Evangelical Lutheran hymnal ‎#436

436. O world, I must now leave thee

1 O world, I now must leave thee,
But little doth it grieve me,
I seek my native land;
True life I there inherit,
And here I yield my spirit
With joy to God's all-gracious hand.

2 So on His Word relying,
I know, while I am dying
I soon shall see His face,
Through Christ whose death hath bought me;
The Father's love He brought me,
And now prepares for me a place.

3 The grave hath lost its terrors,
Since for my sins and errors,
My Savior did atone:
My works can nought avail me,
But His work cannot fail me,
I rest in faith on Him alone.

4 And so I hence am going
In peace, full surely knowing
That now I shall have rest:
I feel death's icy finger;
My soul here cannot linger,
Nor would I stay--to go is best.

5 O world, I yet would teach thee
That death will surely reach thee;
Thou too must follow me;
Then ere God's grace forsake thee,
Repent! to Christ betake thee,
That God have mercy too on thee.

Text Information

• First Line: O world, I must now leave thee
• Author: Johann Hesse (ca. 1555)
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1863)
• Meter: No. 34
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1908
• Topic: Christian Life and Hope: The Consummation: Contemplation of Death
• Notes: Alternate Tune: INNSPRUCK (New), #51; From the German text: O Welt, ich muss dich lassen

Tune Information

• Name: INNSPRUCK (Nun ruhen alle Wälder)
• Composer: Heinrich Isaac (ca. 1450)
• Adapter: Bartholomäus Gesius (1605)
• Meter: No. 34
• Key: F Major