Mein Gott, ich weiß wohl, daß ich sterbe (alt.)

Here is my alteration of Jane Borthwick’s translation of the Death & Burial hymn, “Mein Gott, ich weiß wohl, daß ich sterbe” (Benjamin Schmolck, d. 1737), in GGELB #472 with mel. “Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten,” appearing earlier in the author’s Heilige Flammen (1704) with title “Daily meditation of death,” but first in the Völlstandige Kirchen- und Haus-Music (Breslau, ca. 1700) with ascription of Schmolck’s initials. Borthwick’s translation was a syllable short in lines 1 and 3 of each stanza. For my alteration, therefore, I change lines 1 and 3, and a little more here and there as required or as suggested by the sense of the German. While Borthwick’s version retains the repetitions in the first line of each stanza, mine discards these to some extent in favor of the original meter.

 

MY God, I know I shall be dying;
My mortal life is passing hence;
In earth, where all to death is flying,
I find no lasting residence.
Then teach me by Thy heav’nly grace
With joy and peace my death to face.

2 My God, I know no sign or token
To name for me my dying hour;
How soon the earthly clay is broken,
How quickly fades the blooming flow’r!
Then make me ready constantly
In time, to meet eternity.

3 My God, I know not how I’ll suffer,
For death in many ways doth come;
To some the parting may be rougher,
Or gently as a sleep to some.
Just as Thou wilt, if but it be
To bring me, blessed Lord, to Thee!

4 My God, I know not where I’ll merit
To meet my death, nor dead to lie;
If only I may then inherit
To live on blessedness on high,
Content I’ll take what spot is mine,
Since all the earth, my Lord, is Thine.

5 Then, dearest God, when I must wander,
O bear my happy soul above,
With Christ, my Lord, forever yonder
To share Thy glory and Thy love:
Then all is right and well with me,
When, where, and how my death shall be.

Tr. Jane Borthwick, 1854, alt.


BORTHWICK (1854)

1 My God, I know that I must die:
My mortal life is passing hence;
On earth I neither hope nor try
To find a lasting residence.
Then teach me by Thy heav'nly grace
With joy and peace my death to face.

2 My God, I know not when I die;
What is the moment or the hour,
How soon the clay may broken lie,
How quickly pass away the flower:
Then may Thy child preparéd be
Through time to meet eternity.

3 My God, I know not how I die;
For death in many ways doth come,
In dark, mysterious agony,
Or gently as a sleep to some.
Just as Thou wilt, if but it be
To bring me, blesséd Lord, to Thee!

4 My God, I know not where I die,
Where is my grace, upon what strand;
Yet from its gloom I do rely
To be delivered by Thy hand.
Content, I take what spot is mine,
Since all the earth, my Lord, is Thine.

5 My gracious God, when I must die,
O bear my happy soul above,
With Christ, my Lord, eternally
To share Thy glory and Thy love:
Then all is right and well with me,
When, where, and how my death shall be.

Amen.

GERMAN

Mein Gott! ich weiß wohl, daß ich sterbe,
Der menschen leben bald vergeht;
Auch find ich hier kein solches erbe,
Das ewig in der welt besteht:
Drum zeige mir in gnaden an,
Wie ich recht selig sterben kan.

2 Mein Gott! ich weiß nicht, wenn ich sterbe,
Kein augenblick geht sicher hin!
Wie bald zerbricht doch eine scherbe;
Die blume kan ja leicht verblühn;
Drum mach mich nur stets bereit,
Hier in der zeit zur ewigkeit.

3 Mein Gott! ich weiß nicht, wie ich sterbe,
Dieweil der tod viel wege hält;
Dem einen wird das scheiden herbe,
Wann sonst ein and'rer sanfte fällt,
Doch wie du wilst, gib daß dabey
Mein ende nur vernünftig sey.

4 Mein Gott! ich weiß nicht, wo ich sterbe,
Und welcher sand mein asche deckt;
Doch wenn ich dieses nur ererbe,
Daß ich werd selig auferweckt;
So schliesse mich die erde ein,
Denn sie ist allenthalben dein.

5 Drum, liebster Gott, wenn ich werd sterben,
So nim du meine geist zu dir;
Laß mich das himmelreich ererben;
Hab ich nur diese hoffnung hier,
So gilt mirs gleich und geht mir wohl,
Wenn, wo, und wie ich sterben soll.

O süsses Wort, das Jesus spricht (supplement)

 Here is my supplement to and revision of Jane Borthwick’s “Oh, sweetest words that Jesus could have sought,” a translation of the cross and comfort hymn, “O süsses Wort, das Jesus spricht” (Johann Höfel, d. 1683), in NEGB #92 for the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity (Gospel: Luke 7:11–17) in 10 stanzas of Long Meter with melody assignment “Nun ist es Zeit zu singen hell”; originally published in 11 stanzas in Musica Christiana (Schweinfurt, 1634), allegedly, which was edited by Höfel; later in Olearius’ Geistliche Singekunst (Leipzig, 1671). Stanza 8, with its unusual “Hunds-Bunds-Ketten” was revised or, more often omitted, as it was in Mühlenburg’s Erbauliche Liedersammlung, so also here in Henkel’s hymnal. — Miss Borthwick’s translation curiously, one might say, needlessly, extends the first two lines of each stanza by two syllables; hence my alteration of her text. In a couple instances (sts. 9–10), this process, and comparison with the German, entailed such drastic changes that the stanzas entire must be claimed as my own. Borthwick’s original work is included below, along with earlier, or at least inferior, variants of the text. — The Church Hymn Book (1816ff.) has on the same theme an English hymn in 6 stanzas of Long Meter: “O Blessed Word Our Lord Expressed,” which must, however, be seen as an original work not substantially derivative of our present hymn; though in its 4th stanza may be seen traces of our 9th.

 

OH, sweetest words that Jesus sought
To soothe the widow’s heart: “Weep not!”
They fall with comfort on my ear
When life is dark and trouble near.

2 They were not whispered, but aloud
The Savior spake them to the crowd,
That each might hear His heav’nly voice,
And in the widow’s joy rejoice1

3 Those words He spake in time of strife,
When death was waging war with life:
They shall refresh my soul at last,
And strengthen me till life is past.

4 If poverty obscures my lot,
Then doth my Savior say, “Weep not!”
To God the Father raise thine eye,
For still He hears the raven’s cry.

5 If I am pow’rless, sick, and weak,
And all is grim, yet He will speak
Those soothing words that here He sought:
“I’m thy Physician, so weep not!”

6 And if the foe take all I have,
And send me wand’ring with a staff;
Christ says again, “Weep not! Recall
What did my faithful Job befall.”

7 Should persecution’s ruthless hand
Grant me no dwelling in the land,
The voice of Jesus calms each thought:
“Heav’n is thy dwelling-place, weep not!”

8 Whene’er the wicked world offends,
And I have foes and cheating friends,
My Jesus says, “Weep not! Believe,
Thou shalt from dust no harm receive.”

9 When death my darling steals away,
“Weep not,” I hear my Jesus say,
“For I am He who gives again;
Remember what I did at Nain!”

10 When I must strive with death some day,
This Jesus in my throes shall say:
“I am thy Life, wherefore weep not!
My sheep are not to judgment brought.”

11 Oh, sweetest words that Jesus sought
In every time of need: “Weep not!”
Thrice blessed words! I list’ning stay
Till grief and sorrow flee away!

Translation: sts. 5–6, 8–10 © 2023 Matthew Carver.
sts. 1–4, 7, 11, Jane Borthwick, alt.

JANE BORTHWICK

Oh, sweetest words that Jesus could have sought […spoke]
To soothe the mourning widow’s heart, “ Weep not!” […the widow’s heart, which grief had broke;]
They fall with comfort on my ear
When life is dark and trouble near.

2 They were not whispered accents, but aloud
The Saviour spake them to the silent crowd,
That each might hear His heav’nly voice,
And in the widow’s joy rejoice1

3 Words that were spoken amid sorrow’s strife,
And in the very midst of death and life,
They shall refresh my soul at last,
And strengthen me till life is past.

4 If poverty obscures my earthly lot,
Then shall I hear my Saviour say, “Weep not!”
To God the Father raise thine eye,
For still He hears the raven’s cry.

7 And oh, should persecution’s ruthless hand
Grant me no quiet possession in the land,
The voice of Jesus calms each thought,
Heav’n is thy dwelling-place, weep not!”

9 When dearest ones are called from earth away, [Though death the dearest to my heart has slain,]
Christ can foretell a bright reunion-day: [Jesus shall yet restore my dead again;]
“Weep not,” He says, “poor mourning one, […weary one]
But think what I at Nain have done!” [think on what at Nain I’ve done!]

10 When I myself am drawing near to death, [And when I shall myself draw near to death,]
This Jesus shall be there, and thus He saith,
“The race is run, the battle fought,
I am thy light, thy life, weep not!”

11 Oh, sweetest words that Jesus could have sought [spoke]
To cheer His weary troubled ones, “Weep not!” […raise the weary hearts which grief had broke;]
Thrice blessed words! I list’ning stay
Till grief and sorrow flee away!

CHURCH HYMN BOOK

O Blessed word, our Lord expressed,
To the poor widow much distressed—
When thus he saw her weep and mourn:
The death and loss of her dear son.

2 Weep not poor widow, said our Lord,
O! what a consolating word!
A word of comfort evermore,
By which the Savior proved His pow’r.

3 It calmed her sorrows, eased her pain,
When Christ restored her son again;
What more could she on earth request,
To set her troubled heart to rest.

4 What we esteem of greatest worth,
And do prefer to all on earth:
Is often soon removed hence,
And we bewail the consequence.

5 But all must answer for our good,
Though its a cross to flesh and blood;
Our deepest sorrows, tears and cries,
Can work the greatest weight of joys.

6 For all our sorrows, woes, and grief,
The Savior brings about relief;
All His corrections in the end,
Proves Him to be our greatest friend.

GERMAN

O süßes Wort das Jesus spricht
zur armen Wittwe: Weine nicht! [Wittib]
Es kommt mir nie aus meinem Sinn,
zumal, wenn ich betrübet bin.

2 Es wird geredt nicht in ein Ohr
leis, sondern unterm freien Thor,
laut, daß es höret jederman,
und sich hierüber freuen kann.

3 Er redets aber zu der Zeit,
Da Tod und Leben war im Streit;
Drum soll es auch erquicken mich
Im Tod und Leben kräftiglich.

4 Wenn Noth und Armuth mich ansicht,
spricht doch mein Jesus: Weine nicht,
Gott ist dein Vater, trau nur ihm,
erhört er doch der Raben Stimm.

5 Bin ich sehr kraftlos, krank und schwach,
und ist nichts da, denn Weh und Ach,
so tröst mich Jesus noch, und spricht:
Ich bin dein Arzt, drum weine nicht!

6 Raubt mir der Feind mein Gut und Haab,
daß ich muß fort mit einem Stab,
sagt Jesus wieder: Weine nicht!
denk was den frommen Job geschicht.

7 Vertreibt mich des Verfolgers Hand,
Und gönnt mir keinen Sitz im Land,
schreit Jesus in mein Herz, und spricht:
Dein ist der Himmel, weine nicht!

*8 Wann lose Hunds-Bunds-Ketten seind,
ich habe Feind und falsche Freund,
spricht Jesus: Weine nicht! und glaub,
dir kann nicht schaden Asch und Staub.

9 Reißt mir der tod das Liebste hin,
Sagt Jesus: weine nicht! ich bin,
Ders wieder gibt; gedenke dran,
Was ich zu Nain hab gethan.

10 Muß ich selbst ringen mit dem Tod,
ist Jesus da, ruft in der Noth:
Ich bin das leben, weine nicht;
wer an mich glaubt wird nicht gericht.

10 O süsses Wort, das Jesus spricht
In allen Nöthen: Weine nicht!
Ach klinge stets in meinem Sinn!
so fähret alles Trauren hin,

Halleluja! schöner Morgen

Here is my composite of the translations for the Sunday Morning hymn “Halleluja! schöner Morgen” (Jonathan Krause, d. 1762), from Ev.-Luth. Gesangbuch #327, originally in the author’s Gnade und Wahrheit Gottes (1739). Stier highly praises the hymn as one of the best for the beginning of the service. In most common usage is Borthwick’s cento of 4 stanzas, usually, without rhymes in the first and third lines. I present here my composite of Manington and Massie (both use rhymes or near-rhymes in the first and third lines) and include the original renderings below as well. The appointed melody is “Gott des Himmels und der Erden.”

 

 

HAllelujah! fairest morning,
Fairer far than man can say;
Sorrows flee when thou art dawning,
For thou art a welcome day,
Sent the inmost soul to bless
With thy matchless loveliness!

2 Sweetest rest-day for the weary,
Sunday, full of endless light,
Brilliant day in shadows dreary,
Stream with blessings ever bright.
Hours of all eternal gain,
Chasing all my grief and pain:

3 Ah, I savor there th’ excelling
Grace of God, like early dew,
Beck’ning from my earthly dwelling
To the Father’s pastures true,
Where in verity ’tis told:
“Morning hours have lips of gold.”

4 Rest, my earthly toils enslaving!
This day has a task more blest!
All thy needful strength I’m craving,
That my soul in God may rest;
This day brings no work for me,
But for God I’ll toiling be.

5 What fair dress shall beautify me,
That I may God’s praise declare?
Jesus will the robe supply me—
This I to His honor wear;
Jesus’ blood and righteousness
Are the fairest Sunday dress.

6 I, today, in Zion’s stillness,
Will my every hour employ;
For from thence I reap the fulness
Heav’nly pastures can supply,
When Christ feeds this soul of mine
With the Word of life divine.

7 Lord, awaken all sensation,
And prepare Thyself my heart,
Teach me and give consolation,
To Thy manna zest impart,
Let the sounding of Thy Word
Deep within my heart be heard.

8 Bless Thy servants’ faithful preaching,
Touch their lips with fire: embrace
All who listen to their teaching
In Thy Covenant of Grace,
That, whene’er we pray and sing,
To Thy heart the sound shall ring.

 9 Let this Sunday, when ’tis ending,
See the peace it woke, I pray;
Bless and plant, through grace descending,
Lord God of the Sabbath day!
Till in days to come I see
Sabbath hours eternally.

Composite © 2022 Matthew Carver. 

 

Borthwick 1858 etc, omitting st. 5, 7, 8:

ALLELUIA, fairest morning,
Fairer than our words can say!
Down we lay the heavy burden
Of life’s toil and care today,
While this morn of joy and love
Brings fresh vigor from above.

2 Sunday full of holy glory,
Sweetest rest-day of the soul!
Light upon a world of darkness
From thy blessèd moments roll!
Holy, happy, heav’nly day,
Thou canst charm our grief away.

3 Now, I taste my Father’s goodness,
Falling like the morning dew,
While of pastures even fairer
I would take a distant view; 
Where my Shepherd’s flock I see, 
Where my dwelling soon shall be! 

4 Oh, be silent, earthly turmoil!
I have work more sweet and blest,
And each thought would gather homeward
On this happy day of rest:
Thus with clearer faith to see
All my Lord has done for me.

6 In the gladness of His worship
I will seek my joy today; 
It is then I learn the fulness
Of the grace for which I pray,
When the word of life is giv’n,
Like the Savior’s voice from Heav’n.

9 Let the day’s sweet hours be ended
Pray’rfully, as they’ve begun,
And Thy blessing, Lord, be granted,
Till earth’s days and weeks are done;
That at last Thy servant may
Keep eternal Sabbath day.

Massie, Day of Rest (1876), p. 35, omitting st. 3, 6

HAllelujah! day of gladness
Sweeter far than words can say,
Not a thought of care and sadness
Can disturb my breast this day;
For it fills my soul with bliss
By its matchless loveliness.

2 Refuge of the sad and weary,
Balm for every wounded breast,
Light in places dark and dreary,
Day which God Himself hath blest,
Sabbath hours! whose cheerful ray
Drives all sorrow far away.

4 Hush all sounds of noisy pleasure,
Cease from toil, ye busy hands;
On this day your strength and leisure
For Himself the Lord demands:
God’s own work alone can be
Fitting on this day for me.

5 What, my God, is the adorning
Which Thou dost from me require?
Pride may deck herself this morning
With bright gems and gay attire:
Lord, adorn me with the dress
Of Thy spotless righteousness!

7 Waken every holy feeling,
Penetrate mine inmost part,
Holy Spirit, come with healing,
Open Thou Thyself, my heart,
That the Word of Life may find
Ready access to my mind.

8 Bless Thy servants’ faithful preaching,
Touch their lips with fire: embrace
All who listen to their teaching
In Thy Covenant of Grace;
Let us when we sing and pray,
From the heart an Amen say!

9 Grant that as we have begun it,
We may also end the day;
Bless Thy Word, and shed upon it
Plenteous grace, that so we may,
Lord, with Thee, when life shall end,
An eternal Sabbath spend.

Alice Manington, Footprints of the Holy Dead, p. 140ff. (omits st. 8).

HAllelujah! beauteous morning,
Brighter than man dare to say;
Sorrows flee when thou art dawning,
For thou art a holy day,
Sent the inmost soul to bless
With thy meed of loveliness!

2 Sweetest rest-day for the weary,
Sunday, full of endless light,
Piercing gloom with rays so cheery,
Stream with blessings ever bright.
Hours of all eternal gain,
Chasing every grief and pain:

3 Of God’s ceaseless goodness telling,
Falling like the early dew,
Beck’ning from my earthly dwelling
To the Father’s pastures true.
Where, in verity, ’tis told:
“Morning hours have lips of gold.”

4 Rest, today, my toil enslaving,
For I’ve other work in store;
All thy needful strength I’m craving,
That my soul on high may soar!
This day brings no work for me,
But for God I’ll toiling be.

5 What dress shall I wrap around me,
That I may God’s praise declare?
Jesus Christ a Robe has found me—
This I to His honor wear;
Jesus’ blood and righteousness
Is my all enduring dress.

6 I, today, in Zion’s stillness,
Will my every hour employ;
For from thence I reap the fulness
Heav’nly pastures can supply,
When Christ feeds this soul of mine
With the bread of life divine.

7 God, arouse my thoughts within me,
Bare to truth my heaving breast;
Let Thy Word sweet comfort bring me,
Give unto Thy manna zest,
That Thy Word, each living sound,
May within my heart rebound.

9 Let this Sunday, when ’tis ending,
See the peace it woke, I pray;
Bless and plant, through grace descending,
Lord God of the Sabbath day!
Till in days to come I see
Sabbath hours eternally.

GERMAN

Hallelujah, schöner Morgen!
schöner als man denken mag:
heute fühl ich keine Sorgen;
denn das ist ein lieber Tag,
der durch seine Lieblichkeit
recht das Innerste erfreut.

2 Süßer Ruhetag der Seelen,
Sonntag, der voll Lichtes ist,
heller Tag in dunkeln Höhlen!
Zeit in der der Segen fließt!
Stunde voller Seligkeit:
du vertreibst mir alles Leid.

3 Ach, wie schmeck ich Gottes Güte
recht als einen Morgenthau;
die mich führt aus meiner Hütte
zu des Vaters grüner Au:
da hat wohl die Morgenstund
edlen Schatz und Gold im Mund.

4 Ruht mir, meine Weltgeschäfte!
Heute hab ich sonst zu thun;
denn ich brauche alle Kräfte,
in dem höchsten Gott zu ruhn;
Heut schickt keine Arbeit sich,
als nur Gotteswerk, für mich.

5 Wie soll ich mich heute schmücken,
daß ich Gott gefallen mag?
Jesus wird die Kleider schicken,
die ich ihm zu Ehren trag.
Sein Blut und Gerechtigkeit ist
da schönste Sonntagskleid.

6 Ich will in der Zionsstille
heute voller Arbeit sein;
denn da sammle ich die Fülle
vonden höchsten Schätzen ein,
wenn mein Jesus meinen Geist
mit dem Wort des Lebens speist.

7 Herr, ermuntre meine Sinnen
und bereite selbst die Brust;
laß mich Lehr und Trost gewinnen,
gieb zu deinem Manna Lust,
daß mir deines Wortes Hall
recht tief in mein Herze fall.

8 Segne deiner Knechte Lehren,
öffne selber ihren Mund,
Mach mit Allen, die dich hören,
heute deinen Gnadenbund,
daß wenn man hier bet’t und singt,
solches in dein Herze dringt.

9 Gieb, daß ich den Tag beschließe,
wie er angefangen ist.
Segne, pflanze und begieße,
der du Herr des Sabbaths bist;
bis ich einst auf jenen Tag
ewig Sabbath halten mag.

Fließt, ihr Augen, fließt von Thränen (composite)

Here is my composite and supplemental translation of the Passion hymn “Fließt, ihr Augen, fließt von Thränen” (Laurentius Laurentii, 1700), appearing in Ev.-Luth. Gesangbuch #156. It has been a popular hymn at times (Fischer says it is one of Laurentii’s most popular), and in the late 19th c. received a few different English translations in centoes of 4–7 stanzas. The only stanzas never translated in publication were 3 and 6, which I supply here. J. Borthwick translated 1, 4–5, 8, 10–11 in her Hymns from the Land of Luther (1857), though her final two lines each lack a syllable and her first and third line do not rhyme. In 1862, W. H. Walter included all but stanza 8 in his chorale book of 1862, correcting the length of the final lines but leaving lines 1 and 3 unrhymed. In 1863, A. Manington included her Footprints of the Holy Dead a translation of sts. 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 12, of which sts. 1, 4, and 10 are deemed superfluous for our “composite,” though her first stanza has inspired the amendment of line 1 in our version; further, her stanza 7 was considered unsatisfactory and has been given a fresh version by the translator. Finally, every stanza has been brought into alignment regarding the rhyme in lines 1 and 3 and the number of syllables in the last lines. — In the Wisconsin hymnal, the hymn is appointed to be sung to “Zion klagt in Angst und Schmerzen.” However, Fischer notes that in Freylinghausen 1741, it is furnished with a proper melody ascribed to J. S. Bach. Zahn dates this melody to circa 1704 and finds no justification for the ascription to Bach.

 

 

 

 

 

WEEP, mine eyes, with tears o’erflowing,
Thus my guilt and sin bemoan;
Break, my heart, in anguish, knowing
All these sorrows not thine own!
See a spotless Lamb draw nigh
To Jerusalem to die!
For thy sins His blood He offers;

Think, oh, think, for thee He suffers!

2 Now shall be that word fulfillèd,—
Word that told of wrath on high.
What, then, hath the Savior willèd
Earth to tread, but for to die?
Look upon the Son of God
Fainting ’neath the scorner’s rod,
Every wound His bitter grieving,
To your hearts in faith receiving.

3 Now the Lamb of God is given
Over into sinners’ hands
That thy fetters may be riven;
By the Jews and Heathen bands
Now the Stone away is thrown
Who is yet the Cornerstone;
Ah, the Righteous is afflicted
For these slaves to sin addicted!

4 Jesus stands while cruèl fetter
Binds the hand that framed the world,
Now around Him mockings bitter,
Laughter, and contempt are hurled.
Heathen rage and Jewish scorn,
Meekly for our sins are borne.
Precious drops of blood He sheddeth,
Jesus now the wine-press treadeth.

5 Can we view the Savior given

To the smiters’ hands for us?

Who can stand, unmoving even,

And behold Him slighted thus?

Jesus standeth in our stead:

All that man hath merited,

Jesus payeth and endureth—

Which the sinner’s sin procureth.

6 With His holy back He brooketh
Every scourge and stinging rod:
Who on this remorseless looketh?
When the Image of true God,
By the Jewish horde defiled,
Though offenseless, meek, and mild,
Naked, bears such degradation?
Who can stand th’ abomination?

7 Justly thus should they oppress thee,
O thou heart of man depraved!
But there cometh One to bless thee
Who to bear thy sorrows craved—
Jesus, who will emptied be,
And is punished piteously
Beaten, broken with displeasure,
Yea, afflicted without measure.

8 Soon the heavy doom is spoken,
Even Pilate’s pleading ceased,
Over Christ the staff is broken,
And Barabbas is released!
Ah, there is no loving word,
Not one voice of pity heard!
Loudly would they life deny Him:
Crying only “Crucify Him!”

9 To the place of skulls then follow
Mournful in thy Savior’s train,
While in truth, not accents hollow,
Thou dost pray amid thy pain
That the Father in His Child
May behold thee reconciled,
In Thy Ransom sin atoning,

Mercy to thee, needy, loaning.

10 Must I, Jesus, thus perceive Thee
In Thy toil and sorrow here?

Can I nothing better give Thee
Than my unavailing tear?
Lamb of God! I weep for Thee,
Weep, Thy cruèl cross to see,
Weep, for death o’er death victorious,
Weep, for Life immortal, glorious!

11 Poor is all that I can offer—
Soul and body while I live;
Take, O Savior, what I proffer—
Only this have I to give,—
Come, and in this heart remain;
Let each enemy be slain;—
In Thy kingdom, O my Savior,
Let me live with Thee forever!

12 Oh, a thousand times be chanted,
Dearest Jesus, hymns divine!

Death and hell have been supplanted;
Savior, now indeed I’m Thine,
And Thou art the joy I’ve won;
May I see Thee, blessed Son,
Soon in glory undefeated;
Come! Thy suff’rings are completed.

Translation sts. 3, 5b, 6 © 2022 Matthew Carver.
All original lines otherwise © 2022 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Fließt, ihr Augen, fließt von Thränen
und beweinet eure Schuld;
brich, mein Herz, von Seufzen, Sehnen,
weil ein Lämmlein in Geduld
nach Jerusalem zum Tod,
ach, zum Tod! für deine Noth
und der ganzen Welt hinwandelt:
ach, denk, wie du hast gehandelt.

2 Es soll nun vollendet werden,
was davon geschrieben ist,
und warum auf diese Erden
ist gekommen Jesus Christ:
schauet nur des Höchsten Sohn
in dem Leiden, Schmach und Hohn,
in dem Wunden, in den Schmerzen,
und nehmt Alles wohl zu Herzen.

3 Es wird in der Sünder Hände
überliefert Gottes Lamm,
das sich den Verderben wende.
Jud und Heide sind ihm gram
und verwesen diesen Stein,
der ihr Eckstein sollte sein:
ach! das leidet der Gerechte
für die bösen Sündenknechte.

4 Jesus steht in Strick und Banden,
dessen Hand die Welt gemacht,
beiVerachtung, Spott und Schanden,
und wird höhnisch ausgelacht;
Backenstreich und Fänstenschlag,
Jud- und Heiden- grimm und Nach
duldet er für deine Sünden:
wer kann solche Lieb ergründen?

5 Laß es dir zu Herzen gehen,
bessre und bekehre dich!
Wer kann diese That ansehen,
ohne tief zu beugen sich?
Jesus steht an unsrer Statt:
was der Mensch verdienet hat,
büßet Jesus und erduldet,
was der Sünder hat verschuldet.

6 Er hält seinen heilgen Rücken
Geißel, Ruth und Peitschen dar.
Wer kann dies ohn Reu erblicken?
wenn die rohe Judenschaar
Hand anlegt an Gottes Bild,
das so freundlich, fromm und mild,
und doch nackend wird gehauen:
wer kann solche Gräul anschauen?

7 Also sollt man dir begegnen,
du verruchtes Menschenherz,
aber nun kömmt, dich zu segnen
und zu tragen deinen Schmerz,
Jesus, und entblößet sich
und wird dort so jämmerlich,
abgestraft, verspeit, zerschlagen,
daΩß kein Maaß noch Ziel der Plagen.

8 Endlich wird der Schluß gesprochen:
Jesus muß zum Tode gehn;
über ihn der Stab gebrochen;
es hilft hier kein Bitten Flehn.
Barrabbas wird losgezählt,
Jesus wird zum Kreuz erwählt:
weg mit diesem, dem Verfluchten!
ruft der Hause der Verruchten.

9 Folge denn zur Schädelstätte
deinem Jesu traurig nach;
aber auf dem Wege bete,
bet im Geist mit Weh und Ach,
daß der Vater auf kein Kind
als den Bürgen für die Sünd
sehen woll und sich erbarmen
über dich Elenden, Armen.

10 Muß ich, Jesu! dich den sehen
am verfluchten Kreuzespfahl,
ach! so laß ich übergehen
Meine Thränen ohne Zahl.
Ach! erbarm dich, Gotteslamm,
das da hängt am Kreuzesstamm!
ach, erbarm dich! weil dein leiden
mir gedeihen soll zur Freuden.

11 Ich will dir ein Opfer geben:
Seel und Leib ist meine Gab!
Jesu, nimm dies arme leben,
weil ich ja nichts Bessers hab;
tödt in mir, was dir mißfällt,
leb in mir auf dieser Welt;
laß mich mit der leben, sterben,
und dein Reich im Himmel erben!

12 Tausendmal sei dir gesungen,
liebster Jesu, Preis und Ruhm,
daß du Höll und Tod bezwungen!
Nun bin ich dein Eigenthum
und du meine Freud und Wonn:
möcht ich dich, o schönste Sonn,
bald in deiner Krone sehen!
Komm! dein leiden ist geschehen.

 

Jesu, was hat dich getrieben

 Here is my translation of “Jesu, was hat dich getrieben” (L. Laurentii, 1700), his first hymn for the First Sunday in Advent, on Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem. Additionally, below, I include the final version of the incomplete Borthwick / Findlater translation available in Hymns from the Land of Luther (1855 ff.). (My translation was made independently of this version.) The melody is “Seele, laß die Speise stehen.” For this, we find a two strains in Zahn, all from a later source (Dretzel), though he the first in a Bavarian MS a century earlier. Kümmerle explains this a little. Thus we may take the first melody as that most likely intended by Laurentius. The Geistlicher Liederschatz appoints the more familiar “Herr, ich habe mißgehandelt” (see “Lord, to Thee I Make Confession.”)

 

 

JESUS, what compelled Thy going
To Jerusalem this day?
Surely ’twas Thy love, hot-glowing
Suffered not Thy foot to stay.
So Thou goest, that in wonder,
I may go to Salem yonder.

2 Jesus! then, with ardor fitting,
Let me love Thy way the more,
Which is in Thy Scripture written.
Grant no foe, nor guile, nor pow’r
From the path of faith to turn me,
Howsoe’er they beat or burn me.

3 Draw Thou to my spirit nearer,
As Thou didst Jerusalem,
And I’ll count no riches dearer,
Though I be poor Bethlehem.
Thou Thy steps to me addressing,
I will live in Salem’s blessing.

4 To the world Thou, Lord, hast sent me
Like Thy twelve disciples here;
Oh, then let Thy love be lent me,
Let my heart to Thee draw near,
That, as due, I be fulfilling,
Dearest Jesus, all Thy willing!

5 Let me go with joy when bidden,
When and whither Thou wilt send,
Searching not the ending hidden,
Let me all to Thee commend,
To Thy biddings having hearkened,
Though Thy counsel yet be darkened.

6 Let me, Lord, ascribe all glory
To Thy deep humility
Not in word or outward story,
But in deed—make me like Thee,
Humble toward both foe and fellow,
Loving, gen’rous, meek, and mellow.

7 Jesus, if I must surrender
These my clothes, to honor Thee,
Or give up all wealth and splendor
For Thy Law and doctrine free,
Oh! in grief lend patience ever,
Grant that woes may part us never.

8 Then will I both eve and morning
Glad Hosannas to Thee raise,
With glad off’rings Thee adorning,
Heart and lips and deed in praise,
Lord, hosanna! I adore Thee,
Hear the pray’rs I lay before Thee!

Translation © 2021 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1 Jesu, was hat dich getrieben,
Nach Jerusalem zu geh'n?
Ach, dein heiß entflammtes Lieben
Läßet dich nicht stille stehn;
du gehst, daß ich werd' erhoben
ins Jerusalem dort oben.

2 Laß mich wieder herzlich lieben
deine Weg, o Jesu Christ!
die dein Wort mir vorgeschrieben;
laß nicht Feind, Gewalt, noch List
mich vom Glaubenswege leiten,
Sollt ich bis aufs Blut gleich streiten.

3 Nahe dich zu meiner Seelen,
Wie du zu Jerusalem,
So kann mir kein Reichtum fehlen
Bin ich gleich ein Bethlehem,
Wenn du bist bei mir zugegen,
So leb ich in Salems Segen.

4 Weil du mich, wie deine Jünger,
Hast auch in die Welt gesandt;
Ach, so sei mein Herzbezwinger,
daß es dir bleib zugewandt;
In Gehorsam deinen Willen,
Liebster Jesu, zu erfüllen.

5 Laß mich gern und willig gehen,
Wenn und wo du sendest mich,
und nicht auf den Ausgang sehen,
sondern lassen walten dich,
und das tun, was mir befohlen,
ob mir gleich der Rat verhohlen.

6 Laß mich deine Demut preisen
nicht mit Worten noch mit Schein,
sondern in der Tat erweisen,
daß ich, wie du, möge sein,
gegen jedermann demütig,
liebreich, milde, sanft und gütig.

7 Soll ich, Jesu, dir zu Ehren,
meine Kleider ziehen aus,
und um dein Gebot und Lehren
gar verlassen Hof und Haus,
ach, so gib Gedult im Leiden,
und laß uns daß Kreuz nicht scheiden.

8 So will ichi mit Freuden singen
Hosianna früh und spaht,
und mein Freudenopfer bringen
dir mit Herzen, Mund und Tat;
Hosianna in der Höhe,
Höre, Jesu, was ich flehe!

FINDLATER’S TRANSLATION

1  Jesus! what was that which drew Thee

To Jerus’lem’s ancient gate?

Ah! the love that burned so truly

Would not suffer Thee to wait!

On Thou journeydst, thus securing

Me a city more enduring.

 

3 To my spirit, now, draw nearer,

Lord! as to Jerusalem!

Let each moment prove Thee dearer,

Make this heart a Bethlehem!

Thus my Saviour’s love possessing,

Surely I have Salem’s blessing.

 

4 To the wor-ld Thou hast sent me,

Like the twelve that saw Thy face;

Lead me through the journey gently,

Keep me near Thee by Thy grace,

My allotted work fulfilling,

Ever ready, ever willing.

 

5 Let me gladly see my calling,

When and where Thou sendest me,

Never into darkness falling,

Gazing on futurity;

But obey when Thou hast bidden,

Though Thy counsel should be hidden.

 

6 Let me follow Thee, my Savior,

Not with words or empty show;

Let my heart, my life, behavior,

Prove Thy presence here below.

Meekly with the froward bearing,

And each brother’s burden sharing!

 

7 O my Lord! if Thou shouldst ever

Call me desolate to roam

For Thy truth and conscience sever

Every tie of house and home,—

Robbed of ev’ry other blessing,

I am rich, Thy love possessing!

 

8 So shall I, hosannas singing,

All the desert-way rejoice;

Late and early, praises bringing,

Though with often falt’ring voice,—

Yet my feeble notes ascending,

With the strains of heav’n are blending!

Tr. J. L. Borthwick / S. L. Findlater, alt.