Walther's Index (English)

Index to "Walther's Hymnal" i.e., KELG or KGELG (Kirchengesangbuch für evangelischen lutherischen Geminden unveränderter Augsburgischer Confession)

If you know of competent translations of these hymns other than the ones listed here, let me know. Many translations are indicated because they happen to be public domain. Those possibly under copyright are indicated with a © mark. Those that exist under the given English title in popular hymnals are for the most part not provided with translation notes: I'll add the links to my translations as I have time.


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I. Sunday

1. All Glory Be to God on High
2. Abide with Us, Our Savior
3. Amen! With Ears Perceiving (1600s, tr. Carver, 2008)
4. Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now
5. Lord, Open Thou My Heart
6. This Is God’s Holy Day of Rest (tr. Carver)
7. Kyrie! God Father in Heaven Above (tr. G. Polack ©)
8. Dearest Jesus, We Are Here
9. Now, the Hour of Worship O’er (Schenck, tr. Composite)
10. Let Earth Now Shout unto the Lord
11. To Father, Son and Holy Ghost* (Straßburg; tr. Carver)
12. To Father, Son and Holy Ghost* (Deler; tr. Carver)

II. Advent and Christmas

13. Arise, Sons of the Kingdom!
14. Arise, My Soul, and Through the Air (tr. Carver)
15. Now Praise We Christ, the Holy One
16. The Bridegroom Soon Will Call Us
17. O Hail this Brightest Day of Days (Klug, tr. Terry)
18. O Rejoice, Ye Christians, Loudly
19. Rejoice, Ye Sons of Adam All! (Freund, tr. Carver)
20. All My Heart This Night Rejoices
21. O Jesus Christ, All Praise to Thee (Luther, tr. A.T. Russell)
22. Once He Came in Blessing (tr. Winkworth / Carver)
23. Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord (Held, tr. Winkworth)
24. Lord Christ, Son of the Father (Creuziger, tr. Carver)
25. I Bid Thee Welcome Now (Ziegler, tr. Carver)
26. Come, Thou Precious Ransom, Come (Olearius, tr. Crull)
27. Comest Thou Jesus, from Heaven (Nachtenhöfer, tr. Fowler /Carver)
28. Let Us All with Gladsome Voice
29. To God We Render Thanks (Weiße, tr. Mor. H.-Book, 1859)
30. Praise God, the Lord, Ye Sons of Men
31. Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
32. Hear, O Mortal Being (Herman, tr. Carver)
33. Ye Sons of Men, in Earnest
34. Now Are the Days Fulfilled
35. The New Church Year Again Is Come
36. Savior of the Heathen, Come (Luther, tr. Reynolds)
37. Now Sing We, Now Rejoice
38. O Royal Son of David’s Line (von Zesen, tr. Carver)
39. O Jesus Christ! Thy Manger Is
40. Behold! Behold! What Wonders Here (Gerhardt, tr. Kelly)
41. From Heav’n Above to Earth I Come
42. To Shepherds As They Watched by Night
43. Since Adam’s Age, So Long Ago (tr. Carver)
44. O Lord, How Shall I Meet Thee
45. We Christians May Rejoice Today
46. We Sing, Immanuel, Thy Praise

III. New Year

47. Unto Thy Faithfulness, O Christ — Heermann, tr. Carver.
48. The Old Year Now Hath Passed Away — Steuerlein, tr. Winkworth.
49. The New-born Child This Early Morn — Schneegaß, tr. ELH 1898.
50. To God the Anthem Raising — Eber, tr. Døving.
51. O Lord, Our Father, Thanks to Thee — Schneegaß, tr. Crull.
52. Help Us, O Lord! Behold We Enter — Rist, tr. Winkworth.
53. Rejoice, O Christendom, Rejoice — Liscow, tr. Carver.
54. Now Let Us Come Before Him — Gerhardt, tr. Kelly.
55. Lord, Now We Start Another Year — Werner, tr. Carver.
56. Why Should They Such Pain E’er Give Thee — Gerhardt, tr. Kelly.

IV. Epiphany

57. Arise and Shine in Splendor — Opitz, tr. Gieschen.
58. At Last, Dear Soul, the Time Is Here — tr. Carver.
59. O Jesus, King of Glory — tr. Winkworth.
60. Why, Herod, Unrelenting Foe — Luther, tr. Massie.
61. Thee, Lord, We Thank, Now Gathered Here — tr. Carver.

V. Purification

62. O Dearest Jesus, Thee I Pray — Helder, tr. Crull.
63. Thank God! My Jesus Cleanseth Me! — Olearius, tr. Crull.
64. Light of the Gentile World! —
65. In Peace and Joy I Now Depart —

VI. Annunciation

66. Rejoice! Thou Precious Christendom — tr. Carver.
67. Now Let Us Gravely Ponder — tr. Carver.
68. O Wonder Vast! We Have at Last — tr. Carver.

VII. Passion

69. O Christ, Thou Lamb of God
70. Our Blessed Savior Sev’n Times Spoke
71. On the Cross my Love ascendeth — tr. Carver.
72. Jesu, Thy Soul Renew My Own — tr. J. Wesley.
73. A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth — tr. Comp.
74. Lord Jesus, Thy Distress and Pain — Unknown, tr. M. Carver.
75. O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou — Heermann, tr. Winkworth.
76. Jesus, I Will Ponder Now — von Birken, tr. Crull.
77. O What Precious Balm and Healing — Heerman, tr. Massie.
78. Jesus, Who Art Gladly Going — Francke, tr. Carver.
79. Christ, the Life of All the Living — Homburg, tr. Winkworth.
80. Come Here and See — Bapzien, tr. Carver.
81. O My Soul, Take Comfort, See — Schade, tr. Carver.
82. Oh! Could I But Sufficient Tears be Shedding — Sacer, tr. Carver.
83. Thou Man of Sorrows, Hail! — Thebesius, tr. Russell.
84. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded — Gerhardt, tr. Composite.
85. Lord Jesus Christ, My Life, My Light — Behm, tr. Winkworth.
86. O Lamb of God Most Holy — Decius, tr. Russell.
87. O Lamb of God Most Holy (var.?) — Decius + ?, tr. Russell / Carver.
88. O Darkest Woe — Unkn / Rist, tr. Winkworth
89. Upon the Cross Extended — Gerhardt, tr. Kelly.
90. Boast, O World, of All Thy Learning — Job, tr. Carver.
91. Thousand Times by Me Be Greeted — Gerhardt, tr. Moravian Hymn-book.
92. Lord Jesus, Thou Art Going Forth — Nachtenhöfer, tr. Polack ©.
93. So Rest, My Rest! — Franck, tr. Massie.
94. When o’er My Sins I Sorrow
95. We Bless Thee, Jesus Christ Our Lord — Fischer (Vischer), tr. Kennedy

VIII. Resurrection

96. This Is Such a Holy Day — tr. Carver, et al.
97. Awake My Heart with Gladness
98. Christ is Arisen (Lord Have Mercy)
99. Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands
100. Christ the Lord is Ris’n Again — Weisse, tr. Winkworth.
101. Though surely Death had swallow’d — Werner, tr. M. Carver.
102. Thou Mighty Champion, Jesus, Lord — Mylius, tr. M. Carver (also, A. Crull).
103. The Day hath Dawned—the Day of Days tr. Russell / Carver
104. O Rejoice, Ye/All Christians, Loudly (Easter version)* (tr. Winkworth / Carver)
105. Ere Yet the Dawn Hath Filled the Skies (tr. Winkworth./ATR/Carver)
106. To God Give Thanks and Him Revere (tr. Carver)
107. Today Triumphant Is God’s Son (tr. Carver [to do: consult other English versions])
108. I Am Content! My Jesus Liveth Still (tr. Crull)
109. Jesus! Thou Awide Who Breakest (tr. Carver)
110. Jesus Christ Who Came to Save (tr. Bacon / Carver)
111. Jesus Christ, My Sure Defense
112. O Death! Where is Thy Cruel Sting (tr. Composite)
113. Be Joyful All, Both Far and Near tr. Kelly.
114. We Lift Our Voice with Joyful Noise (tr. Carver)
115. Where Wilt Thou Go, Since Night Draws Near

IX. Ascension

116. Oh, Conqueror of Mighty Sway ( tr. Carver)
117. On Christ’s Ascension I Now Build (tr. Czamanske)
118. Today Our Lord Went Up on High (tr. Winkworth / Carver)
119. Christ Rose to Heaven (tr. Carver)
120. Thou Prince of Life, Ascended Lord (tr. Novello / Carver)
121. Lo, God to Heav’n Ascendeth
122. O Children of Your God, Rejoice tr. A.T. Russell / M. Carver)
123. We Thank Thee, Jesus, Dearest Friend (tr. Loy)
124. Draw Us to Thee, for Then Shall We ( tr. Crull)

X. Pentecost

125. God Cherished From Eternity (tr. Carver)
126. The Holy Ghost to Earth Was Sent (tr. Carver)
127. The Rich Grace of the Holy Ghost (tr. Carver)
128. Rejoice, Ye Christians Proudly (tr. Carver)
129. God Grant a Gentle Shower (Crull)
130. O Father! Send Thy Spirit Down (tr. Kelly)
131. Lord I Would Venture on Thy Word (tr. Carver)
132. Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest (tr. Caswall)
133. Come, Holy Ghost, and Fill the Hearts (tr. Carver [to do: cf. English chant])
134. Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord! (tr. Comp.)
135. Come, O Come, Thou Quick’ning Spirit (tr. Schaeffer)
136. We Now Implore God the Holy Ghost (tr. Composite)
137. O Mighty God, Thou Purest Essence (tr. Carver)
138. O Holy Ghost, Thou Highest One (tr. Carver)
139. O Holy Ghost, Eternal God (tr. Crull)
140. O Holy Spirit, Enter In (tr. Winkworth)
141. Oh, Enter, Lord, Thy Temple

XI. Trinity & Trinity-tide

142. All Glory Be to God Alone ( tr. Polack)
143. Thou Who art Three in Unity (tr. Massie)
144. The Lord, My God, Be Praised ( tr. Winkworth)
145. God the Father, Be Our Stay (tr. Massie)
146. Alleluia! Let Praises Ring! (tr. Composite)
147. Isaiah, Mighty Seer in Days of Old (tr. Composite)
148. My Mouth Shall Gladly Worship (tr. Carver)
149. O God, Most Sacred Trinity (tr. Carver)
150. The Mystery Hidden from the Eyes tr. R. Massie (or tr. J. Kelly.)

XII. St. John the Baptist (24. June)

151. When All the World was Cursed (LW)
152. The God of Israel Be Blest (tr. Carver)
153. O Jesus, Lamb of God, Thou art! ( tr. Crull)

XIII. Visitation (2. July)

154. My Soul, O God, Gives Praise to Thee (tr. Carver)

XIV. St. Michael

155. For Love God Gives to Christendom (tr. Carver)
156. Lord God, to Thee We Give All Praise (tr. Cronenwett)
157. O God! Thy Children Who Dost Love (tr. Carver)

XV. Reformation Day (31 October)

158. A Mighty Fortress is Our God (tr. Composite)
159. Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word (tr. Winkworth, alt.)
160. O Lord, Thy Blessed, Saving Word ( tr. Carver)
161. O God, Our Lord, Thy Holy Word (tr. Polack / Carver)
162. If God Had Not Been on Our Side (tr. Composite)
163. Thee, Ever, God, We Thank and Laud ( tr. Carver)

XVI. Commemorations of Holy Apostles

164. Lord Jesus, Treasure of Mankind (tr. Carver)

XVII. God’s Word and the Christian Church

165. Lord Jesus Christ! with Us Abide tr. Composite.
166. O God, Look Down From Heaven, Behold tr. Composite.
167. Lord of Our Life, and God of Our Salvation — tr., adapt. Pusey.

On a Church’s Anniversary.

168. Thrice Holy God, Incline Thy Sight tr. Carver.
169. Preserve Thy Word, O Savior tr. Schaefer/Carver.
170. The Mouth of Fools doth God Confess tr. Massie
171. May God Bestow on Us His Grace tr. Massie.
172. May God Be Gracious and Merciful unto Us tr. Carver.
173. O Lord of Hosts, Thy Holy Word tr. Carver.
174. Let Me Be Thine Forever tr. Loy.
175. O Christ, Our True and Only Light —
176. Thine Honor Save, O Christ, Our Lord (tr. Loy)
177. Grant Peace, We Pray, in Mercy, Lord tr. Carver.
178. We Men, O God, Are All Unfit tr. Carver.

XVIII. Catechism Hymns

179. Lord, Help Us Ever to Retain tr. Loy.

1. The Law
180. That Men a Godly Life Might Live tr. Massie.
181. Wilt Thou, O Man, Live Happily tr. Massie.
182. Almighty Lord of Earth and Heaven

2. The Christian Faith
183. We All Believe in One True God, Who Created tr. Composite.
184. We All Believe in One True God, Father tr. Winkworth.

3. The Lord’s Prayer
185. Our Father, Who from Heav’n Above

4. Holy Baptism
186. To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord tr. Winkworth.
187. Ye Baptized People, One and All tr. Composite.
188. O Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Thou God tr. Carver.
189. Lord! Make Us As Thy Children Small tr. Carver.
190. Dearest Jesus! We are Here tr. Winkworth / Carver.
191. O God! When I Could Find No Cure tr. Carver.

5. Holy Absolution
192. Yea, as I Live, Jehovah Saith tr. Loy.
193. O Faithful God, Thanks Be to Thee tr. Composite.

6. Holy Communion
194. Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Living Bread tr. Russell / Carver (supp.)
Nun freut euch lieben Christ’n
195. O Lord, We Praise, Bless Thee and Adore Thee tr. Composite.

(Morning Hymn before Communion)
196. Praise the Lord! The Day of Blessing tr. Carver.
197. Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hast Prepared tr. Cronenwett.
198. Lord Jesus Christ, My Faithful Shepherd —tr. Winkworth/Carver.
199. Lord Jesus! Thanks and Praise Be Thine tr. Carver.
200. Lord Jesus, My Heart’s Pleasure tr. Carver.
201. Now to Thy Grace Invited tr. Carver.
202. I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table tr. Composite/Carver.
203. Thy Table Dear I Now Draw Near tr. Carver.
204. I Long at Every Hour tr. Carver.
205. Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior tr. ELHB / Massie.
206. O Jesus, Bridegroom From Above tr. Carver.
207. O Jesus, Thou My Blessing tr. Carver.
208. O Shepherd Ever-Caring tr. Carver.
209. Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God (liturgical / KJV)
210. Soul, Adorn Thyself with Gladness tr. Winkworth.

XIX. Repentance and Confession

211. Oh, God, Impart Thy Grace to Us tr. Carver.
212. Alas, My God, How Great My Load tr. Winkworth / Carver.
213. In Thee Alone, O Christ My Lord tr. Russell.
214. From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee tr. C. Winkworth.
215. So Great is Thy Devotion, Lord (tr. Carver)
216. Lord Jesus Christ! Thou Highest Good tr. Winkworth/Carver.
217. Jesus Christ! Thou King Supreme tr. Carver.
218. A Wretched Man and Wretched Sinner tr. Carver.
219. A Sinner Poor, I Come to Thee tr. Carver.
220. I Will Return unto the Lord tr. Winkworth/Carver
221. Jesus, Thou My Soul Hast Wrested tr. Carver.
222. Jesus Sinners Doth Receive tr. Composite.
223. Now Is the Time of Grace tr. Spiritual Hymns.
224. Oh, Come, Ye Sinners, Straying Long tr. Carver.
225. Remove From Us, O Faithful God! tr. Terry/Carver.
226. O God, Thou Righteous, Faithful Lord tr. Crull.
227. O God Above, Reveal Thy Love tr. Carver.
228. O Lord, My God, I Only May tr. Carver.
229. So Truly As I Live, God Saith
230. O Whither Shall I Flee? tr. Morav. H.B.
231. Oh See, What Righteousness and Light tr. Carver.

XX. Faith and Justification

232. Oh, How Great is Thy Compassion tr. Crull.
233. God Loved the World So That tr. Crull.
234. By Grace I’m Saved tr. Loy.
235. This Is Faithful, Tried and True (tr. Carver)
236. All Mankind Fell in Adam’s Fall
237. Salvation unto Us is Come
238. Lord Jesus Christ, My Salve and Light (Rist; tr. Carver)
239. Through Jesus’ Blood and Merit
240. Now I Have Found the Firm Foundation
241. I Know My Faith is Founded
242. My Savior Sinners doth Receive (Lehr; tr. Comp./Carver)
243. Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice!
244. O Son of God, O Christ Our Lord (Denicke; tr. Carver)
245. Seek Where Ye May to Find a Way
246. If Thy Beloved Son, O God

XXI. Jesus

247. My Truest Friend Abides in Heaven (Der beste Freund ist in dem Himmel; tr. Comp.)
248. The Lord, the Earth Who Ruleth (Kelly, p. 266)
249. One Thing’s Needful, Lord, this Treasure
250. Jesus, Savior, Come to Me
251. Jesus, Priceless Treasure
252. Jesus, Joy of All My Heart
253. Jesus, Jesus, Only Jesus
254. Jesus Mine I Will Not Leave (Linzner; tr. Carver)
255. Jesus I Will Never Leave (…Who for me Himself…)
256. O Jesus Christ! My Fairest Light (tr. Kelly)
257. O Jesus, Jesus, God's Own Son (J. Heermann; tr. Carver)
258. O Jesus Sweet, To Think on Thee (Moller, after Bernard; tr. Carver)
259. O Treasure of All Treasures (Schatz über alle Schätze; tr. Carver)
260. Jesus, Bridegroom Mine
261. How Lovely shines the Morning-Star
262. My Soul’s Best Friend, What Joy and Blessing

XXII. Christian Life

263. O God, Forsake Me Not!
264. Oh, What Are We Without Jesus (Ach! was sind wir ohne Jesum?; tr. Carver)
265. Jehovah, Let Me Now Adore Thee
266. Renew Me, O Eternal Light!
267. O Thou God of Truth Who Art (Gott! der du wahrhaftig bist; tr. Carver)
268. From Eternity, O God (orig. for Whitsunday)
269. Lord Jesus, Sun of Goodness (Herr Jesu, Gnadensonne; tr. Carver)
270. Lord, As Thou Wilt, Deal Thou with Me
271. Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart
272. O Help Me, God, That E'er For Thee (Hilf mir, mein Gott! hilf, daß nach dir; tr. Carver)
273. Lord Jesus Christ, I Call on Thee (Ich ruf zu dir; tr. Composite)
274. My God, My Works, and All I Do
275. Jesus Christ, My Pride and Glory (Olearius; tr. Kretzmann / Carver)
276. Come Hither Saith the Son of God (Kommt her zu mir; tr. Mor. H-Book / Carver)
277. Come and Hear Our Blessed Savior (Heermann/Denicke; tr. Jacobi, alt.)
278. Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
279. Come, My Soul, Thyself Prepare
280. Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake
281. O God, Thou Faithful God
282. Rise ! To Arms! With Prayers Employ You!
283. Be Thou Faithful to the Ending (Sei getreu bis an das Ende; tr. Warner, alt./Carver)
284. Be True to God, O Man, and Keep (Sei Gott getreu, halt seinen Bund; tr. Carver)
285. What Is the World to Me
286. Soul, What Return Has God, Thy Savior (Lochner; tr. Comp.)
287. How Can I Thank Thee, Lord?
288. Why Art Thou Proud, Poor Clod of Earth (Was willt du, armer Erdenkloß; tr. Carver)
289. Thou One All Skills Possess (Burmeister; tr. Carver)
290. How Can It Be, My Highest Light (tr. Kelly)
291. Blessed Is the Man That Never (tr. Døving)

XXIII. Morning Hymns

292. My Inmost Heart Now Raises (tr. Winkworth)
293. While Yet the Morn Is Breaking (tr. Winkworth)
294. The Radiant Sun Shines in the Skies (tr. Comp.)
295. The Night-Time Now Is Passed Away (Die Nacht nunmehr vergangen ist; tr. Carver)
296. Awake My Heart and Mind, Awake (Ermuntre dich, Herz, Muth und Sinn; tr. Carver)
297. God, Who Madest Earth and Heaven (tr. Winkworth)
298. Praise God, the Day Is Here at Last (Gott lob, der Tag ist nun herbei; tr. Carver)

At the Week’s Beginning

299. As We Begin Another Week
300. I Thank Thee, Lord, for Keeping (Ich dank’ dir, lieber Herre!; tr. Carver)
301. I Thank Thee, Father, Through Thy Son (Ich dank’ dir schon durch deinen Sohn; tr. Carver)
302. Now that the Day Hath Reached its Close (Möckhel; tr. Carver)
303. O Blessed, Holy Trinity (tr. Schuette, alt.)
304. Awake My Heart, Be Singing (P. Gerhardt; tr. Kelly)
305. How Lovely Shines the Morning Star (Wiesenmayer; tr. Cox, alt.)

XXIV. Table Hymns

1.Before Eating

306. Lord, Bless For us What Thou Hast Sent (Geseg’n uns, Herr! die Gaben dein; tr. Carver)
307. Mighty God, We Wretched Sinners (Großer Gott! wir armen Sünder; tr. Carver)
308. Feed Thy Children, God Most Holy (Heermann; tr. Comp.)

2. After Eating

309. To God the Lord Be Praises (Helmbold; tr. Mor. H.-Book, alt.)
310. Our Thanks We Give to God Above (Wir danken Gott für seine Gab’n; tr. Carver)

XXV. Evening Hymns

311. Oh, My Lord, Behold, I Greet Thee (Schlicht; tr. Carver)
312. Lord Christ, Thou Art the Heavenly Light (Alber; tr. Terry)
313. Christ, Everlasting Source of Light (tr. ELHB)
314. O God, Be with Us, for the Night Is Falling (Herbert; tr. based on Winkworth)
315. Before Thy Throne I Now Appear (Hodenburg; tr. ELHB)
316. Once Again, O Lord, Is Ended (Neumann; tr. Mueller, alt./Carver)
317. The Sun’s Last Beam of Light Is Gone (Herman; tr. Comp.)
318. I Thank Thee, God, Whose Loving Way (Heermann: Ich danke dir, liebreicher Gott!; tr. Carver)
319. Now Rest Beneath Night’s Shadow (tr. ELHB)
320. Since Now the Day Hath Reached Its Close (tr. ELHB)
321. Sink Not Yet My Soul to Slumber (tr. ELHB)

At the Week’s End

322. God, to Thee My Spirit Sendeth (Gott! mein Herz dir Dank zusendet; tr. Carver)

XXVI. Vocation & Calling

323. All Depends on Our Possessing
324. With the Lord Begin Thy Task
325. Now Let My Task Be Undertaken (M. Walther; tr. Carver)
326. I Venture Forward Now (von Hippen; tr. Carver)

Marriage Hymns

327. Those Who Wish for Wedded Union (Wer den Ehstand will erwählen; tr. Carver)
328. Happy the Man Who Feareth God (Luther; tr. Massie)

Travel Hymns

329. In All My Plans, Thou Highest (Fleming; tr. Comp.)
330. In God's Name Let Us On Our Way (Herman; tr. Carver)
331. With God Be Thou Thy Voyage Making (Wer nur mit seinem Gott verreiset; tr. Carver)

Harvest Hymn

332. Rejoice, Ye Great and Small (C. Schmidt; tr. Carver)

Appendix for Children

333. Dear God, I Pray Thee Graciously (Mein Lieber Gott; tr. M. Carver)
334. There Is Within This Heart of Mine (B. Walther / B. Derschow; tr. A. Crull)
335. O Faithful God, My Thanks to Thee (B. Derschow; tr. Carver0

XXVII. Songs of Praise and Thanks

336. The Lord Hath Helped Me Hitherto
337. Lord God, Thy Praise We Sing (Luther's Te Deum)
338. O God, My Father, Thanks to Thee (P. Gerhardt; tr. Kelly)
339. O Lord! I Sing With Mouth and Heart (P. Gerhardt; tr. Kelly)
340. With Thanks I Wish to Enter (P. Gerhardt; tr. M. Tangner.)
341. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
342. Praise, Laud, and Thanks Be to Our God (Moller; tr. Carver)
343. Praise Ye Jehovah (Selnecker; tr. Carver)
344. O Praise the Lord, All Heathendom (Lobet den Herren, ihr Heiden all; tr. Carver)
345. My God, I Thank Thee Heartily (Mein Gott, ich danke herzlich dir; tr. Carver)
346. Now Thank We All Our God
347. All Ye Who On This Earth Do Dwell (P. Gerhardt; tr. Ramsey)
348. My Soul, Now Bless Thy Maker
349. O That I Had a Thousand Voices
350. Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above
351. I Will Sing My Maker’s Praises

XXVIII. Cross and Comfort

352. Ah God, My Days Are Dark Indeed (P. Gerhardt; tr. Winkworth, alt./Carver)

In the Course of Death.

353. Dear Christians, Now Be of Good Cheer (Spaiser/Gigas; tr. Carver)
354. In God, My Faithful God
355. Commit Whatever Grieves Thee
356. God Brings Restoration (Stockmann; tr. Carver)
357. God Leads His Saints By Seldom Ways (Gott führt die Seinen wunderlich; tr. Carver)
358. God Ever True Remains (Wilhelmi; tr. Carver)
359. God Liveth Still (Zihn; tr. Cox)
360. O Lord, Redeemer of Thy Host (Freder, after the Litany; tr. Carver)
361. Lord God, Who Art My Father Dear (Mathesius; tr. Crull)
362. Help, Savior, Help, in Fear and Need (Moller; tr. Cronenwett)
363. I Am Content, Christ Jesus Is My Lord
364. I Leave All Things to God's Direction
365. In Thee, Lord, I Have Put My Trust
366. If God Himself Be For Me
367. Keep Firm! God Won't Forsake Them (Kessler, tr. Composite)
368. (The common Litany)
369. Soft My Soul Reposes (Meine Seel ist stille zu Gott; tr. Carver)
370. Look Up to Thy God Again (P. Gerhardt, tr. Kelly.)
371. Seems It Only in My Anguish (Sollt es gleich bisweilen scheinen; tr. Comp.)
372. Tend Me, Father, with Thy Care (Sorge, Vater, sorge du; tr. Carver)
373. Faithful God, My Heart's Affliction (Heermann: Treuer Gott, ich muß dir klagen; tr. Carver)
374. From God Can Nothing Move Me
375. Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me
376. What God Ordains Is Always Good
377. The Will of God Is Always Best
378. O Thou, My Soul, So Tender (Heermann: Was willt du dich betrüben; tr. Carver)
379. Let Not Such a Thought E'er Pain Thee (P. Gerhardt; tr. Kelly)
380. When Afflictions Sore Oppress You (Olearius; tr. Cox)
381. Who Trusts In God, a Strong Abode
382. If Thou But Suffer Got to Guide Thee
383. As God Shall Lead I'll Take My Way (Wie Gott mich führt, so will ich gehn; tr. H. Mills)
384. How Long, How Long, O Sov'reign God (Heermann: Wie lang hab ich, o höchster Gott; tr. Carver)
385. Zion Mourns in Fear and Anguish

XXIX. In Special Times of Danger.

1. In General National Emergency.

386. Turn From Us, Gracious God, Thy Wrath (tr. Carver)
387. When in the Hour of Deepest Need

2. In Times of War

388. Grant Peace, O God of Faithfulness (Schneegraß; tr. Carver)
389. God, Grant Peace to This Thy Nation (Edelmann; tr. Carver)

3. Under Persecution

390. O Lord Our Father, Shall We Be Confounded
391. Shall I Not Trust My God Ever (Olearius; tr. Carver)

4. In Severe Storms

392. A Tempest Fills the Skies (Ein Wetter steiget auf; tr. Carver)
393. As Thunder Rolls, Dear God, We Plead (Es donnert sehr, o lieber Gott; tr. Carver)

After the Storm

394. Who Is a God Like Thee, Jehovah (Wo ist ein solcher Gott zu finden; tr. Carver)

5. In Severe Drought

395. Alas, O Lord, Thou Righteous God (N. Herman: Ach Herre, du gerechter Gott; tr. Carver)

XXX. Death and Burial Hymns

Prayer for a gentle and blessed end.

396. O God, As Now I Contemplate (Ach Gott, wenn ich bei mir betracht; tr. Carver)
397. All Men Living Are But Mortal
398. The End, O Mortal, Ponder (Bedenke Mensch, das Ende; tr. Carver)
399. The Truth and Life is Christ Our King (Christ ist die Wahrheit und das Lebn; tr. Carver)
400. For Me to Live Is Jesus

At the Burial of Children and the Young

401. Mine Art Thou Still, and Mine Shalt Be (P. Gerhardt; tr. Kelly)
402. I Am a Poor and Little Worm (Frölich; tr. Carver)
403. I've Had Enough! O Lord, My Spirit Take (Burmeister; tr. Carver)
404. O Rejoice, My Spirit, Gladly (Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele; tr. Carver)

At the Burial of Infants

405. Praise God, This Hour of Sorrow (Heermann/Brorson; tr. Smeby/Carver)
406. (See #85).
407. Lord Jesus Christ, True Man and God (tr. Winkworth)
408. Now Hush Your Cries and Shed No Tears (Prudentius/N. Herman; tr. Winkworth)
409. A Pilgrim and a Stranger (P. Gerhardt; tr. Borthwick, alt./Carver)
410. Lord, in Thy Power I Shall Remain (S. Dach; tr. Carver)
411. A Little Babe, Born Lately (Ich war ein kleines Kindlein; tr. Carver)
412. I Fall Asleep in Jesus' Wounds (tr. Winkworth, alt.)
413. Cease, O Cease, My Friends, Your Weeping (Heermann; tr. Carver)
414. Suffer the Children Tender (Lasset die Kindlein kommen zu mir; tr. Carver)

Death Hymn for Children

415. With Joy I Now My Journey Make (Mit Freuden will ich fahrn dahin; tr. Carver)
416. In the Midst of Earthly Life

To Sing at the Graveside

417a. Now Lay We Calmly In the Grave* (Weiße/Neumark; tr. Winkworth/Carver)
417b. Ye Bear Me to My Earthly Grave* (Weiße/Neumark; tr. Winkworth/Carver)
418. So Poor and Small, I Lie at Rest (Nun lieg ich armer Würmelein; tr. Carver)
419. Be Glad, My Heart, Now Fear No More (P. Gerhardt; tr. Kelly)

Prayer to the Holy Trinity at Death.

420. O Lord My God, to Thee I Cry (tr. Winkworth)
421. O Mortal, Keep Thine End in Sight (Heermann; tr. Carver)
422. O Death, Thou Canst Not Shake Me (Quirsfeld; tr. Carver)
423. O World, I Now Must Leave Thee (Hesse; tr. Winkworth/Carver)

Dialogue Between the Living and the Dead

424a. O How Blest Are Ye Whose Toils Are Ended* (Dach; tr. Longfellow)
424b. Truly We to Glory Have Arisen* (Pfeffer; tr. K. Runge ?©)

At the Burial of Children and the Young

425. My Course Is Run, In Glory (Sacer; tr. Comp./Carver)
426. Farewell I Gladly Bid Thee (Herberger; tr. Winkworth)
427. What Is Our Existence (Titius; tr. Carver)
428. When My Last Hour Is Close at Hand
429. Who Knows When Death Shall Overtake Me
430. How Short Man's Life, How Brief the Measure (Z. Hermann; tr. Carver)

XXXI. Eternity, the Resurrection and the Final Judgment.

431. For Thy Return, O Jesus, Lord (Bischoff; tr. Carver)
432. The Time Is Very Near (P. Gerhardt; tr. Kelly)
433. The Time Is Surely Drawing Near

[The Woes of Eternity.]

434. Eternity, Thou Word of Fear (Rist; tr. Comp./Carver)
435. How Shall We for Earthly Joys Be Sighing (Alberti; tr. Carver)
436. Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying
437. When God My Soul Shall Sever (Dach; tr. Carver)

ADDENDUM

Hymn for the Festival of the Reformation (§ XV.)

438. If God Were Not upon Our Side

Heroic Christian Courage (§ XVI.)

439. Rise Again, Ye Lion-Hearted [to do: several stanzas of lesser quality]

Morning Hymn (§ XXIII.)

440. Now Day Drives Off the Gloomy Night (Weiße; tr. Carver)

Hymn of Praise (§ XXVII.)

441. Praise Thou the Lord, O My Soul (Herrschmidt; tr. Haas, alt./Carver [to do: sts. 2, 4, 6–7])
442. God Gave the Gospel unto Us (Alber; tr. Carver)

The Joyous Welcome to the Heavenly Jerusalem

443. Jerusalem, Thou City Fair and High

The Kyrie for Eastertide

Here is my translation of the Kyrie for Eastertide (or from Easter to Pentecost) traditionally sung in many German Lutheran churches, and in America before the switch to English, when the wide adoption of the Common Service (or lowest common denominator service) left American Lutheran churches only one basic threefold Kyrie to be sung for the whole church year. The music comes from Spangenberg's cantional. It can be found in Lochner with harmony by Riegel.



Kyrie, God, of all things Father and Creator: Eleison!
Christè, who true God and Man was born, and borest for us men God’s scorn: Eleison!
Kyrie, God, the Holy Ghost, one God with the Father and the Son: Eleison!
Kyrie, help us to keep the faith unswervingly, and adore only Thee, and Thy servants ever be: Eleison!

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2010.

GERMAN

Kyrie, Gott aller Welt Schöpfer und Vater, Eleison!
Christe, wahrer Gott und Mensch geborn, der du für unst trugst Gottes Zorn, Eleison!
Kyrie, Gott, Heiliger Geist, mit Vater und Sohn Ein Gott, Eleison!
Kyrie, hilf uns, daß wir in solchem Glauben rein, dich anbeten allein, und bleiben Diener dein, Eleison!

The Second Major Revision of the first LCMS Hymnal (Part 1 cont.)

1. Revision of the Hymn Information (cont.)

As the commission embarks upon the publication of its labors, it would make some preliminary remarks which are at the same time to be construed as suggestions: As far as concerns the method kept for indicating the first name of the hymnwriter, all the former, irregular abbreviations should be dropped. There is one hymnwriter, the founder and master of our hymnody, whose first name needs no indication. Under all of Luther hymns it should only read “Luther.” The complete indication of multiple given names with many of the composers seemed superfluous to the commission. It was of the opinion that one given name sufficed, since every excess of this minimum impaired the image of the hymn, and that an added given name was only necessary to ensure an author’s certification and prevent confusion with another writer of the same name. But in the process, it became clear that in many cases the second and third given name had become so connected to the writer that no thought could be given to cutting out the ostensibly superfluous names. These have therefore been left intact. The aliases, however, were not, since it appeared unnecessary to the commission to keep them under the hymn text, e.g.: “Gramann (Poliander),” “Bienemann (Melissander),” “von Birken (Betulius),” “Behm (Behem, Behemb, Bohemus),” and the like. The latinized names, as much as feasible, were dropped, and titles and dates of births and deaths, as well as alleged years of hymn composition, were omitted. The dating of hymns is doubtful in the majority of cases. Even Luther’s hymns cannot all be dated. Of the 131 pieces written by Paul Gerhardt, an exact date can only be given for five, and these are occasional hymns. To provide the biographical dates would become monotonous in many cases; we would have to repeat them 36 times with Luther, 39 with Gerhardt, 32 with Heermann, and 11 times each with Rist and Olearius. What would be the purpose? All these omissions should be included in a special hymnwriter index in the hymnal appendix; that is their proper place. The index of authors would provide occupational titles, vocations, and personal details. Something characteristic of the hymnwriter could also be included there, e.g., his importance for the church or the Christian life; a famous saying of his, some excellent book of edification that he wrote, the circle in which he moved, etc. What a light is shed on, e.g., the hymn “Lasset uns mit Jesu ziehen” [Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus], when we learn that the writer was forced to flee Bohemia with his parents because of his faith, or when we hear that Fleming wrote his travel hymn “In allen meinen Taten” [In All My Plans, Thou Highest] as he set out on his journey to the Orient. Many would certainly be surprised to find out from the notes that our hymns were not only written by theologians, but that poets of various places and vocations in life enhance our church’s history.

With thoses hymns referred to as adespota, because their authors are not yet determined, the hymnal or hymn collection will tell where the hymn first appeared in print. Original stanza as well as added stanzas will, as previously, be indicated. The spelling of a number of author’s names was examined and corrected. With many hymns, a biblical connection appears before the author’s name. This scripture reference is best placed before the hymn. The historical notes under the hymns have been kept as brief as possible. In order to save room, the hymns in the list here following are arranged according to number, not according to first line. For the sake of completeness, all the hymns in the list are given, including those not in need of correction:

1. Nikolaus Decius (?). Low German, 1525. 2. Josua Stegmann. 3. Erfurt 1611. 4. Gotha 1651. 5. Johann Olearius. 6. Hannover 1646; st. 13 from 1659. 7. Naumburg Order of Worship 1538. 3. Tobias Clausnitzer; st. 4, Berlin 1707. 9. Hartmann Schenk. 10. David Denicke, after Kornelius Becker; st. 7 from 1657. 11. Straßburg 1547. 12. Ludwig Öler. 13. Johann Rist. 14. Gottfried Wilhelm Sacer. I5. Luther. tr. of Sedulius’ hymn, “A solis ortus cardine.” 16. Johann Walther. 17. Transl. of the hymn, “Dies est laetitiae.” (pre-reformation) 18. Christian Keimann. 19. Kornelius Freundt. 20. Paul Gerhardt. 21. Luther; st. 1 from 1370. 22. Michael Weiße. 23. Heinrich Held. 24. Elisabeth Creutziger. 26. Kaspar Ziegler. 26. Johann Gottfried Olearius. 27. Kaspar Friedrich Nachtenhöfer. 28. Dresden 1632. 29. Michael Weiße. 30. Nikolaus Herman. 31. Georg Weißel. 32. Michael Weiße. 33. Valentin Thilo the Elder; st. 4 ? 34. Rochlitz 1746. 35. Johann Olearius. 36. Luther. tr. of Ambrose’ hymn, “Veni, redemptor gentium.” 37. Hannover 1646; based on “In dulci jubilo” (ca. 1400.) 38. Philipp von Zesen. 39. Paul Gerhardt. 40. Paul Gerhardt. 41. Luther. 42. Luther. 43. Michael Weiße. 44. Paul Gerhardt. 45. Kaspar Füger. 46. Paul Gerhardt. 47. Johann Heermann. 48. Eisleben 1598. 49. Cyriakus Schneegaß. 50. Paul Eber; st. 7, Koburg 1649. 51. Cyriakus Schneegaß. 52. Johann Rist. 53. Salomo Liscow. 54. Paul Gerhardt. 55. Georg Werner. 56. Paul Gerhardt. 57. Martin Opitz. 58. Georg Weißel. 59. Martin Behm. 60. Luther. tr. of Sedulius’ hymn, “Herodes, hostis impie.” 61. Peter Hagen. 62. Johann Mylius. 63. Johann Olearius. 64. Johann Franck. 65. Luther. 66. Peter Hagen. 67. Johann Rist. 68. Johann Olearius. 69. Agnus Dei. Low German: Braunschweig KO 1528. 70. Hannover 1646. Based on Johann Böschenstain. 71. Ahasverus Fritzsch. 72. Johann Scheffler. Based on “Anima Christi sanctifica me.” (Aus dem 14. Jahrhundert.) 73. Paul Gerhardt. 74. Plön 1647. 75. Johann Heermann. Nach Anselm von Ccmterbury. 76. Sigismund von Birken. 77. Hannover 1657. Nach Johann Heermann. 78. Gotha 1699. 79. Ernst Christoph Homburg. 80. Michel Bapzien. 81. Johann Kaspar Schade. 82. Gottfried Wilhelm Sacer. 83. Adam Thebesius. 84. Paul Gerhardt. Based on “Salve, caput cruentatum” by St. Bernard. 85. Martin Behm; st. 7: Kirchen- und Hausmusik. Breslau 1644. 86. Nikolaus Decius (?). Low German, 1531. 87. Dresden 1724. 88. Johann Rist; st. 1 Würzburg 1628. 89. Paul Gerhardt. 90. Johann Job. 91. Paul Gerhardt. Based on “Salve, mundi salutare,” by St. Bernard. 92. Bayreuth 1663; st. 4 Altdorf 1699. 93. Salomo Franck. 94. Justus Gesenius. 95. Christoph Fischer. 96. From the 15^th c. 97. Paul Gerhardt. 93. From the 13^th c. 99. Luther. 100. Michael Weiße. 101. Georg Werner. 102. Bartholomäus Helder. 103. Nikolaus Herman. 104. Dresden 1731. 105. Johann Heermann. 106. Johann Niedling. 107. Kinderspiegel. Eisleben, 1591. 103. Johann Joachim Möller. 109. Kaspar Neumann. 110. Luther. 111. Geistliche Lieder und Psalmen. Berlin, 1653. 112. Justus Gesenius; after Georg Weitzel. 113. Paul Gerhardt. 114. Georg Reimann. 115. Plön 1674. 116. Ernst Christoph Homburg. 117. Ernst Sonnemann. 118. Johannes Zwick. 119. st. 1 from the 15^th c. st. 2 from the 13^th c. 120. Johann Rist. 121. Gottfried Wilhelm Sacer. 122. Erasmus Alber. 123. Prätorius’ Musae Sioniae, 1607. 124. Friedrich Funcke. 125. Johann Niedling. 126. Leipzig 1733. Tr. of the hymn, Spiritus Sancti gratia. st. 3 ? 127. Leipzig 1673. Like 126. Long form. 128. Georg Werner. 129. Moritz Kramer, 130. Paul Gerhardt. 131. Gottfried Wilhelm Sacer. 132. Luther. tr. of “Veni Sancte Spiritus.” 133. Kaspar Kantz’ Evangelische Messe, 1522. Based on “Veni Sancte Spiritus.” 134. Luther. st. 1 from the 15^th c. 135. Heinrich Held. 136. Luther. st. 1 from the 13^th c. 137. Johann Olearius (?). 138. Bartholomäus Ringwald. 139. Bartholomäus Helder. 140. Magdeburg 1738. After Michael Schirmer. 141. Paul Gerhardt. 142. Luther. 143. Luther. Based on “O lux beata Trinitas.” From the 5^th c. 144. Johann Olearius. 145. Luther. Based on the pilgrim’s litany from the 15^th c. 146. Darmstadt 1698. After Martin Rinckart. 147. Luther. 143. Georg Weitzel. 149. Justus Gesenius. 150. Paul Gerhardt. 151. Johann Gottfried Olearius. 152. Johann Heermann. 153. Bartholomäus Helder. 154. Fünf auserlesene geistliche Lieder. Marburg. 1535. st. 11–12, Gotha 1767. 155. Georg Reimann. 156. Paul Eber. After Philipp Melanchthon. 157. Justus Gesenius. 153. Luther. 159. Luther; st. 4. 5 Justus Jonas. 160. Hannover 1643; st. 11 Dresden 1724. 161. Anark zu Wildenfels. 162. Luther. 163. Johann Heermann. 164. Johann Christoph Arnschwanger. 165. Nürnberg 1611. After Nikolaus Selnecker. 166. Luther. 167. Apelles von Löwenstern. 163. Hans von Assig. 169. Andreas Gryphius. 170. Luther. 171. Luther. 172. Boh. Brethren, 1566. 173. Singende und klingende Berge, 1698. 174. Nikolaus Selnecker. st. 2. 3 Rudolstadt 1638. 175. Johann Heermann. 176. Johann Heermann. 177. Luther; st. 2: Das christlich Kinderlied, Wittenberg, 1566. 178. David Denicke. 179. Ludwig Helmbold. 180. Luther. 181. Luther. 182. David Denicke. 183. Luther. 184. Tobias Clausnitzer. 135. Luther. 186. Luther. 187. Paul Gerhardt. 188. Justus Gesenius. 189. Thomas Blaurer. 190. Benjamin Schmolck. 191. Hannover 1652. 192. Nikolaus Herman. 193. Nikolaus Selnecker. 194. Johann Rist. 195. Luther; st. 1 from the 15^th c. 196. Ämilie Juliane, duchess of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. 197. Samuel Kinner. 198. Johann Heermann. 199. Bernhard von Derschow. 200. Paul Gerhardt. 201. Rebenlein (Hamburg) 1674. 202. Friedrich Heider. 203. Gerhard Walther Molanus. 204. Johann Olearius. 205. Luther. 206. Johann Heermann. 207. Johann Rist. 208. Salomo Liscow. 209. Gotha 1648. 210. Johann Franck. 211. Samuel Zehner. 212. From Johann Groß’ Gedenkpredigt, Jena. 1613. 213. Konrad Hubert. 214. Luther. 215. Johann Weidenheim (?). 216. Bartholomäus Ringwald. 217. Ahasverus Fritzsch. Based on the sequence “Dies Irae.” 218. Christoph Tietze. 219. Johann Heermann. 220. Geistliche Lieder und Psalmen, Berlin. 1653. 221. Johann Rist. 222. Erdmann Neumeister. 223. Johann Heermann. 224. Laurentius Laurenti. 225. Martin Moller. After “Aufer immensam, Deus.” 226. Königsberg 1643. 227. Chemnitz (city) 1759. 228. Johann Heermann. 229. Johann Heermann. 230. Johann Heermann. 231. Christian Weise. 232. Johann Olearius. 233. Bollhagen 1791. 234. Christian Ludwig Scheidt. 235. Johann Joachim Möller. 236. Lazarus Spengler. 237. Paul Sp3ratus. 238. Johann Rist. 239. Simon Dach. 240. Johann Andreas Rothe. 241. Erdmann Neumeister. 242. Leopold Franz Friedrich Lehr. 243. Luther. 244. David Denicke. 245. Georg Weitzel. 246. Johann Heermann; st. 6 Hannover 1646. 247. Benjamin Schmolck. 248. Paul Gerhardt. 249. Johann Heinrich Schröder. 250. Johann Schcffler. 251. Johann Franck. 252. Johann Flitner. 253. Ludämilie Elisabeth, duchess of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. 254. Georg Linzner (?). 255. Christian Keimann. 256. Paul Gerhardt. After a prayer in Arndt’s Paradiesgärtlein. 257. Johann Heermann. 258. Martin Moller. After “Jesu dulcis memoria,” by St. Bernard. 259. Salomo Liscow. 260. Adam Drese. 261. Philipp Nicolai. 262. Wolfgang Christoph Dehler. 263. Salomo Franck. 264. Peter Lackmann. 265. Bartholomäus Crasselius. 266. Johann Friedrich Ruopp. 267. Benjamin Schmolck. 208. Kaspar Neumann. 269. Ludwig Andreas Gotter. 270. Caspar Bienemann. 271. Martin Schalling. 272. Johann Heermann. 273. Johann Agricola. 274. Paul Gerhardt. 275. Johann Olearius. 276.1530. 277. David Denicke; after Johann Heermann. 278. Sigismund von Birken. 279. Johann Burkhard Freystein. 280. Johann Scheffler. 231. Johann Hcermann. 282. Wilhelm Erasmus Arends. 283. Benjamin Prätorius. 284. Michael Franck. 285. Georg Michael Pfefferkorn. 236. Karl Friedrich Lochner (?). 287. Justus Gesenius (?) ; st. 7 Johann Heermann. 283. Johann Heermann; after St. Bernard. 289. Lüneburg 1661. 290. Paul Gerhardt. 291. Paul Gerhardt. 292. Hamburg 1592. 293. Johann Mühlmann. 294. Nikolaus Herman. 295. Praxis pietatis melica, Frankfurt, 1662. st. 3–6 Hannover 1646. 296. Johann Michael Dilherr. 297. Heinrich Albert. 293. Nikolaus Selnecker. 299. Martin Wandersleben. 300. Johann Kolrose. 301. Geistliche Lieder, Leipzig, 1586. st. 3 Christlich Gesangbüchlein, Hamburg. 1612. st. 10 Nordhaus 1686. 302. Johann Friedrich Möckel. 303. Martin Behm. 304. Paul Gerhardt. 305. Burkhard Wiesenmeyer. 306. Johann Eichorn’s Hymnal, Frankfurt a. d. O., 1561. 302. Plön 1672. 303. Johann Heermann. 309. Ludwig Helmbold. 310. Erasmus Alber (?). 311. Levin Johann Schlicht. 312. Erasmus Alber. 313. Erfurt 1526, after “Christe, qui es dies.” 314. Petrus Herbert. 315. Bodo von Hodenberg (?). 316. Kaspar Neumann. 317. Nikolaus Herman. 318. Johann Heermann. 319. Paul Gerhardt. 320. Johann Friedrich Herzog; st. 10 Leipzig 1693. 321. Johann Rist. 322. Ämilie Juliane duchess of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. 323. Saubert (Nürnberg) 1676. 324. Morgen-und Abendsegen, Waldenburg, 1734. 325. Heilbronn 1719. 326. Johann Heinrich von Hippen. 327. Johann Olearius. 328. Luther; st. 6 Bucer’s Hymnal 1545. 329. Paul Fleming. 330. Nikolaus Herman. 331. Benjamin Schmolck. 332. Christian Schmidt. 333. Fibel. 334. Gotha 1651. 335. Praxis pietatis melica, Frankfurt, 1693. 336. Ämilie Juliane, duchess of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. 337. Luther. Transl. of ancient Te Deum. 338. Paul Gerhardt. 339. Paul Gerhardt. 340. Paul Gerhardt. 341. Joachim Neander. 342. Martin Moller. 343. Neue deutsche Liedlein by Antonio Scandelli, Nürnberg, 1568. 344. Praxis pietatis melica, 1664. 345. Dresden 1724. 346. Martin Rinckart. 347. Paul Gerhardt. 348. Johann Gramann; st. 5 from 1569. 349. Johann Mentzer. 350. Johann Jakob Schütz. 351. Paul Gerhardt. 352. Martin Moller. 353. Johann Heune. 354. Geistlich Gesangbuch of Vulpius. Jena, 1609. 355. Paul Gerhardt. 356. Ernst Stockmann. 357. Chemnitz (city) 1759. 358. Hävecker’s Kirchenecho, 1695. 359. Johann Friedrich Zihn. 360. Hannover 1657. After Freder’s hymnic litany. 361. Johann Mathesius. 362. Martin Moller. 363. Freylinghausen 1714. 364. Salomo Franck. 365. Adam Reusner; st. 7 Kornelius Becker. 366. Paul Gerhardt. 367. Geistliche Lieder und Psalmen. Erfurt. 1611. 363. Luther. after the Latin. 369. Kaspar Schade. 370. Paul Gerhardt. 371. Christoph Tietze. 372. Ludämilie Elisabeth, duchess of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. 373. Johann Heermann. 374. Ludwig Helmbold. 375. Paul Gerhardt. 376. Samuel Rodigast. 377. Nürnberg, ca. 1554. 373. Johann Heermann. 379. Paul Gerhardt. 380. Johann Olearius. 381. Joachim Magdeburg; st. 2.3 Harmonia, Leipzig, 1597. 382. Georg Neumark. 383. Lampertus Gedicke. 384. Johann Heermann. 385. Johann Heermann. 386. Das geistliche Antidotum, Berlin, 1583. 337. Paul Eber. 333. Cyriakus Schneegaß. 389. Lutherisches Handbüchlein, Altenburg, 1655. 390. Johann Heermann. 391. Johann Olearius. 392. Ämilie Juliane, Gräfin von Schwarzburg-Rudolftadt. 393. Johann Saubert der Jüngere. 394. Ludämilie Elisabeth, Gräfin von Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. 395. Greifswald 1592. 396. Hannover 1646. 397. Johann Georg Albinus (?). Johannes Rosenmüller (?). 398. Salomo Liscow. 399. Luther. 400. Geistlich Gesangbuch. Jena. 1609. st. 8 ? 401. Paul Gerhardt. 402. Bartholomäus Fröhlich. 403. Franz Joachim Burmeister. 404. Begräbnisgesänge, Freiberg, 1620. 405. Johann Heermann. 406., 407. Paul Eber. 408. Geistliche Lieder. Frankfurt a. d. O. 1561. After Prudentius. 409. Paul Gerhardt. 410. Simon Dach. 411. Begräbnisgesänge, Freiberg, 1620. 412. Leipzig 1633. 413. Johann Heermann. 414. Kornelius Becker. 415. Gotha 1643. 416. Luther; st. 1 pre-reform., after the chant by Notker Balbulus, “Media vita in morte sumus.” 417. Michael Weihe; st. 8 Magdeburg 1540. Responses: Georg Neumark. 418. Michael Schirmer. 419. Paul Gerhardt. 420. Nikolaus Selnecker. 421. Johann Heermann. 422. Johann Quirsfeld. 423. Nürnberg, ca. 1555. 424. Simon Dach. Responses: Paul Pfeffer. 425. Gottfried Wilhelm Sacer. 426. Valerius Herberger. 427. Christoph Tietze. 423. Nikolaus Herman; st. 5 Bonn 1575. 429. Ämilie Juliane, duchess of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. 430. Zacharias Hermann. 431. Nikolaus Herman. 432. Paul Gerhardt. 433. Bartholomäus Ringwald; after “Dies irae,” 434. Johann Rist; st. 17 Valentin Ernst Löscher. 435. Heinrich Albert. 436. Philipp Nicolai. 437. Simon Dach. 438. Justus Jonas. 439. Anmutiger Blumenkranz 1712. 440. Michael Weiße. 441. Johann Daniel Herrnschmidt. 443. Johann Matthäus Meyfart.

The Commission on the Hymnal:

A. Crull.
O. Hattstädt.
J. Schlerf.

The Second Major Revision of the first LCMS Hymnal (Part 1)

The Second Major Revision of the St. Louis Hymnal.
Compiled and translated by Matthew Carver, 2010.

OUR HYMNAL
I. Revision of the Hymn Information.

When more than sixty years ago the fathers of our synod, constrained by their circumstances, embarked upon the publication of a new hymnal, it was their intent to adopt the hymns in their original form. For the textual versions they resorted to the old hymnals, predominantly those of Saxony which came out before the age of hymn decadence, which they had previously used in their divine services, and which they assumed to contain authentic exemplars. Since it was a foregone conclusion among them not to change the form of a hymn, the hymns were adopted in the version as they found them. But in 1863, when the St. Louis parish, erstwhile owner of the hymnal, offered it to the synod as a gift, it was recognized that the hymnal was in need of revision, “since in the current edition,” as it says in the corresponding synodical report, “there are not only many typographical errors, but also errors in respect to the text as well as in the ascription of authors, as new hymnological research has shown.” And since the St. Louis parish, well aware that a revision would be brought forward, in transferring the rights of the hymnal included in their stipulations no hindrances to that, but only specified that in future revisions the hymns should not be changed counter to the author’s original text,” the synod in assembly resolved to revise the text and hymnological notation under the hymns wherever necessary.

That first revision, however, cannot be regarded as final, since at the time the latest sources for many hymns could not yet be attested, and instead old hymnals were resorted to. Not until the ’sixties were the sources of hymn composition of all ages developed in widest scope. At that time libraries also began to make their great treasuries of hymn collections available to hymnologists so that they were able to gain access to the original texts in their first printings or documentarily authenticated reprints. As a result, the means of assistance in the field are now far more plentiful at present than fifty years ago when our hymnal was revised. In time Philipp Wackernagel, the greatest hymnologist in the century of hymnology, stepped onto the plain with his monumental work, Das deutsche Kirchenlied von den ältesten Zeiten an bis zu Anfang des 17. Jahrhunderts. He was followed by Fischer with his Kirchenliederlexikon and his not yet completed work, Das Kirchenlied des 17. und 18. Jahrhunderts, not to mention many other works which all contributed their part. The Hymns of our church can be reproduced in original fidelity. These men have brought a great deal of valuable material to light, long perpetuated errors were corrected by them, and new information given, so that the purity of the text can now be guaranteed to a much higher degree than half a century ago.

From the decision of our synod in 1863 to undertake a revision of the hymnal, it was recognized that it should be done so as to bring the hymns ever closer to their original form, and that they acknowledged and esteemed the research in the historical arena. The fact that our hymnal still has many imprecise renderings despite that revision, and is therefore out of date, finds its explanation—and excuse—in the former state of hymnological science, as stated above. What is said concerning the outdatedness of our hymnal in connection to the text form applies even more so to the historical and biographical apparatus under the hymns.

Having been notified of the outdatedness of our hymnal, the delegate synod that convened this year in Fort Wayne appointed a commission on the hymnal assigned the task of presenting at the next synod specific suggestions in connection to the revision of our hymnal at the next, and before that to publish them in Lehre und Wehre. According to the synod’s instructions, the commission’s task is to [1] begin with the hymnological notes, [2] be continued with the exact indication of melody, the correction of the punctuation, and expansion of hymn content, and [3] be concluded, where necessary, with the restoration of the original text. For the expansion of the hymn content and the revision of the text, the commission is to be guided by the stipulations laid down in the transferral of the rights of the hymnal in 1863. In the announcement of transferral, these read: “In order that said synod might provide for the further editions of indicated hymnal, and that no hymn already present therein might be omitted or altered counter to the author’s original text, and that it might be enriched only with hymns wholly free of suspicion and recognized as pure by the collective evangelical Lutheran church faithful to her confession….”

Lehre und Wehre Vol. 54. 1908. (p. 354.)

Continued in another post.

Gott schuf Adam grecht, fromm und weis

Here is my translation of the hymn “Gott schuf Adam grecht, fromm und weis” (N. Herman, 1562), focusing on marriage and the fall. The tune was based on a folk tune called “Der Gutzgauch hat sich zu tode gefalln,” but had been noticeably altered by Herman before 1597. I have tried to reconstruct those alterations as much as possible from the "left half" of the tune from a badly scanned Googlebook copy of the Herman version of the melody, superimposed onto the traditional melody.



GOD Adam made just, good, and wise,
And set him down in Paradise,
And made him sleep, and from his side
Withdrew a rib and made a bride.

2. She was to be his helper meet,
And fill the world with children sweet,
That with the angels evermore
Their host might God in heav’n adore.

3. When Adam from his sleep awoke
And looked on Eve, his heart nigh broke,
He said, “This is my flesh and bone;
My heart is pleased by her alone.”

4. God gave her then to be his mate,
And thereby marriage did create:
A man his parents both shall leave
And to his wife as one shall cleave.

5. The serpent yet could well deceive;
He wrung the Word of God from Eve,
So that she scorned it, earned God’s wrath,
And brought to us hell, sin, and death.

6. Thus Adam lost all righteousness,
Pow’r, wisdom, honor, and noblesse,
He saw with terror and with dread,
That he had Eve, not God, obeyed.

7. Man’s fall distressed the Father sore,
But then the Son did Him implore,
That He might bear man’s punishment,
And to this will they did consent.

8. God said unto the serpent first,
“Thou art for all thy days accurst!
The woman’s Seed shall trample down
Thy head and win thy stolen crown.”

9. “And thou, O woman, shalt give birth
With pain and anguish on the earth,
And to thy husband subject be,
Obeying him submissively.”

10. “But Adam, since thou hast more prized
Thy wife, and My command despised,
In sweat shalt thou consume thy bread,
And with great toil and pain be fed.”

11. They both were made in misery
Through paradise’s gates to flee,
The gates were locked, and these to ward
God placed a cherub with a sword.

12. But since to us that woman’s Seed,
Our Lord the Christ, has come indeed,
The gates of heav’n are opened wide,
No longer barred, and so abide.

13. He with His bride, the Church, by faith
Has made a pledge that conquers death,
And makes us glimpse, in wedded love,
His own, all others far above.

14. Like as a bridegroom loves His bride
More than his very hair and hide,
So Christ the Church loves as His own,
For she, too, is His flesh and bone.

15. May He with grace likewise endow
All Christians who are wedded now:
From misery their love defend,
And keep it firm till life must end.

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2010.

GERMAN

1. Gott schuf Adam grecht, fromm und weis,
und setzet ihn ins Paradeis;
und nahm im schlaf aus seinem Leib
ein Rieb und baut ihm draus ein Weib.

2. Daß sie ihm hülf menschlich Geschlecht
wehren, und Leibes Früchte brächt,
Welche Gott sollten immerdar
loben mit aller Engel Schar.

3. Da Adam von dem Schlaf erwacht
und Evam sah, sein Herz ihm lacht,
er sprach, “Das ist mein Fleisch und Bein,
die meim Herzen gefällt allein.”

4. Da gab sie ihm Gott an sein Hand,
setzt damit ein den Ehlchen Stand:
Vater und Mutter wird ein Mann
lassen, und seim Weib hangen an.

5. Voller List aber war die Schlang,
Eve das Wort Gottes abdrang,
daß sie übertrat sein Gebot
und führt uns in Höll, Sünd und Tod.

6. Adam kam um sein Grechtigkeit,
Verstand, Ehr, Gwalt und Herrlichkeit,
fiel in Zittern, Zagen und Furcht,
drum, daß er seim Weib hat gehorcht.

7. Des Vatern Herz jammert der Fall,
da tat sein Sohn ihm ein Fußfall
und den gfallnen Adam verbat,
drum Gott sein Straff gelindert hat.

8. Der Herr Gott zu der Schlangen sprach,
“Verflucht seistu dein Lebetag!
Dein Kopf soll dir des Weibes Sam
zertreten und dich feinden an.”

9. Und du, Weib, sollt Kinder gebern
mit Schmerz und Weh auf dieser Erdn,
auch solltu unterworfen sein
mit Gehorsam dem Manne dein.

10. Adam, weil du gehorchet hast
deim Weib und mein Gebot verlast,
solltu im Schweiß essen dein Brot
und dich nähren mit Angst und Not.

11. Adam und Eva ins Elend
aus dem Garten mußten behend,
geschloßen ward vor ihn die Thür,
den Cherub stellet Gott darfür.

12. Dieweil aber nu kommen ist
des Weibs Samen, der Herre Christ,
steht uns offen des Himmels Thor
und ist nicht mehr gesperrt wie vor.

13. Er hat ihm seine liebe Braut
die Kirch in dem Glauben vertraut,
macht uns sein große Lieb bekannt
durch die Lieb im ehlichen Stand.

14. Wie ein Bräutgam sein Herzebraut
lieber hat denn sein eigne Haut,
so liebt Christus auch sein Gemein,
denn sie ist auch sein Fleisch und Bein.

15. Der wöll all Christliche Eheleut,
auch die man hat vertrauet heut,
in rechter Lieb bis an ihr End,
erhalten in diesem Elend.

Da auf Erden ging Christ der Herr

Here is my translation of the wedding hymn “Da auf Erden ging Christ der Herr” (N. Herman, 1561). While Herman suggests several different possible melodies, Gesius 1605 indicates as most fitting the melody: “Wohl dem, der in Gottes Furcht steht.” Another option more familiar to modern singers might be “Wo Gott zum Haus.”

Mel.: Wohl dem, der in Gottes Furcht steht.

WHEN Christ made earth His dwelling place,
He honored marriage by His grace;
An invitation He was sent,
And to a feast in Cana went.

2. There He performed a miracle,
That all might honor marriage well,
Turned water into goodly wine,
Made glad their hearts by pow’r divine.

3. By this great work He would us show
That man and wife must suffer woe,
Yet He will not their cause forsake;
The cross they should their comfort make.

4. Let all who would be married best
Find Christ beside them at their feast:
Whatever ill may them annoy,
He can transform to bliss and joy.

5. Let all so act in Christendom,
When to a wedding they are come:
Be wise and well-behaved, aware
That Christ Himself is also there.

6. True bliss He ne’er would us refuse:
If we our bodies not abuse;
Then we with joy may freely dine
And take a drink of goodly wine.

7. Lord Christ, preserve this good estate
From sin and trouble small and great,
And let Thy Church, Thy dearest bride,
Obedient, chaste, and pure abide.

Translation © M. Carver, 2010.

GERMAN

1. Da auf Erden ging Christ der Herr,
that er dem Ehstand grosse Ehr:
Zu Cana er geladen war
auf ein Hochzeit, da kam er dar.

2. Sein erst Zeichen wollt er dar thun,
daß man den Stand sollt halten schon:
Aus Wasser macht er guten Wein,
daß jedermann könnt fröhlich sein.

3. Damit er uns anzeigen will,
ob Ehleut müssen leiden viel,
so wöll er sie doch nicht verlan,
im Kreuz solln sie Trost von ihm han.

4. Weß Ehstand soll gerathen wohl,
Christum zur Hochzeit laden soll,
der kann Eheleuten all ihr Leid,
wenden in Eitel Wonn und Freud.

5. So werk nun wohl ein frommer Christ,
der zur Hochzeit geladen ist,
daß er züchtig und bscheiden sei,
denn Christus ist selbst auch dabei.

6. Der uns kein ehrliche Freud [ver]wehrt:
wenn der Leib nur nicht wird beschwert,
mag man mit Ehrn wohl fröhlich sein,
essen und trinken guten Wein.

7. Herr Christ, bewahr den ehlichen Stand
mitten im Kreuz vor Sünd und Schand.
Erhalt bei Zucht und Ehrbarkeit
dein liebe Braut, die Christenheit.

Lässet Gottes Sohn sich taufen?

Here is my translation of the Epiphany hymn, “Lässet Gottes Sohn sich taufen?” (S. von Birken), actually a poetic lyric, which Rev. Armin Wenz (many thanks) kindly provided from Todten-Andenken und Himmels-Gedanken oder Gottes- und Todes-Gedanken, ed. Johann Anselm Steiger, Part 1: Texts, pp. 340-342. The appointed melody is “Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele.”


ART THOU baptized, God most holy?
Art Thou bathed in Jordan thus?
Though in sin we sank so lowly,
Thou the Clean One cleansest us.
All earth’s waters as a flood
Thou wouldst purple with Thy blood;
In these robes of royal station,
We are heirs of Thy salvation.

2. Now this flood for us is given
By the Clean One pow’r to cleanse;
All the wounds by Adam riven
Now this fount of life amends.
Jesus, oh! to Thee I look;
Thou the Jordan, Thine the brook
Which upon my soul hath showered,
Washed me, and all filth devoured.

3. Wide the heavens opened o’er me,
Even as they did o’er Thee,
When Thy Word and water bore me
To God’s cov’nant family:
“This is My beloved child,
With whom I am reconciled.
In whom I take all My pleasure.”—
This is mine in fullest measure.

4. From above the Dove, descending,
Also to my Baptism came,
Thus the Holy Ghost attending,
Did my soul for heaven claim,
As Thy crimson ink, Thy blood
Reconciled me with my God,—
With Thy friends a place awarded—
In Thy Book my name recorded.

5. Lamb of God, then didst Thou bind me
To Thy service as Thy knight;
Of Thy very wool consigned me
Warrior’s robes of purest white.
This fair garment, O my groom!
Is my bride-gift from Thy loom;
That my soul, to Thee united,
May be Thine, as Thou hast plighted.

6. Though Thy hellish competition
Ever still doth me pursue,
Makes my fall His constant mission,
Coaxing me to be untrue.
Oh! if once he tempted Thee,
Will he keep away from me?
Nay, at peace he’ll leave me never:
Limbs their Head must follow ever.

7. When in grief I seem to lose Thee,
Satan says, “Art thou God’s child?
Why then doth He thus abuse thee?
When have fathers e’er beguiled,
Giving stones instead of bread?
Hath He left thee then for dead?
If His pow’r hath not deserted,
Have this stone to bread converted!”

8. Soon would Satan, thus deceiving,
Turn to pride my trust in Thee,
Of Thy help my soul bereaving;
Make me thrall to vanity,
To the world would lure my soul,
Glory, lust, and wealth extol,
Till I sell Thee for the famine
Of his empty lies and Mammon.

9. Dearest Jesus! Make me stronger,
That, as Thou hast done, I too
May the devil crush and conquer;
With resolve my faith endue.
Let Thy Word my weapon be,
And Thine angels be with me.
Though I suffer, let him sever
Me from my dear Jesus never.

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2010.

GERMAN

Lässet Gottes Sohn sich taufen?
geht der Reine in das Bad?
Uns, die wir wie Wasser saufen
Sünden, er geheiligt hat
Dieses Element die Flut.
Er hat sie mit seinem Blut
nachmals wollen purpur färben:
daß wir Königs-Kleider erben.

2. Wasser, uns ganz rein zu baden,
durch den Reinen Kraft bekam;
und den alten Erbsünd-Schaden,
dieser Heilbrunn von uns nahm.
Jesu! dir ich stiege nach.
Du, selbst Jordan, hast den Bach,
der auf meine Seel geflossen,
mich zu waschen ausgegossen.

3. Auch der Himmel offen stunde
über mir, wie über dir:
als die Tauf mich Gottes Bunde
seelig einverleibet hier.
dies ist nun mein liebes Kind,
an dem ich nit flecken find,
(mußt auch mir die Stimm erschallen)
an dem ich hab Wohlgefallen.

4. In der Taufe auch die Taube,
dein Geist, flog auf mich herab:
der mir, wie ich weiß und glaube,
dich und sich zu eigen gab.
Deines Blutes rote Tint,
hat mich damals Gott versühnt,
ins Register deiner Lieben,
in das Lebensbuch geschrieben.

5. In der Lammes-Ritter Rolle
trat ich ein zur selben Zeit.
Gottes-Lamm, von deiner Wolle
wurde mir ein weißes Kleid.
Diesen Rock, mein Bräutigam!
ich zum Liebespfand bekam,
daß ich mich mit dir vermähle:
deine Braut ist meine Seele.

6. Dein Mitbuhler aus der Hölle,
dem ich damals abgesagt,
immer sein will mein Geselle,
und mich mit Versuchung plagt.
Ach! Er machte sich an dich:
sollt er kommen nicht an mich?
Er wird wohl nit lassen Friede,
wie dem Haupte auch dem Gliede.

7. Wann mich Not und Elend pressen,
spricht er: Bist du Gottes Kind!
Warum hat er dein vergessen?
Väter nicht so untreu sind,
bieten für das Brot den Stein.
Sollt er wohl dein Vater sein?
Kann er sonst so große Sachen
laß dir Brot aus Steinen machen!

8. Bald will er mir meinen Glauben,
machen zur Vermessenheit:
der soll dir die Hilf abrauben,
zu dem Dienst der Eitelkeit.
Bald lockt er mich in die Welt,
zeigt mir Wollust, Ehr und Geld:
zu ihm soll von dir ich laufen,
um den Mammon Gott verkaufen.

9. Liebster Jesu! Hilf mir kämpfen:
daß ich so, wie du getan,
auch den Satan möge dämpfen.
Mein Glaub stehe als ein Mann,
schmeiß mit deinem Worte drein.
Laß dein Engel bei mir sein.
Er soll mich, muß ich schon leiden,
nicht von meinem Jesu scheiden.

Am dritten Tag ein Hochzeit ward

Here is my translation of the hymn “Am dritten Tag ein Hochzeit ward” (C. Spangenberg, 1550), a fairly slavish paraphrase of the Gospel for Epiphany II, assigned in Ludecus (1589) and found in some hymnals during the 17th c. The fidelity of the German to the Luther Bible was not found to be as feasible in English (to any translation) given the level of my skills and the constraints of meter and rhyme. The German text unfortunately omits the concluding phrase referring to the disciples belief in Christ. The appointed melody for this hymn, as it first appeared on a broadsheet, is “Nun freut euch lieben Christen gmein.”


THE THIRD day there was held a feast
In Cana, for a marriage,
And Mary came, the mother chaste
(let none this truth disparage),
With Christ and His disciples dear,
In all the wedding joy to share,
The bride and groom to honor.

2. When it was time for all to sup,
Each guest in vain was seeking
To fill again his emptied cup;
Then Mary started speaking,
“Behold, my Son, no wine have they—
No wine is left to serve this day.
How shall this thing be mended?”

3. And Jesus gave an answer true
And stern unto His Mother:
“O woman, what have I to do
With thee?” And yet another:
“Mine hour is not yet come,” said He.
Then to the servants answered she,
“Whate’er He tells you, do it.”

4. There were six waterpots of stone
Set for the purifying,—
Among the Jews a custom known—
Three measures each supplying.
Said Jesus, “Do these vessels fill.”
The servants quickly did His will,
And filled the pots with water.

5. He said, “Draw out and take with haste,
And let the master try it.”
And to the master of the feast,
They quickly did supply it.
And trying it, yet knew he not
From whence they had such vintage got,
Though well the servants knew it.

6. The host then called the groom and cried,
“This thing is wondrous, surely!
Is not the custom far and wide
To give the best wine early,
When things begin? and only when
All well have drunk, to give the men
The wine of lesser value?”

7. “But thou hast started with the worst,
And saved the best for later.
It seems not right. Couldst thou not first
Have brought them out the better?”
This was the first of signs to see
That Jesus did in Galilee
To manifest His glory.

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2010.

GERMAN

1. Am dritten Tag ein Hochzeit ward,
zu Cana in Galilea
Zur selben kam auch auf die Fahrt
die Jungfrau zart Maria.
Jesus auch hin geladen kam
darzu sein Jünger allesamm,
dem Bräutgam zu sein Ehren. [dem Bräutigam zu Ehren].

2. Da man am besten essen sollt,
da thäts am Wein gebrechen
Ein jeder gerne trinken wollt,
Maria begonnt sprechen, [Maria beginnt zu sprechen]
Sieh zu mein Sohn, hie ist kein Wein,
sie han nicht mehr zu schenken ein,
wie thut man nun der Sache? [nun den Sachen?]

3. Jesus sein Mutter hart anredt,
und thät sie also [str]afen:
Was hab ich Weib an dieser Stätt,
mit dir allhie zuschaffen?
Mein Stunde ist noch kommen nicht,
Sein Mutter zu den Dienern spricht:
Was Er euch sagt, tut balde.

4. Nun stunden der Reinigung nach,
sechs Steinern Krüg gesetzet.
Von dreien Maßen ein jeder nah, [Maßen ihrer nah]
von Juden ward geschätzet.
Jesus sprach: füllt die Wasserkrüg,
gar bald geschah sein Worten gnüg,
sie wurden all gefüllet.

5. Er sprach, schenkt ein und bringet hin
dem Speismeister zu kosten;
Sie tatens bald und brachten ihm,
der gar nichts darum wußte,
als er es kost, woher der Wein
herkam, aber die Diener sein
wustens, wo sies bekommen.

6. Der Speismeister dem Bräutgam rief,
Wie tustu deinen Gästen?
Mit Zorn er ihm entgegen lief,
ein jeder gibt den besten,
den guten Wein zum ersten hin;
wenn sie denn trunken worden sind,
läßt er ein andern geben.

7. So gibst du erst den sauren Wein
und sparst das gut afs letzte.
Es dünkt mich je nicht billig sein,
konnst ihn nicht erst fürsetzen?
Dieß ist das erste Zeichen zwar
da[r]mit sich Jesus offenbart,
im Galileischen Lande.

Lobsinget Gott und schweiget nicht

Here is my translation of the hymn “Lobsinget Gott und schweiget nicht” (M. Weiße, 1531), appointed in Ludecus (1589) for Christmas and Sundays after Christmas. The melody is a form of A solis ortus cardine, or “Christum wir sollen loben schon.” I give the version found in Kirchengeseng (1566).



SING PRAISE to God and be not mute,
Extol His deeds of bright repute:
A Son hath blessèd Mary gained,
And still a Virgin chaste remained.

2. The Lord was pleased His word to hold,
As once Ezekiel foretold,
And in His love through Mary passed,
While yet her womb was sealèd fast.

3. What ear hath heard so strange a thing,
That maiden should such fruit forth-bring,
Or woman’s womb a son produce,
And suffer not from birth’s abuse?

4. So must it be, and so it was
That God Most High was pleased to pass
Like as a bridegroom from His hall
Into this vale of tears and gall.

5. The Son of God o’erleapt the span
Of heav’n, became a Son of man,
And He by whom all life is fed
Was by His mother nourishèd.

6. The One obeyed by wind and sea
Must as an infant swaddled be,
The Lord who all doth hold and bear,
In crib was laid with loving care.

7. The King of heaven, by this birth,
Assumed a servant’s form on earth;
No lands had He, no rod to hold,
No throne to fill, no crown of gold.

8. He had no worldly majesty
Nor did He come a king to be,
As servant, Savior, was He meant,
Therefore was He from heaven sent.

9. So turn, dear men, to Christ again,
Before the hour of life shall wane;
He calls today as e’er before;
Do not His beck’ning voice ignore.

10. Come unto Him while come ye can,
Receive the Son of God and Man,
Come while He still His grace ordains,
Your labor do while time remains.

11. Renounce and cease iniquity,
Live life to Him repentantly,
Perform what He desires of you,
And turn from Satan’s retinue.

12. Who comes with goodly heart and sure,
Receives God’s Word and service pure,
And does what Christ accepts as right,
Is loved and sheltered by His might.

13. Who has been chosen by the Lord
And born again by His pure Word
And has true faith within his breast,
In God he is, and e’er shall rest.

14. O Jesus Christ, Incarnate Lord
Thy mercy now to us accord,
O precious Son of God, fulfill
In us Thy good and holy will.

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2010.

GERMAN

1. Lobsinget Gott und schweiget nicht,
rühmt die wunderbare Geschicht,
Maria hat ein Sohn geborn,
damit ihr Keuschheit nicht verlorn.

2. Es hat dem HERRN also behagt,
wie Hesekiel hat gesagt,
durch sie zu gehn aus großer Lieb,
daß doch ihr Leib verschlossen blieb.

3. Wer hat erhört dergleichen Ding,
daß eine Junfrau schwanger ging,
ein Sohn geboren von eim Weib,
nicht hat versehret ihren Leib?

4. Also sollts sein, also thäts Noth,
also gefiels dem höchsten Gott,
als ein Bräutigam aus seim Saal
zu gehn auf diesem Jammerthal.

5. Der Sohn Gottes vom höchsten Thron
erschien als eines Menschen Sohn,
der allem Leben Speis beschert,
ward als ein armes Kind ernährt.

6. Dem das Meer dienet und der Wind,
der war gewindelt als ein Kind,
der alles in sich schleust und trägt,
ganz arm in ein Kripplein gelegt.

7. Der König von dem Himmelreich
ward auf Erden ein Knechte gleich;
er hat weder Palast noch Thron,
weder Scepter noch güldne Kron.

8. Es war bei ihm kein weltlich Schein,
er sollt auch nicht ihr König sein,
sondern ihr Diener und Heiland,
derhalben er auch war gesandt.

9. Kehrt euch zu ihm, o lieben Leut,
denn es heißet noch immer heut,
er ruffet euch noch immerdar,
nur nehmt seiner Stimm eben war.

10. Kommt zu ihm weil ihr kommen könnt,
genießt sein, weil ers euch vergönnt,
thut Fleiß weil er so gütig ist,
arbeit eh ihr die Zeit verliest.

11. Laßt ab von Sünd und Eitelkeit,
und kehrt euch zur Bußfertigkeit,
thut was er von euch haben will,
und wendet euch vom Widerspiel.

12. Wer mit eim gute Herzen kömmt,
sein Wort und reinen Dienst annimmt,
die Wahrheit thut die vor ihm gilt,
den hat er lieb und ist sein Schild.

13. Wer von dem HERRN ist auserkorn,
und durch sein rein Wort neugeborn,
den Glauben hat und Kraft darzu,
der ist und kommt in Gottes Ruh.

14. Erbarm dich unser Jesu Christ,
der du hie Mensch geboren bist,
verleih uns werther Gottes Sohn,
daß wir dein besten Willen thun.

Nun hör, du Christlich Oberkeit

Here is my translation of the vocation (or 4th Commandment) hymn “Nun hör, du Christlich Oberkeit” (P. Herbert, 1566), of which stanzas 1-4 are directed at the vocation of government and authority, and stanza 5 at the vocation of subject. In Ludecus (1589) it is indicated as two separate hymns both appointed for Trinity XXIII, and in view of its size this is surely a good practice. The melody is given from Kirchengeseng (1566). Some discretion may be called for in determining appropriate places for natural pauses as no rests are indicated in the notation (which is not strange, since it appears to be an adaptation of a Gregorian melody).


NOW HEAR, ye Christian rulers wise,
Attend and hear (God’s Wisdom cries),
For it is I who lift you high.
Who set a crown upon your head.
Yea, by My will each throne I fill,
And share with you by grace undue
My honor, pow’r, and glory dread,
That ye may govern your domain
And all your people’s rights sustain,
And by the sword defend and ward
Their wealth, possessions, life, and blood;
For one and all, both great and small,
The law dispense, drive evil hence,
Avenge the wrong, and love the good.
Ye “gods” are called by My consent,
And stewards of My government,
And gracious lords also:
Therefore mercy show.

2. I give you justice, rule, and bound;
This is My will, your solid ground.
Uphold these laws, defend the cause
Of orphans poor especially.
And justice do, as servants true,
All bribes refuse, true judgment use,
For I regard the peasant’s plea.
On tyranny do not be bent,
I hear the groaning man’s lament;
Who proud would be, opposeth Me,
And quickly shall he feel My blow;
With mighty thrust into the dust
I’ll cast him down and take his crown,
As often now and long ago.
Take heed of Pharaoh’s grievous lot,
And all that I for Ahab wrought
And how I sealed the great
Neb’chadnezzar’s fate.

3. But chiefly as ye exercise
Your rule in manner good and wise,
Ye shall secure and harbor pure
My glory and My Word divine,
As guidance for both rich and poor,
To govern all, whate’er their call,—
The congregation which is Mine.
Thus let yourselves be rightly taught,
Serve Me with fear as servants ought,
My statutes learn, their wealth discern;
Kiss Jesus, lest He angry be;
By deed adore Him evermore,
Direct your way and all ye say,
That ye not die eternally.
Unto My holy Church are ye
Both nurse and nurturer to be;
In virtue raise the youth,
Christ to serve in truth.

4. Now lay your crown before the throne
Of Christ the Lamb, My dearest Son,
Nor count it shame to voice His name,
But Him confess at every hour,
And, flinging wide the gate of pride,
Receive the Lord of every lord,
With all submission to His pow’r.
Cede not the pow’rs that ye are giv’n
To th’ Antichrist, the foe of heav’n,
But fight him well, his forces quell,
And bow not to the cruel beast
Who hath so long by many a wrong
Held fast his place and hid God’s grace,
And now would see His wealth increased.
I give your heart the weaponry
To war against his tyranny,
My honor to redress,
For your blessedness.

5. Now hear, ye subjects by My grace,
How all should act within their place!
For I, the Lord, have giv’n the sword
To rulers for My glory’s sake,
So hold them dear, in love and fear
Obey them well as here ye dwell,
Save where My worship is at stake.
Pay unto each their tributes due
With tax for grace and honor true,
And beg of Me My clemency,
That ye may live in peace and rest.
So that My name with loud acclaim
May far and wide be magnified
Both now and unto ages blest.
I am who makes, by drawing near,
The eye to see and ear to hear,
So that My will alone
Ever may be done.

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2010.

GERMAN

1. Nun hör, du Christlich Oberkeit,
hör und merk (spricht Gottes Weisheit),
von deinem Amt, Beruf und Stand,
drein ich dich setz zu dieser Zeit,
aus sonderm Rat / an meiner Stadt,
und teil dir mit / aus lauter Güt
mein Ehr, Gewalt, und Herrlichkeit:
Daß du regiern sollt in der Welt
der Massen wie es mir gefällt,
ihr Hab und Gut, / ihr Leib und Blut,
hie schützen mit gerüster Hand
das Recht schaffen, / das Bös strafen,
die Rach üben / Fromme lieben,
ein jeglichen in seinem Stand.
Daher werd ihr Götter genennt,
und Diener in meim Regiment,
dazu auch gnädig Herrn,
drum erbarmt euch gern.

2. Ich schreib euch vor Recht, Maß und Ziel,
darnach halt euch das ist mein Will,
schützt Land und Leut, / in Sonderheit,
nehmt euch der armen Waisen an;
und richtet recht / als treue Knecht,
nehmt kein Geschenk, das euch ablenk,
denn ich sorg für die Unterthan.
Drum übt bei Leib kein Tyrannei,
ich hör der Seufzenden Geschrei,
wer sich erhebt / mir widerstrebt,
der muß gar schnell zu Boden gehn:
ich stürz ihn bald / mit meiner Gwalt,
vom Stuhl hinab / sammt aller Hab,
wie viel und oftmal ist geschehn.
Den König Pharao seht an,
und was ich Achab hab gethan,
und wie verstossen war
Nebucad Nezar.

3. Voraus aber sollt ihr zugleich
in euer Herrschaft, Land und Reich
mein Göttlich Ehr und reine Lehr
stets fürdern und erhalten rein,
zum Fürbild sein beid Groß und Klein
wie das Aug ziert den Leib regiert
so sollt ihr thun in der Gemein.
So lasset euch nun weisen recht,
dient mir mit Furcht als meine Knecht,
lernt mein Gesetz / drin sind die Schätz,
küßt den Sohn, daß er nicht ergrimmt;
gläubt all an ihn, / dient ihm forthin,
richt euer Weg / und all Anschläg
dermassen daß ihr nicht umkömmt.
Ihr sollt der Christlichen Gemein
beid Pfleger und Seugammen sein,
die Jugend wohl aufziehn,
das sie Christo dien.

4. Ihr sollt ablegen euer Kron,
vor dem Lamm, meinem lieben Sohn,
euch nicht schämen, ihn annehmen,
und frei bekennen allezeit,
die Thor aufthun zum Eigenthum,
und den HErren / aller Herren
empfahn mit Unterthänigkeit.
Die Macht so euch gegeben ist,
nicht darreichen dem Widerchrist,
sondern kämpfen / und ihn dämpfen,
so werdt ihr nicht das grausam Thier,
welchs so viel Jahr / mit großer Fahr
regieret hat / ohn alle Gnad,
un nun soll nehmen sein Gebühr.
Ich gib euch selbst in euer Herz,
ihn angzugreifen ohne Scherz,
zu meiner Herrlichkeit,
und euer Seligkeit.

5. Nun höret auch ihr Unterthan,
wie sich soll halten jedermann,
sieh, Ich der HErr, hab mir zur Ehr,
selbst eingesetzt die Oberkeit:
drum halt sie werth auf dieser Erd,
aus Lieb und Furcht ihr stets gehorcht,
sie hinder denn Gottseligkeit.
Leist auch derselben ihr Gebühr,
gebt Schoß und Zoll zur Ehr und Zier,
thut euer Bitt zu meiner Güt,
daß ihr in Fried und Ruhe lebt,
aufdaß mein Nam von euch allsam
werd ausgebreit jetzt und allzeit,
in dem daß ihr euch so ergebt.
Ich mach beids durch mein Gegenwert,
daß das Aug sieht und das Ohr hört,
damit mein Will gescheh,
mein Ordnung besteh.

O süßer Herre Jesu Christ

Here is my translation of the Epiphany hymn “O süßer Herre Jesu Christ” (M. Weiße, 1531, after J. Hus, ca. 1400). The original basis for this was Hus’ Jesu, salvator optime. The German is found in ELK #47.


O SWEET Lord Jesus Christ, our King,
To You, Redeemer, thanks we bring.
Receive this day the song we sing in Your mercy.

2. You looked upon us in our need,
When we in sins were dead indeed,
And down from heaven did proceed in Your mercy.

3. In Mary’s pure virginity
A man like us You came to be,
And by the Spirit were conceived in Your mercy.

4. You came to make us born again,
The narrow Gate to us made plain,
And showed the way to Your domain in Your mercy.

5. Then going forth, You bled and died,
By many taunted, mocked, defied,
For all the sins that stained Your bride in Your mercy.

6. You rose and took Your rightful throne
At God’s right hand His Son alone,
To save us ever whom You own in Your mercy.

7. O Christ, Your holy Church collect,
And with Your teaching true direct,
Your praise and glory to reflect in Your mercy.

8. Help us by all Your stripes and woe
Salvation’s blessed crown to know,
And evermore Your praises show for Your mercy.

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2010.

GERMAN

1. O süßer Herre Jesu Christ
der du unser Erlöser bist,
nimm heut an unsre Danksagung aus Genaden.

2. Du hast angesehn unsre Not,
da wir waren in Sünden tot,
und bist vom Himmel gestiegen aus Genaden.

3. Hast in Marien Jungfrauschaft
durch des Heiligen geistes Kraft
angenommen usnre Menschheit aus Genaden.

4. Du lehrest uns die neu Geburt
und zeigest an die enge Pfort
und den schmalen Steig zum Leben aus Genaden.

5. Danach erlittest du den Tod
in viel Verachtug, Hohn und Spott
für unsre Sünd und Missetat aus Genaden.

6. Du stiegest auf zum höchsten Thron
zu Gottes Rechten als sein Sohn,
uns ewiglich zu vertreten aus Genaden.

7. O Christe, versammle dein Heer
und regier es mit treuer Lehr
deinem Namen zu Lob und Ehr aus Genaden.

8. Hilf durch deine Müh und Arbeit,
daß es erlang die Seligkeit,
Lob zu singen in Ewigkeit deiner Gnaden.

O milder Gott, allerhöchster Hort

Here is my translation for “O milder Gott, allerhöchster Hort,” a farsed Kyrie by Bohemian Brethren author Peter Herbert (in Kirchengeseng 1566). The first section of each stanza is appointed in Layriz' Choralbuch for use as the Kyrie of the Mass during Advent. (Layriz' settings were a major source for the music of the original LCMS hymnal.) The full version may serve well as a hymn also. It is transposed from F to G in Layriz.


O GOD of grace,
Highest Hiding-place,
In our need our pray’rs to Thee we raise:
Kyrieleison.
Creator true,
Heav’nly Father! view
Thy dear sons who for Thy mercy sue
Kyrieleison.
We are distressed,
Let our wounds be dressed
Bring us to Thy Son’s dominion blest.
Kyrieleison.

2. O Christ, the Son of God,
Our Joy and Crown, Thy name we laud,
Salvation’s bounteous Flood!
Christe eleison.
Lend all God’s children aid,
Call back the sinners who have strayed,
For whom Thou man wast made.
Christe eleison.
Atonement pledged of old,
Sole Mediator, long foretold,
Redeemer of Thy fold:
Christe eleison.

3. O Holy Ghost, true Comfort-giver
Teacher, instruct us ever,
Renewer, leave us never.
Kyrieleison.
All sin and vice from us dispelling,
Build up Thy Church and dwelling
With all Thy grace excelling.
Kyrieleison.
Faith, hope, and love in us implanting,
Fill us with Thine anointing,
For works of God’s appointing.
Kyrieleison.

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2010.

GERMAN

1. O milder Gott, allerhöchster Hort,
wir rufen zu dir in unsrer Not
erbarm dich unser!
Treuer Schöpfer, himmlischer Vater,
sieh heut an deine lieben Kinder,
erbarm dich unser.
Wir warn verletzt, du hast uns ergötzt,
und in deins lieben Sohns Reich versetzt,
erbarm dich unser.

2. O Christe, Gottes Sohn,
der Kirche Haupt, Freud, Ehr und Kron,
und frei offner Heilsbrunn,
erbarm dich unser!
Schau an Gottes Kinder
sammle die zerstreuten Sünder,
drum du kamst [h]ernieder,
erbarm dich unser.
Du bist das Sühnopfer,
und der verheissne Erlöser,
unser einig Mittler,
erbarm dich unser.

3. Heiliger Geist, der Kirchen Tröster,
du aller bester Meister
Verneurer und Regierer.
erbarm dich unser!
Vertilg alle Sünde und Irrthum,
und erbau die Christenheit,
durch deiner Gnaden Reichthum,
erbarm dich unser!
Pflanz den Glauben, die Lieb und Hoffnung,
stärk uns durch deine Salbung,
und Hilf drin zur Vollendung.
Kyrieleison.