcome Thee aright? All nations long to greet Thee, My Hope, my heart’s Delight! O kindle, dearest Jesus, Thy lamp within my breast That I may know what pleases Thee, Lord, my heav’nly Guest.
2. Thy Zion strews before Thee Green boughs and fairest palms, And I, too, will adore Thee With sweetest songs and psalms. My heart shall bloom forever For Thee with praises new And from Thy name shall never Withhold the honor due.
3. What hast Thou left ungranted To give me glad relief? When soul and body panted In utmost depth of grief, In deepest degradation, Devoid of joy and peace, Then Thou, my soul’s Salvation, Didst come to bring release.
4. I lay in fetters groaning, Thou com’st to set me free; I stood, my shame bemoaning, Thou com’st to honor me; A glory Thou dost give me, A treasure safe on high, That will not fail or leave me As earthly riches fly.
5. Naught, naught, dear Lord, could move Thee To leave Thy rightful place Save love, for which I love Thee; A love that could embrace A world where sorrow dwelleth, Which sin and suffering fill, More than the tongue e’er telleth;— Yet Thou couldst love it still!
6. Rejoice, then, ye sad-hearted, Who sit in deepest gloom, Who mourn o’er joys departed And tremble at your doom. Despair not, He is near you, Yea, standing at the door, Who best can help and cheer you And bid you weep no more.
7. No care nor effort either Is needed day or night How ye may draw Him hither In your own strength and might. He comes, He comes with gladness, Moved by His love alone, To calm your fear and sadness, To Him they well are known.
8. Sin’s debt, that fearful burden, Let not your souls distress; Your guilt the Lord will pardon And cover with His grace. He comes, He comes, procuring The peace of sin forgiv’n, To all God’s sons securing Their part and lot in heav’n.
9. Why should the wicked move you? Heed not their craft and spite! Your Savior, who doth love you, Will scatter all their might. He comes, a King most glorious, And all His earthly foes In vain His course victorious Endeavor to oppose.
10. He comes to judge the nations, A terror to His foes, A Light of consolations And blessed Hope to those Who love the Lord’s appearing. O glorious Sun, now come, Send forth Thy beams so cheering And guide us safely home!
Paul Gerhardt, 1653.
137
S. M.
The Advent of our God Our prayers must now employ, And we must meet Him on His road With hymns of holy joy.
2. The everlasting Son Incarnate deigns to be; Himself a servant’s form puts on To set His people free.
3. Daughter of Zion, rise And greet thy lowly King, And do not wickedly despise The mercies He will bring.
4. As Judge, in clouds of light, He will come down again And all His scattered saints unite With Him in heaven to reign.
5. Before that dreadful day May all our sins be gone; May the old man be put away And the new man put on!
6. Praise to the Savior Son From the created host; Like praise be to the Father done And to the Holy Ghost.
John Chandler, 1837, a.
138
8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 6, 6
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold, the King of Glory waits; The King of kings is drawing near, The Savior of the world is here; Life and salvation He doth bring, Wherefore rejoice and gladly sing: We praise Thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art Thou!
2. The Lord is just, a Helper tried, Mercy is ever at His side, His kingly crown is holiness, His scepter, pity in distress; The end of all our woe He brings, Wherefore the earth is glad and sings: We praise Thee, Savior, now, Mighty in deed art Thou!
3. O blest the land, the city blest, Where Christ, the Ruler, is confessed! O happy hearts and happy homes To whom this King in triumph comes! The cloudless Sun of Joy He is, Who bringeth pure delight and bliss. We praise Thee, Spirit, now, Our Comforter art Thou!
4. Fling wide the portals of your heart, Make it a temple set apart From earthly use for heaven’s employ, Adorned with prayer and love and joy; So shall your Sovereign enter in And new and nobler life begin. To Thee, O God, be praise For word and deed and grace!
5. Redeemer, come! I open wide My heart to Thee; here, Lord, abide! Let me Thy inner presence feel, Thy grace and love in me reveal; Thy Holy Spirit guide us on Until our glorious goal be won! Eternal praise and fame We offer to Thy name.
G. Weissel, 1633; C. Winkworth, tr., a.
139
C. M.
Hark the glad sound! the Savior comes, The Savior promised long; Let every heart prepare a throne And every voice a song.