The Hymns of Martin Luther

Martin Luther

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Published by Liberty Fund, Inc.

Martin Luther, The Hymns of Martin Luther [1884]

Edition used:

Dr. Martin Luther’s Deutsche Geistliche Lieder. The Hymns of Martin Luther set to their original Melodies with an English version, ed. Leonard Woolsey Bacon and Nathan H. Allen (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1884).

Author: Martin Luther

Editor: Leonard Woolsey Bacon

Author: Misc (Reformation Chorale)

A nice 1884 edition of Luther’s hymns with parallel German-English versions and musical scores of some 36 hymns.

Copyright:

The text is in the public domain.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION.

Luther’s First Preface.

Luther’s Second Preface.

Luther’s Third Preface.

Luther’s Fourth Preface.

A Preface to All Good Hymn-Books. By Dr. Martin Luther. From Joseph Klug’s Hymn-Book, Wittenberg, 1543.

A Warning by Dr. Martin Luther.

From The “Eight Songs,” Wittenberg, 1524.

I.: Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g’mein. Dear Christians, One and All rejoice.

Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g’mein.

Dear Christians, One and All rejoice.

II.: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh’ darein. Look down, O Lord, from Heaven behold.

Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh’ darein.

Look down, O Lord, from Heaven behold.

III.: Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl. The Mouth of Fools doth God confess.

IV.: Aus tiefer Noth schrei’ ich zu dir. Out of the Deep I Cry to Thee.

Aus tiefer Noth schrei’ ich zu dir.

Out of the Deep I Gry to Thee.

From the “Eight Songs,” Wittenberg, 1524.

V.: Ein neues Lied wir heben an. By Help of God I fain would tell.

Ein neues Lied wir heben an.

By Help of God I fain would tell.

VI.: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland. Saviour of the Heathen, known.

VII.: Christum wir sollen loben schon. Now praise we Christ, the Holy One.

VIII.: Gelobet sei’st du, Jesu Christ. All Praise to Jesus’ hallowed Name.

IX.: Christ lag in Todesbanden. Christ was laid in Death’s strong Bands.

X.: Komm, Gott Schöpfer, Heiliger Geist. Come, God Creator, Holy Ghost.

XI.: Jesus Christus unser Heiland, der den Tod. Jesus Christ, who came to save.

XII.: Komm, heiliger Geist, Herre Gott. Come, Holy Spirit, Lord our God.

Komm, heiliger Geist, Herre Gott.

Come, Holy Spirit, Lord our God.

XIII.: Diess sind die heil’gen zehn Gebot’. That Man a godly Life might live.

XIV.: Jesus Christus unser Heiland, der von uns. Christ, who freed our Souls from Danger.

XV.: Gott sei gelobet und gebenedeiet. May God be praised henceforth and blest forever.

Gott sei gelobet und gebenedeiet.

May God be praised henceforth and blest forever.

XVI.: Es wollt’ uns Gott genädig sein. May God unto us gracious be.

Es wollt’ uns Gott genädig sein.

May God unto us gracious be.

XVII.: Wohl dem, der in Gottes Furcht steht. Happy the Man who feareth God.

Wohl dem, der in Gottes Furcht steht.

Happy the Man who feareth God.

XVIII.: Mitten wir im Leben sind. Though in Midst of Life we be.

Mitten wir im Leben sind.

Though in Midst of Life we be.

From Walter’s Gesangbuch, 1525.

XIX.: Nun bitten wir den heiligen Geist. Now pray we all God, the Comforter.

XX.: Mit Fried’ und Freud’ ich fahr’ dahin. In Peace and Joy I now depart.

XXI.: Mensch, willt du leben seliglich. Wilt thou, O Man, live happily.

XXII.: Gott der Vater wohn’ uns bei. God the Father, with us stay.

Gott der Vater wohn’ uns bei.

God the Father, with us stay.

XXIII.: Wir glauben All’ an einen Gott. We all believe in one true God.

XXIV.: Wär’ Gott nicht mit uns. Had God not come, may Israel say.

Wär’ Gott nicht mit uns.

Had God not come, may Israel say.

From The German Mass, 1526.

XXV.: Jesaia, dem Propheten, das geschah. These Things the Seer Isaiah did befall.

In “Form Und Ordnung Geistlicher Gesang,” Augsburg, 1529.

XXVI.: Ein’ feste Burg ist unser Gott. Strong Tower and Refuge is our God.

Ein’ feste Burg ist unser Gott.

Strong Tower and Refuge is our God.

In A Collection Of “Geistliche Lieder,” Wittenberg, 1533.

XXVII.: Verleih’ uns Frieden gnädiglich. In these our Days so perilous.

XXVIII.: Herr Gott, dich loben wir. Lord God, thy Praise we sing.

From Joseph Klug’s Gesangsbuch, 1535?

XXIX.: Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her. From Heaven above to Earth I come.

XXX.: Sie ist mir lieb, die werthe Magd. Dear is to me the holy Maid.

In Köphl’s Gesangbuch, Strassburg, 1535? 1538?

XXXI.: Vater unser im Himmelreich. Our Father, Thou in Heaven above.

In Klug’s Gesangbuch, 1543.

XXXII.: Von Himmel kam der Engel Schaar. To Shepherds, as they watched by Night.

XXXIII.: Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort. Lord, keep us in Thy Word and Work.

XXXIV.: Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam. To Jordan came our Lord the Christ.

XXXV.: Was fürcht’st du, Feind Herodus, sehr? Why, Herod, unrelenting Foe.

XXXVI.: Der du bist Drei in Einigkeit. Thou, who art Three in Unity.

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The Hymns of Luther.

Edition: current; Page: [ii] Edition: current; Page: [iii]

Dr. Martin Luther’s Deutsche Geistliche Lieder

THE HYMNS OF Martin Luther

SET TO THEIR ORIGINAL MELODIES

With an English Version

edited by LEONARD WOOLSEY BACON assisted by NATHAN H. ALLEN

London

HODDER AND STOUGHTON 27, Paternoster Row

M DC CCLXXXIV

All rights reserved.

Edition: current; Page: [iv] Edition: current; Page: [v]

CONTENTS.

Introduction.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page xiii

Dr. Martin Luther’s Preface to all good Hymn Books, 1543. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

From the “Eight Songs,” Wittenberg, 1524.

I.—Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g’mein (1523) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

“A song of Thanksgiving for the great Blessings which God in Christ has manifested to us.”

dear christians, one and all rejoice.

Translation in part from R. Massie.

First Melody, 1524.

Harmony by H. Schein, 1627.

Second Melody from Klug’s Gesangbuch, 1543.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1610.

This choral is commonly known under the title, “Es ist gewisslich an der Zeit,” and, in a modified form, in England and America, as “Luther’s Judgment Hymn,” from its association with a hymn of W. B. Collyer, partly derived from the German, and not written by Luther.

II.—Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh’ darein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Psalm XII—Salvum me fac, Domine.

look down, o lord, from heaven behold.

Translation chiefly from Frances Elizabeth Cox, in “Hymns from the German.”

First Melody, 1524, is the tune of the hymn of Paul Speratus, “Es ist das Heil uns kommen her,” the singing of which under Luther’s window at Wittenberg is related to have made so deep an impression on the Reformer.

The anecdote is confirmed by the fact that in the “Eight Songs,” Luther’s three versions of Psalms are all set to this tune.

Harmony by A. Haupt, 1869.

Second Melody from Klug’s Gesangbuch, 1543.

Harmony by Haupt, 1869.

This is the tune in common use with this psalm in northern Germany.

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III.—Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Psalm XIV.—Dixit insipiens in corde.

the mouth of fools doth god confess.

Translation from R. Massie.

Melody from Walter’s Gesangbuch, 1525.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1610.

IV.—Aus tiefer Noth schrei’ ich zu dir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Psalm CXXX.—De profundis clamavi.

out of the deep i cry to thee.

Translation by Arthur Tozer Russel.

First Melody from Walter’s Gesangbuch, 1525.

Harmony by John Sebastian Bach, about 1725.

Second Melody in Wolfgang Köphl’s Gesangbuch, 1537, and in George Rhau’s, 1544.

Harmony by A. Haupt, 1869.

From The “Enchiridion,” Erfurt, 1524.

V.—Ein neues Lied wir heben an . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

“A Song of the Two Christian Martyrs, burnt at Brussels by the Sophists of Louvain. Which took place in the year 1522.”

[The real date of the event was July 1, 1523; and the ballad gives every token of having been inspired by the first announcement of the story.

The excellent translation of Mr. Massie has been conformed more closely to the original in the third and fourth stanzas; also, by a felicitous quatrain from the late Dr. C. T. Brooks, in the tenth stanza.]

by help of god i fain would tell.

Translation principally that of R. Massie.

Melody in Walter’s Gesangbuch, 1525.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1610.

VI.—Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

(From the Ambrosian Hymn, Veni, Redemptor gentium.)

saviour of the heathen, known.

Translation in part by R. Massie.

Melody derived from that of the Latin hymn, in Walter’s Gesangbuch, 1525.

Harmony from “The Choral Book for England,” by Sterndale Bennett and Otto Goldschmidt, 1865.

Edition: current; Page: [vii]

VII.—Christum wir sollen loben schon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

(From the Latin hymn, “A solis ortûs cardine.”)

now praise we christ, the holy one.

Translation by R. Massie.

Melody that of the Latin hymn.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1609.

VIII.—Gelobet sei’st du, Jesu Christ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

all praise to jesus’ hallowed name.

Translation chiefly by R. Massie.

Ancient German Church Melody.

Harmony by A. Haupt, 1869.

IX.—Christ lag in Todesbanden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

“Christ ist erstanden”—gebessert.

christ was laid in death’s strong bands.

Melody derived from that of the older German hymn.

Harmony by Bennett and Goldschmidt, 1865.

X.—Komm’, Gott Schöpfer, heiliger Geist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

From Veni, Creator Spiritus, ascribed to Charlemagne, 800.

come, god, creator, holy ghost.

Melody of the eighth century.

Harmony by John Sebastian Bach.

XI.—Jesus Christus unser Heiland, der den Tod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

jesus christ, who came to save.

Melody first published by Klug, 1543, and Bapst, 1545.

Harmony after John Sebastian Bach.

XII.—Komm’, heiliger Geist, Herre Gott. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

“Veni, Sancte Spiritus, gebessert durch D. Martin Luther.”

The first stanza translated from the Latin hymn ascribed to King Robert of France (A. D. 991), is traced to a service-book of the church in Basel, of the year 1514.

come, holy spirit, lord our god.

Translation chiefly that of Arthur Tozer Russell.

Original Latin Melody.

Harmony after Erythraeus, 1609.

Edition: current; Page: [viii]

XIII.. . Diess sind die heil’gen Zehn Gebot’. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

The Ten Commandments.

that men a godly life might live.

Translation chiefly by R. Massie.

XIV.—Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der von uns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Translated from “Jesus Christus nostra salus,” hymn of John Huss.

christ, who freed our souls from danger.

Translation by R. Massie.

Melody in Walter, 1525.

Harmony in von Tucher, 1848.

XV.—Gott sei gelobet und gebenedeiet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

may god be praised henceforth, and blest forever.

Translation by R. Massie, amended.

Melody derived from some older one, 1525.

Harmony by H. Schein, 1627.

XVI.—Es wollt’ uns Gott genädig sein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Psalm LXVII.— Deus misereatur nostri.

may god unto us gracious be.

Translation by Arthur Tozer Russell.

Melody in Köphl, Strassburg, 1538.

Harmony, A. Haupt, 1869.

XVII.—Wohl dem, der in Gottesfurcht steht . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Psalm CXXVIII.—Beati omnes qui timent Dominum.

happy the man who feareth god.

Translation by R. Massie.

First Melody, of 1525.

Harmony by Gesius, 1605.

Second Melody, of 1537.

Harmony by Landgraf Moritz, 1612.

XVIII.—Mitten wir im Leben sind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

The first stanza from Media vita in morte sumus. Notker, A. D. 912.

though in midst of life we be.

Translation by R. Massie.

Melody (not from the Latin), 1525.

Harmony by Erythraeus, 1608.

Edition: current; Page: [ix]

From Walter’s Gesangbuch, 1525.

XIX.—Nun bitten wir den heiligen Geist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

The first stanza from an ancient German hymn.

now pray we all god, the comforter.

Translation by Arthur Tozer Russell.

Melody, 1525.

Harmony by A. Haupt, 1869.

XX.—Mit Fried’ und Freud’ ich fahr’ dahin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

The Song of Simeon: Nunc dimittis.

in peace and joy i now depart.

Melody, 1525.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1610.

XXI.—Mensch, willst du leben seliglich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

The Ten Commandments abridged.

wilt thou, o man, live happily.

Translation by R. Massie, adapted.

Melody, 1525.

Harmony by H. Schein, 1627.

XXII.—Gott der Vater wohn’ und bei. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

An ancient Litany-hymn of the German churches, much used in Passion-week and in the processions before Ascension-day by Luther “gebessert und christlich corrigyret.”

god the father with us stay.

Ancient German Melody.

Harmony by Landgraf Moritz, 1612.

XXIII.—Wir glauben all’ an einen Gott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

The Creed. “Das deutsche patrem.”

we all believe in one true god.

Melody, 1525.

Harmony from an ancient source.

XXIV.—Wär’ Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Psalm CXXIV.—Nisi quia Dominus.

had god not come, may israel say.

Translation by R. Massie.

Melody, 1525.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1610.

Edition: current; Page: [x]

From The German Mass, 1526.

XXV.—Jesaia dem Propheten das geschah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Isaiah VI, 1–4.

The German Sanctus.

these things the seer isaiah did befall.

Translation by R. Massie.

Melody, 1526.

Harmony by Erythraeus, 1608.

In “Form Und Ordnung Geistlicher Gesang,” Augsburg, 1529.

XXVI.—Ein’ feste Burg ist unser Gott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Psalm XLVI.—Deus refugium noster et virtus.

strong tower and portress is our god.

Melody, 1529.

Harmony by

In A Collection Of “Geistliche Lieder,” Wittenberg, 1533.

XXVII.—Verleih’ uns Frieden gnädiglich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Da pacem, Domine.

in these our days so perilous.

Translation by R. Massie, amended.

Melody, 1533? 1543.

Harmony by Erythraeus, 1608.

XXVIII.—Herr Gott, dich loben wir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Te Deum laudamus.

lord god, thy praise we sing.

Translation by R. Massie, amended.

Melody derived from the Latin.

Harmony by Landgraf Moritz, 1612.

From Joseph Klug’s Gesangsbuch, 1535?

XXIX—Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

“A Children’s Christmas Song of the little child Jesus, taken from the second chapter of Luke, by Dr. Martin Luther.” Said to have been written by him for his little son Hans.

from heaven above to earth i came.

Translation from Miss Winkworth, amended.

Melody, 1535? 1543.

Harmony by

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XXX.—Sie ist mir lieb’, die werthe Magd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

A song concerning the Holy Christian Church—Revelation xii. 1–6.

dear is to me the holy maid.

Translation by R. Massie.

Melody in Babst, 1545. Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1610.

In Köphl’s Gesangbuch, Strassburg, 1535? 1538?

XXXI.—Vater unser im Himmelreich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

The Lord’s Prayer paraphrased.

our father, thou in heaven above.

Translation by C. Winkworth, in “Choral Book for England,” amended.

Melody, 1535?

Harmony by A. Haupt, 1869.

[In Winterfeld’s edition of Luther’s hymns, Leipzig, 1840, may be found a fac-simile of Luther’s autograph draft of this paraphrase, including the cancelled draft of a tune for it.]

In Klug’s Gesangbuch, 1543.

XXXII.—Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schaar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

A shorter Christmas Song.

to shepherds, as they watched by night.

Translation by R. Massie.

Melody, 1543.

XXXIII.—Erhalt’ uns Gott, bei deinem Wort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

“A children’s song, to be sung against the two arch-enemies of Christ and his holy Church, the Pope and the Turks.”

lord, keep us in thy word and work.

Melody, 1543.

Harmony by W. Sterndale Bennett, 1865.

XXXIV.—Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

A Spiritual Song concerning our Holy Baptism.

to jordan came our lord, the christ.

Translation by R. Massie, amended.

Melody, 1525, first adapted to “Es wollt’ uns Gott genadig sein;” supposed to be derived from an old secular melody.

Harmony by A. Haupt, 1869.

Edition: current; Page: [xii]

XXXV.—Was fürchst du, Feind Herodes, sehr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Herodes hostis impie, by Sedelius in the 5th century.

why, herod, unrelenting foe!

Translation by R. Massie.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1609.

XXXVI.—Der du bist Drei in Einigkeit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

An imitation of the Gregorian hymn, O Lux beata Trinitas.

thou who art three in unity.

Translation adapted from R. Massie.

Original Latin Melody.

Harmony in von Tucher, 18—.

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INTRODUCTION.

A FIT motto for the history of the Reformation would be those words out of the history of the Day of Pentecost, “How hear we, every man in our own tongue wherein we were born . . . . the wonderful works of God!” The ruling thought of the pre-reformation period was not more the maintenance of one Holy Roman Church than of one Holy Roman Empire, each of which was to comprehend all Christendom. The language of the Roman Church and Empire was the sacred language in comparison with which the languages of men’s common speech were reckoned common and unclean. The coming-in of the Reformation was the awakening of individual life, by enforcing the sense of each man’s direct responsibility to God; but it was equally the quickening of a true national life. In the light of the new era, the realization of the promise of the oneness of the Church was no longer to be sought in the universal dominance of a hierarchical corporation; nor was the “mystery” proclaimed by Paul, that “the nations were fellow-heirs and of one body,” to be fulfilled in the subjugation of all nations to a central potentate. According to the spirit of the Reformation, the One Church was to be, not a corporation, but a communion—the communion of saints; and the unity of mankind, in its many nations, was to be a unity of the spirit in the bond of mutual peace.

The two great works of Martin Luther were those by which he gave to the common people a vernacular Bible and vernacular worship, that through the one, God might speak directly to the people; and in the other, the people might speak directly to God. Luther’s Bible and Luther’s Hymns gave life not only to the churches of the Reformation, but to German nationality and the German language.

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Concerning the hymns of Luther the words of several notable writers are on record, and are worthy to be prefixed to the volume of them.

Says Spangenberg, yet in Luther’s life-time, in his Preface to the Cithara Lutheri, 1545:

“One must certainly let this be true, and remain true, that among all Mastersingers from the days of the Apostles until now, Luther is and always will be the best and most accomplished; in whose hymns and songs one does not find a vain or needless word. All flows and falls in the sweetest and neatest manner, full of spirit and doctrine, so that his every word gives outright a sermon of his own, or at least a singular reminiscence. There is nothing forced, nothing foisted in or patched up, nothing fragmentary. The rhymes are easy and good, the words choice and proper, the meaning clear and intelligible, the melodies lovely and hearty, and in summâ all is so rare and majestic, so full of pith and power, so cheering and comforting, that, in sooth, you will not find his equal, much less his master.”*

The following words have often been quoted from Samuel Taylor Coleridge:

“Luther did as much for the Reformation by his hymns as by his translation of the Bible. In Germany the hymns are known by heart by every peasant; they advise, they argue from the hymns, and every soul in the church praises God like a Christian, with words which are natural and yet sacred to his mind.”

A striking passage in an article by Heine in the Revue des Deux Mondes for March, 1834, is transcribed by Michelet in his Life of Luther:

“Not less remarkable, not less significant than his prose works, are Luther’s poems, those stirring songs which, as it were, escaped from him in the very midst of his combats and his necessities like a flower making its way from between rough stones, or a moonbeam gleaming amid dark clouds. Luther loved music; indeed, he wrote treatises on the art. Accordingly his versification is highly harmonious, so that he may be called the Swan of Eisleben. Not that he is by any means gentle or swan-like in the songs which he composed for the purpose of exciting the courage of the people. In these he is fervent, fierce. The hymn which he composed on his way to Worms, and which he and his companions chanted as they entered that city,† Edition: current; Page: [xv] is a regular war-song. The old cathedral trembled when it heard these novel sounds. The very rooks flew from their nests in the towers. That hymn, the Marseillaise of the Reformation, has preserved to this day its potent spell over German hearts.”

The words of Thomas Carlyle are not less emphatic, while they penetrate deeper into the secret of the power of Luther’s hymns:

“The great Reformer’s love of music and poetry, it has often been remarked, is one of the most significant features in his character. But indeed if every great man is intrinsically a poet, an idealist, with more or less completeness of utterance, which of all our great men, in these modern ages, had such an endowment in that kind as Luther? He it was, emphatically, who stood based on the spiritual world of man, and only by the footing and power he had obtained there, could work such changes on the material world. As a participant and dispenser of divine influence, he shows himself among human affairs a true connecting medium and visible messenger between heaven and earth, a man, therefore, not only permitted to enter the sphere of poetry, but to dwell in the purest centre thereof, perhaps the most inspired of all teachers since the Apostles. Unhappily or happily, Luther’s poetic feeling did not so much learn to express itself in fit words, that take captive every ear, as in fit actions, wherein, truly under still more impressive manifestations, the spirit of spheral melody resides and still audibly addresses us. In his written poems, we find little save that strength of one ‘whose words,’ it has been said, ‘were half-battles’*—little of that still harmony and blending softness of union which is the last perfection of strength—less of it than even his conduct manifested. With words he had not learned to make music—it was by deeds of love or heroic valor that he spoke freely. Nevertheless, though in imperfect articulation, the same voice, if we listen well, is to be heard also in his writings, in his poems. The one entitled Ein’ Feste Burg, universally regarded as the best, jars upon our ears; yet there is something in it like the sound of Alpine avalanches, or the first murmur of earthquakes, in the very vastness of which dissonance a higher unison is revealed to us. Luther wrote this song in times of blackest threatenings, which, however, could in no sense become a time of despair. In these tones, rugged and broken as they are, do we hear the accents of that summoned man, who answered his friends’ warning not to enter Worms, in this wise:—‘Were there as many devils in Worms as these tile Edition: current; Page: [xvi] roofs, I would on’; of him who, alone in that assemblage before all emperors and principalities and powers, spoke forth these final and forever memorable words,—‘It is neither safe nor prudent to do aught against conscience. Till such time as either by proofs from holy Scripture, or by fair reason or argument, I have been confuted and convicted, I cannot and will not recant. Here I stand—I cannot do otherwise—God be my help, Amen.’ It is evident enough that to this man all popes, cardinals, emperors, devils, all hosts and nations were but weak, weak as the forest with all its strong trees might be to the smallest spark of electric fire.”

In a very different style of language, but in a like strain of eulogy, writes Dr. Merle d’Aubigné, in the third volume of his History of the Reformation:

“The church was no longer composed of priests and monks; it was now the congregation of believers. All were to take part in worship, and the chanting of the clergy was to be succeeded by the psalmody of the people. Luther, accordingly, in translating the psalms, thought of adapting them to be sung by the church. Thus a taste for music was diffused throughout the nation. From Luther’s time, the people sang; the Bible inspired their songs. Poetry received the same impulse. In celebrating the praises of God, the people could not confine themselves to mere translations of ancient anthems. The souls of Luther and of several of his contemporaries, elevated by their faith to thoughts the most sublime, excited to enthusiasm by the struggles and dangers by which the church at its birth was unceasingly threatened, inspired by the poetic genius of the Old Testament and by the faith of the New, ere long gave vent to their feelings in hymns, in which all that is most heavenly in poetry and music was combined and blended. Hence the revival, in the sixteenth century, of hymns, such as in the first century used to cheer the martyrs in their sufferings. We have seen Luther, in 1523, employing it to celebrate the martyrs at Brussels; other children of the Reformation followed his footsteps; hymns were multiplied; they spread rapidly among the people, and powerfully contributed to rouse it from sleep.”

It is not difficult to come approximately at the order of composition of Luther’s hymns. The earliest hymn-book of the Reformation—if not the earliest of all printed hymn-books—was published at Wittenberg in 1524, and contained eight hymns, four of them from the pen of Luther himself; of the other four not less than three were by Paul Speratus, and one of these three, the hymn Es ist das Heil, which caused Luther such delight when sung beneath his window by a wanderer from Prussia.* Three of Luther’s contributions Edition: current; Page: [xvii] to this little book were versions of Psalms—the xii, xiv, and cxxx—and the fourth was that touching utterance of personal religious experience, Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g’mein. But the critics can hardly be mistaken in assigning as early a date to the ballad of the Martyrs of Brussels. Their martyrdom took place July 1, 1523, and the “New Song” must have been inspired by the story as it was first brought to Wittenberg, although it is not found in print until the Enchiridion, which followed the Eight Hymns, later in the same year, from the press of Erfurt, and contained fourteen of Luther’s hymns beside the four already published.

In the hymn-book published in 1525 by the composer Walter, Luther’s friend, were six more of the Luther hymns. And in 1526 appeared the “German Mass and Order of Divine Service,” containing “the German Sanctus,” a versification of Isaiah vi. Of the remaining eleven, six appeared first in the successive editions of Joseph Klug’s hymn-book, Wittenberg, 1535 and 1543.

It is appropriate to the commemorative character of the present edition that in it the hymns should be disposed in chronological order.

The tunes which are here printed with the hymns of Luther are of those which were set to them during his lifetime. Some of them, like the hymns to which they were set, are derived from the more ancient hymnody of the German and Latin churches. Others, as the tunes Vom Himmel hoch, Ach Gott vom Himmel, and Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam, are conjectured to have been originally secular airs. But that many of the tunes that appeared simultaneously and in connection with Luther’s hymns were original with Luther himself, there seems no good reason to doubt. Luther’s singular delight and proficiency in music are certified by a hundred contemporary testimonies. His enthusiasm for it overflows in his Letters and his Table Talk. He loved to surround himself with accomplished musicians, with whom he would practise the intricate motets of the masters of that age; and his critical remarks on their several styles are on record. At least one autograph document proves him to have been a composer of melodies to his own words: one may see, appended to von Winterfeld’s fine quarto edition of Luther’s hymns (Leipzig, 1840) a fac-simile of the original draft of Vater Unser, with a melody sketched upon a staff of five lines, and then cancelled, evidently by a hand practised in musical notation. But perhaps Edition: current; Page: [xviii] the most direct testimony to his actual work as a composer is found in a letter from the composer John Walter, capellmeister to the Elector of Saxony, written in his old age for the express purpose of embodying his reminiscences of his illustrious friend as a church-musician.

“It is to my certain knowledge,” writes Walter, “that that holy man of God, Luther, prophet and apostle to the German nation, took great delight in music, both in choral and in figural composition. With whom I have passed many a delightful hour in singing; and oftentimes have seen the dear man wax so happy and merry in heart over the singing as that it was well-nigh impossible to weary or content him therewithal. And his discourse concerning music was most noble.

“Some forty years ago, when he would set up the German Mass at Wittenberg, he wrote to the Elector of Saxony and Duke Johannsen, of illustrious memory, begging to invite to Wittenberg the old musician Conrad Rupff and myself, to consult with him as to the character and the proper notation of the Eight Tones; and he finally himself decided to appropriate the Eighth Tone to the Epistle and the Sixth Tone to the Gospel, speaking on this wise: Our Lord Christ is a good Friend, and his words are full of love; so we will take the Sixth Tone for the Gospel. And since Saint Paul is a very earnest apostle we will set the Eighth Tone to the Epistle. So he himself made the notes over the Epistles, and the Gospels, and the Words of Institution of the true Body and Blood of Christ, and sung them over to me to get my judgment thereon. He kept me three weeks long at Wittenberg, to write out the notes over some of the Gospels and Epistles, until the first German Mass was sung in the parish church. And I must needs stay to hear it, and take with me a copy of the Mass to Torgau and present it to His Grace the Elector from Doctor Luther.

“Furthermore, he gave orders to re-establish the Vespers, which in many places were fallen into disuse, with short plain choral hymns for the students and boys; withal, that the charity-scholars, collecting their bread, should sing from door to door Latin Hymns, Anthems and Responses, appropriate to the season. It was no satisfaction to him that the scholars should sing in the streets nothing but German songs. . . . The most profitable songs for the common multitude are the plain psalms and hymns, both Luther’s and the earlier ones; but the Latin songs are useful for the learned and for students. We see, and hear, and clearly apprehend how the Holy Ghost himself wrought not only in the authors of the Latin hymns, but also in Luther, who in our time has had the chief part both in writing the German choral hymns, and in setting them to tunes; as may be seen, among others in the German Sanctus (Jesaia dem Propheten das geschah) how masterly and well he has fitted all the notes to the text, according to the just accent and concent. At the time, I was moved by His Grace to put the question how or where he had got Edition: current; Page: [xix] this composition, or this instruction; whereupon the dear man laughed at my simplicity, and said: I learned this of the poet Virgil, who has the power so artfully to adapt his verses and his words to the story he is telling; in like manner must Music govern all its notes and melodies by the text.”*

It seems superfluous to add to this testimony the word of Sleidan, the nearly contemporary historian, who says expressly concerning “Ein’ feste Burg” that Luther made for it a tune singularly suited to the words, and adapted to stir the heart.† If ever there were hymn and tune that told their own story of a common and simultaneous origin, without need of confirmation by external evidence, it is these.

To an extent quite without parallel in the history of music, the power of Luther’s tunes, as well as of his words, is manifest after three centuries, over the masters of the art, as well as over the common people. Peculiarly is this true of the great song Ein’ feste Burg, which Heine not vainly predicted would again be heard in Europe in like manner as of old. The composers of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries practised their elaborate artifices upon it. The supreme genius of Sebastian Bach made it the subject of study.‡ And in our own times it has been used with conspicuous effect in Mendelssohn’s Reformation Symphony, in an overture by Raff, in the noble Festouverture of Nicolai, and in Wagner’s Kaisermarsch; and is introduced with recurring emphasis in Meyerbeer’s masterpiece of The Huguenots.

It is needless to say that the materials of this Birth-day Edition of Luther’s Hymns and Tunes have been prepared in profusion by the diligence of German scholars. But very thankful acknowledgments are also due to English translators, who have made this work possible within the very scanty time allotted to it. Full credit is given in the table of contents for the help derived from these various translators. But the exigencies of this Edition: current; Page: [xx] volume were peculiarly severe, inasmuch as the translation was to be printed over against the original, and also under the music. Not even Mr. Richard Massie’s careful work would always bear this double test; so that I have found myself compelled, in most cases, to give up the attempt to follow any translation exactly; and in some instances have reluctantly attempted a wholly new version.

The whole credit of the musical editorship belongs to my accomplished associate, Mr. Nathan H. Allen, without whose ready resource and earnest labor the work would have been impossible within the limits of time necessarily prescribed. In the choice of harmonies for these ancient tunes, he has wisely preferred, in general, the arrangements of the older masters. The critical musician will see, and will not complain, that the original modal structure of the melodies is sometimes affected by the harmonic treatment.

And now the proper conclusion to this Introduction, which, like the rest of the volume, is in so slight a degree the work of the editor, is to add the successive prefaces from the pen of Luther which accompanied successive hymn-books published during his life-time and under his supervision.

leonard woolsey bacon.

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Luther’s First Preface.

To the “Geystliche Gsangbüchlin, Erstlich zu Wittenberg, und volgend durch Peter schöffern getruckt, im jar m. d. xxv.

Autore Ioanne Walthero.”

That it is good, and pleasing to God, for us to sing spiritual songs is, I think, a truth whereof no Christian can be ignorant; since not only the example of the prophets and kings of the Old Testament (who praised God with singing and music, poesy and all kinds of stringed instruments) but also the like practice of all Christendom from the beginning, especially in respect to psalms, is well known to every one: yea, St. Paul doth also appoint the same (1 Cor xiv.) and command the Colossians, in the third chapter, to sing spiritual songs and psalms from the heart unto the Lord, that thereby the word of God and Christian doctrine be in every way furthered and practised.

Accordingly, to make a good beginning and to encourage others who can do it better, I have myself, with some others, put together a few hymns, in order to bring into full play the blessed Gospel, which by God’s grace hath again risen: that we may boast, as Moses doth in his song (Exodus xv.) that Christ is become our praise and our song, and that, whether we sing or speak, we may not know anything save Christ our Saviour, as St. Paul saith (1 Cor. ii.).

These songs have been set in four parts, for no other reason than because I wished to provide our young people (who both will and ought to be instructed in music and other sciences) with something whereby they might rid themselves of amorous and carnal songs, and in their stead learn something wholesome, and so apply themselves to what is good with pleasure, as becometh the young.

Beside this, I am not of opinion that all sciences should be beaten down and made to cease by the Gospel, as some fanatics pretend; but I would fain see all the arts, and music in particular, used in the service of Him who hath given and created them.

Therefore I entreat every pious Christian to give a favorable reception to these hymns, and to help forward my undertaking, according as God hath given him more or less ability. The world is, alas, not so mindful and diligent to train and teach our poor youth, but that we ought to be forward in promoting the same. God grant us his grace. Amen.

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Luther’s Second Preface.

To the Funeral Hymns: “Christliche Geseng, Lateinisch und Deubsch, zum Begrebnis. Wittemberg, Anno m. d. xlii.”

dr. martin luther to the christian reader.

St. Paul writes to the Thessalonians, that they should not sorrow for the dead as others who have no hope, but should comfort one another with God’s word, as they who have a sure hope of life and of the resurrection of the dead.

For that they should sorrow who have no hope is not to be wondered at, nor indeed are they to be blamed for it, since, being shut out from the faith of Christ, they must either regard and love the present life only, and be loth to lose it, or after this life look for everlasting death and the wrath of God in hell, and be unwilling to go thither.

But we Christians who from all this have been redeemed by the precious blood of the Son of God, should exercise and wont ourselves in faith to despise death, to look on it as a deep, sound, sweet sleep, the coffin no other than the bosom of our Lord Christ, or paradise, the grave nought but a soft couch of rest; as indeed it is in the sight of God, as he saith in St. John, xi., “our friend Lazarus sleepeth;” Matthew ix., “the maid is not dead but sleepeth.”

In like manner also St. Paul, 1 Cor. xv., doth put out of sight the unlovely aspect of death in our perishing body, and bring forward nought but the lovely and delightsome view of life, when he saith: “It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption; it is sown in dishonor (that is, in a loathsome and vile form); it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.”

Accordingly have we, in our churches, abolished, done away, and out-and-out made an end of the popish horrors, such as wakes, masses for the soul, obsequies, purgatory, and all other mummeries for the dead, and will no longer have our churches turned into wailing-places and houses of mourning, but, as the primitive Fathers called them, “Cemeteries,” that is, resting and sleeping places.

We sing, withal, beside our dead and over their graves, no dirges nor lamentations, but comforting songs of the forgiveness of sins, of rest, sleep, life and resurrection of the departed believers, for the strengthening of our faith, and the stirring up of the people to a true devotion.

For it is meet and right to give care and honor to the burial of the dead, in a Edition: current; Page: [xxiii] manner worthy of that blessed article of our creed, the resurrection of the dead, and to the spite of that dreadful enemy, death, who doth so shamefully and continually prey upon us, in every horrid way and shape.

Accordingly, as we read, the holy patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and the rest, kept their burials with great pomp, and ordered them with much diligence; and afterwards the kings of Judah held splendid ceremonials over the dead, with costly incense of all manner of precious herbs, thereby to hide the offense and shame of death, and acknowledge and glorify the resurrection of the dead, and so to comfort the weak in faith and the sorrowful.

In like manner, even down to this present, have Christians ever been wont to do honorably by the bodies and the graves of the dead, decorating them, singing beside them and adorning them with monuments. Of all importance is that doctrine of the resurrection, that we be firmly grounded therein; for it is our lasting, blessed, eternal comfort and joy, against death, hell, the devil and all sorrow of heart.

As a good example of what should be used for this end, we have taken the sweet music or melodies which under popish rule are in use at wakes, funerals and masses for the dead, some of which we have printed in this little book; and it is in our thought, as time shall serve, to add others to them, or have this done by more competent hands. But we have set other words thereto, such as shall adorn our doctrine of the resurrection, not that of purgatory with its pains and expiations, whereby the dead may neither sleep nor rest. The notes and melodies are of great price; it were pity to let them perish; but the words to them were unchristian and uncouth, so let these perish.

It is just as in other matters they do greatly excel us, having splendid rites of worship, magnificent convents and abbeys; but the preachings and doctrines heard therein do for the most part serve the devil and dishonor God; who nevertheless is Lord and God over all the earth, and should have of everything the fairest, best and noblest.

Likewise have they costly shrines of gold and silver, and images set with gems and jewels; but within are dead men’s bones, as foul and corrupt as in any charnel-house. So also have they costly vestments, chasubles, palliums, copes, hoods, mitres, but what are they that be clothed therewithal? slow-bellies, evil wolves, godless swine, persecuting and dishonoring the word of God.

Just in the same way have they much noble music, especially in the abbeys and parish churches, used to adorn most vile, idolatrous words. Wherefore we have undressed these idolatrous, lifeless, crazy words, stripping off the noble music, and putting it upon the living and holy word of God, wherewith to sing, praise and honor the same, that so the beautiful ornament of music, brought back to its right use, may serve its blessed Maker and his Christian people; so that he Edition: current; Page: [xxiv] shall be praised and glorified, and that we by his holy word impressed upon the heart with sweet songs, be builded up and confirmed in the faith. Hereunto help us God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Yet is it not our purpose that these precise notes be sung in all the churches. Let each church keep its own notes according to its book and use. For I myself do not listen with pleasure in cases where the notes to a hymn or a responsorium have been changed, and it is sung amongst us in a different way from what I have been used to from my youth. The main point is the correcting of the words, not of the music.*

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Luther’s Third Preface.

To the Hymn-book printed at Wittenberg by Joseph Klug, 1543.

There are certain who, by their additions to our hymns, have clearly shown that they far excel me in this matter, and may well be called my masters. But some, on the other hand, have added little of value. And inasmuch as I see that there is no limit to this perpetual amending by every one indiscriminately according to his own liking, so that the earliest of our hymns are more perverted the more they are printed, I am fearful that it will fare with this little book as it has ever fared with good books, that through tampering by incompetent hands it may get to be so overlaid and spoiled that the good will be lost out of it, and nothing be kept in use but the worthless.

We see in the first chapter of St. Luke that in the beginning every one wanted to write a gospel, until among the multitude of gospels the true Gospel was wellnigh lost. So has it been with the works of St. Jerome and St. Augustine, and with many other books. In short, there will always be tares sown among the wheat.

In order as far as may be to avoid this evil, I have once more revised this book, and put our own hymns in order by themselves with name attached, which formerly I would not do for reputation’s sake, but am now constrained to do by necessity, lest strange and unsuitable songs come to be sold under our name. After these, are arranged the others, such as we deem good and useful.

I beg and beseech all who prize God’s pure word that henceforth without our knowledge and consent no further additions or alterations be made in this book of ours; and that when it is amended without our knowledge, it be fully understood to be not our book published at Wittenberg. Every man can for himself make his own hymn-book, and leave this of ours alone without additions; as we here beg, beseech and testify. For we like to keep our coin up to our own standard, debarring no man from making better for himself. Now let God’s name alone be praised, and our name not sought. Amen.

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Luther’s Fourth Preface.

To Valentine Bapst’s Hymn-book, Leipzig, 1545.

The xcvi Psalm saith: “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” The service of God in the old dispensation, under the law of Moses, was hard and wearisome. Many and divers sacrifices had men to offer, of all that they possessed, both in house and in field, which the people, being idle and covetous, did grudgingly or for some temporal advantage; as the prophet Malachi saith, chap. i., “who is there even among you that would shut the doors for naught? neither do ye kindle fires on my altars for naught.” But where there is such an idle and grudging heart there can be no singing, or at least no singing of anything good. Cheerful and merry must we be in heart and mind, when we would sing. Therefore hath God suffered such idle and grudging service to perish, as he saith further: “I have no pleasure in you, saith the Lord of Hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand: for from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered in my name and a pure offering; for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of Hosts.”

So that now in the New Testament there is a better service, whereof the psalm speaketh: “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth.” For God hath made our heart and mind joyful through his dear Son whom he hath given for us to redeem us from sin,death and the devil. Who earnestly believes this cannot but sing and speak thereof with joy and delight, that others also may hear and come. But whoso will not speak and sing thereof, it is a sign that he doth not believe it, and doth not belong to the cheerful New Testament but to the dull and joyless Old Testament.

Therefore it is well done on the part of the printers that they are diligent to print good hymns, and make them agreeable to the people with all sorts of embellishments, that they may be won to this joy in believing and gladly sing of it. And inasmuch as this edition of Valtin Bapst [Pope] is prepared in fine style, God grant that it may bring great hurt and damage to that Roman Bapst who by his accursed, intolerable and abominable ordinances has brought nothing into the world but wailing, mourning and misery. Amen.

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I must give notice that the song which is sung at funerals,

“Nun lasst uns den Leib begraben,”

which bears my name is not mine, and my name is henceforth not to stand with it. Not that I reject it, for I like it very much, and it was made by a good poet, Johannes Weis* by name, only a little visionary about the Sacrament; but I will not appropriate to myself another man’s work.

Also in the De Profundis, read thus:

Des muss dich fürchten jedermann.

Either by mistake or of purpose this is printed in most books

Des muss sich fürchten jedermann.

Ut timearis. The Hebrew reading is as in Matthew xv.: “In vain do they fear me teaching doctrines of men.” See also Psalms xiv. and liii.: “They call not on the Lord; there feared they where no fear was.” That is, they may have much show of humiliation and bowing and bending in worship where I will have no worship. Accordingly this is the meaning in this place: Since forgiveness of sins is nowhere else to be found but only with thee, so must they let go all idolatry, and come with a willing heart bowing and bending before thee, creeping up to the cross, and have thee alone in honor, and take refuge in thee, and serve thee, as living by thy grace and not by their own righteousness, etc.

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A Preface to All Good Hymn-Books. By Dr. Martin Luther. From Joseph Klug’s Hymn-Book, Wittenberg, 1543.

Lady Musick Speaketh.

Of all the joys that are on earth

Is none more dear nor higher worth,

Than what in my sweet songs is found

And instruments of various sound.

Where friends and comrades sing in tune,

All evil passions vanish soon;

Hate, anger, envy, cannot stay,

All gloom and heartache melt away;

The lust of wealth, the cares that cling,

Are all forgotten while we sing.

Freely we take our joy herein,

For this sweet pleasure is no sin,

But pleaseth God far more, we know,

Than any joys the world can show;

The Devil’s work it doth impede,

And hinders many a deadly deed.

Se fared it with King Saul of old;

When David struck his harp of gold,

So sweet and clear its tones rang out,

Saul’s murderous thoughts were put to rout.

The heart grows still when I am heard,

And opens to God’s Truth and Word;

So are we by Elisha taught,

Who on the harp the Spirit sought.

The best time of the year is mine,

When all the little birds combine

To sing until the earth and air

Are filled with sweet sounds everywhere;

And most the tender nightingale

Makes joyful every wood and dale,

Singing her love-song o’er and o’er,

For which we thank her evermore.

But yet more thanks are due from us

To the dear Lord who made her thus,

A singer apt to touch the heart,

Mistress of all my dearest art.

To God she sings by night and day,

Unwearied, praising Him alway;

Him I, too, laud in every song,

To whom all thanks and praise belong.

Translation by Catharine Winkworth.

A Warning by Dr. Martin Luther.

Viel falscher Meister itzt Lieder tichten

Sihe dich fuer und lern sie recht richten

Wo Gott hin bawet sein Kirch und sein wort

Da will der Tenfel sein mit trug und mord.

Wittenberg, 1543; Leipzig, 1545.

False masters now abound, who songs indite;

Beware of them, and learn to judge them right:

Where God builds up his Church and Word, hard by

Satan is found with murder and a lie.

Translation by R. Massie.

From The “Eight Songs,” Wittenberg, 1524.

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I.: Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g’mein. Dear Christians, One and All rejoice.

A Song of Thanksgiving for the great Benefits which God in Christ has manifested to us.

Translation in part from R. Massie.

First Melody, 1524.

Harmony by H. Schein, 1627.

Second Melody from Klug’s Gesangbuch, 1543.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1610.

This choral is commonly known under the title, “Es ist gewisslich an der Zeit,” and, in a modified form, in England and America, as “Luther’s Judgment Hymn,” from its association with a hymn of W. B. Collyer, partly derived from the German, and not written by Luther.

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Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g’mein.

1884Bacon: 1Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g’mein,

Und lasst uns fröhlich springen,

Dass wir getrost und all in ein

Mit Lust und Liebe singen:

Was Gott an uns gewendet hat,

Und seine süsse Wunderthat,

Gar theur hat er’s erworben.

1884Bacon: 2Dem Teufel ich gefangen lag,

Im Tod war ich verloren,

Mein’ Sünd’ mich quälet Nacht und Tag,

Darin war ich geboren,

Ich fiel auch immer tiefer d’rein,

Es war kein gut’s am Leben mein,

Die Sünd’ hat mich besessen.

1884Bacon: 3Mein’ gute Wert’ die galten nicht,

Es war mit ihm verdorben;

Der frei Will’ hasset Gottes G’richt,

Er war zum Gut’n erstorben;

Die Angst mich zu verzweifeln trieb,

Dass nichts denn Sterben bei mir blieb,

Zur Hölle musst ich sinken.

1884Bacon: 4Da jammert’s Gott in Ewigkeit

Mein Elend über Massen,

Er dacht’ an sein’ Barmherzigkeit,

Er wollt’ mir helfen lassen;

Er wandt’ zu mir das Vaterherz,

Es war bei ihm fürwahr kein Scherz,

Er liess sein Bestes kosten.

1884Bacon: 5Er sprach zu seinem lieben Sohn:

Die Zeit ist hier zu ’rbarmen,

Fahr’ hin mein’s Herzens werthe Kron’

Und sei das Heil dem Armen,

Und hilf ihm aus der Sünden Noth,

Erwürg’ für ihn den bittern Tod

Und lass’ ihn mit dir leben.

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1884Bacon: 6Der Sohn dem Vater g’horsam ward,

Er kam zu mir auf Erden,

Von einer Jungfrau rein und zart,

Er sollt’ mein Bruder werden.

Gar heimlich führt er sein’ Gewalt,

Er ging in meiner armen G’stalt,

Den Teufel wollt’ er fangen.

1884Bacon: 7Er sprach zu mir: halt’ dich an mich,

Es soll dir jetzt gelingen,

Ich geb’ mich selber ganz für dich,

Da will ich für dich ringen;

Denn ich bin dein und du bist mein,

Und wo ich bleib’, da sollst du sein,

Uns soll der Feind nicht scheiden.

1884Bacon: 8Vergiessen wird er mir mein Blut,

Dazu mein Leben rauben,

Das leid’ ich alles dir zu gut,

Das halt’ mit festem Glauben.

Den Tod vorschlingt das Leben mein,

Mein’ Unschuld trägt die Sünde dein,

Da bist du selig worden.

1884Bacon: 9Gen Himmel zu dem Vater mein

Jahr’ ich von diesem Leben,

Da will ich sein der Meister dein,

Den Geist will ich dir geben,

Der dich in Trübniss trösten soll

Und lehren mich erkennen wohl,

Und in der Wahrheit leiten.

1884Bacon: 10Was ich gethan hab’ und gelehrt,

Das sollst du thun und lehren,

Damit das Reich Gott’s werd’ gemehrt

Zu Lob’ und seinen Ehren;

Und hüt’ dich vor der Menschen G’satz,

Davon verdirbt der edle Schatz,

Das lass’ ich dir zur Letze.

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Dear Christians, One and All rejoice.

1884Bacon: 1Dear Christians, one and all rejoice,

With exultation springing,

And with united heart and voice

And holy rapture singing,

Proclaim the wonders God hath done,

How his right arm the victory won;

Right dearly it hath cost him.

1884Bacon: 2Fast bound in Satan’s chains I lay,

Death brooded darkly o’er me;

Sin was my torment night and day,

Therein my mother bore me.

Deeper and deeper still I fell,

Life was become a living hell,

So firmly sin possessed me.

1884Bacon: 3My good works could avail me naught,

For they with sin were stainéd;

Free-will against God’s judgment fought,

And dead to good remainéd.

Grief drove me to despair, and I

Had nothing left me but to die,

To hell I fast was sinking.

1884Bacon: 4God saw, in his eternal grace,

My sorrow out of measure;

He thought upon his tenderness—

To save was his good pleasure.

He turn’d to me a Father’s heart-

Not small the cost—to heal my smart

He gave his best and dearest.

1884Bacon: 5He spake to his beloved Son:

’Tis time to take compassion;

Then go, bright jewel of my crown,

And bring to man salvation;

From sin and sorrow set him free,

Slay bitter death for him, that he

May live with thee forever.

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1884Bacon: 6The Son delighted to obey,

And born of Virgin mother,

Awhile on this low earth did stay

That he might be my brother.

His mighty power he hidden bore,

A servant’s form like mine he wore,

To bind the devil captive.

1884Bacon: 7To me he spake: cling fast to me,

Thou’lt win a triumph worthy;

I wholly give myself for thee,

I strive and wrestle for thee;

For I am thine, thou mine also;

And where I am thou art. The foe

Shall never more divide us.

1884Bacon: 8For he shall shed my precious blood,

Me of my life bereaving;

All this I suffer for thy good;

Be steadfast and believing.

My life from death the day shall win,

My righteousness shall bear thy sin,

So art thou blest forever.

1884Bacon: 9Now to my Father I depart,

From earth to heaven ascending;

Thence heavenly wisdom to impart,

The Holy Spirit sending.

He shall in trouble comfort thee,

Teach thee to know and follow me,

And to the truth conduct thee.

1884Bacon: 10What I have done and taught, do thou

To do and teach endeavor;

So shall my kingdom flourish now,

And God be praised forever.

Take heed lest men with base alloy

The heavenly treasure should destroy.

This counsel I bequeath thee.

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II.: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh’ darein. Look down, O Lord, from Heaven behold.

Psalm XII.—“Salvum me fac, Domine.”

Translation chiefly from Frances Elizabeth Cox, in “Hymns from the German.”

First Melody, 1524, is the tune of the hymn of Paul Speratus, “Es ist das Heil uns kommen her,” the singing of which under Luther’s window at Wittenberg is related to have made so deep an impression on the Reformer.

The anecdote is confirmed by the fact that in the “Eight Songs,” Luther’s three versions of Psalms are all set to this tune.

Harmony by A. Haupt, 1869.

Second Melody from Klug’s Gesangbuch, 1543.

Harmony by Haupt, 1869.

This is the tune in common use with this psalm in northern Germany.

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Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh’ darein.

1884Bacon: 1Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh’ darein

Und lass’ dich des erbarmen,

Wie wenig sind der Heil’gen dein,

Verlassen sind wir Armen:

Dein Wort man lässt nicht haben wahr,

Der Glaub’ ist auch verloschen gar

Bei allen Menschenkindern.

1884Bacon: 2Sie lehren eitel falsche List,

Was eigen Witz erfindet,

Ihr Herz nicht eines Sinnes ist

In Gottes Wort gegründet;

Der wählet dies, der Ander das,

Sie trennen uns ohn’ alle Maas

Und gleissen schön von aussen.

1884Bacon: 3Gott woll’ ausrotten alle Lahr,

Die falschen Schein uns lehren;

Dazu ihr’ Zung’ stolz offenbar

Spricht: Trotz, wer will’s uns wehren?

Wir haben Recht und Macht allein,

Was wir setzen das gilt gemein,

Wer ist der uns soll meistern?

1884Bacon: 4Darum spricht Gott, Ich muss auf sein,

Die Armen sind verstöret,

Ihr Seufzen dringt zu mir herein,

Ich hab’ ihr’ Klag’ erhöret.

Mein heilsam Wort soll auf dem Plan,

Getrost und frisch sie greifen an

Und sein die Kraft der Armen.

1884Bacon: 5Das Silber durch’s Feuer siebenmal

Bewährt, wird lauter funden:

Am Gottes Wort man warten soll

Desgleichen alle Stunden:

Es will durch’s Kreuz bewähret sein,

Da wird sein’ Kraft erkannt und Schein

Und leucht’t stark in die Lande.

1884Bacon: 6Das wollst du, Gott, bewahren rein

Für diesem argen G’schlechte,

Und lass uns dir befohlen sein,

Das sich’s in uns nicht flechte,

Der gottlos’ Hauf’ sich umher findt,

Wo diese lose Leute sind

In deinem Volk erhaben.

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Look down, O Lord, from Heaven behold.

1884Bacon: 1Look down, O Lord, from heaven behold,

And let thy pity waken!

How few the flock within thy fold,

Neglected and forsaken!

Almost thou’lt seek for faith in vain,

And those who should thy truth maintain

Thy Word from us have taken.

1884Bacon: 2With frauds which they themselves invent

Thy truth they have confounded;

Their hearts are not with one consent

On thy pure doctrine grounded;

And, whilst they gleam with outward show,

They lead thy people to and fro,

In error’s maze astounded.

1884Bacon: 3God surely will uproot all those

With vain deceits who store us,

With haughty tongue who God oppose,

And say, “Who’ll stand before us?

By right or might we will prevail;

What we determine cannot fail,

For who can lord it o’er us?”

1884Bacon: 4For this, saith God, I will arise,

These wolves my flock are rending;

I’ve heard my people’s bitter sighs

To heaven my throne ascending:

Now will I up, and set at rest

Each weary soul by fraud opprest,

The poor with might defending.

1884Bacon: 5The silver seven times tried is pure

From all adulteration;

So, through God’s word, shall men endure

Each trial and temptation:

Its worth gleams brighter through the cross,

And, purified from human dross,

It shines through every nation.

1884Bacon: 6Thy truth thou wilt preserve, O Lord,

From this vile generation;

Make us to lean upon thy word,

With calm anticipation.

The wicked walk on every side

When, ’mid thy flock, the vile abide

In power and exaltation.

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III.: Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl. The Mouth of Fools doth God confess.

Psalm XIV.—“Dixit insipiens in corde suo, Non est Deus.”

Translation from R. Massie.

Melody from Walter’s Gesangbuch, 1525.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1610.

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1884Bacon: 1Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl:

Den rechten Gott wir meinen;

Doch ist ihr Herz Unglaubens voll,

Mit That sie ihn berneinen.

Ihr Wesen ist verderbet zwar,

Für Gott ist es ein Gräuel gar,

Es thut ihr’r Keiner kein gut.

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1884Bacon: 2Gott selbst vom Himmel sah herab

Auf aller Menschen Kinder,

Zu schauen sie er sich begab,

Ob er Jemand wird finden,

Der sein’n Verstand gerichtet hätt

Mit Ernst, nach Gottes Worten thät

Und fragt nach seinem Willen.

1884Bacon: 3Da war Niemand auf rechter Bahn,

Sie war’n all’ ausgeschritten;

Ein Jeder ging nach seinem Wahn

Und hielt verlor’ne Sitten.

Es that ihm Keiner doch kein gut,

Wie wohl gar viel betrog der Muth,

Ihr Thun sollt’ Gott gefallen.

1884Bacon: 4Wie lang wollen unwissend sein

Die solche Müh aufladen,

Und fressen dafür das Volk mein

Und nähr’n sich mit sei’m Schaden?

Es steht ihr Trauen nicht auf Gott,

Sie rufen ihm nicht in der Noth,

Sie woll’n sich selbst versorgen.

1884Bacon: 5Darum ist ihr Herz nimmer still

Und steht allzeit in Forchten;

Gott bei den Frommen bleiben will,

Dem sie mit Glauben g’horchen.

Ihr aber schmäht des Armen Rath,

Und höhnet alles, was er sagt,

Dass Gott sein Trost ist worden.

1884Bacon: 6Wer soll Israel dem Armen

Zu Zion Heil erlangen?

Gott wird sich sein’s Volk’s erbarmen

Und lösen, sie gefangen.

Das wird er thun durch seinen Sohn,

Davon wird Jakob Wonne ha’n

Und Israel sich freuen.

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1884Bacon: 1The mouth of fools doth God confess,

But while their lips draw nigh him

Their heart is full of wickedness,

And all their deeds deny him.

Corrupt are they, and every one

Abominable deeds hath done;

There is not one well-doer.

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1884Bacon: 2The Lord looked down from his high tower

On all mankind below him,

To see if any owned his power,

And truly sought to know him;

Who all their understanding bent

To search his holy Word, intent

To do his will in earnest.

1884Bacon: 3But none there was who walked with God,

For all aside had slidden,

Delusive paths of folly trod,

And followed lusts forbidden;

Not one there was who practiced good,

And yet they deemed, in haughty mood,

Their deeds must surely please him.

1884Bacon: 4How long, by folly blindly led,

Will ye oppress the needy,

And eat my people up like bread?

So fierce are ye, and greedy!

In God they put no trust at all,

Nor will on him in trouble call,

But be their own providers.

1884Bacon: 5Therefore their heart is never still,

A falling leaf dismays them;

God is with him who doth his will,

Who trusts him and obeys Him;

But ye the poor man’s hope despise,

And laugh at him, e’en when he cries,

That God is his sure comfort.

1884Bacon: 6Who shall to Israel’s outcast race

From Zion bring salvation?

God will himself at length show grace,

And loose the captive nation;

That will he do by Christ their King;

Let Jacob then be glad and sing,

And Israel be joyful.

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IV.: Aus tiefer Noth schrei’ ich zu dir. Out of the Deep I Cry to Thee.

Psalm CXXX.—“De profundis clamavi ad te.”

Translation by Arthur Tozer Russel.

First Melody from Walter’s Gesangbuch, 1525.

Harmony by John Sebastian Bach, about 1725.

Second Melody in Wolfgang Köphl’s Gesangbuch, 1537, and in George Rhau’s, 1544.

Harmony by A. Haupt, 1869.

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Aus tiefer Noth schrei’ ich zu dir.

1884Bacon: 1Aus tiefer Noth schrei’ ich zu dir,

Herr Gott, erhör’ mein Rufen,

Dein gnädig’ Ohren kehr zu mir,

Und meiner Bitt’ sie öffnen.

Denn so du willst das sehen an,

Was Sünd’ und Unrecht ist gethan,

Wer kann, Herr, vor dir bleiben?

1884Bacon: 2Bei dir gilt nichts denn Gnad’ und Gunst

Die Sünde zu vergeben.

Es ist doch unser Thun umsonst,

Auch in dem besten Leben.

Vor dir Niemand sich rühmen kann,

Des muss dich fürchten Jedermann

Und deiner Gnade leben.

1884Bacon: 3Darum auf Gott will hoffen ich,

Auf mein Verdienst nicht bauen,

Auf ihn mein Herz soll lassen sich,

Und seiner Güte trauen,

Die mir zusagt sein werthes Wort,

Das ist mein Trost und treuer Hort,

Des will ich allzeit harren.

1884Bacon: 4Und ob es währt bis in die Nacht

Und wieder an den Morgen,

Doch soll mein Herz an Gottes Macht

Verzweifeln nicht noch sorgen,

So thu’ Israel rechter Art,

Der aus dem Geist erzeuget ward,

Und seines Gott’s erharre.

1884Bacon: 5Ob bei uns ist der Sünden viel,

Bei Gott ist viel mehr Gnaden;

Sein’ Hand zu helfen hat kein Ziel,

Wie gross auch sei der Schaden.

Er ist allein der gute Hirt,

Der Israel erlö en wird

Aus seinen Sünden allen.

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Out of the Deep I Gry to Thee.

1884Bacon: 1Out of the deep I cry to thee;

O Lord God, hear my crying:

Incline thy gracious ear to me,

With prayer to thee applying.

For if thou fix thy searching eye

On all sin and iniquity,

Who, Lord, can stand before thee?

1884Bacon: 2But love and grace with thee prevail,

O God, our sins forgiving;

The holiest deeds can naught avail

Of all before thee living.

Before thee none can boast him clear;

Therefore must each thy judgment fear,

And live on thy compassion.

1884Bacon: 3For this, my hope in God shall rest,

Naught building on my merit;

My heart confides, of him possest,

His goodness stays my spirit.

His precious word assureth me;

My solace, my sure rock is he,

Whereon my soul abideth.

1884Bacon: 4And though I wait the livelong night

And till the morn returneth,

My heart undoubting trusts his might

Nor in impatience mourneth.

Born of his Spirit, Israel

In the right way thus fareth well,

And on his God reposeth.

1884Bacon: 5What though our sins are manifold?

Supreme his mercy reigneth;

No limit can his hand withhold,

Where evil most obtaineth.

He the good Shepherd is alone,

Who Israel will redeem and own,

Forgiving all transgression.

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From the “Eight Songs,” Wittenberg, 1524.

V.: Ein neues Lied wir heben an. By Help of God I fain would tell.

A Song of the Two Christian Martyrs burnt at Brussels by the Sophists of Louvain in the year MDXXII [July 1, 1523].

“A Song of the Two Christian Martyrs, burnt at Brussels by the Sophists of Louvain. Which took place in the year 1522.”

[The real date of the event was July 1, 1523; and the ballad gives every token of having been inspired by the first announcement of the story.

The excellent translation of Mr. Massie has been conformed more closely to the original in the third and fourth stanzas; also, by a felicitous quatrain from the late Dr. C. T. Brooks, in the tenth stanza.]

Translation principally that of R. Massie.

Melody in Walter’s Gesangbuch, 1525.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1610.

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Ein neues Lied wir heben an.

1884Bacon: 1Ein neues Lied wir heben an,

Das walt’ Gott unser Herre,

Zu singen was Gott hat gethan

Zu seinem Lob und Ehre.

Zu Brüssel in dem Niederland

Wohl durch zween junge Knaben

Hat er sein Wunder g’macht bekannt,

Die er mit seinen Gaben

So reichlich hat gezieret.

1884Bacon: 2Der Erst’ recht wohl Johannes heisst,

So reich an Gottes Hulden;

Sein Bruder Heinrich nach dem Geist,

Ein rechter Christ ohn’ Schulden.

Von dieser Welt geschieden sind,

Sie ha’n die Kron’ erworben,

Recht wie die frommen Gottes Kind

Für sein Wort sind gestorben,

Sein’ Märt’rer sind sie worden.

1884Bacon: 3Der alte Feind sie fangen liess,

Erschreckt sie lang mit Dräuen,

Das Wort Gott man sie lenken hiess,

Mit List auch wollt’ sie täuben,

Von Löwen der Sophisten viel,

Mit ihrer Kunst verloren,

Versammelt er zu diesem Spiel;

Der Geist sie macht zu Thoren,

Sie konnten nichts gewinnen.

1884Bacon: 4Sie sungen süss, sie sungen sau’r,

Versuchten manche Listen;

Die Knaben standen wie ein’ Mau’r,

Veracht’ten die Sophisten.

Den alten Feind das sehr verdross,

Dass er war überwunden

Von solchen Jungen, er so gross;

Er ward voll Zorn von Stunden,

Gedacht’ sie zu verbrennen.

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1884Bacon: 5Sie raubten ihn’n das Klosterkleid,

Die Weih’ sie ihn’n auch nahmen;

Die Knaben waren des bereit,

Sie sprachen fröhlich: Amen!

Sie dankten ihrem Vater, Gott,

Dass sie los sollten werden

Des Teufels Larvenspiel und Spott,

Darin durch falsche Berden

Die Welt er gar betreuget.

1884Bacon: 6Da schickt Gott durch sein Gnad’ also,

Dass sie recht Priester worden:

Sich selbst ihm mussten opfern da

Und geh’n im Christen Orden,

Der Welt ganz abgestorben sein,

Die Heuchelei ablegen,

Zum Himmel kommen frei und rein,

Die Möncherei ausfegen

Und Menschen Tand hie lassen.

1884Bacon: 7Man schrieb ihn’n für ein Brieflein klein,

Das hiess man sie selbst lesen,

Die Stüd’ sie zeigten alle drein,

Was ihr Glaub’ war gewesen.

Der höchste Irrthum dieser war:

Man muss allein Gott glauben,

Der Mensch leugt und treugt immerdar,

Dem soll man nichts vertrauen;

Dess mussten sie verbrennen.

1884Bacon: 8Zwei grosse Feur sie zünd’ten an,

Die Knaben sie her brachten,

Es nahm gross Wunder Jedermann,

Dass sie solch’ Pein veracht’ten,

Mit Freuden sie sich gaben drein,

Mit Gottes Lob und Singen,

Der Muth ward den Sophisten klein

Für diesen neuen Dingen,

Da sich Gott liess so merken.

1884Bacon: 9Der Schimpf sie nun gereuet hat,

Sie wollten’s gern schön machen;

Sie thürn nicht rühmen sich der That

Sie bergen fast die Sachen,

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Die Schand’ im Herzen beisset sie

Und klagen’s ihr’n Genossen,

Doch kann der Geist nicht schweigen hie:

Des Habels Blut vergossen,

Es muss den Kain melden.

1884Bacon: 10Die Aschen will nicht lassen ab,

Sie stäubt in allen Landen;

Hie hilft kein Bach, Loch, Grub’ noch Grab,

Sie macht den Feind zu Schanden.

Die er im Leben durch den Mord

Zu schweigen hat gedrungen,

Die muss er todt an allem Ort

Mit aller Stimm’ und Zungen

Gar frühlich lassen singen.

1884Bacon: 11Noch lassen sie ihr Lügen nicht,

Den grossen Mord zu schmücken,

Sie gehen für ein falsch Gedicht,

Ihr G’wissen thut sie drücken,

Die Heil’gen Gott’s auch nach dem Tod

Von ihn’n gelästert werden,

Sie sagen: in der letzten Noth

Die Knaben noch auf Erden

Sich sollen ha’n umkehret.

1884Bacon: 12Die lass man lügen immerhin,

Sie haben’s keinen Frommen,

Wir sollen danken Gott darin,

Sein Wort ist wiederkommen.

Der Sommer ist hart für der Thür

Der Winter ist vergangen,

Die zarten Blümlein geh’n herfür:

Der das hat angefangen,

Der wird es wohl vollenden.

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By Help of God I fain would tell.

1884Bacon: 1By help of God I fain would tell

A new and wondrous story,

And sing a marvel that befell

To his great praise and glory.

At Brussels in the Netherlands

He hath his banner lifted,

To show his wonders by the hands

Of two youths, highly gifted

With rich and heavenly graces.

1884Bacon: 2One of these youths was calléd John,

And Henry was the other;

Rich in the grace of God was one,

A Christian true his brother.

For God’s dear Word they shed their blood,

And from the world departed

Like bold and pious sons of God;

Faithful and lion-hearted,

They won the crown of martyrs.

1884Bacon: 3The old Arch-fiend did them immure,

To terrify them seeking;

They bade them God’s dear Word abjure,

And fain would stop their speaking.

From Louvain many Sophists came,

Deep versed in human learning,

God’s Spirit foiled them at their game

Their pride to folly turning.

They could not but be losers.

1884Bacon: 4They spake them fair, they spake them foul,

Their sharp devices trying.

Like rocks stood firm each brave young soul

The Sophists’ art defying.

The enemy waxed fierce in hate,

And for their life-blood thirsted;

He fumed and chafed that one so great

Should by two babes be worsted,

And straightway sought to burn them.

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1884Bacon: 5Their monkish garb from them they take,

And gown of ordination;

The youths a cheerful Amen spake,

And showed no hesitation.

They thanked their God that by his aid

They now had been denuded

Of Satan’s mock and masquerade,

Whereby he had deluded

The world with false pretences.

1884Bacon: 6Thus by the power of grace they were

True priests of God’s own making,

Who offered up themselves e’en there,

Christ’s holy orders taking;

Dead to the world, they cast aside

Hypocrisy’s sour leaven,

That penitent and justified

They might go clean to heaven,

And leave all monkish follies.

1884Bacon: 7They then were told that they must read

A note which was dictated;

They straightway wrote their fate and creed,

And not one jot abated.

Now mark their heresy! “We must

In God be firm believers;

In mortal men not put our trust,

For they are all deceivers;”

For this they must be burned!

1884Bacon: 8Two fires were lit; the youths were brought,

But all were seized with wonder

To see them set the flames at naught,

And stood as struck with thunder.

With joy they came in sight of all,

And sang aloud God’s praises;

The Sophists’ courage waxéd small

Before such wondrous traces

Of God’s almighty finger.

1884Bacon: 9The scandal they repent, and would

Right gladly gloss it over;

They dare not boast their deed of blood,

But seek the stain to cover.

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They feel the shame within their breast,

And charge therewith each other;

But now the Spirit cannot rest,

For Abel ’gainst his brother

Doth cry aloud for vengeance.

1884Bacon: 10Their ashes will not rest; world-wide

They fly through every nation.

No cave nor grave, no turn nor tide,

Can hide th’ abomination.

The voices which with cruel hands

They put to silence living,

Are heard, though dead, throughout all lands

Their testimony giving,

And loud hosannas singing.

1884Bacon: 11From lies to lies they still proceed,

And feign forthwith a story

To color o’er the murderous deed;

Their conscience pricks them sorely.

These saints of God e’en after death

They slandered, and asserted

The youths had with their latest breath

Confessed and been converted,

Their heresy renouncing.

1884Bacon: 12Then let them still go on and lie,

They cannot win a blessing;

And let us thank God heartily,

His Word again possessing.

Summer is even at our door,

The winter now has vanished,

The tender flowerets spring once more,

And he, who winter banished,

Will send a happy summer.

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VI.: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland. Saviour of the Heathen, known.

From the Ambrosian Christmas Hymn, “Veni, Redemptor, Gentium.”

Translation in part by R. Massie.

Melody derived from that of the Latin hymn, in Walter’s Gesangbuch, 1525.

Harmony from “The Choral Book for England,” by Sterndale Bennett and Otto Goldschmidt, 1865.

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1884Bacon: 1Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland,

Der Jungfrauen Kind erkannt,

Dass sich wunder alle Welt,

Gott solch’ Geburt ihm bestellt.

1884Bacon: 2Nicht von Mann’s Blut noch von Fleisch,

Allein von dem heil’gen Geist

Ist Gott’s Wort worden ein Mensch,

Und blüht ein Frucht Weibes Fleisch.

1884Bacon: 3Der Jungfrau Leib schwanger ward

Doch blieb Keuschheit rein bewahrt,

Leucht herfür manch Tugend schon,

Gott da war in seinem Thron.

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1884Bacon: 4Er ging aus der Kammer sein,

Dem kön’glichen Saal so rein,

Gott von Art und Mensch ein Held

Sein’n Weg er zu laufen eilt.

1884Bacon: 5Sein Lauf kam vom Vater her

Und kehrt wieder zum Vater,

Fuhr hinunter zu der Hüll’

Und wieder zu Gottes Stuhl.

1884Bacon: 6Der du bist dem Vater gleich,

Führ hinaus den Sieg im Fleisch,

Dass dein ewig Gottes G’walt

In uns das krank Fleisch enthalt.

1884Bacon: 7Dein’ Krippen glänzt hell und klar,

Die Nacht giebt ein neu Licht dar,

Dunkel muss nicht kommen d’rein

Der Glaub’ bleibt immer im Schein.

1884Bacon: 8Lob sei Gott dem Vater g’than,

Lob sei Gott dem ein’gen Sohn,

Lob sei Gott dem heil’gen Geist,

Immer und in Ewigkeit.

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1884Bacon: 1Saviour of the heathen, known

As the promised virgin’s Son;

Come thou wonder of the earth,

God ordained thee such a birth.

1884Bacon: 2Not of flesh and blood the son,

Offspring of the Holy One,

Born of Mary ever-blest,

God in flesh is manifest.

1884Bacon: 3Cherished is the Holy Child

By the mother undefiled;

In the virgin, full of grace,

God has made his dwelling-place.

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1884Bacon: 4Lo! he comes! the Lord of all

Leaves his bright and royal hall;

God and man, with giant force,

Hastening to run his course.

1884Bacon: 5To the Father whence he came

He returns with brighter fame;

Down to hell he goes alone,

Then ascends to God’s high throne.

1884Bacon: 6Thou, the Father’s equal, win

Victory in the flesh o’er sin;

So shall man, though weak and frail,

By the indwelling God prevail.

1884Bacon: 7On thy lowly manger night

Sheds a pure unwonted light;

Darkness must not enter here,

Faith abides in sunshine clear.

1884Bacon: 8Praise be to the Father done,

Praise be to the only Son,

Praises to the Spirit be,

Now and to eternity.

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VII.: Christum wir sollen loben schon. Now praise we Christ, the Holy One.

From the Hymn “A solis ortûs cardine.”

Translation by R. Massie.

Melody that of the Latin hymn.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1609.

Edition: current; Page: [18]

1884Bacon: 1Christum wir sollen loben schon

Der reinen Magd Marien Sohn,

So weit die liebe Sonne leucht’t

Und an aller Welt Ende reicht.

1884Bacon: 2Der selig Schöpfer aller Ding’

Zog an ein’s Knechtes Leib gering,

Dass er das Fleisch durch’s Fleisch erwürb’,

Und sein’ Geschöpf nicht all’s verdürb’.

1884Bacon: 3Die göttlich Gnad’ vom Himmel gross

Sich in die keusche Mutter goss;

Ein Mägdlein trug ein heimlich Pfand,

Das der Natur war unbekannt.

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1884Bacon: 4Das züchtig Haus des Herzens zart

Gar bald ein Tempel Gottes ward,

Die kein Mann rühret noch erkannt’,

Von Gott’s Wort man sie schwanger fand.

1884Bacon: 5Die edle Mutter hat gebor’n,

Den Gabriel verhiess zuvorn,

Den Sanct Johann’s mit Springen zeigt,

Da er noch lag im Mutter Leib.

1884Bacon: 6Er lag im Heu mit Armuth gross,

Die Krippen hart ihn nicht verdross,

Es ward ein kleine Milch sein Speis’,

Der nie kein Vöglein hungern liess.

1884Bacon: 7Des Himmels Chör’ sich freuen drob,

Und die Engel singen Gott Lob,

Den armen Hirten wird vermeld’t

Der Hirt und Schöpfer aller Welt.

1884Bacon: 8Lob, Ehr und Dank sei dir gesagt,

Christe gebor’n von reinen Magd,

Mit Vater und dem heil’gen Geist

Von nun an bis in Ewigkeit!

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1884Bacon: 1Now praise we Christ, the Holy One,

The spotless virgin Mary’s Son,

Far as the blesséd sun doth shine,

E’en to the world’s remote confine.

1884Bacon: 2He, who himself all things did make,

A servant’s form vouchsafed to take,

That He as man mankind might win,

And save His creatures from their sin.

1884Bacon: 3The grace of God, th’Almighty Lord,

On the chaste mother was outpoured;

A virgin pure and undefiled

In wondrous wise conceived a child.

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1884Bacon: 4The holy maid became th’ abode

And temple of the living God;

And she, who knew not man, was blest

With God’s own Word made manifest.

1884Bacon: 5The noble mother bare a Son,

For so did Gabriel’s promise run,

Whom John confest and leapt with joy,

Ere yet the mother knew her boy.

1884Bacon: 6In a rude manger, stretched on hay,

In poverty content he lay;

With milk was fed the Lord of all,

Who feeds the ravens when they call.

1884Bacon: 7Th’ angelic choir rejoice, and raise

Their voice to God in songs of praise;

To humble shepherds is proclaimed

The Shepherd who the world hath framed.

1884Bacon: 8Honor to thee, O Christ, be paid,

Pure offspring of a holy maid,

With Father and with Holy Ghost,

Till time in time’s abyss be lost.

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VIII.: Gelobet sei’st du, Jesu Christ. All Praise to Jesus’ hallowed Name.

The first stanza an ancient German Christmas Hymn. Six stanzas added by Luther.

Translation chiefly by R. Massie.

Ancient German Church Melody.

Harmony by A. Haupt, 1869.

Edition: current; Page: [20]

1884Bacon: 1Gelobet sei’st du, Jesu Christ,

Dass du Mensch geboren bist

Von einer Jungfrau, das ist wahr,

Dess freuet sich der Engel Schaar.

Kyrioleis.

1884Bacon: 2Des ew’gen Vaters einzig Kind

Jetzt man in der Krippen findt,

In unser armes Fleisch und Blut

Verkleidet sich das ewig Gut.

Kyrioleis.

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1884Bacon: 3Den aller Welt Kreis nie beschloss,

Der liegt in Marien Schooss,

Er ist ein Kindlein worden klein,

Der alle Ding erhält allein.

Kyrioleis.

1884Bacon: 4Das ewig Licht geht da herein,

Gibt der Welt ein’n neuen Schein;

Es leucht’t wohl mitten in der Nacht

Und uns des Lichtes Kinder macht.

Kyrioleis.

1884Bacon: 5Der Sohn des Vaters, Gott von Art,

Ein Gast in der Werlet ward,

Und führt uns aus dem Jammerthal;

Er macht uns Erben in sei’m Saal.

Kyrioleis.

1884Bacon: 6Er ist auf Erden kommen arm,

Dass er unser sich erbarm’,

Und in dem Himmel machet reich

Und seinen lieben Engeln gleich.

Kyrioleis.

1884Bacon: 7Das hat er alles uns gethan,

Sein’ gross’ Lieb’ zu zeigen an.

Dess freu’ sich alle Christenheit

Und dank’ ihm des in Ewigkeit.

Kyrioleis.

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1884Bacon: 1All praise to Jesus’ hallowed name

Who of virgin pure became

True man for us! The angels sing

As the glad news to earth they bring.

Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 2Th’ eternal Father’s only Son

For a manger leaves his throne.

Disguised in our poor flesh and blood

See now the everlasting Good.

Hallelujah!

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1884Bacon: 3He whom the world could not inwrap

Yonder lies in Mary’s lap;

He is become an infant small,

Who by his might upholdeth all.

Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 4Th’ eternal Light, come down from heaven,

Hath to us new sunshine given;

It shineth in the midst of night,

And maketh us the sons of light.

Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 5The Father’s Son, God everblest,

In the world became a guest;

He leads us from this vale of tears,

And makes us in his kingdom heirs.

Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 6He came to earth so mean and poor,

Man to pity and restore,

And make us rich in heaven above,

Equal with angels through his love.

Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 7All this he did to show his grace

To our poor and sinful race;

For this let Christendom adore

And praise his name for evermore.

Hallelujah!

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IX.: Christ lag in Todesbanden. Christ was laid in Death’s strong Bands.

“Christ ist erstanden.”

—[Gebessert. D. Martin Luther.]

Melody derived from that of the older German hymn.

Harmony by Bennett and Goldschmidt, 1865.

Edition: current; Page: [22]

1884Bacon: 1Christ lag in Todesbanden

Für unser’ Sünd’ gegeben;

Der ist wieder erstanden

Und hat uns bracht das Leben:

Dess wir sollen fröhlich sein,

Gott loben und dankbar sein,

Und singen Halleluja!

Halleluja!

1884Bacon: 2Den Tod Niemand zwingen konnt’

Bei allen Menschenkindern;

Das macht alles unser Sünd’,

Kein’ Unschuld war zu finden

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Davon kam der Tod so bald

Und nahm über uns Gewalt,

Hielt uns in sei’m Reich gefangen.

Halleluja!

1884Bacon: 3Jesus Christus, Gottes Sohn,

An unser Statt ist kommen,

Und hat die Sünde abgethan,

Damit dem Tod genommen

All sein Recht und sein’ Gewalt,

Da bleibt nichts denn Tod’s Gestalt,

Den Stachel hat er verloren.

Halleluja!

1884Bacon: 4Es war ein wunderlich Krieg,

Da Tod und Leben rungen;

Das Leben behielt den Sieg,

Es hat den Tod verschlungen.

Die Schrift hat verkündet das,

Wie ein Tod den andern frass,

Ein Spott aus dem Tod ist worden.

Halleluja!

1884Bacon: 5Hie ist das recht’ Osterlamm,

Davon Gott hat geboten,

Das ist an des Kreuzes Stamm

In heisser Lieb’ gebraten,

Dess Blut zeichnet unser’ Thür,

Das hält der Glaub’ dem Tod für,

Der Würger kann uns nicht rühren.

Halleluja!

1884Bacon: 6So feiern wir das hoh’ Fest

Mit Herzens Freud’ und Wonne,

Das uns der Herr scheinen lässt,

Er ist selber die Sonne,

Der durch seiner Gnaden Glanz

Erleucht’t uns’re Herzen ganz,

Der Sünden Nacht ist vergangen.

Halleluja!

1884Bacon: 7Wir essen und leben wohl

In rechten Osterfladen,

Der alt’ Sauerteig nicht soll

Sein bei dem Wort der Gnaden,

Christus will die Koste sein

Und speisen die Seel’ allein,

Der Glaub’ will kein’s Andern Leben.

Halleluja!

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1884Bacon: 1Christ was laid in Death’s strong bands

For our transgressions givén.

Risen, at God’s right hand he stands

And brings us life from heavén.

Therefore let us joyful be

Praising God right thankfully

With loud songs of Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 2None o’er Death could victory win;

O’er all mankind he reignéd.

’Twas by reason of our sin;

There was not one unstainéd.

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Thus came Death upon us all,

Bound the captive world in thrall,

Held us ’neath his dread dominion.

Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 3Jesus Christ, God’s only Son,

To our low state descending,

All our sins away hath done

Death’s power forever ending.

Ruined all his right and claim

Left him nothing but the name,

For his sting is lost forever.

Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 4Strange and dreadful was the fray,

When Death and Life contended;

But ’twas Life that won the day,

And Death’s dark sway was ended.

Holy Scripture plainly saith,

Death is swallowed up of Death,

Put to scorn and led in triumph.

Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 5This, the Paschal Lamb, the Christ,

Whom God so freely gave us,

On the cross is sacrificed

In flames of love to save us.

On our door the blood-mark;—Faith

Holds it in the face of Death.

The Destroyer can not harm us.

Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 6Therefore let us keep the feast

With heartfelt exultation;

God to shine on us is pleased,

The Sun of our salvation.

On our hearts, with heavenly grace,

Beams the brightness of his face,

And the night of sin has vanished.

Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 7Eat th’ unleavened bread to-day,

And drink the paschal chalice;

From God’s pure word put away

The leaven of guile and malice.

Christ alone our souls will feed;

He is meat and drink indeed.

Faith no other life desireth.

Hallelujah!

Edition: current; Page: [24]

X.: Komm, Gott Schöpfer, Heiliger Geist. Come, God Creator, Holy Ghost.

From the Hymn, “Veni, Creator Spiritus,” ascribed to Charlemagne.

Melody of the eighth century.

Harmony by John Sebastian Bach.

Edition: current; Page: [24]

1884Bacon: 1Komm, Gott Schöpfer, heiliger Geist,

Besuch’ das Herz der Menschen dein,

Mit Gnaden sie füll’, wie du weisst,

Dass dein Geschöpf vorhin sein.

1884Bacon: 2Denn du bist der Tröster genannt,

Des Allerhöchsten Gabe theuer,

Ein’ geistlich’ Salb’ an uns gewandt,

Ein lebend Brunn, Lieb’ und Feuer.

1884Bacon: 3Zünd’ uns ein Licht an im Verstand,

Gib uns in’s Herz der Liebe Brunst,

Das schwach’ Fleisch’ in uns, dir bekannt,

Erhalt’ fest’ dein’ Kräft’ und Gunst.

1884Bacon: 4Du bist mit Gaben siebenfalt

Der Finger an Gott’s rechter Hand;

Des Vaters Wort giebst du gar bald

Mit Zungen in alle Land.

1884Bacon: 5Des Feindes List treibt von uns fern,

Den Fried’ schaff’ bei uns deine Gnad’,

Dass wir dein’m Leiten folgen gern,

Und meiden der Seelen Schad’.

1884Bacon: 6Lehr’ uns den Vater kennen wohl,

Dazu Jesum Christ seinen Sohn,

Dass wir des Glaubens werden voll,

Dich beider Geist zu verstehen.

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1884Bacon: 7Gott Vater sei Lob und dem Sohn,

Der von den Todten auferstund;

Dem Tröster sei dasselb’ gethan

In Ewigkeit alle Stund’.

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1884Bacon: 1Come, God Creator, Holy Ghost,

And visit thou these souls of men;

Fill them with graces, as thou dost,

Thy creatures make pure again.

1884Bacon: 2For Comforter thy name we call.

Sweet gift of God most high above,

A holy unction to us all

O Fount of life, Fire of love.

1884Bacon: 3Our minds illumine and refresh,

Deep in our hearts let love burn bright;

Thou know’st the weakness of our flesh;

And strengthen us with thy might.

1884Bacon: 4Thou with thy wondrous sevenfold gifts

The finger art of God’s right hand;

The Father’s word thou sendest swift

On tongues of fire to each land.

1884Bacon: 5Drive far from us our wily foe;

Grant us thy blesséd peace within,

That in thy footsteps we may go,

And shun the dark ways of sin.

1884Bacon: 6Teach us the Father well to know,

Likewise his only Son our Lord,

Thyself to us believing show,

Spirit of both, aye adored.

Edition: current; Page: [25]

1884Bacon: 7Praise to the Father, and the Son

Who from the dead is risen again;

Praise to the Comforter be done

Both now and ever. Amen.

XI.: Jesus Christus unser Heiland, der den Tod. Jesus Christ, who came to save.

A Song of Praise for Easter.

Melody first published by Klug, 1543, and Bapst, 1545.

Harmony after John Sebastian Bach.

Edition: current; Page: [25]

1884Bacon: 1Jesus Christus unser Heiland,

Der den Tod überwand,

Ist auferstanden,

Die Sünd’ hat er gefangen.

Kyrie eleison!

1884Bacon: 2Der ohn’ Sünden war gebor’n,

Trug für uns Gottes Zorn,

Hat uns versöhnet,

Dass Gott uns sein’ Huld gönner.

Kyrie eleison!

1884Bacon: 3Tod, Sünd’, Leben und Genad,

All’s in Händen er hat,

Er kann erretten

Alle, die zu ihm treten.

Kyrie eleison!

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1884Bacon: 1Jesus Christ, who came to save,

And overcame the grave,

Is now arisen,

And sin hath bound in prison.

Kyri’ eleison!

1884Bacon: 2Who withoutén sin was found,

Bore our transgression’s wound.

He is our Saviour,

And brings us to God’s favor.

Kyri’ eleison!

1884Bacon: 3Life and mercy, sin and death,

All in his hands he hath;

Them he’ll deliver,

Who trust in him forever.

Kyri’ eleison!

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XII.: Komm, heiliger Geist, Herre Gott. Come, Holy Spirit, Lord our God.

“Veni, Sancte Spiritus, gebessert durch D. Martin Luther.” The last two stanzas added by Luther’s hand.

The first stanza translated from the Latin hymn ascribed to King Robert of France (A. D. 991), is traced to a service-book of the church in Basel, of the year 1514.

Translation chiefly that of Arthur Tozer Russell.

Original Latin Melody.

Harmony after Erythraeus, 1609.

Edition: current; Page: [26]

Edition: current; Page: [27]

Komm, heiliger Geist, Herre Gott.

1884Bacon: 1Komm, heiliger Geist, Herre Gott,

Erfüll’ mit deiner Gnaden Gut

Deiner Gläubigen Herz, Muth und Sinn;

Dein brünst’ge Lieb’ entzünd’ in ihn’n.

O Herr, durch deines Lichtes Glast

Zu dem Glauben versammelt hast

Das Volk aus aller Welt Zungen,

Das sei dir, Herr, zu Lob gesungen,

Halleluja! Halleluja!

1884Bacon: 2Du heiliges Licht, edler Hort,

Lass uns leuchten des Lebens Wort,

Und lehr’ uns Gott recht erkennen,

Von Herzen Vater ihn nennen.

O Herr, behüt’ vor fremder Lehr,

Dass wir nicht Meister suchen mehr

Denn Jesum mit rechtem Glauben,

Und ihm aus ganzer Macht vertrauen.

Halleluja! Halleluja!

1884Bacon: 3Du heilige Brunst, süsser Trost,

Nun hilf uns fröhlich und getrost

In deinem Dienst beständig bleiben,

Die Trübsal uns nicht abtreiben.

O Herr, durch dein’ Kraft uns bereit’

Und stärk des Fleisches Blödigkeit,

Dass wir hier ritterlich ringen,

Durch Tod und Leben zu dir dringen.

Halleluja! Halleluja!

Edition: current; Page: [27]

Come, Holy Spirit, Lord our God.

1884Bacon: 1Come, Holy Spirit, Lord our God,

And pour thy gifts of grace abroad;

Thy faithful people fill with blessing,

Love’s fire their hearts possessing.

O Lord, thou by thy heavenly light

Dost gather and in faith unite

Through all the world a holy nation

To sing to thee with exultation,

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 2O holiest Light! O Rock adored!

Give us thy light, thy living word,

To God himself our spirits leading,

With him as children pleading.

From error, Lord, our souls defend,

That they on Christ alone attend;

In him with faith unfeigned abiding,

In him with all their might confiding.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 3O holiest Fire! O Source of rest!

Grant that with joy and hope possest,

And in thy service kept forever,

Naught us from thee may sever.

Lord, may thy power prepare each heart;

To our weak nature strength impart,

Onward to press, our foes defying,

To thee, through living and through dying.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Note.—The first stanza is found in a service-book of the church of Basel, of the year 1514. The irregularities of the German versification may be explained in part by the two-fold authorship, in this and other hymns.

Edition: current; Page: [28]

XIII.: Diess sind die heil’gen zehn Gebot’. That Man a godly Life might live.

The Ten Commandments.

Translation chiefly by R. Massie.

Edition: current; Page: [28]

1884Bacon: 1Diess sind die heil’gen zehn Gebot’,

Die uns gab unser Herre Gott

Durch Mosen, seinen Diener treu,

Hoch auf dem Berg Sinai.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 2Ich bin allein dein Gott der Herr,

Kein’ Götter sollst du haben mehr,

Du sollt mir ganz vertrauen dich,

Von Herzengrund lieben mich.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 3Du sollt nicht brauchen zu Unehr’n

Den Namen Gottes, deines Herrn;

Du sollt nicht preisen recht noch gut,

Ohn’ was Gott selbst red’t und thut.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 4Du sollt heil’gen den stebent’ Tag,

Dass du und dein Haus ruhen mag,

Du sollt von dei’m Thun lassen ab,

Das Gott sein Werk in dir hab’.

Kyrioleis!

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1884Bacon: 5Du sollt ehr’n und gehorsam sein

Dem Vater und der Mutter dein,

Und wo dein Hand ihn’n dienen kann,

So wirst du lang’s Leben han.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 6Du sollt nicht tödten zorniglich,

Nicht hassen noch selbst rächen dich,

Geduld haben und sanften Muth

Und auch dem Feind thun das Gut’.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 7Dein’ Eh’ sollt du bewahren rein,

Dass auch dein Herz kein andere mein’,

Und halten keusch das Leben dein

Mit Zucht und Mässigkeit fein.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 8Du sollt nicht stehlen Geld noch Gut,

Nicht wuchern Jemands Schweiss und Blut;

Du sollt aufthun dein’ milde Hand

Den Armen in deinem Land.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 9Du sollt kein falscher Zeuge sein,

Nicht lügen auf den Nächsten dein,

Sein’ Unschuld sollt auch retten du

Und seine Schand’ decken zu.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 10Du sollt dein’s Nächsten Weib und Haus

Begehren nicht, noch etwas d’raus,

Du sollt ihm wünschen alles Gut’,

Wie dir dein Herz selber thut.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 11Die Gebot, all’ uns geben sind,

Dass du dein Sünd’, o Menschenkind,

Erkennen sollt, und lernen wohl,

Wie man für Gott leben soll.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 12Das helf’ uns der Herr Jesus Christ,

Der unser Mittler worden ist:

Es ist mit unserm Thun verlor’n,

Verdienen doch eitel Zorn.

Kyrioleis!

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1884Bacon: 1That man a godly life might live,

God did these ten commandments give

By his true servant Moses, high

Upon the mount Sinai.

Have mercy, Lord.

1884Bacon: 2I am thy God and Lord alone,

No other God besides me own;

On my great mercy venture thee,

With all thy heart love thou me.

Have mercy, Lord.

1884Bacon: 3By idle word and speech profane

Take not my holy name in vain;

And praise not aught as good and true

But what God doth say and do.

Have mercy, Lord.

1884Bacon: 4Hallow the day which God hath blest,

That thou and all thy house may rest;

Keep hand and heart from labor free,

That God may so work in thee.

Have mercy, Lord.

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1884Bacon: 5Give to thy parents honor due,

Be dutiful and loving too;

And help them when their strength decays;

So shalt thou have length of days.

Have mercy, Lord.

1884Bacon: 6Kill thou not out of evil will,

Nor hate, nor render ill for ill;

Be patient and of gentle mood,

And to thy foe do thou good.

Have mercy, Lord.

1884Bacon: 7Be faithful to thy marriage vows,

Thy heart give only to thy spouse;

Keep thy life pure, and lest thou sin

Keep thyself with discipline.

Have mercy, Lord.

1884Bacon: 8Steal not; oppressive acts abhor;

Nor wring their life-blood from the poor;

But open wide thy loving hand

To all the poor in the land.

Have mercy, Lord.

1884Bacon: 9Bear not false witness, nor belie

Thy neighbor by foul calumny;

Defend his innocence from blame,

With charity hide his shame.

Have mercy, Lord.

1884Bacon: 10Thy neighbor’s wife desire thou not,

His house, nor aught that he hath got;

But wish that his such good may be

As thy heart doth wish for thee.

Have mercy, Lord.

1884Bacon: 11God these commandments gave, therein

To show thee, son of man, thy sin,

And make thee also well perceive

How man for God ought to live.

Have mercy, Lord.

1884Bacon: 12Help us, Lord Jesus Christ, for we

A Mediator have in thee;

Without thy help our works so vain

Merit naught but endless pain.

Have mercy, Lord.

Edition: current; Page: [30]

XIV.: Jesus Christus unser Heiland, der von uns. Christ, who freed our Souls from Danger.

“Improved” from the Communion Hymn of John Huss, “Jesus Christus, noster Salus.”

Translated from “Jesus Christus nostra salus,” hymn of John Huss.

Translation by R. Massie.

Melody in Walter, 1525.

Harmony in von Tucher, 1848.

Edition: current; Page: [30]

1884Bacon: 1Jesus Christus unser Heiland,

Der von uns den Zorn Gottes wandt’,

Durch das bitter’ Leiden sein

Half er uns aus der Hölle Pein.

1884Bacon: 2Dass wir nimmer dess vergessen,

Gab er uns sein’ Leib zu essen,

Verborgen im Brot so klein,

Und zu trinken sein Blut im Wein.

1884Bacon: 3Wer sich zu dem Tisch will machen,

Der hab wohl acht auf sein’ Sachen:

Wer unwürdig hiezu geht,

Für das Leben den Tod empfäht.

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1884Bacon: 4Du sollt Gott den Vater preisen,

Dass er dich so wohl wollt’ speisen,

Und für deine Missethat

In den Tod sein’n Sohn geben hat.

1884Bacon: 5Du sollt glauben und nicht wanken,

Dass ein’ Speise sei den Kranken,

Den’n ihr Herz’ von Sünden schwer

Und für Angst ist betrübet sehr.

1884Bacon: 6Solch’ gross’ Gnad’ und Barmherzigkeit

Sucht ein Herz in grosser Arbeit:

Ist dir wohl, so bleib’ davon,

Dass du nicht kriegest bösen Lohn.

1884Bacon: 7Er spricht selber: Kommt ihr Armen,

Lasst mich über euch erbarmen:

Kein Arzt ist dem Starken noth,

Sein’ Kunst wird an ihm gar ein Spott.

1884Bacon: 8Hätt’st du dir was konnt erwerben,

Was dürst’ dann ich für dich sterben?

Dieser Tisch auch dir nicht gilt,

So du selber dir helfen willt.

1884Bacon: 9Glaubst du das von Herzen Grunde

Und bekennest mit dem Munde,

So bist du recht wohl geschickt

Und die Speise dein’ Seel’ erquickt.

1884Bacon: 10Die Frucht soll auch nicht ausbleiben:

Deinen Nächsten sollt du lieben,

Dass er dein geniessen kann,

Wie dein Gott hat an dir gethan.

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1884Bacon: 1Christ, who freed our souls from danger,

And hath turned away God’s anger,

Suffered pains no tongue can tell,

To redeem us from pains of hell.

1884Bacon: 2That we never might forget it,

Take my flesh, he said, and eat it,

Hidden in this piece of bread,

Drink my blood in this wine, he said.

1884Bacon: 3Whoso to this board repaireth,

Take good heed how he prepareth;

Death instead of life shall he

Find, who cometh unworthily.

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1884Bacon: 4Praise the Father, God in heavén,

Who such dainty food hath givén,

And for misdeeds thou hast done

Gave to die his belovéd Son.

1884Bacon: 5Trust God’s Word; it is intended

For the sick who would be mended;

Those whose heavy-laden breast

Groans with sin, and is seeking rest.

1884Bacon: 6To such grace and mercy turneth

Every soul that truly mourneth;

Art thou well? Avoid this board,

Else thou reapest an ill reward.

1884Bacon: 7Lo! he saith himself, “Ye weary,

Come to me, and I will cheer ye;”

Needless were the leech’s skill

To the souls that be strong and well.

1884Bacon: 8Couldst thou earn thine own salvation,

Useless were my death and passion;

Wilt thou thine own helper be?

No meet table is this for thee.

1884Bacon: 9If thou this believest truly,

And confession makest duly,

Thou a welcome guest art here,

This rich banquet thy soul shall cheer.

1884Bacon: 10Sweet henceforth shall be thy labor,

Thou shalt truly love thy neighbor

So shall he both taste and see

What thy Saviour hath done in thee.

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XV.: Gott sei gelobet und gebenedeiet. May God be praised henceforth and blest forever.

Translation by R. Massie, amended.

Melody derived from some older one, 1525.

Harmony by H. Schein, 1627.

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Gott sei gelobet und gebenedeiet.

1884Bacon: 1Gott sei gelobet und gebenedeiet,

Der uns selber hat gespeiset

Mit seinem Fleische und mit seinem Blute,

Das gib uns, Herr Gott, zu gute.

Kyrieleison!

Herr, durch deinen heiligen Leichnam,

Der von deiner Mutter Maria kam,

Und das heilige Blut,

Hilf uns, Herr, aus aller Noth.

Kyrieleison!

1884Bacon: 2Der heilig’ Leichnam ist für uns gegeben

Zum Tod, dass wir dadurch leben,

Nicht grösser’ Güte konnte er uns schenken,

Dabei wir sein soll’n gebenken.

Kyrieleison!

Herr, dein Lieb’ so gross dich zwungen hat,

Dass dein Blut an uns gross Wunder that

Und bezahlt unser Schuld,

Dass uns Gott ist worden hold.

Kyrieleison!

1884Bacon: 3Gott geb’ uns Allen seiner Gnade Segen,

Dass wir gehen auf seinen Wegen,

In rechter Lieb’ und brüderlicher Treue,

Dass uns die Speis’ nicht gereue.

Kyrieleison!

Herr, dein heilig’ Geist uns nimmer lass,

Der uns geb’ zu halten rechte Mass,

Dass dein’ arm’ Christenheit

Leb’ in Fried’ und Einigkeit.

Kyrieleison!

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May God be praised henceforth and blest forever.

1884Bacon: 1May God be prais’d henceforth and blest forever!

Who, himself both gift and giver,

With his own flesh and blood our souls doth nourish;

May they grow thereby and flourish!

Kyri’ eleison!

By thy holy body, Lord, the same

Which from thine own mother Mary came,

By the drops thou didst bleed,

Help us in the hour of need!

Kyri’ eleison!

1884Bacon: 2Thou hast to death thy holy body given,

Life to win for us in heaven;

By stronger love, dear Lord, thou couldst not bind us,

Whereof this should well remind us.

Kyri’ eleison!

Lord, thy love constrain’d thee for our good

Mighty things to do by thy dear blood;

Thou hast paid all we owed,

Thou hast made our peace with God.

Kyri’ eleison!

1884Bacon: 3May God bestow on us his grace and blessing,

That, his holy footsteps tracing,

We walk as brethren dear in love and union,

Nor repent this sweet communion.

Kyri’ eleison!

Let not us the Holy Ghost forsake;

May he grant that we the right way take;

That thy poor church may see

Days of peace and unity.

Kyri’ eleison!

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XVI.: Es wollt’ uns Gott genädig sein. May God unto us gracious be.

Psalm LXVII.—“Deus misereatur nostri.”

Translation by Arthur Tozer Russell.

Melody in Köphl, Strassburg, 1538.

Harmony, A. Haupt, 1869.

Edition: current; Page: [34]

Edition: current; Page: [35]

Es wollt’ uns Gott genädig sein.

1884Bacon: 1Es wollt’ uns Gott genädig sein,

Und seinen Segen geben,

Sein Antlitz uns mit hellem Schein

Erleucht’ zum ew’gen Leben,

Dass wir erkennen seine Werk’

Und was ihm b’liebt auf Erden,

Und Jesus Christus Heil und Stärk’

Bekannt den Heiden werden

Und sie zu Gott bekehren.

1884Bacon: 2So danken, Gott, und loben dich

Die Heiden überalle,

Und alle Welt die freue sich

Und sing’ mit grossem Schalle,

Dass du auf Erden Richter bist

Und lasst die Sünd’ nicht walten,

Dein Wort die Hut und Weide ist,

Die alles Volk erhalten,

In rechter Bahn zu wallen.

1884Bacon: 3Es danke, Gott, und lobe dich

Das Volk in guten Thaten;

Das Land bringt Frucht und bessert sich,

Dein Wort ist wohl gerathen.

Uns segen’ Vater und der Sohn,

Uns segen’ Gott der heilig’ Geist,

Dem alle Welt die Ehre thu,

Für ihm sich fürchte allermeist,

Nun sprecht von Herzen, Amen!

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May God unto us gracious be.

1884Bacon: 1May God unto us gracious be,

And grant to us his blessing;

Lord, show thy face to us, through thee

Eternal life possessing:

That all thy work and will, o God,

To us may be revealéd,

And Christ’s salvation spread abroad

To heathen lands unsealéd,

And unto God convert them.

1884Bacon: 2Thine over all shall be the praise

And thanks of every nation,

And all the world with joy shall raise

The voice of exultation.

For thou the sceptre, Lord, dost wield

Sin to thyself subjecting;

Thy Word, thy people’s pasture-field,

And fence their feet protecting,

Them in the way preserveth.

1884Bacon: 3Thy fold, O God, shall bring to thee

The praise of holy living;

Thy word shall richly fruitful be,

And earth shall yield thanksgiving.

Bless us, O Father! bless, O Son!

Grant, Holy Ghost, thy blessing!

Thee earth shall honor—thee alone,

Thy fear all souls possessing.

Now let our hearts say, Amen.

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XVII.: Wohl dem, der in Gottes Furcht steht. Happy the Man who feareth God.

Psalm CXXVIII.—“Beati omnes qui timent Dominum.”

Translation by R. Massie.

First Melody, of 1525.

Harmony by Gesius, 1605.

Second Melody, of 1537.

Harmony by Landgraf Moritz, 1612.

Edition: current; Page: [36]

Edition: current; Page: [37]

Wohl dem, der in Gottes Furcht steht.

1884Bacon: 1Wohl dem, der in Gottesfurcht steht,

Und der auf seinem Wege geht;

Dein eigen Hand dich nähren soll,

So lebst du recht und geht dir wohl.

1884Bacon: 2Dein Weib wird in dei’m Hause sein

Wie ein’ Reben voll Trauben fein,

Und dein’ Kinder um deinen Tisch

Wie Oelpflanzen, gesund und frisch.

1884Bacon: 2Sich so reich Segen hängt dem an,

Wo in Gottes Furcht lebt ein Mann,

Von ihm lässt der alt’ Fluch und Zorn,

Den Menschenkindern angebor’n.

1884Bacon: 4Aus Zion wird Gott segnen dich,

Dass du wirst schauen stetiglich

Das Glück der Stadt Jerusalem,

Für Gott in Gnaden angenehm.

1884Bacon: 5Fristen wird er das Leben dein

Und mit Güte stets bei dir sein,

Dass du sehen wirst Kindes Kind

Und dass Israel Friede findt.

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Happy the Man who feareth God.

1884Bacon: 1Happy the man who feareth God,

Whose feet his holy ways have trod;

Thine own good hand shall nourish thee,

And well and happy shalt thou be.

1884Bacon: 2Thy wife shall, like a fruitful vine,

Fill all thy house with clusters fine;

Thy children all be fresh and sound,

Like olive-plants thy table round.

1884Bacon: 3Lo! to the man these blessings cleave

Who in God’s holy fear doth live;

From him the ancient curse hath fled

By Adam’s race inherited.

1884Bacon: 4Out of Mount Zion God shall send,

And crown with joy thy latter end;

That thou Jerusalem mayst see,

In favor and prosperity.

1884Bacon: 5He shall be with thee in thy ways,

And give thee health and length of days;

Yea, thou shalt children’s children see,

And peace on Israel shall be.

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XVIII.: Mitten wir im Leben sind. Though in Midst of Life we be.

The first stanza from Media vita in morte sumus. Notker, A. D. 912.

Translation by R. Massie.

Melody (not from the Latin), 1525.

Harmony by Erythraeus, 1608.

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Mitten wir im Leben sind.

1884Bacon: 1Mitten wir im Leben sind

Mit dem Tod umpfangen,

Wen such’n wir der Hülfe thu’,

Dass wir Gnad’ erlangen?

Das bist du, Herr, alleine.

Uns reuet unser’ Missethat,

Die dich, Herr, erzürnet hat.

Heiliger Herre Gott,

Heiliger, starker Gott,

Heiliger, barmherziger Heiland,

Du ewiger Gott!

Lass uns nicht versinken

In der bittern Todesnoth.

Kyrieleison!

1884Bacon: 2Mitten in den Tod ansieht

Uns der Höllen Rachen;

Wer will uns aus solcher Noth

Frei und ledig machen?

Das thust du, Herr, alleine.

Es jammert dein’ Barmherzigkeit

Unser’ Süud’ und grosses Leid.

Heiliger Herre Gott!

Heiliger, starker Gott!

Heiliger, barmherziger Heiland!

Du ewiger Gott!

Lass uns nicht verzagen

Für der tiefen Höllenglut.

Kyrieleison!

1884Bacon: 3Mitten in der Höllen Angst

Unser’ Klag’ uns treiben;

Wo soll’n wir denn fliehen hin,

Da wir mögen bleiben?

Zu dir, Herr Christ, alleine.

Vergossen ist dein theures Blut,

Das g’nug für die Sünde thut.

Heiliger Herre Gott!

Heiliger, starker Gott!

Heiliger, barmherziger Heiland!

Du ewiger Gott!

Lass uns nicht entfallen

Von des rechten Glaubens Trost.

Kyrieleison!

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Though in Midst of Life we be.

1884Bacon: 1Though in midst of life we be,

Snares of death surround us;

Where shall we for succor flee,

Lest our foes confound us?

To thee alone, our Saviour.

We mourn our grievous sin which hath

Stirr’d the fire of thy fierce wrath.

Holy and gracious God!

Holy and mighty God!

Holy and all-merciful Saviour!

Thou eternal God!

Save us, Lord, from sinking

In the deep and bitter flood.

Kyrie eleison.

1884Bacon: 2Whilst in midst of death we be,

Hell’s grim jaws o’ertake us;

Who from such distress will free.

Who secure will make us?

Thou only, Lord, canst do it!

It moves thy tender heart to see

Our great sin and misery.

Holy and gracious God!

Holy and mighty God!

Holy and all merciful Saviour!

Thou eternal God!

Let not hell dismay us

With its deep and burning flood.

Kyrie eleison.

1884Bacon: 3Into hell’s fierce agony

Sin doth headlong drive us:

Where shall we for succor flee,

Who, O, who will hide us?

Thou only, blesséd Saviour.

Thy precious blood was shed to win

Peace and pardon for our sin.

Holy and gracious God!

Holy and mighty God!

Holy and all-merciful Saviour!

Let us not, we pray,

From the true faith’s comfort

Fall in our last need away.

Kyrie eleison.

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From Walter’s Gesangbuch, 1525.

XIX.: Nun bitten wir den heiligen Geist. Now pray we all God, the Comforter.

The first stanza from an ancient German hymn. The other stanzas added by Luther.

Translation by Arthur Tozer Russell.

Melody, 1525.

Harmony by A. Haupt, 1869.

Edition: current; Page: [40]

1884Bacon: 1Nun bitten wir den heiligen Geist

Um den rechten Glauben allermeist,

Dass er uns behüte an unserm Ende,

Wann wir heimfahr’n aus diesem Elende.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 2Du werthes Licht, gib uns deinen Schein,

Lehr’ uns Jesum Christ kennen allein,

Dass wir an ihm bleiben, dem treuen Heiland,

Der uns bracht hat zum rechten Vaterland.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 3Du füsse Lieb’, schenk uns deine Gunst,

Lass uns empfinden der Liebe Brunst,

Dass wir uns von Herzen einander lieben

Und in Frieden auf einem Sinn bleiben.

Kyrioleis!

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1884Bacon: 4Du höchster Tröster in aller Noth,

Hilf, dass wir nicht fürchten Schand noch Tod,

Dass in uns die Sinne nicht verzagen,

Wenn der Feind wird das Leben verklagen.

Kyrioleis!

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1884Bacon: 1Now pray we all God, the Comforter,

Into every heart true faith to pour

And that he defend us, Till death here end us,

When for heaven we leave this world of sorrow.

Have mercy, Lord.

1884Bacon: 2Shine into us, O most holy Light,

That we Jesus Christ may know aright;

Stayed on him forever, Our only Saviour,

Who to our true home again hath brought us.

Have mercy, Lord.

1884Bacon: 3Spirit of love, now our spirits bless;

Them with thy own heavenly fire possess;

That in heart uniting, In peace delighting,

We may henceforth all be one in spirit.

Have mercy, Lord.

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1884Bacon: 4Our highest comfort in all distress!

O let naught with fear our hearts oppress:

Give us strength unfailing O’er fear prevailing,

When th’ accusing foe would overwhelm us.

Have mercy, Lord.

XX.: Mit Fried’ und Freud’ ich fahr’ dahin. In Peace and Joy I now depart.

A Song of Simeon, “Nunc Dimittis.”

Melody, 1525.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1610.

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1884Bacon: 1Mit Fried’ und Freud’ ich fahr’ dahin,

In Gottes Wille,

Getrost ist mir mein Herz und Sinn,

Sanst und stille.

Wie Gott mir verheissen hat:

Der Tod ist mein Schlaf worden.

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1884Bacon: 2Das macht Christus, wahr Gottes Sohn,

Der treue Heiland,

Den du mich, Herr, hast sehen lan

Und macht bekannt,

Dass er sei das Leben

Und Heil in Noth und Sterben.

1884Bacon: 3Den hast du Allen fürgestellt

Mit grossen Gnaden;

Zu seinem Reich die ganze Welt

Heissen laden

Durch dein theuer heilsam Wort,

An allem Ort erschollen.

1884Bacon: 4Er ist das Heil und selig Licht

Für alle Heiden,

Zu ’rleuchten, die dich kennen nicht

Und zu weiden,

Er ist dein’s Volks Israel

Der Preis, Ehr’, Freud’ und Wonne.

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1884Bacon: 1In peace and joy I now depart,

At God’s disposing;

For full of comfort is my heart,

Soft reposing.

So the Lord hath promis’d me,

And death is but a slumber.

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1884Bacon: 2’Tis Christ that wrought this work for me,

The faithful Saviour;

Whom thou hast made mine eyes to see

By thy favor.

In him I behold my life,

My help in need and dying.

1884Bacon: 3Him thou hast unto all set forth,

Their great salvation,

And to his kingdom called the earth—

Every nation.

By thy dear, health-giving word,

In every land resounding.

1884Bacon: 4He is the Health and blesséd Light

Of lands benighted;

By him are they who dwelt in night

Fed and lighted.

While his Israel’s hope he is,

Their joy, reward and glory.

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XXI.: Mensch, willt du leben seliglich. Wilt thou, O Man, live happily.

The Ten Commandments, abridged.

Translation by R. Massie, adapted.

Melody, 1525.

Harmony by H. Schein, 1627.

Edition: current; Page: [43]

1884Bacon: 1Mensch, willt du leben seliglich,

Und bei Gott bleiben ewiglich,

Sollt du halten die zehn Gebot,

Die uns geben unser Gott.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 2Dein Gott allein und Herr bin ich,

Kein ander Gott soll irren dich;

Trauen soll mir das Herze dein,

Mein eigen Reich sollt du sein.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 3Du sollt mein’n Namen ehren schon

Und in der Noth mich rufen an,

Du sollt heil’gen den Sabbath-Tag,

Das ich in dir wirken mag.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 4Dem Vater und der Mutter dein

Sollt du nach mir gehorsam sein;

Niemand tödten noch zornig sein,

Und deine Eh’ halten rein.

Kyrioleis!

1884Bacon: 5Du sollt ein’m andern steblen nicht,

Auf Niemand falsches zeugen icht;

Deines Nächsten Weib nicht begehr’n

Und all sein’s Gut’s gern entbehr’n.

Kyrioleis!

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1884Bacon: 1Wilt thou, O man, live happily,

And dwell with God eternally,

The ten commandments keep, for thus

Our God himself biddeth us.

Kyr’ eleison!

1884Bacon: 2I am the Lord and God! take heed

No other god doth thee mislead;

Thy heart shall trust alone in me,

My kingdom then thou shalt be.

Kyr’ eleison!

1884Bacon: 2Honor my name in word and deed,

And call on me in time of need:

Hallow the Sabbath, that I may

Work in thy heart on that day.

Kyr’ eleison!

1884Bacon: 4Obedient always, next to me,

To father and to mother be;

Kill no man: even anger dread;

Keep sacred thy marriage-bed.

Kyr’ eleison!

1884Bacon: 5Steal not, nor do thy neigbor wrong

By bearing witness with false tongue;

Thy neighbor’s wife desire thou not,

Nor grudge him aught he hath got.

Kyr’ eleison!

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XXII.: Gott der Vater wohn’ uns bei. God the Father, with us stay.

Adapted from an ancient German Litany.

An ancient Litany-hymn of the German churches, much used in Passion-week and in the processions before Ascension-day by Luther “gebessert und christlich corrigyret.”

Ancient German Melody.

Harmony by Landgraf Moritz, 1612.

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Gott der Vater wohn’ uns bei.

1884Bacon: 1Gott der Vater wohn’ uns bei

Und lass uns nicht verderben,

Mach’ uns aller Sünden frei

Und helf’ uns selig sterben.

Für dem Teufel uns bewahr,

Halt’ uns bei festem Glauben,

Und auf dich lass uns bauen,

Aus Herzen Grund vertrauen,

Dir uns lassen ganz und gar;

Mit allen rechten Christen

Entfliehen Teufels Listen,

Mit Waffen Gott’s uns fristen.

Amen! Amen! das sei wahr,

So singen wir, Halleluja!

1884Bacon: 2Jesus Christus wohn’ uns bei

Und lass uns nicht verderben,

Mach’ uns aller Sünden frei

Und helf’ uns selig sterben.

Für dem Teufel uns bewahr,

Halt’ uns bei festem Glauben,

Und auf dich lass uns bauen,

Aus Herzen Grund vertrauen,

Dir uns lassen ganz und gar;

Mit allen rechten Christen

Entflieh’n des Teufels Listen,

Mit Waffen Gott’s uns fristen.

Amen! Amen! das sei wahr,

So singen wir, Halleluja!

1884Bacon: 3Der heilig’ Geist wohn uns bei,

Und lass uns nicht verberben,

Mach’ uns aller Sünden frei

Und helf’ uns selig sterben.

Für dem Teufel uns bewahr,

Halt’ uns bei festem Glauben,

Und auf dich lass uns bauen,

Aus Herzen Grund vertrauen,

Dir uns lassen ganz und gar;

Mit allen rechten Christen

Entfliehen Teufels Listen,

Mit Waffen Gott’s uns fristen.

Amen! Amen! das sei wahr,

So singen wir, Halleluja!

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God the Father, with us stay.

1884Bacon: 1God, the Father, with us stay,

Nor suffer us to perish;

All our sins O take away,

Us dying; cheer and cherish.

From the power of hell defend;

This grace to us be granted:—

Upon thee to be planted,

In heartfelt faith undaunted,

Trusting thee unto the end;

With saints of every nation,

Escaping hell’s temptation,

Kept by the Lord’s salvation.

Amen! Amen! Answer send!

So sing we all Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 2Jesus, Saviour with us stay,

Nor suffer us to perish;

All our sins O take away,

Us dying, cheer and cherish.

From the power of hell defend;

This grace to us be granted:—

Upon thee to be planted,

In heartfelt faith undaunted,

Trusting thee unto the end;

With saints of every nation,

Escaping hell’s temptation,

Kept by the Lord’s salvation.

Amen! Amen! Answer send!

So sing we all Hallelujah!

1884Bacon: 3Holy Spirit, with us stay,

Nor suffer us to perish;

All our sins O take away,

Us dying, cheer and cherish.

From the power of hell defend;

This grace to us be granted:—

Upon thee to be planted,

In heartfelt faith undaunted,

Trusting thee unto the end;

With saints of every nation,

Escaping hell’s temptation,

Kept by the Lord’s salvation.

Amen! Amen! Answer send!

So sing we all Hallelujah!

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XXIII.: Wir glauben All’ an einen Gott. We all believe in one true God.

This hymn and tune were intended by Luther to be sung as the Creed during the morning service (“the German Mass”), and remained in such use for a long time.

The Creed. “Das deutsche patrem.”

Melody, 1525.

Harmony from an ancient source.

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1884Bacon: 1Wir glauben All’ an einen Gott,

Schöpfer Himmels und der Erden,

Der sich zum Vater geben hat,

Dass wir seine Kinder werden.

Er will uns allzeit ernähren,

Leib und Seel’ auch wohl bewahren,

Allem Unfall will er wehren,

Kein Leid soll uns widerfahren,

Er sorget für uns, hüt’t und wacht,

Es steht Alles in seiner Macht.

1884Bacon: 2Wir glauben auch an Jesum Christ,

Seinen Sohn und unser’n Herren,

Der ewig bei dem Vater ist,

Gleicher Gott von Macht und Ehren,

Von Maria der Jungfrauen

Ist ein wahrer Mensch geboren

Durch den heil’gen Geist im Glauben,

Für uns, die wir war’n verloren,

Am Kreuz gestorben, und vom Tod

Wieder auferstanden durch Gott.

1884Bacon: 3Wir glauben an den heil’gen Geist,

Gott mit Vater und dem Sohne,

Der aller Blöden Tröster heisst

Und mit Gaben zieret schöne

Die ganz’ Christenheit auf Erden,

Hält in einem Sinn gar eben,

Hie all’ Sünd’ vergeben werden,

Das Fleisch soll auch wieder leben.

Nach diesem Elend ist bereit

Uns ein Leben in Ewigkeit.

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1884Bacon: 1We all believe in one true God,

Maker of the earth and heaven,

The Father who to us the power

To become his sons hath given.

He will us at all times nourish,

Soul and body, guard us, guide us,

’Mid all harms will keep and cherish,

That no ill shall ever betide us.

He watches o’er us day and night;

All things are governed by his might.

1884Bacon: 2And we believe in Jesus Christ,

Lord and Son of God confesséd,

From everlasting days with God,

In like power and glory blesséd.

By the Holy Ghost conceivéd,

Born of Mary, virgin mother,

That to lost men who believéd

He should Saviour be and brother;

Was crucified, and from the grave,

Through God, is risén, strong to save.

1884Bacon: 3We in the Holy Ghost believe,

Who with Son and Father reigneth,

One true God. He, the Comforter,

Feeble souls with gifts sustaineth.

All his saints, in every nation,

With one heart this faith receiving,

From all sin obtain salvation,

From the dust of death reviving.

These sorrows past, there waits in store

For us, the life for evermore.

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XXIV.: Wär’ Gott nicht mit uns. Had God not come, may Israel say.

Psalm CXXIV.—“Nisi quia Dominus.”

Translation by R. Massie.

Melody, 1525.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1610.

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Wär’ Gott nicht mit uns.

1884Bacon: 1Wär’ Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit,

So soll Israel sagen,

Wär’ Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit,

Wir hätten musst verzagen:

Die so ein armes Häuflein sind,

Veracht’t von so viel Menschen-Kind,

Die an uns setzen alle.

1884Bacon: 2Auf uns ist so zornig ihr Sinn,

Wo Gott hätt’ das zugeben,

Verschlungen hätten sie uns hin

Mit ganzem Leib und Leben.

Wir wär’n als die ein’ Fluth ersäuft

Und über die gross’ Wasser läuft

Und mit Gewalt verschwemmet.

1884Bacon: 3Gott Lob und Dank, der nicht zugab,

Dass ihr Schlund uns mücht’ fangen,

Wie ein Vogel des Stricks kommt ab,

Ist nnser’ Seel’ entgangen.

Strick ist entzwei, und wir sind frei,

Des Herren Namen steht uns bei,

Des Gott’s Himmels und Erden.

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Had God not come, may Israel say.

1884Bacon: 1Had God not come, may Israel say,

Had God not come to aid us,

Our enemies on that sad day

Would surely have dismayed us;

A remnant now, and handful small,

Held in contempt and scorn by all

Who cruelly oppress us.

1884Bacon: 2Their furious wrath, did God permit,

Would surely have consumed us,

And in the deep and yawning pit

With life and limb entombed us;

Like men o’er whom dark waters roll,

The streams had gone e’en o’er our soul,

And mightily o’erwhelmed us.

1884Bacon: 3Thanks be to God, who from the pit

Snatched us, when it was gaping;

Our souls, like birds that break the net,

To the blue skies escaping;

The snare is broken—we are free!

The Lord our helper praiséd be,

The God of earth and heaven.

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From The German Mass, 1526.

XXV.: Jesaia, dem Propheten, das geschah. These Things the Seer Isaiah did befall.

The German Sanctus. Written for Luther’s German Mass, 1526.

Isaiah VI, 1–4.

The German Sanctus.

Translation by R. Massie.

Melody, 1526.

Harmony by Erythraeus, 1608.

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In “Form Und Ordnung Geistlicher Gesang,” Augsburg, 1529.

XXVI.: Ein’ feste Burg ist unser Gott. Strong Tower and Refuge is our God.

Psalm XLVI.—“Deus noster refugium et virtus.”

Melody, 1529.

Harmony by

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Note.—The perfectly regular though rugged versification of the original text (8,7; 8,7; 5,5,5,6,7.) has been modified in later editions by an attempt to extend the shorter lines by one syllable. The genuine text is here given, and the English version is conformed to it.

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Ein’ feste Burg ist unser Gott.

1884Bacon: 1Ein’ feste Burg ist unser Gott,

Ein’ gute Wehr und Waffen,

Er hilft uns frei aus aller Noth,

Die uns jetzt hat betroffen.

Der alt’ böse Feind,

Mit Ernst er’s jetzt meint:

Gross Macht und viel List,

Sein’ grausam Rüstung ist,

Auf Erd’ ist nicht sein gleichen.

1884Bacon: 2Mit unser’ Macht ist nichts gethan,

Wir sind gar bald verloren,

Es streit’t für uns der rechte Mann,

Den Gott hat selbst erkoren.

Fragst du, wer der ist?

Er heisst Jesu Christ,

Der Herr Zebaoth,

Und ist kein ander’ Gott,

Das Feld muss er behalten.

1884Bacon: 3Und wenn die Welt voll Teufel wär,

Und wollt’ uns gar verschlingen,

So fürchten wir uns nicht so sehr,

Es soll uns doch gelingen.

Der Fürst dieser Welt,

Wie saur er sich stellt

Thut er uns doch nicht,

Das macht, er ist gericht’t;

Ein Wörtlein kann ihn fällen.

1884Bacon: 4Das Wort sie sollen lassen stahn,

Und kein’n Dank dazu haben;

Er ist bei uns wohl auf dem Plan

Mit seinem Geist und Gaben.

Nehmen sie den Leib,

Gut, Ehr’, Kind und Weib,

Lass fahren dahin,

Sie haben’s kein’n Gewinn,

Das Reich muss uns doch bleiben.

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Strong Tower and Refuge is our God.

1884Bacon: 1Strong tower and refuge is our God,

Right goodly shield and weapon;

He helps us free in every need,

That hath us now o’ertaken.

The old evil foe,

Means us deadly woe;

Deep guile and great might

Are his dread arms in fight;

On earth is not his equal.

1884Bacon: 2With our own might we nothing can,

Soon are we lost and fallen;

But for us fights the righteous man,

Whom God himself hath callen.

Ask ye, Who is this?

Jesus Christ it is,

Our sole King and Lord,

As God of Hosts adored;

He holds the field forever.

1884Bacon: 3Though earth all full of devils were,

Wide roaring to devour us;

Yet fear we no such grievous fear,

They shall not overpower us.

This world’s prince may still

Scowl fierce as he will,

He can harm us none,

He’s judged; the deed is done;

One little word can fell him.

1884Bacon: 4His Word they still shall let abide,

And little thank have for it;

Through all the fight he’s on our side

With his good gifts and Spirit.

Take they then our life,

Wealth, fame, child and wife,

Let these all be gone,

No triumph have they won.

The kingdom ours remaineth.

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In A Collection Of “Geistliche Lieder,” Wittenberg, 1533.

XXVII.: Verleih’ uns Frieden gnädiglich. In these our Days so perilous.

“Da pacem Domine.”

Translation by R. Massie, amended.

Melody, 1533? 1543.

Harmony by Erythraeus, 1608.

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Verleih’ uns Frieden gnädiglich,

Herr Gott, zu unser’n Zeiten,

Es ist doch ja kein Ander’ nicht,

Der für uns könnte streiten,

Denn du, unser Gott alleine.

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In these our days so perilous,

Lord, peace in mercy send us;

No God but thee can fight for us,

No God but thee defend us;

Thou our only God and Saviour.

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XXVIII.: Herr Gott, dich loben wir. Lord God, thy Praise we sing.

Te Deum Laudamus. For two Choirs.

Translation by R. Massie, amended.

Melody derived from the Latin.

Harmony by Landgraf Moritz, 1612.

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From Joseph Klug’s Gesangsbuch, 1535?

XXIX.: Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her. From Heaven above to Earth I come.

A Christmas Song. Luke, ii.

“A Children’s Christmas Song of the little child Jesus, taken from the second chapter of Luke, by Dr. Martin Luther.” Said to have been written by him for his little son Hans.

Translation from Miss Winkworth, amended.

Melody, 1535? 1543.

Harmony by

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1884Bacon: 1Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her,

Ich bring’ euch gute neue Mähr,

Der guten Mähr bring ich so viel,

Davon ich sing’n und sagen will.

1884Bacon: 2Euch ist ein Kindlein heut’ gebor’n

Von einer Jungfrau auserkor’n,

Ein Kindelein so zart und fein,

Das soll eu’r Freud und Wonne sein.

1884Bacon: 3Es ist der Herr Christ unser Gott,

Der will euch führ’n aus aller Noth,

Er will eu’r Heiland selber sein,

Von allen Sünden machen rein.

1884Bacon: 4Er bringt euch alle Seligkeit,

Die Gott der Vater hat bereit’t,

Dass ihr mit uns im Himmelreich

Sollt leben nun und ewiglich.

1884Bacon: 5So merket nun das Zeichen recht,

Die Krippen, Windelein so schlecht

Da findet ihr das Kind gelegt,

Das alle Welt erhält und trägt.

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1884Bacon: 6Dess lasst uns Alle fröhlich sein

Und mit den Hirten geh’n hinein,

Zu seh’n was Gott uns hat bescheert,

Mit seinem lieben Sohn verehrt.

1884Bacon: 7Merk auf, mein Herz, und sieh dort hin:

Was liegt doch in dem Krippelein?

Wess ist das schöne Kindelein?

Es ist das liebe Jesulein.

1884Bacon: 8Bis willekomm, du edler Gast,

Den Sünder nicht verschmähet hast,

Und kömmst in Elend her zu mir,

Wie soll ich immer danken dir?

1884Bacon: 9Ach Herr, du Schöpfer aller Ding’,

Wie bist du worden so gering,

Dass du da liegst auf dürrem Gras,

Davon ein Rind und Esel ass.

1884Bacon: 10Uud wär’ die Welt vielmal so weit,

Von Edelstein und Gold bereit’t,

So wär sie doch dir viel zu klein,

Zu sein ein enges Wiegelein.

1884Bacon: 11Der Sammet und die Seiden dein,

Das ist grob Heu und Windelein,

Darauf du Kön’g so gross und reich

Herprangst, als wärs dein Himmelreich.

1884Bacon: 12Das hat also gefallen dir,

Die Wahrheit anzuzeigen mir:

Wie aller Welt Macht, Ehr und Gut

Für dir nichts gilt, nichts hilft noch thut.

1884Bacon: 13Ach, mein herzliebes Jesulein,

Mach dir ein rein sanft Bettelein,

Zu ruhen in mein’s Herzens Schrein,

Dass ich nimmer vergesse dein.

1884Bacon: 14Davon ich allzeit fröhlich sei,

Zu springen, singen immer frei

Das rechte Susannine* schon,

Mit Herzen Lust den süssen Ton.

1884Bacon: 15Lob, Ehr sei Gott im höchsten Thron,

Der uns schenkt seinen ein’gen Sohn,

Des freuen sich der Engel Schaar

Und singen uns solch’s neues Jahr.

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1884Bacon: 1From heaven above to earth I come,

To bear good news to every home;

Glad tidings of great joy I bring,

Whereof I now will say and sing.

1884Bacon: 2To you, this night, is born a child

Of Mary, chosen Mother mild;

This tender child of lowly birth,

Shall be the joy of all your earth.

1884Bacon: 3’Tis Christ our God, who far on high

Had heard your sad and bitter cry;

Himself will your salvation be,

Himself from sin will make you free.

1884Bacon: 4He brings those blessings long ago

Prepared by God for all below;

That in his heavenly kingdom blest

You may with us forever rest.

1884Bacon: 5These are the tokens ye shall mark,

The swaddling-clothes and manger dark;

There shall ye find the young child laid,

By whom the heavens and earth were made.

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1884Bacon: 6Now let us all, with gladsome cheer,

Follow the shepherds, and draw near

To see this wondrous gift of God,

Who hath his own dear Son bestowed.

1884Bacon: 7Give heed, my heart, lift up thine eyes!

What is it in yon manger lies?

Who is this child, so young and fair?

The blessed Christ-child lieth there!

1884Bacon: 8Welcome to earth, thou noble guest,

Through whom e’en wicked men are blest!

Thou com’st to share our misery,

What can we render, Lord, to thee!

1884Bacon: 9Ah, Lord, who hast created all,

How hast thou made thee weak and small,

To lie upon the coarse dry grass,

The food of humble ox and ass.

1884Bacon: 10And were the world ten times as wide,

With gold and jewels beautified,

It would be far too small to be

A little cradle, Lord, for thee.

1884Bacon: 11Thy silk and velvet are coarse hay,

Thy swaddling bands the mean array,

With which even thou, a King so great,

Art clad as with a robe of state.

1884Bacon: 12Thus hath it pleased thee to make plain

The truth to us, poor fools and vain,

That this world’s honor, wealth and might

Are naught and worthless in thy sight.

1884Bacon: 13Ah, dearest Jesus, holy child,

Make thee a bed, soft, undefiled,

Here in my poor heart’s inmost shrine,

That I may evermore be thine.

1884Bacon: 14My heart for very joy doth leap,

My lips no more can silence keep,

I too must sing, with joyful tongue,

That sweetest ancient cradle song:—

1884Bacon: 15Glory to God in highest heaven,

Who unto man his Son hath given,

While angels sing, with pious mirth,

A glad New Year to all the earth.

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XXX.: Sie ist mir lieb, die werthe Magd. Dear is to me the holy Maid.

Founded on the twelfth chapter of the Revelation.

A song concerning the Holy Christian Church—Revelation xii. 1–6.

Translation by R. Massie.

Melody in Babst, 1545.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1610.

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1884Bacon: 1Sie ist mir lieb, die werthe Magd,

Und kann ihr’r nicht vergessen,

Lob’, Ehr’ und Zucht von ihr man sagt,

Sie hat mein Herz besessen.

Ich bin ihr hold,

Und wenn ich sollt

Gross Unglück han,

Da liegt nichts an;

Sie will mich des ergötzen

Mit ihrer Lieb’ und Treu an mir,

Die sie zu mir will setzen,

Und thun all mein Begier.

1884Bacon: 2Sie trägt von Gold so rein ein’ Kron

Da leuchten ihn zivölf Sterne,

Ihr Kleid ist wie die Sonne schön

Das glänzet hell und ferne,

Und auf dem Mon’

Ihr’ Füsse ston

Sie ist die Braut,

Dem Herrn vertraut,

Ihr ist weh, und muss g’bären

Ein schönes Kind, den edlen Sohn,

Und aller Welt ein’n Herren,

Dem sie ist unterthon.

1884Bacon: 3Das thut dem alten Drachen Zorn

Und will das Kind verschlingen;

Sein Toben ist doch ganz verlor’n,

Es kann ihm nicht gelingen:

Das Kind ist doch

Gen Himmel hoch

Genommen hin,

Und lässet ihn

Auf Erden fast sehr wüthen;

Die Mutter muss gar sein allein,

Doch will sie Gott behüten,

Und der recht’ Vater sein.

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1884Bacon: 1Dear is to me the holy Maid,—

I never can forget her;

For glorious things of her are said;

Than life I love her better:

So dear and good,

That if I should

Afflicted be,

It moves not me;

For she my soul will ravish

With constancy and love’s pure fire,

And with her bounty lavish

Fulfil my heart’s desire.

1884Bacon: 2She wears a crown of purest gold,

Twelve shining stars attend her;

Her raiment, glorious to behold,

Surpasses far in splendor

The sun at noon;

Upon the moon

She stands, the Bride

Of him who died:

Sore travail is upon her;

She bringeth forth a noble Son

Whom all the world doth honor;

She bows before his throne.

1884Bacon: 3Thereat the Dragon raged, and stood

With open mouth before her;

But vain was his attempt, for God

His buckler broad threw o’er her.

Up to his throne

He caught his Son,

But left the foe

To rage below.

The mother, sore afflicted,

Alone into the desert fled,

There by her God protected,

By her true Father fed.

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In Köphl’s Gesangbuch, Strassburg, 1535? 1538?

XXXI.: Vater unser im Himmelreich. Our Father, Thou in Heaven above.

“Das Vaterunser, kurtz und gut ausgelegt, und in gesangsweise gebracht, durch D. Martin Luther.” The Lord’s Prayer, paraphrased.

The Lord’s Prayer paraphrased.

Translation by C. Winkworth, in “Choral Book for England,” amended.

Melody, 1535?

Harmony by A. Haupt, 1869.

[In Winterfeld’s edition of Luther’s hymns, Leipzig, 1840, may be found a fac-simile of Luther’s autograph draft of this paraphrase, including the cancelled draft of a tune for it.]

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1884Bacon: 1Vater unser im Himmelreich,

Der du uns alle heissest gleich

Brüder sein, und dich rufen an

Und willt das Beten von uns han:

Gieb dass nicht bei allein der Mund,

Hilf dass es geh von Herzens Grund.

1884Bacon: 2Geheiligt werd der Name dein,

Dein Wort bei uns hilf halten rein,

Dass auch wir leben heiliglich,

Nach deinem Namen würdiglich.

Behüt uns, Herr, für falscher Lehr,

Das arm verführet Volk bekehr.

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1884Bacon: 3Es komm dein Reich zu dieser Zeit

Und dort hernach in Ewigkeit;

Der heilig Geist uns wohne bei,

Mit seinen Gaben mancherlei;

Des Satans Zorn und gross Gewalt

Zerbrich, für ihm dein’ Kirch’ erhalt.

1884Bacon: 4Dein Will gescheh’, Herr Gott, zugleich

Auf Erden wie im Himmelreich,

Gib uns Geduld in Leidenszeit,

Gehorsam sein in Lieb und Leid,

Wehr und steu’r allem Fleisch und Blut,

Das wider deinen Willen thut.

1884Bacon: 5Gib uns heut unser täglich Brot

Und was man darf zur Leibes Noth;

Behüt uns, Herr, für Unfried, Streit,

Für Seuchen und für theuer Zeit,

Dass wir in gutem Frieden stehn

Der Sorg und Geizens müssig gehen.

1884Bacon: 6All unser Schuld’ vergib uns, Herr,

Dass sie uns nicht betrüben mehr,

Wie wir auch unsern Schuldigern

Ihr Schuld und Fehl vergeben gern;

Zu dienen mach uns all bereit

In rechter Lieb und Einigkeit.

1884Bacon: 7Führ uns, Herr, in Versuchung nicht,

Wenn uns der böse Feind ansicht

Zur linken und zur rechten Hand,

Hilf uns thun starken Widerstand;

Im Glauben fest und wohlgerüst’t

Und durch des heil’gen Geistes Trost.

1884Bacon: 8Von allem Uebel uns erlös,

Es sind die Zeit und Tage bös;

Erlös uns vom ewigen Tod

Und tröst uns in der letzten Noth.

Bescher uns auch ein selig’s End,

Nimm unser Seel in deine Händ’.

1884Bacon: 9Amen, das ist: es werde wahr;

Stärk unsern Glauben immerdar,

Auf dass wir ja nicht zweifeln dran,

Dass wir hiermit gebeten han;

Auf dein Wort in dem Namen dein,

So sprechen wir das Amen fein.

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1884Bacon: 1Our Father, thou in heaven above,

Who biddest us to dwell in love,

As brethren of one family,

And cry for all we need to thee;

Teach us to mean the words we say,

And from the inmost heart to pray.

1884Bacon: 2All hallowed be thy name, O Lord!

O let us firmly keep thy Word,

And lead, according to thy name,

A holy life, untouched by blame;

Let no false teachings do us hurt,—

All poor deluded souls convert.

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1884Bacon: 3Thy kingdom come! Thine let it be

In time, and through eternity!

O let thy Holy Spirit dwell

With us, to rule and guide us well;

From Satan’s mighty power and rage

Preserve thy Church from age to age.

1884Bacon: 4Thy will be done on earth, O Lord,

As where in heaven thou art adored!

Patience in time of grief bestow,

Thee to obey through weal and woe;

Our sinful flesh and blood control

That thwart thy will within the soul.

1884Bacon: 5Give us this day our daily bread,

Let us be duly clothed and fed,

And keep thou from our homes afar

Famine and pestilence and war,

That we may live in godly peace,

Unvexed by cares and avarice.

1884Bacon: 6Forgive our sins, O Lord, that they

No more may vex us, day by day,

As we forgive their trespasses

Who unto us have done amiss;

Thus let us dwell in charity,

And serve each other willingly.

1884Bacon: 7Into temptation lead us not;

And when the foe doth war and plot

Against our souls on every hand,

Then, armed with faith, O may we stand

Against him as a valiant host,

Through comfort of the Holy Ghost.

1884Bacon: 8Deliver us from evil, Lord!

The days are dark and foes abroad;

Redeem us from eternal death;

And when we yield our dying breath,

Console us, grant us calm release,

And take our souls to thee in peace.

1884Bacon: 9Amen! that is, So let it be!

Strengthen our faith and trust in thee,

That we may doubt not, but believe

That what we ask we shall receive;

Thus in thy name and at thy word

We say Amen, now hear us, Lord!

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In Klug’s Gesangbuch, 1543.

XXXII.: Von Himmel kam der Engel Schaar. To Shepherds, as they watched by Night.

A second Christmas Song, to the Tune, “Vom Himmel hoch.”

A shorter Christmas Song.

Translation by R. Massie.

Melody, 1543.

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1884Bacon: 1Von Himmel kam der Engelschaar,

Erschien den Hirten offenbar;

Sie sagten ihn: Ein Kindlein zart

Das liegt dort in der Krippen hart.

1884Bacon: 2Zu Bethlehem in Davids Stadt,

Wie Micha das verkündet hat,

Es ist der Herre Jesus Christ

Der euer aller Heiland ist.

1884Bacon: 3Des sollt ihr billig fröhlich sein,

Dass Gott mit euch ist worden ein;

Er ist gebor’n eu’r Fleisch und Blut,

Eu’r Bruder ist das ewig Gut.

1884Bacon: 4Was kann euch thun die Sünd’ und Tod?

Ihr habt mit euch den wahren Gott.

Lasst zürnen Teufel und die Höll’

Gott’s Sohn ist ’worden eu’r Gesell.

1884Bacon: 5Er will und kann euch lassen nicht,

Setz’t ihr auf ihn eu’r Zuversicht;

Es mögen euch viel fechten an

Dem sei Trotz, der’s nicht lassen kann.

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1884Bacon: 6Zuletzt muss ihr doch haben recht,

Ihr seid nun ’worden Gott’s Geschlecht;

Dess danket Gott in Ewigkeit,

Geduldig, fröhlich, alle Zeit.

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1884Bacon: 1To shepherds, as they watched by night,

Appeared a troop of angels bright;

Behold the tender babe, they said,

In yonder lowly manger laid.

1884Bacon: 2At Bethlehem, in David’s town,

As Micah did of old make known;—

’Tis Jesus Christ, your Lord and King,

Who doth to all salvation bring.

1884Bacon: 3Rejoice ye, then, that through his Son

God is with sinners now at one;

Made like yourselves of flesh and blood,

Your brother is th’ eternal Good.

1884Bacon: 4What harm can sin and death then do?

The true God now abides with you:

Let hell and Satan chide and chafe,

God is your fellow—ye are safe.

1884Bacon: 5Not one he will nor can forsake

Who him his confidence doth make:

Let all his wiles the tempter try,

You may his utmost powers defy.

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1884Bacon: 6You must prevail at last, for ye

Are now become God’s family:

To God forever give ye praise,

Patient and cheerful all your days.

XXXIII.: Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort. Lord, keep us in Thy Word and Work.

A Children’s Song against the two arch-enemies of Christ and his Holy Church.

Melody, 1543.

Harmony by W. Sterndale Bennett, 1865.

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1884Bacon: 1Erhalt’ uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort

Und steure deine Feinde Mord,

Die Jesum Christum deinen Sohn,

Wollen stürzen von deinem Thron.

1884Bacon: 2Beweis’ dein Macht, Herr Jesu Christ,

Der du Herr allen Herren bist;

Beschirm’ dein’ arme Christenheit,

Dass sie dich lob’ in Ewigkeit.

1884Bacon: 3Gott heil’ger Geist, du Trüster werth,

Gieb’ dei’m Volk ein’rlei Sinn’ auf Erd’

Steh bei uns in der letzten Noth,

G’leit uns ins Leben aus dem Tod.

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1884Bacon: 1Lord, keep us in thy word and work,

Restrain the murderous Pope and Turk,

Who fain would tear from off thy throne

Christ Jesus, thy belovéd Son.

1884Bacon: 2Lord Jesus Christ, thy power make known,

For thou art Lord of lords alone.

Shield thy poor Christendom, that we

May evermore sing praise to thee.

1884Bacon: 3God, Holy Ghost, our joy thou art,

Give to thy flock on earth one heart.

Stand by us in our latest need,

And us from death to glory lead.

Note.—To these three stanzas by Luther, three more have been added by a later hand.

Edition: current; Page: [68]

XXXIV.: Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam. To Jordan came our Lord the Christ.

This melody, known also by the title, “Es soll uns Gott genädig sein,” is supposed to have been taken from a secular tune of much earlier date.

A Spiritual Song concerning our Holy Baptism.

Translation by R. Massie, amended.

Melody, 1525, first adapted to “Es wollt’ uns Gott genadig sein;” supposed to be derived from an old secular melody.

Harmony by A. Haupt, 1869.

Edition: current; Page: [68]

1884Bacon: 1Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam

Nach seines Vaters Willen,

Von Sanct Johann’s die Taufe nahm,

Sein Werk und Amt zu ’rfüllen.

Da wollt’ er stiften uns ein Bad,

Zu waschen uns von Sünden,

Ersäufen auch den bittern Tod

Durch sein selbst Blut und Wunden,

Es galt ein neues Leben.

1884Bacon: 2So hört und merket alle wohl,

Was Gott heisst selbst die Taufe,

Und was ein Christen glauben soll,

Zu meiden Ketzer Haufen:

Gott spricht und will, das Wasser sei

Doch nicht allein schlecht Wasser,

Sein heilig’s Wort ist auch dabei

Mit reichem Geist ohn’ Massen,

Der ist allhie der Täufer.

Edition: current; Page: [69]

1884Bacon: 3Solch’s hat er uns beweiset klar,

Mit Bildern und mit Worten,

Des Vaters Stimm man offenbar

Daselbst am Jordan hörte.

Er sprach: das ist mein lieber Sohn,

An dem ich hab’ Gefallen,

Den will ich euch befohlen han,

Dass ihr ihn höret alle

Und folget seinen Lehren.

1884Bacon: 4Auch Gottes Sohn hie selber steht

In seiner zarten Menschheit,

Der heilig’ Geist hernieder fährt

In Taubenbild verkleidet;

Dass wir nicht sollen zweifeln d’ran,

Wenn wir getaufet werden,

All’ drei Person getaufet han,

Damit bei uns auf Erden

Zu wohnen sich ergeben.

1884Bacon: 5Sein’ Jünger heisst der Herre Christ:

Geht hin all’ Welt zu lehren,

Dass sie verlor’n in Sünden ist,

Sich soll zur Busse kehren;

Wer glaubet und sich taufen lässt,

Soll dadurch selig werden,

Ein neugeborner Mensch er heisst,

Der nicht mehr könne sterben,

Das Himmelreich soll erben,

1884Bacon: 6Wer nicht glaubt dieser grossen G’nad,

Der bleibt in seinen Sünden,

Und ist verdammt zum ew’gen Tod

Tief in der Hüllen Grunde,

Nichts hilft sein’ eigen’ Heiligkeit,

All’ sein Thun ist verloren.

Die Erbsünd’ macht’s zur Nichtigkeit,

Darin er ist geboren,

Vermag ihm selbst nichts helfen.

1884Bacon: 7Das Aug’ allein das Wasser sieht,

Wie Menschen Wasser giessen,

Der Glaub’ im Geist die Kraft versteht

Des Blutes Jesu Christi,

Und ist für ihm ein’ rothe Fluth

Von Christus Blut gefärbet,

Die allen Schaden heilen thut

Von Adam her geerbet,

Auch von uns selbst begangen.

Edition: current; Page: [68]

1884Bacon: 1To Jordan came our Lord the Christ,

To do God’s pleasure willing,

And there was by Saint John baptized,

All righteousness fulfilling;

There did he consecrate a bath

To wash away transgression,

And quench the bitterness of death

By his own blood and passion;

He would a new life give us.

1884Bacon: 2So hear ye all, and well perceive

What God doth call baptism,

And what a Christian should believe

Who error shuns and schism:

That we should water use, the Lord

Declareth it his pleasure;

Not simple water, but the Word

And Spirit without measure;

He is the true Baptizer.

Edition: current; Page: [69]

1884Bacon: 3To show us this, he hath his word

With signs and symbols given;

On Jordan’s banks was plainly heard

The Father’s voice from heaven:

“This is my well-belovéd Son,

In whom my soul delighteth;

Hear him.” Yea, hear him every one

Whom he himself inviteth,

Hear and obey his teaching.

1884Bacon: 4In tender manhood Jesus straight

To holy Jordan wendeth;

The Holy Ghost from heaven’s gate

In dovelike shape descendeth;

That thus the truth be not denied,

Nor should our faith e’er waver,

That the Three Persons all preside

At Baptism’s holy laver,

And dwell with the believer.

1884Bacon: 5Thus Jesus his disciples sent:

Go, teach ye every nation,

That lost in sin they must repent,

And flee from condemnation:

He that believes and is baptized,

Obtains a mighty blessing;

A new-born man, no more he dies,

Eternal life possessing,

A joyful heir of heaven.

1884Bacon: 6Who in this mercy hath not faith,

Nor aught therein discerneth,

Is yet in sin, condemned to death,

And fire that ever burneth;

His holiness avails him not,

Nor aught which he is doing;

His inborn sin brings all to naught,

And maketh sure his ruin;

Himself he cannot succor.

1884Bacon: 7The eye of sense alone is dim,

And nothing sees but water;

Faith sees Christ Jesus, and in him

The lamb ordained for slaughter;

She sees the cleansing fountain red

With the dear blood of Jesus,

Which from the sins inherited

From fallen Adam frees us,

And from our own misdoings.

Edition: current; Page: [70]

XXXV.: Was fürcht’st du, Feind Herodus, sehr? Why, Herod, unrelenting Foe.

From the Hymn of Cælius Sedelius, of the Fifth Century, “Herodes hostis impie.”

Herodes hostis impie, by Sedelius in the 5th century.

Translation by R. Massie.

Harmony by M. Praetorius, 1609.

Edition: current; Page: [70]

1884Bacon: 1Was fürcht’st du, Feind Herodes, sehr,

Dass uns gebor’n kommt Christ der Herr?

Er sucht kein sterblich Königreich,

Der zu uns bringt sein Himmelreich.

1884Bacon: 2Dem Stern die Weisen folgen nach,

Solch’ Licht zum rechten Licht sie bracht’;

Sie zeigen mit den Gaben drei,

Dies Kind, Gott, Mensch, und König sei.

1884Bacon: 3Die Tauf’ im Jordan an sich nahm

Das himmelische Gottes Lamm,

Dadurch, der nie kein’ Sünde that,

Von Sünden uns gewaschen hat.

1884Bacon: 4Ein Wunderwert da neu geschah;

Sechs steinern’ Krüge man da sah

Voll Wasser, das verlor sein Art,

Rother Wein durch sein Wort d’raus ward.

1884Bacon: 5Lob, Ehr’ und Dank sei dir gesagt,

Christ, gebor’n von der reinen Magd,

Mit Vater und dem beiligen Geist

Von nun an bis in Ewigkeit.

Edition: current; Page: [70]

1884Bacon: 1Why, Herod, unrelenting foe,

Doth the Lord’s coming move thee so?

He doth no earthly kingdom seek

Who brings his kingdom to the meek.

1884Bacon: 2Led by the star, the wise men find

The Light that lightens all mankind;

The threefold presents which they bring

Declare him God, and Man, and King.

1884Bacon: 3In Jordan’s sacred waters stood

The meek and heavenly Lamb of God,

And he who did no sin, thereby

Cleansed us from all inquity!

1884Bacon: 4And now a miracle was done:

Six waterpots stood there of stone;

Christ spake the word with power divine,

The water reddened into wine.

1884Bacon: 5All honor unto Christ be paid,

Pure offspring of the holy maid,

With Father and with Holy Ghost,

Till time in endless time be lost.

Edition: current; Page: [71]

XXXVI.: Der du bist Drei in Einigkeit. Thou, who art Three in Unity.

An imitation from the Gregorian hymn, “O lux beata trinitas.”

Translation adapted from R. Massie.

Original Latin Melody.

Harmony in von Tucher, 18—.

Edition: current; Page: [71]

1884Bacon: 1Der du bist drei in Einigkeit,

Ein wahrer Gott von Ewigkeit;

Die Sonn’ mit dem Tag von uns weicht:

Lass leuchten uns dein göttlich Licht.

1884Bacon: 2Des Morgens, Gott, dich loben wir,

Des Abends auch beten für dir,

Unser armes Lied rühmt dich

Jetzt und immer und ewiglich.

1884Bacon: 3Gott Vater, dem sei ewig Ehr,

Gott Sohn der ist der einig’ Herr,

Und dem Tröster heiligen Geist,

Von nun an bis in Ewigkeit.

Edition: current; Page: [71]

1884Bacon: 1Thou who art Three in Unity,

True God from all eternity,

The sun is fading from our sight,

Shine thou on us with heavenly light.

1884Bacon: 2We praise thee with the dawning day,

To thee at evening also pray,

With our poor song we worship thee

Now, ever and eternally.

1884Bacon: 3Let God the Father be adored,

And God the Son, the only Lord,

And equal adoration be,

Eternal Comforter, to thee.

*

Quoted in the Christian Examiner, 1860, p. 240; transcribed by the Rev. Bernhard Pick in “Luther as a Hymnist,” p. 23; Philadelphia, 1875.

†

The popular impression that the hymn “Ein’ feste Burg” was produced in these circumstances is due, doubtless, to a parallel in the third stanza, to the famous saying imputed to Luther on the eve of the Diet of Worms: “I’ll go, be there as many devils in the city as there be tiles on the roofs.” The time of its composition was in the year 1529, just before the Diet of Augsburg. If not written in his temporary refuge, the noble “Burg” or “Festung” of Coburg, it must often have been sung there by him; and it was sung, says Merle d’Aubigné, “during the Diet, not only at Augsburg, but in all the churches of Saxony.”

*

This much-quoted phrase is from Richter. It is reported as an expression of Melanchthon, looking on Luther’s picture, “Fulmina erant singula verba tua.”

*

Merle d’Aubigné, History of the Reformation, Vol. III.

*

This interesting and characteristic document was printed first in the Syntagma Musicum of Michael Praetorius, many of whose harmonies are to be found in this volume. It has been repeatedly copied since. I take it from Rambach, “Ueber D. Martin Luthers Verdienst um den Kirchengesang, oder Darstellung desjenigen was er als Liturg, als Liederdichter und Tonsetzer zur Verbesserung des öffentlichen Gottesdienstes geleistet hat. Hamburg, 1813.”

†

Quoted in Rambach, p. 215.

‡

In more than one of his cantatas, especially that for the Reformationsfest.

*

[Then follow selections of Scripture recommended as suitable for epitaphs.]

*

Luther’s mistake for Michael Weysse, author of a Moravian hymn-book of 1531.

*

d. h. Wiegenlieblein.

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