Lutheran Service Book ‎#679

679. Oh, How Blest Are They

1 Oh, how blest are they whose toils are ended,
Who through death have unto God ascended!
They have arisen
From the cares which keep us still in prison.

2 We are still as in a dungeon living,
Still oppressed with sorrow and misgiving;
Our undertakings
Are but toils and troubles and heartbreakings.

3 They meanwhile are in their chambers sleeping,
Quiet and set free from all our weeping;
No cross or sadness
There can hinder their untroubled gladness.

4 Christ has wiped away their tears forever;
They have that for which we still endeavor,
By them are chanted
Songs that ne'er to mortal ears were granted.

5 Come, 0 Christ, and loose the chains that bind us;
Lead us forth and cast this world behind us.
With You, the Anointed,
Finds the soul its joy and rest appointed.

Text Information

• First Line: Oh, how blest are they whose toils are ended
• Title: Oh, How Blest Are They
• Author: Simon Dach, 1605-59
• Translator: Henry W. Longfellow, 1807-92 (alt. )
• Meter: 10 10 5 10
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2006
• Scripture:
  Revelation 14:13
  ;
  Philippians 1:21
  ;
  Revelation 21:4
  ;
  2 Corinthians 4:16-17
• Topic: Death and Burial

Tune Information

• Name: O WIE SELIG
• Meter: 10 10 5 10
• Key: D Major
• Source: Johann Störls...Schlag- Gesang- Und Noten-Buch, Stuttgart, 1744; The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941 (Setting)