Summe Rex Christe (Summi regis archangele)

Here is my translation of the Sequence for Michaelmas according to Keuchenthal, et al (1573), as corrected by Bonnus from the original Latin (probably of Alcuin or Notker). The corrections in the middle and end represent quite a departure, and distort the meter of the original. I have restored that meter in the translation, but followed Bonn’s sense. I include the Latin in corrected form and original below.
 
 CHRIST, HIGH King of all the angel company!
1b. We beseech Thee, hear our voices raised to Thee.

2a. Thee we confess o’er every other,
The Head of all the heav’nly progeny;
2b. Oh, intercede before Thy Father
To send us help in need and misery.

3a. By the Father Thou art given
As a Prince all pow’r from heaven
Sinful souls to save, and to deliver us.
3b. We beseech Thee, who hast made us:
Send Thy holy hosts to aid us
Let them hedge us round about and cover us,

4a. Lest the world and Satan
Have the pow’r to do us harm,
And from the one true faith our spirit charm;
4b. But Thy Word let prosper,
And be taught in truth aright,
As it is taught before God’s holy sight.

5a. Guard us by Thine angels’ keeping,
In waking and in sleeping,
Keep our hearts humble all,
Lest in presumption we should slip and fall,
5b. As of old the wicked devil
With all his spirits evil
Fell from their heav’nly claim,
And angels good foul demons thus became.

6a. Hear us, O Christ, true God,
Mighty Redeemer:
From every wicked plot
And the deceiver
Keep and preserve us ’neath Thy shelt’ring wing
Through the true angels who forever sing,
6b. “Salvation to the King,
Our Lord forever!”
Our highest thanks we bring
To God the Father,
Who gave us wretches Christ, and in life’s ill
By all His holy angels keeps us still,——and forever.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

LATIN (BONNUS)

1a. Summe Rex Christe Angelorum omnium.
1b. Intende quaesumus nostris precibus.

2a. Te namque profitemur esse
supernorum civium Principem.
2b. Tu Patrem obsecrà pro nobis
ut mittat auxilium miseris.

3a. Principalis est potestas
a Patre tibi donata,
peccantes salvificare animas.
3b. Ut jubeas, petimus,
Angelos sanctos pro nobis
agere excubias omni tempore,

4. Ne quid Satan et mundus
nocere nobis possint,
in his quae sunt verae fidei.
4b. Et ut tuum verbum
feliciter recteque doceatur,
tanquam in conspectu Dei.

5a. Fac ut Angelorum praesidio
servemur in humilitate spiritus,
ne in praesumptionem prolabamur.
5b. Sic enim pravi spiritus
e coelis olim ceciderunt, 
ex Angelis bonis mali facti Daemones.

6a. Audi nos, Christe redemptor,
et defende nos
contra fallaces
horum insidias,
per Angelos pios, qui semper canunt,
6b. Laus sit Regi Domino.
Agimus summas coelesti
gratias Patri, qui Christum
pro nobis dedit,
et per sanctos Angelos
tuetur nos miseros in tantis malis hujus vitae.

LATIN (ORIGINAL)

1a. Summi Regis archangele Michahel
1b. Intende quaesumus nostris precibus.

2a. Te namque profitemur esse
 supernorum principem civium.
2b. Tu Deum obsecra pro nobis
 ut mittat auxilium miseris.

3a. Principalis est potestas
 a Domino tibi data
peccantes salvificare animas.
3b. Idem tenes perpetuo
 principatum paradisi
omnes civis te honorant superi.

4a. Tu in templo Dei
turibulum aureum
visus es habuisse manibus.
4b. Inde scandens vapor
aromatum plurimus
pervenit ante conspectum Dei.

5a. Quando cum dracone magnum
perfecisti proelium
faucibus illius
animas abstraxisti plurimas.
5b. Hinc maximum agebatur
in caelo selentium
milia milium
dicebant salus regi Domino.

6a. Audi nos, Michahel,
angele summe
huc parum descende
de poli sede
nobis ferendo opem Domini
atque levamen indulgentiae
6b. Tu nostros Gabrihel
hostes prosterne;
tu Raphahel, aegris
affer medelam,
morbos absterge, noxas minue,
nosque fac interesse gaudiis (7.)  beatorum.

Gib Fried zu unsrer Zeit, o Herr (Updated Tune)

Update: Added proper tune from Keuchenthal, Kirchen-Gesenge (1573).

Here is my translation of the German Da pacem “Gib Fried zu unsrer Zeit, o Herr” by Wolfgang Köpfel (Capito), 1533, which was translated early on by the English minister Edmund Grindal, 1561, who preached some time in Germany. The melody is the contemporaneous “Durch Adams Fall.”


GRANT PEACE in our time, Lord, we pray;
By threats we are surrounded;
The foe longs only for the day
When Christ’s name is confounded,
And fain would chase from every place
,
O Lord, Thy worship wholly.

Thy Church sustain by might and main:

In need Thou helpest solely.

2. Grant peace, for we by faithless will
And wicked life have lost it.

Thy Word Thou hast bestowed, and still

We fight it and accost it:

For some would chase this saving grace,

And some, through senseless motion,
With lips confess its truthfulness,
Yet lack all true devotion.

3. Grant peace! To us Thy Spirit send,
To work remorse and sorrow
For all our sin; our heart amend
In Christ to rise each morrow,
So that Thy grace may rout and chase
All shame and desecration,
All strife put down, Lord, and Thy crown
Be owned by every nation.

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2010.

GRINDAL 1561:

1. Give peace in these our days, O Lord,

Great dangers are now at hand;

Thine enemies with one accord

Christ’s Name in every land

Seek to deface, root out and rase,

Thy true right worship indeed.

Be Thou the Stay, Lord, we Thee pray.

Thou helpest alone in all need.

2. Give us that peace that we do lack,

Through misbelief, and in ill life.

Thy Word to offer Thou dost not slack,

Which we unkindly gainstrive.

With fire and sword, this healthful Word

Some persecute and oppress.

Some with the mouth confess the truth

Without sincere godliness.

3. Give peace and us Thy sprite down send

With grief and repentance true;

Do piece our hearts our lives to amend,

And by faith Christ renew;

That fear and dread, war and bloodshed,

Through Thy sweet mercy and grace,

May from us slide, Thy truth abide,

And shine in every place.

GERMAN

1. Gib Fried zu unsrer Zeit, o Herr,
groß Noth ist jetzt vorhanden;
der Feind begehrt nichts anders mehr
denn daß er bring zu Schanden
den Namen Christ und dämpf mit List
wahrn Gottesdienst auf Erden.
Solchen erhalt durch dein Gewalt;
du hilfst allein in Gfährden.

2. Gib Fried, den wir verloren han
durch Unglaub und bös Leben.
Dein Wort hast uns geboten an,
dem wir all widerstreben.
Denn wir zum Theil dies unser Heil
mit frevler Gwalt austreiben,
zum Theil ohn Grund—bekennens rund—
ohn hertzlich Frommsein bleiben.

3. Gib Fried, auch deinen Geist uns send,
der unser Herz durch Reue
und herzlich Leid um unsre Sünd [und Leid um unsre Sünd behend]
in Jesus Christ erneue,
aufdaß dein Gnad all Schand und Schad,
all Furcht und Kriegsgefährde
von uns abkehr, dadurch dein Ehr
bei allem Volk groß werde.

O heiliger Vater, gütiger Herr

Here is my translation of a Sanctus hymn, “O heiliger Vater, gütiger Herr,” which is a Bohemian Brethren work that builds on the text of angelic hymn to the Trinity & the Benedictus est (“Blessed is He, or the Paschal Lamb, that cometh in the name of the Lord” ). The melody is from a 15th c. Sanctus setting in the 1st mode, as appointed for chief festivals in the Bohemian churches. I include the relevant entry from Thannabaur, Das einstimmige Sanctus . . . p. 130. And here is a good performance of the original Sanctus with the Trope "Gaude quam magnificat."

 

O HOLY Father, bright / with grace’s light,
Creator, source of might,
Thou only God, / Lord of Sabaoth,
Thy grace is worthy of all laud.

2. The hosts around Thy throne / Thy pow’r make known,
And joyfully intone
With one accord / that great hymn adored:
The Holy, Holy, Holy Lord!

3. For heaven, earth, and sea / are utterly
Filled with Thy majesty,
Thy glorious praise / shines with peerless rays
O Lord and God of endless days!

4. O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, / Thy shoulder broad
Bore all our sinful load:
Thy off’ring hath / stilled the Father’s wrath,
And freed us from eternal death.

5. O Jesus, thanks to Thee / that now we see
Thy peace eternally.
This hope we bear: / we that peace will share
In heav’n with Thee fore’er and e’er.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. O heiliger Vater
gütiger Herr
allmächtiger Schöpfer
einiger Gott
Herre Zebaoth,
groß ist deine Güt und Wohltat.

2. Die himmlisch Gesellschaft
rühmet dein Kraft,
und singt fröhlich mit Macht,
Heilig, heilig,
heilig und ewig
bist du, Herre Gott allmächtig.

3. Denn Himmel, Erd und Meer,
ist deiner Ehr
überall erfüllt sehr,
voller Klarheit
ist dein Herrlichkeit,
O Herre Gott in Ewigkeit

4. Christe, Gottes Lämmlein,
du hast allein,
mit deinem Opfer rein,
uns durch dein Tod
versöhnet mit Gott
und erlöst aus ewiger Not.

5. Des dankn wir dir, Jesu,
denn du bringst nu
uns zu ewiger Ruh,
hoffend, daß wir
auch werden mit dir
dieselb besitzen für und für.

Psallite Regi nostro, psallite

Here is my translation of the sequence “Psallite Regi nostro, psallite” for the Feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist. The text, originally by Gottschalk (Gottescalcus), I take in its slightly amended form, along with the music, from Ludecus (1589) p. 29ff., which represents a transposition from the original mode.

SING PRAISES! Sing ye praises to our King!
Sing praises! Sing praises, wisely sing!

2. For the psalt’ry mild
Meets the harp with a joyful tone
2b. As the Virgin’s child
By the barren one’s child is known.

3a. His body sounding,
He strummed in the temple of the Lord,
3b. In manhood proving
What first he confessed by infant chord.

4a. By mortifying
Members and body
That earthly are, and teaching others in this,
4b. A folk supplying
For Christ made ready,
John was the voice that cried in the wilderness.

5a. Yet though that Voice accused,
Vicious Herod still refused
In goodness to be taught.
5b. Never that Voice was stilled:
Even till John’s blood was spilled,
Ever that foe he fought:

6a. “It is not lawful to rob thy brother
And for thy spouse take that of another,
Sin’s passions then smother!
From thine error turn.
Do not God’s commandment spurn!”
6b. As a deaf serpent, Herod would harm him
Who with his voice seeks wisely to charm him.
The king, to disarm him,
Doth the prophet find,
And within his prison bind.

7a. John in gloom reclineth,
Lamplike he shineth,
Friend of all light’s true Patrician.
7b. Herod, sin accruing,
Worldy joys pursuing,
Proves but the son of perdition

8a. The harlot spurreth,
Her daughter twirleth,
The King demands the saint beheaded,
8b. And to his daughter
Serveth the slaughter,
The saintly head of him he dreaded.

9a. But how doth the righteous perish,
As though God His saint did not cherish?
9b. Such a death is ever precious
In the sight of God, who is gracious.

10a. In spirit we well perceive,
Great was the saint we grieve!
So akin in his work, behavior,
And death, to His Savior.
10b. For just as to death of shame
They would the Bridegroom damn,
They the friend of the Bridegroom rightly
Damn to death unsightly.

11a. From bondage carnal
To heav’n eternal
High swinging,
The angels bore that angel singing,
11b. Grant us, o Jesus,
To sing Thee praises
In honor
Of St. John Thy Forerunner,

12. That, having spurned Herod’s table,
We also may be able
At Thy feast to receive Thee,
And all praise ever give Thee.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

In die decollationis Johannis Baptistae Sequentia
de Gottschalk

1. Psallite Regi nostro, psallite,
psallite, psallite prudenter.

2a. Nam psalterium
est jucundum cum cithara,
2b. Nato virginis,
quo psallens natus sterilis.

3a. Citharam carnis
percussit in domo Domini.
3b. Dum, quod sonabat
clamando, docuit vivendo,

4a. Mortificando,
quae super terram sunt, membra
et hoc alios docendo,
4b. Praeparans Christo
plebem perfectam Johannes,
vox clamantis in deserto.

5a. Sed vox haec impium
Herodem, quem corripit,
minime corrigit.
5b. Haud tamen tacuit,
sed ad usque sanguinem
sceleri restitit.

6a. Non licet, inquit, te fratris tui
habere conjugem, raptam ei: [=sibi]
peccasti, quiesce:
poenitentibus
sic praecepit Dominus.
6b. Vocem incantantis sapienter
Herodes, ut aspis surda, spernit:
ut justum, ut sanctum
Johannem timet,
quem vinxit in carcere.

7a. Sedet in tenebris
lucerna, lucis
amicus omnipotentis.
7b. Studet deliciis
mundi principis
filius perditionis.

8a. Meretrix suadet,
puella saltat,            [nata precatur,]
Rex jubet,
sanctus decollatur.
8b. Dat rex saltanti
caput Johannis,
qui sanctus
ante fit, quam natus.

9a. En, quomodo perit justus,
quasi non sit Deo dilectus,
9b. Cum sit ejus pretiosa
mors haec in conspectu Domini.

10a. Nos corde percipimus,
qualis et quantus est,
quia vicinus dignitate     [convicinus…]
Christo fit [sit] et morte.
10b. Nam morte turpissima
damnatur sponsus, et                    (L. has “sponsus, spon- // si et…’)
sponsi amicum damnant recte
morte turpissima.

11a. Carcere carnis
ductum, quem ferunt
psallendo
coelis Angeli Angelum.
11b. Et nos in terris
tibi psallere
fac, Christe,
in memoriam Baptistae.

12. Herodis spreta
quo mensa
altaris tui mensa
ipsum te, dum sumimus,
semper tibi psallamus.

Congaudent angelorum

Here is my translation of “Congaudent angelorum,” sung by the church as the Sequence for the Assumption (et al.), as corrected by Hermann Bonnus and found in Ludecus’ cantionale (1589). Included with Bonnus’ Latin are the variants from the original text before the evangelical corrections. These consist mainly of amending Marian adoration to reverence (in accord, e.g., with early councils), and, toward the end of the Sequence, redirecting invocatory language from Mary to Christ. Interestingly, this Sequence was general for the Assumption throughout German lands, whereas the Sarum use employed three special Sequences along with the other Marian ones throughout the Octave.

IN COMMON celebration
Angels joy in Mary glorified,

2a. Who without relation
Of mortal man, her Son supplied,
2b. Who restores creation
By His body’s healing tide.

3a. For now this Virgin’s heart rejoices
To see the Man as heaven’s Prince
3b. That once amid the manger noises
Received from her His sustenance.

4a. How angels sing the splendor
 Of Jesus’ mother, Mary honoring!
4b. Who, owning fealty, render
Their faithful service to Her Son, the King.

5a. How brightly in heaven
They the virgin maid revere,
  Whose body was given
To their Lord a lodging dear,
And as a chamber free from stain!
5b. How fair is the shining
Of the sea-star in the heights, Who, humbly inclining,
Bore the Light above all lights,—
Light of all spirits, stars, and men!

6a. The King of all heaven,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
  By all His humble church adored,
6b. Who ever is given
Songs of sweet accord,
  With all the hosts on high outpoured.

7a. Whom sacred scriptures sweetly frame,
Prophets as in chorus joyful name,
Clerics and apostles jointly
And the holy martyrs all proclaim,
7b.  Whom man and maiden own the Way,
With their crosses foll’wing day to day,
Both in faith and true affection
Emulating saints above the fray.

8a. All Thy church, in spirit soaring,
Thee with hymns adoring,
Calling Thee most highly prized,
8b. Faith before Thee thus revealing,
Humbly to Thy heart appealing,
  Beseeches Thee to hear, O Jesus Christ,

9. That Thou wouldst forever deign
From Thy Father to obtain
Help by Thy pray’rs all-availing.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

LATIN (LUDECUS 1589: CORR. BY H. BONNUS)

1. Congaudent angelorum
chori gloriosae Virgini,

2a. Quae sine virili
commixtione genuit
2b. Filium qui suo
mundum cruore medicat.

3a. Nam ipsa laetatur,
quod caeli iam conspicatur Principem.
3b. In terris cui quondam
sugendas Virgo mammillas praebuit.

4a. Quam celebris angelis
Maria Jesu mater creditur.
4b. Qui Filii illius
debitos se cognoscunt famulos. [debito…] V

5a. Quam fulgida in caelis [Qua gloria…]
ista Virgo cernitur, […colitur]
quae Domino caeli
praebuit hospitium
sui sanctissimi corporis.
5b. Quam splendida polo
stilla maris rutilat,  [stella…]* (I have used the original reading here)
quae omnium lumen
astrorum et hominum
atque spirit[u]um genuit.

6a. Jesum Christum caeli Regem, [Te caeli regina]
quem plebecula [haec plebicula]
piis concelebrant mentibus.
6b. Quem cantu melodo [Te … melodos]
super aethera
una cum angelis elevat.

7a. Quem libri sacri concinunt, [Te libri virgo…]
Prophetarum chorus jubilat,
sacerdotum Apostoli,
sanctique martyres praedicant. [Christique …]
7b. Quem plebis sexus sequitur, [Te plebes…]
utriusque vitam diligens
Christianam caelicolas [virginalem…]
in dilectione aemulans. [in castimonia…]

8a. Ecclesia ergo cuncta
Te cordibus Teque
carminibus venerans. […celebrat]
8b. Tibi suam manifestat
devotionem precatu
Te supplici implorans, Jesu Christe. [… implorans Maria]

9. Ut sibi auxilio
circa patrem Dominum  […Christum…]
esse digneris per aevum.

O Gott Vater, gebenedeit in Ewigkeit

Here is my translation of the hymn “O Gott Vater, gebenedeit in Ewigkeit” (M. Weiße, 1531), a hymn of the “church militant” and prayer against the enemies of Christendom. The melody is an adaptation of “Ave maris stella,” as found in Kirchengeseng (1566, 1580, etc.).

O GOD OUR Father, blessèd in eternity,
This day in mercy all our troubles see,
Behold how many rivals seek our life,
And with all cunning cause us strife!

2. The evil foe about us prowls without a pause
And like a lion roars and spreads his jaws,
Makes every effort to consume us whole,
In deadly sin to drown our soul.

3. If ever he cannot succeed to make us err,
He sets about, the world to goad and stir,
And makes them eager to despise Thy grace
And fall upon Thy flock apace.

4. No less will this our flesh allow our spirit peace,
But wreaks confusion and will never cease;
It fights the spirit, mastery to gain,
And make it fear eternal pain.

5. Oh, to this spirit, ever by the flesh waylaid,
And calling Thee in trouble for Thine aid,
Grant pow’r, that it may never conquered lie,
But overcome and stand on high!

6. Our foes are Satan, flesh, the world, and Antichrist:
And day and night our spirit must resist
Their potent poison, wrath, and cunning deed,
Lord God, assist us in our need!

7. Oh, clothe us with the noble armor of Thy truth,
That in Thy way we walk in age and youth.
Confirm us in the faith, in trust, and love,
Lest Satan e’er our ruin prove.

8. Unfold Thy heart, O Lord, and make Thy mercy plain
And help us over ev’ry sin to reign,
And o’er the evil foe and all his horde;
Thy name be worshiped and adored.

9. Amen, we sing with fervent hearts in unity.
O Father, of Thy love and kindness free,
Through Jesus Christ, Thy dearest Son,
Grant us Thy help while ages run.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. O Gott Vater, gebenedeit in Ewigkeit,
sieh heut an durch deine Barmherzigkeit,
wie so viel Feind nach unsrem Leben stehn,
und sehr listig mit uns umgehn.

2. Der böse Feind geht ohn Unterlaß um uns her,
brummet als ein grimmiger Löw und Bär,
tut Fleiß, daß er uns lebendig verschlind,
fället in Irrtum und Todsünd.

3. Wo er durch sich selbest an uns nichts schaffen kann,
so geht er und hetzet alle Welt an,
daß sie mit Frevel deine Gnad veracht,
und sich mit Grimm an dein Volk macht.

4. So läßt auch das Fleisch unsrem Geiste keine Ruh,
sondern richtet ihm viel Ungemach zu,
krieget mit ihm und will sein Herre sein,
und der fürchtet ewige Pein.

5. Diesem Geist, der mit dem Fleische kämpft allezeit,
und in Nöten um Beistand zu dir schreit,
verlieh Kraft, daß er ihm nicht unterlieg,
sondern frei überwind und sieg.

6. Unser Feind ist Satan, Fleisch, Welt, und Antichrist,
wider welches Gift, Grimm, und arge List,
unser Geist Tag und Nacht zu streiten hat:
o tu ihm Beistand, Herre Gott.

7. O leg uns den teuren Harnisch der Wahrheit an,
daß wir sicher wandeln auf deiner Bahn;
stärk uns im Glauben, Lieb und Zuversicht,
daß uns nicht Schad der Bösewicht.

8. O Herr, laß dich mild und Barmherzigkeit erfinden,
und hilf, daß wir herrschen allen Sünden;
dem bösen Feind und seinem gantzen Heer,
deinem Namen zu Lob und Ehr.

9. Amen singen wir einträchtig aus Herzenbrunst,
O Vater, du wollest aus Lieb und Gunst
durch Jesum Christum deinen lieben Sohn,
uns allzeit Hilf und Beistand tun.

Gaude visceribus

Here is my translation of the hymn "Gaude visceribus" for 1st Vespers of the Assumption (or Dormition) of the Blessed Virgin Mary, made according to the corrections to the Latin by Hermann Bonnus, as found in Ludecus' Vesperale (1589).

NOW make thee jubilant deep in thy inmost breast
O Mother Christendom, so oft who hallowest
Sacred days of Saint Mary;
Earth, sea, heaven, now celebrate!

2. Her lowly origin lacked no magnificence,
Her life shone brilliantly with deeds of holiness,
Her departure possesseth
Highest honor for evermore.

3. Virgin delivering, virgin continuing,
She gave God nourishment from her own reservoir,
Bent to bear with arms trembling 
Him who holds her and ev’rything.

4. Blessed that God-bearer, bounteous in accolades,
Gate of the Potentate fastened perennially,
Bright Polaris, the Sea-star,
Branch with Royalty blossoming.

5. Now with sincerity we humbly ask of Thee,
Son of the Virgin pure, God’s very Progeny,
Of Thine infinite mercy
Keep us always and ev’rywhere.

6. Christ, with Thy hallowèd orisons gain for us
Peace’s true palisade, sweet and perpetual,
And Thy blessed dominion,
With endowments more permanent.

7. Grant it, Omnipotent Father, Begotten One,
And Thou in Deity, Spirit, identical,
One God ever reigning,
For all ages and evermore.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

LATIN (AS REWORKED BY BONNUS)

1. Gaude visceribus mater in intimis
felix ecclesia, quae sacra replicas
sanctae festa Mariae,
plaudant astra, solum, mare.

2. Cuius magnifica est generatio,
cuius vita sacris claruit actibus.
cuius finis honorem
summum fine tenet sine.

3. Quae virgo peperit, virgoque permanet
lactavit propriis uberibus Deum.
Portantemque gerebat
Ulnis prona trementibus.

4. Felix multiplici laude puerpera,
Regis porta sui clausa perenniter.
Mundi stella fluentis
Floris virgula regia.

5. Te nunc suppliciter poscimus unice
O Fili Mariae virginis et Dei,
Ut nos semper ubique
Miti munere protegas.

6. Sanctis obtineas Christe precatibus
Pacis praesidium dulce diutinae,
Nobis atque beati
Regni dona perennia.

7. Praesta summe Pater, Patris et Unice
Amborumque simul Spiritus annue,
Qui regnas Deus unus
Omni tempore saeculi.

Wir glauben all und bekennen frei

Here is my translation of the Bohemian Brethren hymn “Wir glauben all und bekennen frei” (M. Weiße, 1531),  a sort of brief symbol or confession of what the Supper is (as the original title suggests). The melody is apparently based on the Gregorian tune “Omnipotens Pater gentium.” Both text and tune were later altered and are still found in many hymnals to this day, including that of the SELK.

WE believe and freely all confess,
Just as Jesus said,
That this bread His Body is
That for all our sin to suff’ring sped,
And was crucified and dead;

2. Also that the wine, as He has willed,
Is His Blood unstained,
That upon the cross was spilled,
And the greatest good for all obtained
Who in Him have faith unfeigned.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Wir glauben all und bekennen frei,
daß nach Christi Wort,
diß Brot der Leib Christi sei,
der für unser Sünd und Missetat
leid am Kreuz den bittern Tod.

2. Desgleichen der Wein in seiner Art
sein unschuldig Blut,
welchs am Kreuz vergossen ward,
uns und allen gläubigen zugut,
so ihm folgen in Demut.

Wach auf, mein Geist, erhebe dich

Here is my translation of the hymn “Wach auf, mein Geist, erhebe dich” (J. Rist, 1651), a communion hymn for Passiontide rooted in the Five Wounds school. The title reads: “A Good Friday hymn describing the spiritual delight of an enlightened soul in the five wounds of its dearest Redeemer and Savior, Jesus Christ, the crucified.”

The appointed tune provided by Rist’s accomplished musical partner Johann Schop was also used for “O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort” [Eternity, Thou Thund’rous Word].

AWAKE, MY spirit, lift thine eye,
Awake, five mortal stings espy,
The wounds thy Master marring;
Awake, the world and passions leave,
For I would hide thee in the cave
Of dear Immanuel’s scarring;
Awake, and fill thy heart and eye
Here on the cross of Calvary.

2. Here five great cellars stand in sight,
Filled up with wine for thy delight:
That man may take and drink it,
If he as Savior Jesus own,
And through Him cast his passions down
And into hell but sink it—
By this fair wine that man will be
Drunk but to heaven’s ecstasy.

3. This draught, as honey sweet, that came
In torrents from the tree of shame,
From Jesus’ side outpouring,—
How pleasant to the eyes, behold!
So tarry not, but come, be bold,
And taste without demurring:
Well art thou granted every hour
To stagger in this liquor’s pow’r.

4. Here stand five tables fairly decked,
With beauty that can souls perfect,
With foods beyond comparing;
Approach, my soul, approach, I say!
Take, eat and drink at ease today,
Here are no laws o’erbearing,—
No secret rules, no hidden ways,
No bows to rank or proud displays.

5. This supper knows no guile or fear,
For what is spread before thee here
Can feed thy soul to heaven;
No poison lurks in what is brought,
Nor can one sip be sold or bought,
But freely is it given;
O man, this meal will nourish thee
To live for all eternity.

6. Here spring five wells of clearest gold
And openly their stores unfold
With fresh, untainted currents:
Ah! come, approach, dear soul, and see
What from these fissures flows for thee,
And in thee what fair torrents!
Here wash thyself with holy care
And thou wilt be all white and fair.

7. Here see five portals plain to view
By which a man, but passing through,
Sets foot in heaven’s garden;
The slender doorways part a space
And bring us to the noble place
Of joy, relief, and pardon;—
Release from pains of hell, and death,
And safety from the devil’s wrath.

8. Here Jesus’ hands and feet unfold,
Than honey sweeter—here behold
Our victory completed!
Where will I find more help and aid
Than in the One who all things made,
Who also death defeated?
Here at His feet I’ll hold me still,
And hearken to my Savior’s will.

9. Here in this place five hollows yawn,
(As in the Word of God is shown)
That man may hide inside them:
Yea, thus, dear soul, the creatures meek
Within a rock their refuge seek,
When scents of storm betide them:
The dove flies to her rocky nest,
The sparrow seeks a tree for rest.

10. Oh, spirit, then not hopeless sigh
If mighty thunder crack the sky,
The cloud of grace to scatter:
In Jesus’ wounds thy hiding make
Where thou canst refuge safely take,
Lest thee the tempest batter
There wilt thou find no flash of wrath,
But well escape the storms of death.

11. Here are five healing draughts distilled
With wondrous pleasures sweetly filled,
And spice than all things dearer;
Oh, then, dear soul, thy mouth but yield
And only taste, and thou art healed!
Here is no cause for terror:
To heav’n this incense leads amain,
To heights that death cannot attain.

12. Here shine five pearls of wondrous worth
Within this lot to give thee mirth,—
Whose rays the sun’s outmeasure;
What man could guess the price aright?
O dearest soul, here is a light,
Here is thy highest pleasure;
Here is the greatest pow’r of heav’n
By which that realm itself is giv’n.

13. Take hold, dear soul! Here dost thou see
The oil of gladness spilled for thee,
Here golden stars still brighten;
Here shines a glorious fivefold stone,
More brilliant rays were never known,
The farthest climes they lighten;
This prize, the longing of thy heart,
Keep on thy breast, nor let depart.

14. Who cares for jewels blue and clear?
My Jesus’ wounds I hold more dear,—
The fairest earthly treasure:
Who has them not will never find
The wedding invitation kind
Sent at the Lamb’s good pleasure;
They only who this Jewel wear
Will join that feast beyond compare.

15. O Jesus, dearest heav’nly Groom,
Thy body, from the winepress come,
Hath dressed me in Thy merit:
The scarlet robe, the mantle pearled,
My highest joy in all the world,
That wholly stirs my spirit!
Now, O my sweetest mouth, I see,
With all Thy heart Thou lovest me.

16. O Lord, Thy wounds all clearly show
Who laid this mighty sinner low
And rent this beast asunder!
O Lord, Thy wounds grant me to view
That I may be raised up anew
When I through grief must wander;
O Lord, Thy wounds at last I’ll take
When I must die, and in Thee wake.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Ein Charfrietagsgeang
worin beschrieben wird die geistreiche Erlustigung
einer erleuchteten Seelen in den fünf Wunden ihres
am Kreuze hängenden allerliebsten Heilandes und Seligmachers
Jesu Christi.

1. Wach auf mein Geist, erhebe dich,
wach auf, hie sind fünf Todesstich
und Wunden deines Herren,
wach auf, laß Welt und Wollust sein,
ich will dich in die Höhl hinein
Immanuels versperren;
wach auf, mach Herz und Augen satt
am Kreuz allhie bei Davids Stadt.

2. Fünf Keller blicken hie herfür,
die stehen ganz voll Weins vor dir,
mit welchem wird getränket
nur der, dem Jesus ist bewußt,
und der durch ihn die Sündenlust
zur Höllen hat versenket,
ein solcher wird von diesem Wein
allein zum Himmel trunken sein.

3. Dies Honigsüße Naß, daß kam
geflossen von des Kreuzes Stamm
aus deines Jesu Seiten,
sehr lieblich ist es anzusehn,
drum säume nicht hineinzugehn,
den Trank dir zu bereiten,
es ist dir ja zur jeden Zeit
vergönnet solche Trunkenheit.

4. Five Tische stehen wohlbesetzt
mit allem, was die Seel ergötzt,
mit auserlesnen Speisen.
Hinzu, du meine Seel, hinzu,
nimm, trink, und iß in guter Ruh,
hie sind nicht fremde Weisen,
da man sich muß mit großem Pracht
erst bücken, wie die Welt es macht.

5. Die Mahlzeit weiß von keiner List,
denn was dir augesetzet ist,
das kann dich kräftig laben.
Kein Gift wird hie getragen auf,
auch ist die Speise nicht zu Kauf;
umsonst kanst du sie haben.
Ja, diese Kost die nähret dich,
o Mensch, zum Leben ewiglich.

6. Fünf Quellen wie das Gold so klar
entspringen hie ganz offenbar,
die lautre Ström ergiessen;
ach, komm herzu, du liebe Seel,
und schaue, was aus dieser Höhl
in dich für Wässer fliessen,
da wasche dich mit ganzem Fleiß,
alsdenn so wirst du schön und weiß.

7. Fünf Türen sind allhie zu sehn,
durch welche man hinein kann gehn
recht in des HImmels Garten,
es öffnet sich die schmale Pfort
und bringt uns an den edlen Ort,
da wir der Freud abwarten,
ja, da wir für der Höllen Pein,
auch Tod und Teufel sicher sein.

8. Es öffnen sich die Händ und Füß
an Jesu mehr den Honigsüß,
uns ist durch sie gelungen:
wo find ich besser Hülf und Rat,
als wenn mich der umfangen hat,
der selbst den Tod bezwungen?
Zu seinen Füßen sitz ich still
und horche, was mein Heiland will.

9. Fünf Höhlen zeigt uns dieser Ort,
die trägt an sich des Vaters Wort,
da kann man sich verkriechen;
ja, liebe Seel, es suchen doch
die wilden Tier ein sichers Loch
wenn sie das Wetter reichen:
die Taube fleugt den Felsen zu,
das Vöglein such im Baume Ruh.

10. Auch du mein Geist, verzage nicht,
im Fall ein starker Donner bricht
die Wolken großer Gnade.
Kriech in des Herren Wunden ein,
da kannst du frisch und sicher sein,
daß dir der Sturm nicht schade.
Da trifft dich weder Blitz noch Zorn,
da bist du gänzlich unverlorn.

11. Fünf Apoteken stehn bereit
voll wundersüßer Lieblichkeit,
voll edler Spezereien:
Ei, liebe Seel, halt auf dein Mund
und schmecke nur, du wirst gesund,
hie darfst du dich nicht scheuen.
Dies Rauchwerk führt dich Himmel an,
dahin der Tod nicht kommen kann.

12. Fünf Perlen trefflich hoch von Schatz
erzeigen sich auf diesem Platz,
ihr glanz verjagt die Sonne,
ihr Wert ist auszusprechen nicht,
O liebste Seel, hie schwebt ein Licht,
hie steht dein höchste Wonne,
hie liegt des Himmels beste Kraft,
welch uns den Himmel selbst verschafft.

13. Greif immer zu, geliebte Seel,
hie findest du das Freudenöl,
hie glänzen güldne Sterne,
hie steckt ein Kleinod solcher Art,
desgleichen nie gesehen ward,
das leuchtet auch von ferne.
Die Kleinod, deines Herzen Lust
bewahre stets an deiner Brust.

14. Was will der Demant und Saphir?
Des Herren Wunden nehm ich mir,
den besten Schmuck auf Erden,
wer den nicht hat, kann nimmermehr
zu dieses Lämmleins Hochzeit Ehr
hinein gelassen werden;
nur der, den dieses Kleinod ziert,
wird auf dies große Mahl geführt.

15. O Jesu, liebster Bräutigam,
dein Leib, der aus der Kelter kam,
der hat mir angezogen
den roten Schmuck, den Perlen Pracht,
der meinen Geist so fröhlich macht,
das er wird ganz bewogen,
jetzt fühl ich, O mein süßer Mund,
du liebest mich aus Herzens Grund.

16. Herr, deine Wunden zeigen mir,
wen mich das starke Sündentier
erleget hat zur Erde.
Herr, deine Wunden laß mich sehn,
wenn ich durchs Tränen-Tal muß gehn,
daß ich erquicket werde!
Herr, deine Wunden zum Beschluß
ergreif ich, wenn ich sterben muß.

Ach Gott! wie herzlich liebst du doch

Here is my translation of a hymn on the Preaching Office “Ach Gott, wie herzlich liebst du doch” (G. Österreicher, ca. 1700). More properly, it is a hymn on what hearers owe their pastor, as Luther puts it. Appointed tune, variously “Ach Gott vom Himmel, sieh darein,” “Allein, Gott in der Höh sei Ehr,” or “Es ist das Heil uns kommen her.” It is included, among other places, in Lehre und Wehre vol. 55, p. 491, by the Commission for the revision of the German hymnal, as a proposal for the expansion. Italics indicate major interpolations not in the original text.

 

O GOD, what love Thou showest us
Thy poor, on earth residing,
From heaven high to open thus
Thy will for our confiding!
The Preaching Office Thou hast sent
To speak Thy Word, that we repent,
And trust in Christ our Savior.

2. We pray Thee, God, our Refuge high,
Unfailingly and surely
Thy faithful servants to supply,
To teach Thy Scripture purely!
Give us Thy Spirit’s pow’r devout,
To hearken well and have no doubt
And live thereby as holy.

3. Help us to honor and to love
Thy faithful preachers truly,
And, heeding their good teaching, prove
In life Thy doctrine daily,
Since they Thy high command dispose
And o’er our soul keep watch as those
Who must account give for it.

4. Lord, grant therefore that we may share
With them all good and blessing,
That they with joy their work may bear,
And not with groans distressing,
For that would be to us no gain,
As we are taught in Scripture plain;
Oh, keep us from such error!

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Ach Gott! wie herzlich liebst du doch
uns arme Leut auf Erden!
Daß du uns von dem Himmel hoch
dein Willen kund läßt werden
durchs Predigamt in deinem Wort,
welchs jetzund schallt an unserm Ort,
daß wir Buß tun und glauben.

2. Wir bitten dich, o höchster Hort!
du wollst allzeit bescheren
getreue Diener, die dein Wort
rein, unverfälscht uns lehren;
gieb uns deins Geistes Kraft und Macht,
daß wir es hören mit Andacht,
und heilig darnach leben.

3. Hilf, daß wir treue Prediger
von Herzen ehrn und lieben,
und folgen ihrer guten Lehr,
darin uns täglich üben,
weil sie verrichten dein Befehl,
und wachen über unsre Seel
auch Rechnschaft dafür geben.

4. Herr, gib Du, daß wir ihnen nun
erzeigen Guts und Ehre,
daß sie ihr Amt mit Freuden tun,
und nicht mit Seufzen schwere,
dann solches ist uns ja nicht gut,
wie uns dein Wort selbst lehren tut;
davor wollst uns behüten.

Auf, Seele, sei gerüst

Here is my translation of “Auf, Seele, sei gerüst” (Georg Heine, 1693), a communion hymn for the Passion based on the events of Holy Thursday, with a theme of encouragement in the face of adversity. Originally published in Heine’s own volume, it was later included i.a. in Freylinghausen, though afterward replaced by another communion hymn of a more general nature to be sung to the same melody: “Mein Jesu, der du mich.”

ARISE, MY soul, prepare!
Thy Savior Christ is there—
What love He offers!
What longing in Him glows
To hold thee ere He goes
And for thee suffers.

2. O love without a bound!
The Substance here is found,
The type fulfilling:
The Bridegroom, even He,
Our own true Lamb to be,
Surrenders willing.

3. He fashions for our weal
His great memorial meal
Above discerning,
To bind us to His death
Which we proclaim by faith
Till His returning.

4. Therefore, dear Israël,
Take for thy soul this seal,
For strength in sadness:
God through the Lamb’s dear blood
Will bring us o’er the flood
to heights of gladness

5. O Jesus, thanks to Thee:
Teach us Thy hymnody
To sing devoutly,
That we might also climb
The Mount with Thee in time
And battle stoutly.

6. The hour will soon be here
When life’s true pathway drear
Through death shall wind us;
Oh, grant that night may not
Subdue our wakeful thought,
But praying find us!

7. Our selfish counsels take,
Our senses newly make,
With Thine agreeing,
That in our griefs we may
Thy gracious will obey,
Thy pleasure seeing.

8. Let life’s elixir dear
Of Thy death’s pow’r appear
And in us flourish;
Let Thy last drop and sigh
Confirm us from on high,
Our souls to nourish.

9. Here Bab’lon’s rabble see
How we, Thy church, in Thee
Find help and blessing:
Wherefore she comes with force
To blunt our weapon’s course
With arms distressing.

10. O Jesus, help Thou us,
Not as a reed to toss
Nor lightly waver:
But let us firm remain,
In sorrow, grief, and pain,
And thank Thee ever,—

11. Lest e’er in flame and fire
Our hearts, once bold, expire
And sink in terror;
But let us drink with glee
The wine of myrrh from Thee
And be Thy sharer.

12. The time will come at last
When these our tongues will taste
The cup of gladness—
O flood of hope and grace,
That wholly shall erase
This hour of sadness!

13. By joy and light that day
Shall grief be swept away,
By glory swallowed:
When God, beyond the fight,
Shall give a garment white
To soldiers hallowed.

14. For this our hearts all swoon:
Lord Jesus, oh, come, soon!
And perfect make us!
Send help, for Bab’lon roars
To plunder us by force,
From Thee to take us!

15. Still let our weapons blest
Till vict’ry never rest,
Though hard surrounded;
Blind Bab’lon’s eyes, that she
In shame in mockery
Must lie confounded.

16. O God, in heart and soul
Grant peace and self-control
Thy truth supplying;
Here yet Thy wisdom give,
And minds in Thee to live;
There, crowns undying.

17. O Jesus, glorious Lord,
Grant us a gracious word
At our beseeching;
Hear Alleluia’s strain,
And let Thy “Yea, Amen,”
Our ears be reaching.

18. Prepare us now in Thee,
To pass through misery,
To gladness pressing,
And soon the triumph song
“It is the Lord!” prolong
In joys unceasing.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Auf, Seele! sei gerüst;
dein Heiland, JEsus christ,
brennt vor Verlangen!
Sein Herze sehnet sich,
noch vor dem Leiden dich
recht zu umfangen.

2. O Liebe ohne Zahl!
das Bild muß diesesmal
dem Wesen weichen:
er selbst, der Bräutigam,
schenkt sich zum Oster-Lamm
uns ganz zu eigen.

3. Er hat ein Denkmal jetzt
der Wunder eingesetzt,
uns zu verbinden
zu seinem Tod, den wir,
bis er kommt, für und für
sollen verkünden.

4. Drum, liebes Israel,
auf, stärke deine Seel,
ergreif die Siegel:
Gott führt durchs Lammes Blut
die Seinen durch die Flut
zum Freuden-Hügel.

5. O Jesu! dir sei Dank:
lehr uns den Lobgesang
nun also singen,
daß wir dann können drauf
den Ölberg gehn hinau,
und tapfer ringen.

6. Die Zeit eilt ja heran,
da wir die Lebens-Bahn
sollen betreten.
Ach, hilf, daß uns die Nacht
träg und schläfrig mach,
eifrig zu beten.

7. Nimm unsern Willen hin;
schaf einen neuen Sinn
nach deinem Willen,
daß wir, was dir gefällt,
in dieser Kreuzes-Welt
mögen erfüllen.

8. Laß deines Todes Kraft
den edlen Lebens-Saft
in uns ausfliessen:
Stärk uns aus deiner Höh,
wenn du die letzten Weh
nun wirst ausgiessen.

9. Sieh, Babel merkets schier,
daÍ dein Volk, Herr! bei dir
findt Hülf und Segen:
drum machet es sich auf,
uns unsern Waffen-Lauf
niederzulegen.

10. Du, aber, Jesu! hilf,
daß wir nicht wie das Schilf
hin und her wanken:
Gieb uns Beständigkeit,
in Trübsal, Angst und Leid
dir stets zu danken!

11. Aufdaß wir unsern Mut
in keiner Hitz und Glut
nicht lassen sinken:
sondern den Myrrhen-Wein,
den du uns schenkest ein,
ganz willig trinken.

12. Die Zeit ja bald hinschleicht,
da uns drauf wird gereicht
der Kelch der Freuden:
o Trostes-Überfluß!
der dann ersetzen muß
das kleine Leiden.

13. Da wird die Traurigkeit
von Freud und Herrlichkeit
werden verschlungen,
wenn Gott das weisse Kleid
giebt denen nach dem Streit,
die hier gerungen.

14. Hiernach das Herze wallt,
Herr Jesu! komm, komm bald,
uns zu vollenden;
hilf, weil itzt Babel schnaubt,
damit es dich nicht raubt
uns aus den Händen.

15. Laß unsre Waffen doch
im Segen ferner noch
stets siegend gehen;
verblende Babylon,
daß es mit Spott und Hohn
nur muß bestehen.

16. Und geuß, Immanuel!
in unser Herz und Seel
Einfalt und Wahrheit;
gib uns Weisheit in dir,
und schenk uns für und für
Klugheit und Klarheit.

17. Herr! dir ist ja der Ruhm,
Ach! hör im Heiligtum
dies unser Lallen;
hier klingt: Hallelujah!
Laß, Jesu! ja, ja, ja,
doch wiederschallen.

18. Mach uns in dir bereit,
durch Leiden in die Freud
so einzudringen,
daß wir “Victoria!
Triumph der Herr ist da!”
bald fröhlich singen.

Gott ist nicht ein gebundner Gott

Here is my translation of a funeral hymn “Gott ist nicht ein gebundner Gott” (Johann Vogel, d. 1663), a consolation for those whose children died before baptism. It came to my attention through notes on the funeral service appointments for the stillborn in Paul Graff’s Geschichte der Auflösung… vol. 1 (p. 367), where he quotes from stanzas 8, 9, and 10.

The appointed melody is “Herr, wie lang willst vergessen mein,” from the popular paraphrase of Psalm 13 by Vogel’s fellow Nürnberger Hans Sachs. I provide the proper melody below with thanks to Dr. Joseph Herl for locating it in Zahn.

GOD is no captive Deity,
But all things’ Source and Measure:
The Lord of life and death is He,
Who takes us at His pleasure.
When, where, and how He will ordain,
And we His subjects e’er remain
In all that we endeavor.

2. The course of life is His decree,
He knows the path most fitting;
He bids us yield His tribute fee,
Our lives to His committing;
But if He wills His way to turn,
Then let not Reason raise concern,
But simply follow forward.

3. “He who believes and is baptized
Will thereby have salvation.”
So spoke our faithful Shepherd, Christ,
While in His earthly station:
“He who does not believe is lost,”—
In endless torment shall be tossed,
And evermore shall perish.

4. The Lord, however, does not say
That those their baptism missing
To Satan’s clutches must fall prey,        
And pains of hell unceasing;
For then would many an infant child
From bounds of heaven be exiled
That for the font was headed.

5. That they should miss, do not despair!
This is not their misdoing.
The gracious Father will forbear,
Our grief in mercy viewing,
When life will not our will obey,
Although it follows not the way
To which the Lord had bound us.

6. Who will condemn the tender sons
Of many a hebrew mother,
Whose lives in Egypt midwives once
Were made to drown and smother—
Who in the waters were constrained
To die as Pharaoh had ordained,
Before their circumcision?

7. How many babes were buried low
When Israel homeless wandered
In desert places to and fro?
These all would have been sundered
From God’s own cov’nant and His face,
If He had not by means of grace
Received them to His bosom.

8. The infant son of David died
Before his circumcision,
Though much the king for mercy cried,
Denied was his petition;
When David yearned to go as well,
It was not to the flames of hell
But to the joy of heaven.

9. To paradise the robber went,
As Christ had plainly spoken,
Without this holy sacrament,
Nor was God’s ord’nance broken;
It is as it shall ever be:
We are the ones constrained, not He.
He never shall be captive.

10. Dear Christian mothers, then take heart!
For grief this comfort borrow,
That if your infants should depart
In urgency and sorrow,
When you commit them first to God,
The heav’nly gate through Jesus’ blood
Is open to receive them.

11. Life, life the Father holds most dear,
Nor does destruction cherish.
He who declines God’s Word to hear
Will be the one to perish.
Those who to death through Adam came
The Father saves from death and shame
Through Christ the only Savior.

12. In this God will His hand employ,
He has the pow’r to do it,
To bring His own to heights of joy,
Though here we may not view it.
If He has called the parents His,
Their blessed seed He also sees
As part of His own people.

13. Praise be to God upon the throne,
Our Father never failing;
Praise be to Christ, His dearest Son,
Whose death is all-availing;
Praise be to God the Holy Ghost,
Who shows us to the uttermost
In all our cares His comfort.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Gott ist nicht ein gebundner Gott
an das, was er befohlen:
er ist Herr über Lebn und Tod,
er kann uns zu sich holen
wie, wo er will, zu welcher Zeit,
wir bleiben seine Lehenleut
in allen unsern Sachen.

2. Des Lebens Wege schrieb er für
wie ihm es wollt belieben:
er fordert von uns die Gebühr,
die wir da sollen üben.
Geht aber er ein andre Bahn:
geht die Vernunft dies gar nicht an,
sie hat ihm bloß zu folgen.

3. Wer glaubet und getaufet wird,
soll dadurch selig werden,
sagt unser treuer Seelen-Hirt,
weil er ging auf der Erden:
wer nicht glaubt, soll verloren sein,
and bleiben in der Höllenpein
auf ewig ganz verdorben.

4. Wohl aber, daß der Herr nicht sagt:
Wer nicht getauft ist worden,
der ist vom Teufel ausgejagt
zu der verdammten Orden;
sonst müßten manche Kinderlein
vom Himmel ausgeschlossen sein,
die nicht zur Taufe kommen.

5. Und haben doch daran nicht Schuld,
daß sie so hingescheiden:
der Gnaden-Vater hat Geduld,
wo wir hier etwas leiden,
das nicht in unserm Willen steht;
ob es schon dem nicht gleich nachgeht,
worauf er uns verbunden.

6. Wer will die zarten Kinderlein
von Israel verdammen,
die in Egypten sollten sein
erdrücket von den Ammen?
Die in dem Wasser mußten gar
austehen, was gebotten war,
und sterben unbeschnitten?

7. Wieviel der Kinder gingen hin
dort in der großen Wüsten,
da Israel mußt umherziehn,
die alle darum müßten
geschloßen bleiben aus dem Bund,
wann Gott, aus seiner Gnade Grund,
sie nicht hätt eingenommen?

8. Das Söhnlein Davids starb auch noch,
eh als es wurd beschnitten,
für das der König bat so hoch;
doch es nicht konnt erbitten:
dem David wollte fahren nach,
gewiß nicht zu den Höllenbach,
vielmehr zur Himmelfreude.

9. Der Schächer fuhr ins Paradeis,
wie Christus ihm versprochen,
den man auch ungetaufet weiß,
und bleibt doch ungebrochen,
was Gottes Ordnung mit sich bringt,
die uns nur, ihm nicht, ist bedingt:
er bleibet unverbunden.

10. Da laßt, ihr Christen-Mütter, euch
zum Trost sein vorgesungen:
entgehen euch die Kinder gleich,
aus Not und Angst gedrungen.
Wann ihr sie Gott ergebt zuvor,
steht ihnen auch das Himmelstor
durch Christi Blut eröffnet.

11. Das Leben liebt der Vater dort,
er liebt nicht das Verderben:
wer widerstrebet seinem Wort,
der, der muß ewig sterben.
Wer durch den Adam kam zum Tod,
hilft er durch Christum aus der Not,
die ihm der Mensch nicht machet.

12. Gott hat hierin die freie Hand:
er, er kann alles schaffen,
daß es komm in den Freudenstand,
ob wir gleich drob entschlaffen.
Wenn er die Eltern hat erwählt,
hat er zu seinem Volk gezählt
auch ihren lieben Samen.

13. Lob sei Gott in dem höchsten Thron,
dem Vater aller Seelen.
Lob sei auch seinem liebsten Sohn,
durch den uns nichts kann quälen.
Lob sei auch seinem frohnen Geist,
der überall den Trost uns weist
in allen unsern Ängsten.