Author: Paul Gerhardt; John Kelly Meter: 10.10.10.11.11.10 Appears in 2 hymnals First Line: The golden morning, joy her adorning Lyrics: 1 The golden morning, joy her adorning,
With splendor near us, draweth to cheer us
With heart-refreshing and beautiful light.
My head and members lay wrapt all in slumbers,
But now awaking, and sleep from me shaking,
Heaven’s blest sunshine doth gladden my sight.
2 Mine eye beholdeth what God upholdeth,
Made for His glory, to tell the story
To us of power and wisdom so great;
And where the Father the faithful shall gather
In peace, whenever earth’s ties they shall sever
And leave this mortal and perishing state.
3 Come ye with singing, to God be bringing
Goods and each blessing—all we’re possessing—
All be to God as an offering brought.
Hearts with love glowing, with praises o’erflowing,
Thanksgiving voices, in these God rejoices,
All other offerings without them are naught.
4 To morn and even His thoughts are given,
Increase He giveth, sorrow relieveth,
These are the works that He doeth alone.
When we are sleeping, watch is He aye keeping,
When we’re awaking, care still of us taking,
He makes the light of His grace to shine down.
5 My thoughts I’ve raisèd to Thee who art praisèd
For aye in Heaven! Success be given,
May my endeavors all unhindered be!
From every evil and work of the devil,
From malice ever, Oh do Thou deliver!
In all Thy precepts establish Thou me!
6 May it delight me, may no pain grieve me
When overflows the cup that my brother
Or neighbor hath, with Thy blessings so free.
Covetous burning and unchristian yearning
For ill possessions, blot out such transgressions,
Cast them, O Father! all into the sea!
7 The life we’re living, what is it giving?
Ere any thinketh, to ground it sinketh,
Soon as the breath of the grave on it blow.
All things together dread ruin must shiver,
The earth and heaven they must perish even,
Wrapt in the flames that shall ardently glow!
8 All—all decayeth, but God still stayeth,
His thoughts they waver a moment never,
His word and will both eternal endure.
His grace and favor uninjured are ever,
Deadly wounds healing, the heart with peace filling,
Health here and yonder to us they ensure.
9 My God, for ever do Thou deliver!
Shield me, and cover my debts all over,
In grace, Thine eyes from my sins turn away.
Govern and guide me, be ever beside me,
As it is pleasing to Thee! am I placing
All in Thy hand and disposal for aye.
10 Wilt Thou give ever to me whatever
My life is needing? May I be heeding
Ever the faithful word spoken by Thee.
God is the highest, the greatest, the nighest,
Gracious is ever, is changeable never,
Of all our treasures the noblest is He.
11 Wilt Thou then grieve me, gall to drink give me?
Must I be passing through cares harassing?
Do then as seemeth it good unto Thee.
Whate’er supporteth, is useful or hurteth,
Thou knowest ever, and chastenest never
Too much, in case we o’erburdened should be.
12 Trial God sendeth, speedily endeth
Storm on the ocean, wind’s mad commotion,
Lightens the sunshine so gladsome and bright.
Fulness of pleasure, and glorious leisure,
Will then be given to me in yon Heaven
Whither my thoughts aye to turn take delight.
Used With Tune: DIE GüLDNE SONNE Text Sources: Johann Ebeling's Pauli Gerhardi Geistliche Andachten, 1666; Tr.: Paul Gerhardt's Spiritual Songs (London: Alexander Strahan, 1867)
The Golden Morning