Seelen-Gast, erscheine

Here is my translation of the hymn “Seelen-Gast, erscheine” (B. Schmolcke, †1737), as given in Burg #1701 uner the rubric The Holy Supper. The appointed tune is “Jesu, meine Freude.”

COME, THOU Guest, from heaven,
Be Thy body given
And Thy blood divine!
Grant me now to ponder
Here Thy works of wonder,
In the bread and wine.
Kiss Thou me, / so kiss I Thee,
Give Thyself, that I receive Thee,
And myself I give Thee.

2. What is here presented
Thwarts all words invented:
Nothing else compares!
Here my Lord is working,
Here in myst’ry lurking,
Making heaven’ly heirs
Here’s the Cup / that, who will sup,
E’en on earth this balm applying,
Shall be made undying.

3. Eat, O heart, this Manna,
Sing aloud Hosanna,
David’s Scion greet.
Here is He that chose me,
In Himself to close me:
Here My Mercy-Seat.
Make me sure, / Thou Body pure,
That our bodies shall not sever,
So appease me ever.

4. Man of Edom glorious!
In Thy blood victorious
Sink this sinful man;
In Thy crimson splendor
Drown this foul offender,
Guilt and blemish ban.
Ah! cross out / all debt and doubt,
Clear my list of condemnation,
Priest of my salvation!

5. Who will dare accuse me?
Foes cannot refuse me
What my Jesus wills.
Wrath and hell defeating,
All the Law completing,
He my hunger stills.
With the Lamb / content I am,
Clinging to His bloody standard,
Much though mocked and slandered.

6. Cup all-efficacious!
Draught of vintage precious!
Come and nourish me.
Claim me as Thy member,
Take my heart a chamber
Decked alone for Thee.
Inward pour, / my life restore,
O’er my limbs the garment spreading
For the joyous Wedding.

7. Now ye senses, savor
God’s abounding favor,
On the table spread;
See the Sin-Atoner
Yield Himself a Donor;
By His men be fed!
Draw ye near / the Altar here.
Jesus cometh— Ah! we greet Thee,
Life of saints who eat Thee!

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Seelen-Gast, erscheine,
komm im Brot und Weine,
gib mir Leib und Blut.
Zeige mir jetzunder,
was für große Wunder
dein Gedächtnis tut.
Küsse mich, / ich küsse dich,
schenk dich mir zum Angedenken.
Ich will mich dir schenken.

2. Hier wird aufgetragen
mehr, als ich kann sagen,
O gewünschte Tracht!
Hier ist eine Speise,
die verborgner Weise
uns recht himmlisch macht.
Hier ist Most, / wer ihn gekost,
kann bereits auf dieser Erden
schon unsterblich werden.

3. Iß, o Herz, dies Manna,
singe Hosianna!
Das ist Davids Sohn.
Der hat mich erwählet,
und sich mir vermählet,
er mein Gnaden-Tron.
Ach, verbleib, / du reiner Leib,
von mir ewig ungeschieden;
so bin ich zufrieden.

4. Edoms Kelter-Treter,
Tauch den Missetäter
in dein rotes Blut.
Lasse meine Flecken
deinen Purpur decken,
und sprich für mich gut.
Ach, durchstreich / die Schuld zugleich
in dem Sünd- und Straf-Register,
du mein Hoherpriester.

5. Wer will mich verdammen?
Tretet her zusammen,
die ihr Feinde heißt.
Da der Zorn gestillet,
das Gesetz erfüllet,
und mich Jesus speist,
Biet ich Trutz ganz guten Muts,
weil ich nunmehr zum Paniere
Blut des Lammes führe.

6. Kräftiges Geschenke,
köstliches Getränke,
komm und labe mich;
zieh in meine Seele,
denn des Herzens Höhle
machet Raum für dich.
Gib mir Kraft / und Lebens-Saft,
zier mich selbsten mit dem Kleide
zu der Hochzeits-Freude.

7. Nun ihr Sinnen schmecket,
weil der Tisch gedecket,
wie Gott freundlich ist!
Sehet, Gottes Diener
reicht euch den Versühner,
den man hier genießt.
Tretet dar, / hier zum Altar,
Jesus kommt. Ach, sei willkommen,
Labsal aller Frommen!

O Jesu, mein Vergnügen

Here is my translation of the hymn “O Jesu, mein Vergnügen” (Zach. Hermann, †1716), as given in J.F. Burg’s Hymnal (#1694), under the rubric Holy Supper, with the title “After the Holy Supper.” Acording to Kümmerle in the 19th c., the hymn was still in use in Silesia.

The German lyrics especially seem to suggest the Incarnation (“Du bist herabgestiegen,”  — not only of course the incarnation but also in the Supper — “Jesulein,” “Mein Mund an deinem Kleben,” — Kiss the Son, lest He be angry…, but also, partake of the Supper — “Schönstes Menschenkind” — Thou art fairer than the children of men — “Eya, ich habe funden…”,— Eya recolamus, the cradle-songs; as shepherds we have found the newborn King in the manger, i.e., on the altar…”), , and so would suggest this hymn as especially appropriate during Christmas, Epiphany, and the Annunciation. There is also the suggestion of a Purification context here, from the perspective of Simeon: “Nun ist mir nicht mehr bange…”, “Ich halte Jesum feste,” and generally in stanzas 8–11, with the perspective of the saint in heaven, we can imagine Simeon continuing his blessed speech after death. “Wohl dem der Jesum schaut.” As if he were saying, “Blessed are they who see the light of the Lord and Savior as I have seen Him, and looked to and believed in Him.”

The appointed melody is the “proper,” or the usual melody which I provide below from Kümmerle, after the version appearing in Kühnau. A.G. Ritter remarks that it was [originally] to be sung to the tune “O quando te videbo,” which, however, he could never ascertain. The usual melody was known in Silesia at least from 1782, as evidenced by a handwritten chorale-book of that date.

O JESUS, how contented,
How rich Thou makest me!
That Thou hast here consented
To be so lowly-tented
That I might dwell with Thee.

2. Thou Blessing without measure,
Thou bringest naught but good:
Now every goodly pleasure
Is made my endless treasure,
My soul’s availing flood.

3. Though many griefs oppress me
While in this body bent,
The hardships that distress me
Must all be made to bless me
Since God His Son has sent.

4. All doubts about salvation
Are hereby chased away!
I know my future station
Is heaven’s sweet elation
With Jesus as my Stay.

5. O Son of God, I bless Thee
Thou Lifeblood of my heart:
Wherein I’ll keep and dress Thee,
With kiss of faith caress Thee,
And ne’er from Thee depart.

6. O Jesus, Source of gladness,
Thou Child of man most fair,
Thou art my Hope in sadness;
Thou wilt o’er worldly madness
Grant worlds without compare.

7. There with all admiration
Upon Thy face I’ll gaze;
Here faint is my confession,
Yet there with jubilation
Thee, Jesus, I will praise.

8. Lo, here my quest is finished,
I’ve found whom I adore!
Dark hours of woe are banished
And with them all is vanished
That caused me grief before.

9. No sorrow hath my dwelling,
Where Christ my soul adorns,
In gladness beyond telling,
All countries else excelling,—
A rosebed free from thorns.

10. To Jesus clinging ever,
I will not from Him go.
His comforts most I favor,
His treasures all I savor
Who Manna doth bestow.

11. My Jesus cannot grieve me,
Cannot His bride detest,
No might can make Him leave me,
Nor from His love deceive me—
Who looks to Him is blest.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. O Jesu, mein Vergnügen,
wie reich werd ich in dir.
In Himmel mich zu kriegen
bist du herabgestiegen
und holest mich zu dir.

2. Du bist der edle Segen,
du bringest lauter Guts.
Nun werd ich Güter hegen,
nun werd ich Schätze legen
zu meiner Seelen Nutz.

3. Ob mich gleich hier auf Erden
manch herber Jammer drückt,
doch müssen die Beschwerden
gar bald erleichtert werden,
weil mir Gott Jesum schickt.

4. Nun ist mir nicht mehr bange
um meine Seligkeit;
Ich weiß daß ich erlange,
wenn ich mit Jesu prange,
die süße Himmelsfreud.

5. O Jesu, liebstes Leben,
du werter Gottessohn,
mein Herz soll dich umgeben,
mein Mund an deinem kleben,
ich lasse nicht davon.

6. O Jesu, Brunn der Freuden,
du schönstes Menschenkind,
du bist mein Trost im Leiden,
du wirst mich künftig weiden,
wo lauter Rosen sind.

7. Da wird für allen Dingen
dein Antlitz mich erfreun.
Hier muß ich um dich ringen,
dort werd ich fröhlich singen
von dir, o Jesulein.

8. Eya, ich habe funden,
den meine Seele liebt.
Die finstern Jammerstunden
sind weg, es ist verschwunden,
was mich zuvor betrübt.

9. Ich lebe voller Freude
bei meinem Seelenschatz;
ich weiß von keinem Leide,
ich geh in süßer Weide
auf einem Rosenplatz.

10. Ich halte Jesum feste,
ich laß ihn nicht von mir.
Er tröstet mich aufs Beste,
wie seine Himmelsgäste:
er setzt mir Manna für.

11. Mein Jesus muß mir bleiben,
denn ich bin seine Braut;                  [var. “ihm hab ich mich vertraut”]
mich kann von ihm nichts treiben,
nichts kann mein Glück zerreiben:
wohl dem der Jesum schaut.

Mein Herze, schicke dich

Here is my translation of “Mein Herze, schicke dich” (Zach. Herrmann, †1716), a Communion hymn, as found in Burg’s Hymnal, where it has the title “Ermunterung zum heiligen Abendmahle” [Exhortation to the Holy Supper]. Burg appoints a “proper” melody. In lieu of which, no melody being found so named, and with indebted gratitude to the kindness of Dr. Joseph Herl, I provide some versions of the melody for “Mein Jesu, der du dich” (Anon., Greifswald, 1694), as it appeared originally (with repetitions) in triple meter, and later, with embellishments but without repetitions, in Freylinghausen’s hymnal, and finally, simplified again, in J. B. König’s chorale-book with duple meter (my preferred being this last). These melodies, I think, should be transposed down a step or two for modern usage. Finally, I add another tune, “Du wahres Gottes Lamm,” the merits of which are perhaps restricted to its having the right meter and its bearing a title a little similar to the first line of stanza 4.

MY HEART, cast off thy fears!
For Jesus now appears
With many  ͜a treasure,
Here in this holy place
To feed Thee with His grace
At His good pleasure.

2. His body and His blood,
The soul’s surpassing good,
To thee are given,
That in the strength they give
Thou mightest ever live
With Christ in heaven.

3. Oh, what a precious pledge
For thy great privilege
God doth provide thee!
Here is thy breach made whole,
Here comfort fills thy soul
And theirs beside thee.

4. The priceless Lamb of God
That poured His holy blood
That fatal morrow
Here under bread and wine
Is made our Meal divine
To still our sorrow.

5. O sweet, celestial Cure,
O living Wine and pure,
Repast of spirits:
How eagerly in grief
I taste of Thy relief,
Thy quick’ning merits!

6. O Jesus, Son of God,
Free Off’ring shed abroad,
Fair Seat of mercy:
In Thee the needful thing
I find, release to bring
From sins that curse me.

7. Thou art Salvation whole,
Best Portion for my soul,
Life-giving Supper
To keep me morn and eve
Till lower worlds I leave
And gain the upper.

8. My Jesus, dwell in me,
That I may dwell in Thee
And be united,
And, from sin’s bondage loosed,
Be in Thy body fused
A limb delighted.

9. When stung by sin and qualm,
I pray Thee grant this Balm
Before life’s closure
To flood my heart, that I
May close mine eyes and die
With calm composure.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Mein Herze, schicke dich,
denn Jesus zeiget sich
mit seinen Schätzen
im schönen Kirchensaal,
mit seinem Abendmahl
dich zu ergötzen.

2. Des Herren Leib und Blut,
der Seelen höchstes Gut
wird dir gegeben,
daß du durch deren Kraft
in Christi Eigenschaft
sollst ewig leben.

3. O, welch ein teures Pfand
Reicht dir des Höchsten Hand
zu deinem Besten!
Hier wird der Seele wohl,
hier hast du Trostes voll
mit andern Gästen.

4. Das werte Gottes-Lamm,
das an dem Kreuzesstamm
sein Blut vergossen,
wird unter Brot und Wein,
zur Stillung unsrer Pein,
von uns genossen.

5. O süße Himmelskost,
O reiner Lebensmost,
O Seelenweide,
wie gerne schmeck ich dich,
O wie erquickst du mich,
in meinem Leide

6. O Jesu, Gottes Sohn,
du schöner Gnadentron,
du Himmelsgabe,
in dir ist mir bereit,
was ich zur Seligkeit
vonnöten habe.

7. Du bist mir lauter Heil,
mein allerliebstes Teil,
die Lebenspeise,
die meine Seel erhält,
wenn ich aus dieser Welt
gen Himmel reise.

8.  Mein Jesu, bleib in mir,
damit auch ich mit dir
vereinigt bleibe,
daß ich von Sünden frei
ein wahres Gliedmaß sei
an deinem Leibe.

9. Laß in Gewissensqual
aus deinem Abendmahl
mir Trost zufließen;
so werd ich, hocherfreut,
bei Endung meiner Zeit
die Augen schließen.

Erschein, o süßer Seelengast

Here is my translation of the Communion hymn "Erschein, o süßer Seelengast" (Benjamin Prätorius, ca. 1668), as found in Burg's hymnal, where it is titled "Joyful Welcoming of Jesus in the Holy Supper." The appointed melody is "Allein Gott in der Höh" (alternate: "Nun freut euch, lieben Christen gmein").

COME IN, and fill my soul, sweet Guest,
With gladness like no other,
Come, Thou my soft Repose and Rest,
Come, true and heav’nly Brother!
And oh, how kind Thy coming here,
Beneath a sinner’s roof to peer,
A fainting soul to visit!

2. My heart, how is it filled with bliss
When I behold this wonder,
That stirs me, more than even this
Thy saving work to ponder!
Thy blood and body when I take,
Then myriad joys within me wake—
A foretaste of life yonder.

3. How good Thou art, O wondrous God,
To spirits mourning sadly;
Thou wilt not let them feel the prod
Of those who scorn them madly.
Thy rich defense is here at hand,
Defying fiend and wicked band
That e’er would dare to cross it.

4. Good Shepherd, here Thou feed’st me well,
Thy wholesome water sates me;
Thy gracious hands both hunger quell
And chase the foe that hates me;
And wilt Thou even give me Thee?
What earthly treasure can there be
To pay for such affections?

5. Sweet Jesu! have my thanks in full!
Thou Master art of healing,
Thy cure avails where sick my soul
With Adam’s wound lies reeling.
Lord Christ, my thanks, my thanks again!
Thou art my Good Samaritan,
My soul and body’s Savior.

6. Thy word is sure, Thy promise true,
Thy heart will never waver;
Our ev’ry wound Thou dost endue
With ointment of Thy favor;
As Thou hast sworn, Lord, I attest,
More as a king Thy wretched guest
Thou here hast fed and tended.

7. When pangs of mortal hunger loom,
When heart and soul must languish,
Then come, My Bread of heaven, come,
With joys to chase my anguish;
Thy precious blood within the Meal
In dying grant me life and weal,
And lest I fail, sustain me.

8. O God, how glorious, holy, high,
And great Thy name is ever!
How holy is Thy majesty,
How base my best endeavor!
A worthless seed, I sup, and Thou,
Lord Christ, art knitted to me now,
And must Thy member cherish.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Erschein, o süßer Seelengast,
daß ich mich hoch erfreue;
komm an, du meine Ruh und Rast;
wie groß ist deine Treue,
daß du zur Seele, die so schwach,
hier unter eines Sünders Dach
so brüderlich einkehrest!

2. Groß Herzenslust hab ich daran,
wenn ich dein Wunder merke;
doch mehr an dem, was du gethan
in dem Erlösungs-Werke:
wenn mich dein Leib und Blut erquickt,
sobald mein Geist viel Lust erblickt
mit Vorschmack jenes Lebens.

3. Wie gnädig bist du, Wunder-Gott,
der hochbetrübten Seelen;
du lässest sie ja nicht mit Spott
von stolzen Feinden quälen;
dein teurer Schutz mir steht bereit,
zu Trotz des Feindes Grausamkeit,
Trotz! wer es nicht kann lassen.

4. Wohl weidest du mich, treuer Hirt,
zeigst mir gesundes Wasser;
du tränkst mich, als ein treuer Wirt,
treibst ab den bösen Hasser,
und gibst dich selbst zu eigen mir:
was opfre ich dir denn dafür,
für diese Liebestaten?

5. Nun habe, süßer Jesu, Dank,
du hast mich wohl verbunden;
du stärkst mich, wenn ich liege krank
an alten Adams Wunden.
Ich danke dir, daß du, Herr Christ,
mein treuer Samariter bist,
willst Leib und Seele helfen.

6. Du hältest die Verheißung fest,
und meinst es gut von Herzen,
die treulich du geschehen läßst
Öl geußst du in die Schmerzen;
denn wie du, Herr, verheißen hast,
so hast du deinen armen Gast
jetzt königlich verpfleget.

7. Trifft mich der Seelen Hungersnot,
muß ich mein Herz abmatten;
so komme du, mein Himmelsbrot,
erfreulich mir zu statten;
dein teures Blut im Abendmahl
erfrische mich in Todesqual,
damit ich nicht verschmachte.

8. Wie herrlich, heilig, groß und hehr
ist, großer Gott, dein Name,
Wie heilig ist dein Ruhm und Ehr,
ich bin ein böser Same;
Jedoch, weil du mit mir, Herr Christ,
im Abendmahl vereinigt bist,
kannst du dein Glied nicht hassen.

Als Jesus Christus in der Nacht

Here is my translation of “Als Jesus Christus in der Nacht” (J. Heermann, †1647). In Burg’s Hymnal (Allgemeines und Vollständiges Gesangbuch…). it is included in the Communion section, and bears the title “Einsetzung des heiligen Abendmahl” [Institution of the Holy Supper]. It would therefore be appropriate for Maundy Thursday. The appointed melody is “Ich dank dir schon.” (Later note: It is found in the author’s collection of hymns for the church year, appointed for Maundy Thursday, with melody assignment: “Ich weiß ein Blümlein hübsch und fein.”)

THE night when Christ would be betrayed,
He set for our salvation
His table good, and on it laid
The Supper of His Passion.
 
2. With hands yet whole He took the bread
And with His fingers brake it,
Gave thanks to God with lifted head,
And told the Twelve to take it:

3. Take, eat, this is My body true
That for your good is given;
Know here that I abide with you,
And ye shall live in heaven.

4. So, too, He took the cup of wine
And told them all together,
Take, drink ye all this drink divine,
For such is God’s good pleasure.

5. I give you here My precious blood,
To slake you more than water;
This will I bleed for all your good
When I am led to slaughter.

6. A Cov’nant in this cup I make,
And in My blood, to save you;
No sin that Law of blood could take
That in the Old I gave you.

7. This is the body, which I am;
That was a type foreshowing.
That was a shadow of the Lamb
That now to fire is going.

8. This from all sin releases you,—
From all your sad encumbrance;
As oft as this, My will, ye do,
So do in My remembrance.

9. O Jesus, endless thanks be Thine
For all Thy gifts and merit.
Ah, let me, as I drink and dine
True life from Thee inherit!

Translation © 2012 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Als Jesus Christus in der Nacht
darin er ward verraten
auf unser Heil ganz war bedacht,
dasselb uns zu erstatten:

2. Da nahm er in die Hand das Brot,
und brachs mit seinen Fingern,
sah auf gen Himmel, dankte Gott,
und sprach zu seinen Jüngern:

3. Nehmt hin und eßt, das ist mein Leib,
der für euch wird gegeben,
und denket, daß ich euer bleib
im Tod und auch im Leben.

4. Desgleichen nahm er auch den Wein
im Kelch, und sprach zu allen:
Nehmt hin und trinket insgmein,
wollt ihr Gott recht gefallen.

5. Hier geb ich euch mein teures Blut
im Kelche zu genießen,
das ich für euch und euch zu Gut
am Kreuz jetzt werd vergießen.

6. Hier wird ein neuer Bund gemacht
in meinem eignen Blute;
Im alten ward nur Vieh geschlacht,
geholet von der Hute.

7. Hier ist der Körper, der bin ich,
dort war Figur und Schatten;
dort war ein Lamm, hier laß ich mich
in heißer Liebe braten.

8. Das macht euch aller Sünden frei,
daß sie euch nicht mehr kränken,
so oft ihrs thut, sollt ihr dabei
an meinen Tod gedenken.

9. O Jesu, dir sei ewig Dank
für deine Treu und Gaben;
ach, laß durch diese Speis und Trank
auch mich das Leben haben.

Our Father setting

Here is my adaptation of a setting of the Our Father from the Bohemian Brethren setting in Kirchengeseng. It is supposed to be in half time, but the meter is irregular, so the staff lines divide the main phrases, not the measures.

O ewiger, barmherziger Gott

Here is my translation of the Kyrie Cunctipotens Genitor trope as given by the Bohemian Brethren in Thamm, et al., Kirchengeseng (1566) and reproduced by Keuchenthal in his Kirchengesenge (1573), where the German trope, perhaps in view of the emphasis on the Spirit on the extended ninth petition, is appointed for Pentecost (the Greek of the same tone is there called the Kyrie Angelicum and appointed for Epiphanytide). The same appointment is found in Thamm. The German follows the Latin to a fair extent, though the phrasing is markedly different in the Bohemian. Note that as usual with the Bohemian vernacular tropes, there is not attempt to preserve the Greek eleison (or Kyrie), but it is paraphrased in diverse ways throughout. The notes are representative of the Kyrie as found in northern manuscripts, especially before the 19th century codification by the Solesmes group concretized the simpler southern version.

O ETERNAL God of graciousness,
For Thy goodness Thee we bless,
Which to us Thou ever show'st
In the wonders which Thou dost.
1b.   Thou hast had regard for all our need,
As a gracious God indeed,
And through Thy beloved Son,
Grace and full redemption won.
1c.   We this day, by Him redeemed, therefore
With all confidence implore
That with Him Thou wouldest be
One in mind and piety.

2a. Christ, the blessed Fruit Thou art,
Conceived beneath a virgin heart,
Who didst give
Thine own life, that we may live:
2b. Thou hast suffered death and hell
For all our sins so great and fell,
Patiently
Paid for all our guilt in Thee.
2c. O Lord Jesus Christ, since Thou
Art seated high in heaven now,
To us send
Thy good Spirit, us to tend.

3a. O Holy Spirit, God and Lord,
Help in need afford,
Kindly let Thy gifts on us be poured.
3b. O come at last, Thou Fire divine,
Hearts renew, refine,
Purge the former leaven, make us Thine.

3c. Renew in mercy our spirit,
Restore, repair it:
Direct our life and behavior
To meet Thy favor.
For on Thee, Lord, do we depend forever:
Thine the glory, God and Lord,
Ever blessèd and adored.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN
1a. O ewiger, barmherziger Gott,
wir danken dir der Wohlthat,
die du uns erzeiget hast,
und aller Werk so du thust.
1b. Du hast angesehn all unser Not,
als ein genädiger Gott,
uns durch deinen lieben Sohn,
Gnad und Erlösung gethan.
1c. Sintemal er uns nun hat erlöst,
so bitten wir auch getrost,
daß du uns wolltest mit ihm
verfügen in einen Sinn.

2a. Christe, benedeite Frucht,
empfangen rein in aller Zucht,
dein Leben
hast du für uns gegeben,
2b. Du hast erlitten den Tod,
für unser Sünd und Missethat,
mit Geduld
bezahlet all unser Schuld.
2c. Ey, nun, Herre Jesu Christ,
weil du oben im Himmel bist,
send uns herab
den Geist in heilsamer Gab.

3a. O Heiliger Geist, wahrer Gott,
sieh an unser Not,
und erfüll uns mit dein Gaben aus Genad.
3b. O komm du Göttlicher Feuer,
Herzen-Verneuer,
und feg uns von allem alten Gesäuer.
3c. Verneu auch unser Gemüte,
durche deine Güte.
Regier unser ganzes Leben,
und mach dirs eben.
Denn wir uns dir ganz und gar übergeben:
Deinem Namen,
Herre Gott, zu ewigem Preis. Amen.

LATIN
1a Cunctipotens genitor
Deus omni-creator : eleison.
b Salvificet pietas
tua nos bone rector : eleison.
c Fons et origo bone
pie luxque perhennis : eleison.

2a Christe dei splendor virtus
patrisque sophia : eleison
b Plasmatis humanis factor
lapsis reparator : eleison
c Ne tua damnatur Jesu
factura benigne : eleison

3a Amborum sacrum spiramen
nexus amorque : eleison
b Procedens fomes vite fons
purificans vis : eleison
c Indultor [Purgator] culpe venie
largitor optime offensas
dele sacro nos munere reple : eleison
Spirite alme : eleison

Heermann on the 1st Sunday of Advent

More translation of Heermann, from the Practice of Piety.

On the First Sunday of Advent.

Rex meus es: mihi, Christe, venit Salvator ad me:
Æternum ut tecum sim, maneamque tuus.

To me Thou com’st, Lord Christ, my King, and to my good,
Thou who redeemed’st me with Thy most precious blood,
That I may come to Thee, eternally to shine
And dwell with Thee, Thy child, in soul and body Thine.

To me Thou com’st, Lord Christ, My Savior and my King,
My soul to Thee and to my heav’nly heritage to bring.

O Thou who art my King, Lord Christ, Thou com’st to me,
That I may evermore be Thine and dwell with Thee.

Christe veni, mecumque habita: me protege: vota
Audi: peccantem suscipe; tolle malum.

Come, dearest Jesus, come, within my heart to dwell:
Protect Thy subject, all distress and pain repel.
Thy royal throne is grace, and gentleness, and good.
I pray Thy grace: Oh, then, by grace grant what I would.

Come Jesus, dwell within, defend me, hear my plea,
Dispel my woes, and purge my sins most graciously.

Adventus Christi, cordi fert gaudia tristi.

O soul, rejoice! to-day is come the tide of joy,
For Christ doth come to thee and bring salvation nigh.

Thank You

Dear readers,

I am pleased to refer you to a new post at Concordia Academic on Walther's Hymnal.

Also, I note with pleasure that on the book's page on the CPH website the phone number has been replaced with a full-fledged "add to cart" button. Everything seems to be progressing well, thanks be to God.

Finally, I thank you all for your comments and criticisms on this blog so far these several years while I've worked toward this project. Your input has been a great help. I look forward to having your company as I continue to explore the lost shores and forlorn grottoes of Lutheran hymnody in the future, unless the Lord returns first. I look forward to that even more.

—M.C.

Walther's Hymnal Excerpt #3: In All My Plans, Thou Highest

Here is excerpt #3 from Walther's Hymnal from the "Travel" subsection of the category "Estate and Vocation." In later hymnals it has been often moved to the category "Vertrauen" or "Trust" and shortened to a cento of 6 or 9 stanzas. This hymn by the gifted hymnwriter Paul Flemming (1609–1640) was first published in Teutsche Poëmata (1642), though it was written  almost a decade earlier, in 1633, during the poet's travels in the service of a German embassy that made the long and arduous journey to Moscow and all the way to Ispahan (Persia). Flemming was sent on this embassy by Duke Frederick von Holstein-Gottorf, whose brother-in-law was Czar Michael I of Russia. Several of hymnals make a cento suggesting trust in the context of life's journey, or when embarking upon marriage. 

Our translation is a composite based on that of Henry Mills (Horae Germanicae, 1856).

Note that in KELG, certain words are indicated in the last line of each stanza so that it may be sung with a slightly longer original meter; this has been replicated here, though it is preferred that it be sung to the original tune, which was formerly the setting for a German paraphrase of Psalm 6. In order to adapt the lyrics to a more popular tune, "O Welt, ich muß dich lassen," one trochee was removed each final line. The shorter tune is given in Walther's Hymnal in the musical appendix. The longer tune "O Welt, ich muß dich laßen" (or "Innsbruck"), may be found in The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship, and Lutheran Service Book.

Note: The following text, as with all in this Walther's Hymnal series, is an excerpt of a CPH publication and does not fall under the Creative Commons License.

 
IN ALL my plans, Thou Highest,
If counsel Thou suppliest,
My efforts may succeed:
But ev’ry best endeavor,
Without Thy smile of favor,
Can but to [surest] failure lead.

  2  No toil by day, nor sorrow
From evening till the morrow,
Nor murm’ring aught avails:
My goings,—I confide them
To Thee, my God, to guide them;
[Tow’rd faith] Thy mercy never fails.

 . . . (stanza 3 is included in the published version)

  4  Pursuing Thy direction,
I’ll trust in Thy protection,
Amid surrounding foes;
Thy promise, always near me,
With constant hope will cheer me,
Till Thou the [promised] good disclose.

 . . . (stanza 5 is included in the published version)

  6  I travel to my station,
My faraway vocation,
Which He hath bid me fill;
His blessing He shall send me,
In His direction tend me,
To serve [His world] as is His will.

  7  Though deserts wild enwreath me,
Yet Christians friends are with me,
And Christ Himself is near;
He who hath safely kept me,
And from all dangers swept me
Can [also] keep me safely here

  8  He on our way will speed us,
And on our journey lead us,
And help us as we live,
Body and health sustaining,
Time, wind, and rain ordaining,—
All things [we need] our God shall give.

  9  His angel, my protector,
Drives off each foe and specter,
And keeps them far from me 
As we by faith pursue Him,
We make our progress through Him,
Yet how, we scarcely [know or] see.

 . . . (stanzas 10–12 are included in the published version)

13  But if it please Him mainly,
And if my mind not vainly
Its whisperings express,
God I shall praise in duty
With many strains of beauty
When peace [at home] I do possess.

14  Loved ones He will be keeping
Blest while awake and sleeping,
Who is my shield and theirs;
And He will be conceding
Our common wishes, heeding
Our many [common] tearful pray’rs.

15  Be His, my spirit, wholly,
And trust His wisdom solely,
Who has Thy being blest:
Whate’er on earth be given,
Thy Father rules in heaven,
Appointing what [for thee] is best.

Heiliger ewiger Gott

Here is my translation of a hymn originally written as a vernacular Sanctus for Holy Trinity among the Bohemian Brethren, beginning "Heiliger, ewiger Gott…" (P. Herbert, 1531, 1566; see Kirchengesenge, 1588, fol. 104), which is also included in Keuchenthal's Kirchengesenge (1573), pp. 383–385, where it is appointed as the Sanctus for the feast of the Holy Trinity. The tune seems to be a modal variation on that of the ancient office hymn.

HOLY EVERLASTING GOD,
Holy Lord of Saboath
Holy, blessed Trinity,
Thine the glory ever be.

2. Father, Son, and Spirit, God,
Now receive our praise and laud;
Filled be earth from deep to height
With Thy glory, pow’r, and might.

3. FATHER of Christ Jesus, Lord,
God our Maker thrice adored,
Who uphold'st us by Thine hand,
Thine be thanks in every land.

4. Thou who sent’st Thy dearest Son
From Thy lofty heav’nly throne
To us in this vale of grief
To bring Adam’s sons relief:

5. Let us all, from high to low,
Thee and Jesus only know;
Thy Beloved grant, that we
May in Him accepted be.

6. JESUS Christ, Eternal Word,
Image of the Father, Lord,
His eternal Wisdom, Son,
Evermore Begotten One.

7. Unbegotten Deity
Essence from division free,
Yet in person Thou alone
Art the everlasting Son.

8. Jesus Christ, our thanks to Thee
Who a Man didst deign to be
To redeem man’s nature lost:
Save us by Thy precious cost.

9. HOLY GHOST, Thou Comfort fair,
Who from both proceedest e’er,
Equal glory is Thy due:
Make our heart and mind anew.

10. Stir within us godly fear,
Let our heart Thy Word revere,
Grant anointing by Thy pow’r,
Stay Thy Church at every hour.

11. Sanctify us and bestow
That we in Thy way may go;
And in Jesus’ righteousness
Come to heaven by Thy grace.

12. God who art in person three,
Yet in substance Unity,
Undivided, very God,
Ever Thine be praise and laud.

13. Hear us, Holy Majesty,
As we lift our pray’r to Thee
In Thy name: oh, kindly deign
To reply Amen, Amen.

Translation © 2012 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Heiliger, ewiger Gott,
Heiliger Herr Zebaoth,
Heilige Dreifaltigkeit,
Dir sei Lob in Ewigkeit.

2. Gott Vater, Gott Sohn und Geist,
werd von uns herrlich gepreist:
alle Land, Berge und Thal,
werden deiner Ehren voll.

3. Vater des Herrn Jesu Christ,
der du unser Schöpfer bist,
und erhältst uns von Anfang:
Dir sagen wir Lob und Dank.

4. Der du hast dein lieben SOhn,
gesandt vom himmlischen Thron,
zu uns in den Jammerthal,
aufzurichten Adams all.

5. O laß uns beid groß und klein,
dich und ihn kennen allein,
und das ewig Leben han:
nimm uns im Geliebten an.

6. Christe, du ewiges Wort,
des Vaters Bild, Gott von Art,
Seine ewige Weisheit,
geboren von Ewigkeit.

7. Ungeborn ist die Gottheit,
im Wesen kein Unterscheid:
sondern nach deiner Person
bistu sein ewiger Sohn.

8. Wir danken dir, Jesu Christ,
der du ein Mensch worden bist,
hast erlöst Menschlich Natur:
Hilf uns, deiner Kreatur.

9. Heiliger Geist, höchster Trost,
von beiden dein Ausgang hast,
gleicher Herrlichkeit und Güt,
verneu unser alt Gemüt.

10. Erweck in uns Gottesfurcht,
daß dass Herz deim Wort gehorcht,
und salb uns mit deiner Kraft,
sei mit uns, dein Gemeinschaft.

11. Heilig und richt uns auch an,
daß wir gehn auf rechter Bahn,
in Christi Gerechtigkeit
erlangen die Seligkeit.

12. Gott in Person dreifaltig,
aber im Wesen einig,
unzerteilter, wahrer Gott,
Dir sei Lob, Ehr früh und spat.

13. Erhör dies unser Gebet,
O Göttliche Majestät,
Welchs wir thun in deim Namen;
sprich drauf gnädiglich, Amen.

Walther's Hymnal Excerpt #2: "By Adam's Fall Man's Frame Entire"

Continuing my series on Walther's Hymnal and excerpts of important hymns not translated by myself (mostly), here is an excerpt of my correction and alteration of J.C. Jacobi's (1725) full translation of KELG #236, "Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt" (L. Spengler, 1524), a hymn famous among Lutherans as quoted in their Confessions (Ep I 8) as being sung by the church, and yet not being sung by them in the church—well, almost, since a paraphrase of the first part of the hymn is found in Lutheran Service Book as "All Mankind Fell in Adam's Fall." There is also a very good full translation of a modern style by Mark DeGarmeaux in the Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary which has enjoyed usage in the Evangelical Lutheran Synod for several years already.

The text is especially appropriate for Quinquagesima / Esto mihi (the Sunday before Lent in the Historic Lectionary), as well as for Sexagesima, Good Friday, and the Sixth Sunday after Trinity.

The author, Lazarus Spengler (1479–1534), was city clerk of the important Reformation city Nürnberg, and is known, among other things, for designing Luther's seal after his specifications in a letter.

 Its fine melody took its sacred form in Wittenberg, 1529, when it appeared it Joseph Klug's Geistliche Lieder. Our earliest extant example is from 1533. Below is the slightly simplified form which was used in the Missouri Synod during

 
BY ADAM’S fall man’s frame entire
And nature was infected;
The source, whence came the poison dire,
Was not to be corrected.
The lust accursed, / Indulged at first,
Brought death as its production;
But God’s free grace / Hath saved our race
From mis’ry and destruction.

2. Since Eve by Satan was enticed
And, yielding to temptation,
God’s Word rejected and despised,
And ruined was creation:
Naught could be done, / But God His Son
Must send in our own nature
That through His death, / We all by faith
Might be a newborn creature!

3. By one man’s guilt all men, enslaved,
Were subjects of the devil;
But by another’s grace is saved
Mankind from every evil:
And as we all / By Adam’s fall
Were sentenced to damnation,
So too hath God / By Christ’s own blood
Regained our lost salvation.

 . . . (stanzas 4–6 are included in the published version)

7. But who makes God his hope and trust
Shall never be confounded:
No house built on this Rock is lost,
Though everywhere surrounded
By daring foes / And trying woes;
His faith yet stands unshaken.
Who loves the Lord / Shall by no sword
Nor woe be overtaken.

. . . (stanza 8 is included in the published version)

9. Thy Word’s a lamp unto my feet,
A lantern burning brightly;
My surest guide and path to meet
The Way to heaven rightly.
This Star, where’er / It doth appear,
Reveals those heav’nly graces,
Which are laid up / For all that hope
To taste the Lord’s embraces.

Walther's Hymnal Excerpt #1: "Come Hither Saith the Son of God"

This is the first post in a small series I am doing of excerpts from the upcoming Walther's Hymnal (Concordia Publishing House, 2012). Here it is on CPH's website. This is an excerpt of a Composite translation prepared especially for this hymnal from the hymn “Kommt her zu mir,” by G. Grünwald, which is found as #276, in the section entitled “Christian Life.” In the upcoming Walther's Hymnal, all 16 stanzas are provided in full.

The earliest publication of the German was a two-hymn broadside dated 1530, where it is entitled “A fine new Christian hymn.” The attribution of the hymn to the Anabaptist Georg Grünwald is made by Wackernagel based on second-hand accounts. At times in its history, being in accord with the Lutheran teaching on sanctification, appearing at such an early date, and so widely sung by Lutherans, the hymn was even erroneously attributed to Dr. Luther himself (e.g., in Eler's Cantica, Hamburg, 1588). Other contenders for authorship were Hans Witzstadt von Wertheim and Jörg Berkenmeyer von Ulm.  

Remarkable for its length as for the earnestness of its admonition to repentance, it is perhaps most notable for its familiar tune, “Kommt her zu mir,” which was first paired with it. Those familiar with The Lutheran Hymnal and Lutheran Service Book will recognize the tune as that appointed for “O Little Flock, Fear Not the Foe” [TLH 263, LSB 666].

Note: The following text, as with all in this Walther's Hymnal series, is an excerpt of a CPH publication and does not fall under the Creative Commons License.

“COME HITHER,” saith the Son of God,
“All ye who loathe sin’s heavy load
And would no longer bear it;
Come hither, young and old, to Me,
For well I know your injury
And gladly would repair it.”

2. “My yoke is mild, My burden light,
And all who bear its easy weight,
Release from hell are given.
I’ll give them strength when theirs would fail,
And by My strength they shall prevail
And so inherit heaven.

3. “All I have done and suffered here
From womb to cross, do ye revere,
And emulate in measure.
What you may think or say or do
Is neither safe nor good nor true,
But as it seeks My pleasure.”

4. The world may wish the bliss to gain
Without the cross, reproach, and pain,
Of which they hear the warning:
It cannot be! The cross is there,
And they must choose its shame to bear,
Or endless shame and mourning.


 . . .

 9. The worldly are afraid of death,
And only when they gasp for breath
Are mindful of devotion.
One toiled for this and one for that,
But each his own poor soul forgot,
In all of earth’s commotion.

10. At last, when he must surely die,
He lifts to God an anxious cry,
And makes a forced surrender:—
I sadly fear, God’s slighted grace,
Which long with scorn he did efface,
Will scarce a pardon tender.
 
11. Dear children, ye your God who own
And piety in heart have shown,
Let not your souls be troubled!
Confide in Jesus’ holy Word,
The greatest Refuge ever heard,
So shall your joys be doubled.

  . . .

14. But seems your cross too much to bear?
Then think of hell—its dark despair—
To which the world is hasting:
Its flame eternally supplies
Each man with torment, groans, and sighs—
Its fuèl never wasting.


15. But ye, beyond this world’s annoy,
In Christ shall find your endless joy—
Which ye do well to ponder;
No mortal tongue can realize
What pleasures and eternal prize
Shall swell you with their wonder.

16. For, what the God of changeless truth
Confirms by Spirit and by oath,
Must come, and ye shall see it.
Whoso will trust His proffered grace
Shall in His kingdom find a place
Through Jesus Christ. So be it!

Kyrie Stelliferi Conditor orbis

Here is my translation of the trope for the Kyrie “Stelliferi Conditor orbis” (i.e. Kyrie XIII). Thanks to Christopher MacAvoy and Ben Stockermans who provided the music from the tropes published by Gregor & Taube. It is well to note that, while there is apparently no evidence that this trope was sung in the Reformation, similar tropes were maintained in the Lutheran use probably into the 18th century, and certainly received renewed attention in the 19th century by musicians such as Fr. Layriz. Well known among these usually rhymed translations is Kyrie fons bonitatis (now Kyrie II), or Kyrie Gott Vater, that is, Kyrie, God, Father in heaven above; also, the German trope for Kyrie magnae Deus potentiae (O Vater der Barmherzigkeit), which in some cantionales and chorale-books was appointed for Christmastide. On occasion the troped Kyrie paschalis (Kyrie Gott Schöpfer) is also found, appointed for Eastertide. It is with this tradition in mind that I am pleased to submit the trope of Kyrie Stelliferi Conditor, which is in my estimation one of the most interesting of the simpler Kyries in the Gregorian tradition. Set in the XI mode, it is not as jubilant as Lux et origo or as hopeful like Magnae Deus potentiae, but has a solemn character, which no doubt recommended it for feasts of the third class (i.e., Memorials), to which category it was eventually relegated. Yet due to its simplicity and haunting beauty, it is a good candidate for congregations interested in expanding their mass repertoire.

The text, or at very least, the title, appears to be inspired by a passage from Boethius beginning with the same words, of which an interesting translation by Geoffrey Chaucer is available. Here the mighty Maker of the wheel that beareth the stars is invoked by his suppliant creatures, that, He whose power is so manifest in the staggering vault of space with its countless stars and constellations, might have mercy on his lowly people. In view of this apparent majesty, He is rightly appealed to; in view of His visible, omnipotent creative power, He is rightly sought for provision. In Christ, Himself God, who ascended far above even these glorious external creatures, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, the supplications of the faithful are found to have a tangible object and sensible ear. Was He not incarnate, and did He not take flesh like ours, and did He not shed His blood and thereby atone for all mankind? And will He not therefore also be ready and willing to hear our prayer when we pray Have mercy? This is the culmination of the third set of tropes, in the place normally understood as relating to the Holy Spirit. Here, appropriately, is not some kind of description of the Spirit Himself, but an encapsulation of the work of the Spirit, the message that the Spirit speaks, viz., the Gospel of Christ. Here finally are comprehended the Word by which the Spirit calls, and the gifts of Christ, the Sacraments, by which the Spirit gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the Church on earth and keeps her in the one true faith—the faith by which the faithful implore the Father for mercy on behalf of Christ, and are sure to be heard, for mercy in this life and in the one to come.

The music below has been slightly altered to normalize the syllables in each line. The arrangement provides for each troped verse to be followed by a Kyrie eleison or Christe eleison, so that there are nine troped verses and nine untroped verses. The final three troped Kyries utilize a more extended melody, whereas of the untroped Kyrie, only the final one the fuller or doubled melody, as would be the case also if sung without the troped verses.

1
a. Maker of the star-bearing heavens, /
Grant us Thy mercy, eleison. Kyrie…
b. Thee we worship, and quiet never /
Mouth, heart, and spirit, eleison. Kyrie…
c. All that was, is, and ever shall be /
Thou comprehendest, eleison. Kyrie…

2.
a. Receive with favor Thy people’s prayèrs; /
This we beseech Thee, eleison. Christe…
b. Thou at the Father’s right hand art seated, /
Our whole life ruling, eleison. Christe…
c. Wherefore, beholding Thy mighty powèr, /
Christ, we beseech Thee, eleison. Christe…

3.
a. Grace-bestowing Offspring of the Virgin, /
Deign to hear the pray’rs which we, Thy suppliants, /
Unceasing send Thee  / eleison. Kyrie…
b. Thou who by Thy holy blood restorest /
Man which perished by the fair temptation /
Of fruit forbidden, eleison. Kyrie…
c. Thou who feed’st the flock with heavn’ly wonders, /
Quick’ning all in Thee that seek refreshment /
Forgive Thy faithful, eleison. Kyrie…

Translation © 2012 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

1.
a. Stelliferi
conditor orbis,
digneris nostri
eleison: Kyrie eleison.
b. Profitemur
te ore, corde
indesinenter,
eleison; Kyrie eleison.
c. Praeteritum,
quodvis futurum
esse qui cernis,
eleison; Kyrie eleison.

2.
a. Servorum preces
exaudi clemens;
quaesumus, nostri
eleison; Christe eleison.
b. Patris ad dextram
residens, cuncta
gubernans, nostri
eleison; Christe eleison.
c. Qui ratione
potenti semper,
rogamus, Christe,
eleison; Christe eleison.

3.
a. Almificae virginis edite,
supplicantum precibus intende
jugibus tibi, eleison.
b. Qui instauras hominem vetiti
pereuntem dulcedine pomi
cruore sacro, eleison.
c. Qui cuncta refovendo donis
propriis gregem pascentia vescis,
plebis devotae eleison.

Mein Trost und Hülf ist Gott allein

I interrupt my series on the hymns of David Spaiser to bring you my translation of the anonymous choral piece, which became a 1-stanza hymn of sorts: “Mein Trost und Hülf ist Gott allein,” first found in Balthasar Musculus, Viertzig schönen geistliche Gesenglein . . . (1597). It is a brief and heartfelt consolation in the face of adversity. The German is quoted, i.a., in Valerius Herberger, Magnalia Dei, Part 9, medit. XI.

MY HELP and stay is God alone, 

  From Him I’ll wander never. 

As His true servant I’ll be known 

  In life and death forever. 

And though the world with all its host 

Oppose me to the uttermost 

  Yet naught will move me from my God 

  While yet my tongue can speak a word. 

    World, what of thee?

    God shieldeth me,

  On Him my trust is founded.

Translation © 2012 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Mein Trost und Hülf ist Gott allein,

  ich hab mich ihm ergeben.

Ich bin und bleib der Diener sein

  im Tod und auch im Leben.

Und wenn mir gleich zuwider wär

die ganze Welt mit ihrem Heer,

  von Gott ich doch will lassen nicht,

  dieweili mein Zung ein Wörtlein spricht.

    Welt, wie du willt,

    Gott ist mein Schild:
  Auf ihn steht mein Vertrauen.