The New English Hymnal ‎#280

280. Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness

1 Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,
Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness,
Come into the daylight's splendour,
There with joy thy praises render
Unto him whose grace unbounded
Hath this woundrous banquet founded;
High o'er all the heavens he reigneth,
Yet to dwell with thee he deigneth.

2 *Now I sink before thee lowly,
Filled with joy most deep and holy,
As with trembling awe and wonder
On thy mighty works I ponder;
How, by mystery surrounded,
Depths no man hath ever sounded,
None may dare to pierce unbidden
Secrets that with thee are hidden.

3 Sun, who all my life dost brighten;
Light, who dost my soul enlighten;
Joy, the sweetest man e'er knoweth;
Fount, whence all my being floweth;
At thy feet I cry, my Maker,
Let me be a fit partaker
Of this blessèd food from heaven,
For our good, thy glory, given.

4 Jesus, Bread of life, I pray thee,
Let me gladly here obey thee;
Never to my hurt invited,
Be thy love with love requited:
From this banquet let me measure,
Lord, how vast and deep its treasure;
Through the gifts thou here dost give me,
As thy guest in heaven receive me.

Text Information

• First Line: Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness
• Author: Johann Franck, 1618-7
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth, 1827-78
• Meter: 88 88 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Source: German

Tune Information

• Name: SCHMÜCKE DICH
• Composer: J. Crüger, 1598-1662
• Harmonizer: R. V. W.
• Meter: 88 88 D
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: Geistliche Kirchen-Melodien, 1649
• Copyright: Arr. By permission of Oxford University Press