Festum nunc celebre / Christo Gott dem Herren

Here is my translation of the old Ascension hymn for evening, Festum nunc celebre (Rhabanus Maurus Magnentius, d. 856), formerly sung throughout German-speaking lands, and retained by Lutherans in their earlier hymnals in the original Latin as well as German. The melody is the proper, as given inter alia in Lossius 1553. I include below my translation the Latin along with the German rendering by Paul Speratus. Among others who provided a translation to this enduring hymn was Valentin Triller, a well accomplished hymnwriter in his own right, also provided a translation. That will be examined after this.

Note in particular the interesting meter, composed of three Asclepiads followed by a Glyconic. I have attempted to preserve this accentually rather than metrically. Each stanza consists of three staves thus: x x / u u /   / u u / u / ; the final line thus: x x / u u / u / . The Latin has no evident rhyme scheme, and Speratus' translation, which is relatively early, has rhyme but no regular scheme. I have chosen the scheme ABABCCC.

NOW THE feast-day renowned, / Plenteous in joy, doth move / Swelling hearts to resound, / Mouths their anthems to prove;— / When o’er summits unknown / Up to the peerless throne / Passed our Advocate Christ alone.
2.  Shouting round Him reply / Through the unclouded rays / Saints unnumbered on high, / Blending their songs of praise / From the least to the most / With all the angel host, / Of the Victor’s acclaim to boast.
3.  He who, scaling the height, / Captive the captor led, / Countless spoils of the fight / Over the earth-born spread,— / Yea, who comes again, / Zealous to judge all men, / Now goes tenderly to His reign.
4.  We beseech Thee, O Lord, / Maker of great renown, / Watch Thy servants and guard, / Be Thou our Shield and Crown, / Lest the foe in his wrath / Draw us from heaven’s path / Or else drown us in depths of death.
5.  When with fire on the cloud / Thou Thy return shalt make, / Hidden things to unshroud, / Vengeance on sins to take, / Judge us then not as due; / Lord, for Thy grace we sue: / Our petition in mercy view.
6.  Hear, Good Father, our sigh, / With Thy beloved Son / Reigning ever on high, / And with the Spirit One; / Glorious God, unto Thee, / Trinity, ever be / Laud and praise for eternity. Amen.
Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

LATIN — Rabanus Maurus [Alt. Magdeburg 1613]

1. Festum nunc celebre magnaque gaudia
compellunt animos carmina promere,
cum Christus solium scandit ad arduum
caelorum pius arbiter.

2. Conscendit jubilans, laetus ad aethera,
Sanctorum populus praedicat inclitum,
Concinit pariter Angelicus chorus   [Plaudentes celebrant…]
Victoris boni gloriam.   [Victoris quoque…]

3. Qui scandens superos, vincula vinxerat,
Donans terrigenis munera plurima
Districtus rediet arbiter omnium,
Qui mitis modo transiit.

4. Oramus Domine, Conditor inclite,
Devotos famulos respice, protege:
Ne nos livor edax dæmonis obruat,
Demergat vel inferos

5. Ut cum flammivoma nube reverteris,
Occulta hominum pandere judicans:   [Ut judex hominum crimina vindices]
Ne des supplicia horrida noxiis:   [Ne nos suppliciis obrue tristibus,]
Sed justis bona præmia    [Sed complectere gratia.]

6. Præsta hoc Genitor optime, maxime   [Praestes…]
Hoc tu Nate Dei: et bone Spiritus,   […gnate Dei Tu bone…]
Regnans perpetuo fulgida Trinitas
Per cuncta pie sæcula. Amen.  [Aeternum venerabilis.]

GERMAN — SPERATUS

1. Christo Gott dem Herren
sing wir von Herzen-Grund,
den die Wolken aufnahm
sichtiglich zu der Stund,

als er aufsteig zu seim
und unserm Vater Gott,

der alle Ding zu richten hat.

2. Damit hat er die Erd
und all Himmel erfreut,

das durch ihn zum Vater
kommen mag, wer ihm gläubt;

sonst niemand steig hinauf,
dan der herab gesand,

und den durch ihn zeucht Gottes Hand.

3. Er hat die Gefängnis
gefangen genommen

als er steig zum Vater,
von dann wird er kommen,

zu richten nach seim Wort
all lebendig und tot,

wie er uns selbst bezeuget hat.

4. O Herr, wir bitten dich,
den Schöpfer aller Ding,

den Glauben in uns mehr
der die Frücht der Lieb bring,

das wir nachsteigen dir;
ohn dein Hilf sinken wir;

das Werk deiner Händ schreit zu dir,

5. Daß dein herrlich Zukunft
erschreck uns Armen nicht,

wann du mit dein Selgen
sitzen wirst das Gericht,

da vor deim Angesicht
alles wird offenbar,

was hie der Menschen Danken war.

6. Gib Gott, heilger Vater,
mit Christo, deinem Sohn,

das wir durch deinen Geist
mit unsers Herzen-Wonn

zu Dir aufsteigen stet
im Geist und der Wahrheit,

des lob wir dich in Ewigkeit. Amen.

O großes Werk Geheimnis voll

Here is my translation of the hymn “O großes Werk Geheimnisvoll” (J. Rist, 1643), on the “profound mystery of the Holy and Most Worthy Supper.” I give (my transcription of) the proper tune by Johann Schop from Himmlische Lieder from the cantus line of a two-part setting, which I have transposed down from G Dorian to C Dorian; followed by the tune more commonly appointed in later hymnals, “Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ,” on the meter of which the lyrics were no doubt authored anyway.

O MIGHTY Work, of myst’ry full,
Most worthy of all praises!
O Work, whose pow’r is never dull
But e’er in us increases
Repentance for the sins that weigh,
Love, faith, and hope to bide the day,
Fear, conduct, and all virtues right!—
O high Delight!
O Feast all-worthy, fair, and bright!

2. Here stands the Tree of Life foretold,
Whose leaves are for salvation,
To heal the sting of Satan old,
And purge us of transgression;
Here is the Tree of essence pure,
Of sweetest fruit, of mighty cure,
Whose savor noble and divine
To those who pine
Doth sweeten o’er death’s bitter wine.

3. Here is the very heav’nly Bread
By God’s own action given,
That, by the Savior’s death, the dead
Restores to life and heaven:
This meal sustains the pilgrim soul,
It renders fit and maketh whole,
This is the food of angels high,
For which I’ll sigh
And thank my God unceasingly.

4. Here is the Ark that Israel bore,
The Lord’s own Body gracious,
Of truth and good the Source and Store;
Herein the vision gracious
Of heaven’s Temple I may trace,
The Mercy-Seat, the Holy Place,
Yea, here I find the highest Good,
The precious Blood,
Of soul and mind the quick’ning Flood.

5. Here is the heav’nly Gate and Veil,
The Ladder without measure,
The Chosen Plot of Israël,
The Readier of her pleasure,*
Here we in Christ the passage climb
To heights more blessed and sublime,
Hereby the Lord doth us allege—
O glorious pledge!
That heav’n is now our heritage.

6. Behold, how deeply He adores,
How much He doth esteem us,
To give Himself, and not by force
but tenderly to win us;
Mark how He makes us citizens
Of glorious light in which He reigns,—
And how He raised our flesh with might
To such a height
And seated it upon His right.

7. That flesh that now is raised on high,
On Zion’s mount residing,
Christ yet has promised to supply
To those on earth abiding.
Thus He Himself our portion makes,
And thus our soul salvation takes,
Securely in God’s favor laid;
Our debts are paid
And peace with God for us is made.

8. How then can He against us be,
Who with such kindness gives us
His flesh and blood to taste and see,
As orphans never leaves us?
How can He turn His eye from those
Whom here He keeps and holds so close,
For whom He cares, who deigns to be,—
O high decree!—
The Lamb for their iniquity.

9. What can the devil ever do
To make God’s people cowèr,
Since by this perfect Work of grace
We find such mighty powèr?
This Feast instills such strength and life,
No foe can win, though fierce the strife,
So come, thou fiend, and raise thy hand,
We ready stand
To put to shame thy wicked band.

10. No cares of body do we heed,
No hindrance or commotion!
Here is the salve for every need,
The heart’s unrivaled potion.
The flesh of Christ the pow’r contains
That all things healeth and sustains,
Here from His side those rivers swell
Which evil quell
And douse the fiery darts of hell.

11. O Flesh of God, O holy Blood
Adored by angel spirits,
O heav’nly Food, O highest Good,
How wondrous are Thy merits
That all the ranks of heav’n revere!
How happy, Lord, my soul is here,
Amid this grief to have in sight
Such bliss of light—
O Feast all-worthy, fair, and bright!

* i.e., Jesus, who in the Holy Supper prepares great spiritual refreshment for the spiritual Israel —Steinmetz et al., Neu-eing. K. u. H. G.B. 1832, p. 231.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. O grosses Werk, Geheimnis’ voll,
das höchlich zu verehren,
O Werk, das stündlich in uns soll
durch seine Kraft vermehren
Bereuung unser schweren Schuld,
Furcht, Glauben, Hoffnung und Geduld,
Zucht, Lieb und aller Tugend Zahl,
O Himmels-Saal,
O hochgepreistes Abendmahl.

2. Hie ists des Lebens Baum gesetzt,
desselben Blätter heilen,
was durch den Satan war verletzt
mit so viel Sünden-Pfeilen,
hier ist das Holz ganz voller Saft
von Früchten süß, sehr groß von Kraft,
ja dessen edle Lieblichkeit,
zu aller Zeit,
vertreibt des Todes Bitterkeit.

3. Hie ist das rechte Himmel-Brot,
von Gott uns selbst gegeben,
das für dem wohlverdienten Tod
uns wieder bring das Leben,
dies ist der Christen Unterhalt,
dies macht die Seelen wohlgestalt,
dies ist der Engel Speis und Trank,
dafür ich Dank
Gott singen will mein Lebenlang.

4. Hie ist die rechte Bundes-Lad,
hie ist der Leib des Herren,
voll Weisheit, Güt und grosse Gnad,
hie schau ich gleich von ferren,
die wunderschöne Himmels-Schul,
den Tempel samt dem Gnaden-Stuhl,
hie find ich ja das höchste Gut,
das teure Blut,
so mir erquicket Seel und Mut.

5. Hie ist die rechte Himmels-Pfort,
hie steht der Engel-Leiter,
Israels auserwählter Ort,
und seiner Lust Bereiter,
hie steigen wir mit vollem Lauf
in Christo stracks zum Himmel auf,
der uns durch ihn ist zuerkannt,
O herrlichs Pfand,
O allerliebstes Vaterland!

6. Ach, schauet, wie der Herr uns liebt,
wie hoch er uns verehret,
in dem er sich uns selber gibt
und freundlich zu uns kehret,
bedenket wie er uns gemacht,
zu Bürgern seiner großen Pracht,
ja, wie er unser Fleisch ergetzt,
das er zuletzt
zu seiner Rechten hat gesetzt.

7. Das Fleisch, das nun erhöhet ist
in Gottes Stadt zu leben,
das wird uns hie zu dieser Frist,
durch Christum selbst gegeben,
so wird sein Wesen uns zuteil,
so finden wir der Seelen Heil,
so bleiben wir in Gottes Huld,
und unser Schuld
wird übersehen mit Geduld.

8. Wie kann uns der zuwider sein,
der uns so freundlich reichet,
sein Fleisch und Blut im Brot und Wein,
der nimmer von uns weichet?
Wie kann uns lassen aus der Acht,
der uns so trefflich hat bedacht,
in dem er unser Missetat,
O Gottes Rat!
durch seinen Tod vertilget hat.

9. Wie kann hinfort des Satans Stärk,
uns Christen überwinden,
dieweil durch dieses Gnaden-Werk,
wir große Kraft empfinden?
Hat doch dies Mahl uns so erquickt,
daß uns kein Feind mehr unterdrückt,
drum Satan komme nur zum Streit,
wir sind bereit
zu spotten deiner Grausamkeit!

10. Was achten wir des Leibes Not,
der kranken Glieder Schmerzen?
Hie ist Arznei in aller Not,
ein edler Trank zum Herzen,
ja, Christus Fleisch ist solcher Art,
da alles durchgeheilet ward,
hie ist sein Seiten-Wasser feil,
dadurch in Eil
gelöschet wird der Höllen Pfeil.

11. O Gottes Fleisch, O Heilges Blut,
das auch die Engel ehren!
O Himmel-Speis, O höchstes Gut,
wozu in Furcht sich kehren
die Kräft und Thronen Wunders voll,
Herr, meiner Seelen ist so wohl,
es trifft sie schon in dieser Qual
ein Freuden-Strahl,
O hochgepriesnes Abendmahl!

Vita sanctorum, decus angelorum (Easter)

Here is my translation of the anonymous hymn "Vita sanctorum, decus angelorum" as found in Bezelius' Magdeburg cathedral cantionale (1613). It is appointed for Vespers on Easter (and Easter week). The title is similar to another hymn for Michaelmas, so I borrow the initial wording of the more popular translation for this one, so as to imitate the allusion in English. The melody in Bezelius is the same as that of the Michaelmas hymn.

LIFE AND fair glory of the holy angels,
 Life of the faithful, who as one adore Thee:
Christ, who didst conquer death and hell forever
By Thine own dying:

2.  Over Thy servants, joyful in Thy triumph,
Keep Thy protection in this peaceful season,
In which Thy holy feast is celebrated
Throughout creation.

3.  That Easter morning, Thou, from hell arising,
Didst as the Victor free a host unnumbered,
And, thence ascending, brought’st Thine earthen body
O’er starry ethers.

4.  Now in the highest, Thou art Lord all-glorious,
Greatly exalted God above the heavens,
From whence returning, Thou on men shalt render
Judgment eternal.

5.  Lift up, we pray Thee, our poor hearts to heaven
Where Thou art seated at the Father’s right hand,
Nor cast us downward in the Resurrection
To endless torment.

6.  Hear us, O Jesus, merciful Redeemer,
With God the Father and the Holy Spirit
One God in glory, majesty, and powèr,
Reigning forever. Amen.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

LATIN
1. Vita sanctorum decus angelorum,
vita cunctorum pariter piorum,
Christe qui mortis moriens ministrum
exsuperasti.

2. Tu, tuo laetos famulos trophaeo,
nunc in his serva placidis diebus,
in quibus sanctum celebratur omnem
Pascha per orbem.

3. Pascha, quo victor rediens ab imo,
atque cum multis aliis resurgens,
ipse susceptam super alta carnem
astra levasti.

4. Nunc in excelsis Dominus refulgens,
et supra caelos Deus elevatus,
inde venturus homo judicatus,
denuo judex.

5. Corda tu sursum modo nostra tolle,
quo Patri dexter resides in alto:
ne resurgentes facias in ima
praecipitari.

6. Hoc Pater tecum, simul et sacratus
praestet amborum, pie Christus, Flatus,
cum quibus regnas Deus unus omni
jugiter aevo.

Qui solis excellit jubar / Der heller leuchtet denn die Sonn

Here is my translation of “Qui solis excellit jubar” (G. Fabricius), a Reformation-period Latin hymn first appearing in the author’s De historia et meditatione mortis Christi et de usitatis Ecclesiae christianae festis ac temporibus, 1553, and afterwards in his Poemata Sacra, and was included in the Andernach Hymnal. A German cento by Spangenberg was appointed in the Nürnberg hymnal (766 Geistliche Psalmen) to be sung during Passiontide, as an alternate to one of a couple vernacular versions of Gregory's Passion hymn, “Rex Christe factor omnium” [O Christ our King, who all hast made]. The melody appointed by Spangenberg for his German rendering is “Conditor alme siderum.”

The Andernach Hymnal, however, had the following tune (use the alternate ending):

THE LIGHT whose brightness passes far
The beauty both of sun and star,
With stripes disfigured, hangs His head
Upon the cross, and God is dead.

2. The Lord who gives His creatures breath,
And life to those who lie in death,
With arms the crossbeam spanning wide,
Between the thieves is crucified.

3. So wracked with wounds and injured sore,
Our wounds and injury He bore:
He took the sins He had not done,
And thus our remedy He won.

4. The Lamb is lifted on the stock,
The Spotless for the spotted flock:
The worthy Victim who alone
With God the Father can atone.

5. O Christ, our true High Priest and Lord,
Upon the Cross’s altar poured,
Who, dying, didst death’s kingdom scour
And lay to waste his tyrant pow’r:

6. To Thee, Eternal God, we flee,
Our Seat of Mercy fair and free,
Oh, take the sins which here we own,
And cast them to oblivion.

7. By Thee grant us to overthrow
The devil, our salvation’s foe,
The flesh, to stumbling ever prone,
The world, with fruitless pleasures sown.

8. Reach forth Thy tortured arms to take
The pleas that we Thy mourners make,
And to our faithful pray’rs incline
Thy visage bloody and divine.

9. O Life and Hope and Strength, to Thee,
Redeemer, Savior, glory be,
With God the Father on His throne,
And Holy Spirit, God alone.

Amen.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

1. Qui solis excellit jubar
Et astra pulchritudine,
Deformis, horridus, lacer
Pendet necatus in cruce.

2. Qui dat creatis spiritum,
Vitamque donat mortuis,
Extendit in ligno manus,
Inter latrones mortuus.

3. Nostro ille laesus scilicet,
Et vulneratus vulnere:
Peccata quae non fecerat,
Seruaret ut nos, pertulit.

4. Agnus levatur stipite,
Pro noxiis innoxius:
Haec sola grata pro reis
Deo parenti victima.

5. O Christe noster, in crucis
Oblatus ara, Pontifex:
Qui morte mortem permeans
Mortis tyrannum destruis.

6. Ad te perennis currimus
Thronum paratum gratiae.
Patrata nobis crimina
Oblivione contere.

7. Per te queamus vincere
Hostem salutis daemonem,
Et omne carnis lubricum,
Ac triste mundi gaudium.

8. Votis gementum porrige,
Distenta ligno brachia,
Preces et ad nostras caput
Tabo reclina lividum.

9. Tu vita, consolatio,
Robur, salus, redemptio,
Tibi, et Parenti, et Flamini
Sacro, canatur gloria.

GERMAN cento by SPANGENBERG

1. Der heller leuchtet denn die Sonn,
und übertrifft die Sterne schon,
der hänget an dem Kreuz hie tot,
greulich gegeisselt und verspott.

2. Der da die Toten auferweckt,
der haft am Holz hie ausgestreckt,
der allem Ding das Leben schenkt,
am Kreuz tot bei den Mördern hängt.

3. Der hängt am Kreuz verwundet sehr,
verletzt durch unsre Sünden schwer,
der trägt all unser Missethat,
der keine Sünd begangen hat.

4. Zu dem Thron deiner Gnaden wir,
demütig kommen nun zu dir,
und bitten dich durch deine Gnad,
Vergib uns unsre Missethat.

5. Gib, daß der Seelen Feind gedämpft,
der leidig Teufel überkämpft,
die eitel Freud auf dieser Erd,
des Fleisches Lust bezwungen werd.

6. Streck gnädig zu uns deine Arm,
und unsers Seufzens dich erbarm,
dein Blutig Haupt rab zu uns neig,
dich gnädig gegen uns erzeig.

7. Unser Leben und Trost du bist,
bei dir Stärk, Heil und Ablaß ist,
dir Vater, Sohn, Heiliger Geist,
werd ewig Lob und Ehr beweist.

All Glory, Laud, and Honor - Old Tune ?

Repost from 2010.

Below is my tentative proposal for an alternate melody for the palmarum processional All Glory Laud and Honor (transl. of the "Gloria, laus, et honor"), mainly to avoid stealing a tune from another hymn (i.e. Herberger's "Farewell I Gladly Bid Thee"), mutilating it to fit it into another hymn . . . Following my tune I include an example of how a similiar thing was done long ago for the German vernacular version. I am no musician, so I welcome corrections and suggestions. Since it is used for the processional, it might be better to make it rhythmic as below.


Work in progress version:


Here is the music for the old German vernacular version. Note that the melody is somewhat expanded. The verses here (Israel es tu Rex) use what appears to be another melody from that in Liber Usualis.

Vater, laß dein Herze brechen

“Vater, laß dein Herze brechen” (B. Schmolcke, †1737), a repentance hymn in 4 stanzas, as given in Burg’s hymnal, #1632 under the rubric Repentance Hymns, with the title “The Imperfection of Our Remorse.” The appointed melody is “Herr, ich habe mißgehandelt” [Lord, to Thee I Make Confession].

FATHER, LET Thy heart be broken!
For a broken heart I bear,
Speaking only as was spoken
By the Publican at pray’r:
I, a sinner poor and lowly,
Pray Thee to absolve me wholly!

2. Jesus, only Intercessor,
That canst sway the Father’s heart!
Of Thy wounds I am possessor;
Oh! then ever speak my part
Till the sentence sound in heaven:
Child, thy sins are all forgiven!

3. Holy Ghost, Thy comforts tender  
To my aching soul address!      
Heal the wounds of this offender   
With th’ anointing of Thy grace;     
Let Thy sighs avail me ever,
And obtain the Father’s favor.

4. Hear me, Father, Son, and Spirit,
Holy Trinity, I pray!
For Thy glory, praise, and merit,
Deign to look in grace today
On this sinner kneeling, broken,
Let Thy kind Amen be spoken.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Vater, laß dein Herze brechen,
da mein Herz im Leibe bricht;
und vor Angst nmicht mehr kann sprechen,
als was dort der Zöllner spricht:
Sei mir armen Sünder gnädig,
mache mich von Sünden ledig.

2. Jesu, du bist es alleine,
der den Vater beugen kann;
deine Wunden sind auch meine,
ach, so halt mit Beten an,
bis die Worte sich erheben:
Deine Sünden sind vergeben!

3. Heilger Geist, sprich meiner Seele
deine süße Tröstung ein,
lasse doch dein Gnaden-Öle
meinen Wunden heilsam sein;
laß dein Seufzen mich vertreten,
und bei Gott erhörlich beten.

4. Vater, Sohn und Geist, erhöre,
Heilige Dreieinigkeit!
Es ist deines Namens Ehre,
ach, so mache dich bereit,
wenn ich auf die Kniee falle,
daß ein gnädig Amen schalle.

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.