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Many a gift did Christ impart

Author: Ernst Lange; Catherine Winkworth Meter: 8.8.8.8.8.8.8.8.8.8 Appears in 4 hymnals Lyrics: Many a gift did Christ impart, Noblest of them all is Love, Love, a balm within the heart That can all its pains remove; Love, a star most bright and pure; Love, a gem of priceless worth, Richer than man knows on earth; Love, like beauty, strong to lure; Love, like joy, makes man her thrall, Strong to please and conquer all. Love can give us all things; here Use and beauty cannot sever; Love can raise us to that sphere Whence the soul tends heavenwards ever; Though one speak with angel tongues Bravest words of strength and fire, If no love his heart inspire, They are but as fleeting songs; All his eloquence shall pass, As the noise of sounding brass. Science with her keen-eyed glance, All the wisdom of the world, Mysteries that the soul entrance, Faith that mighty hills had hurled From their ancient seats;--all this, Wherein man takes most his pride, Valueless is cast aside, If the spirit there we miss, That can work from love alone, Not from pride in what is known. Though I lavished all I have On the poor in charity; Though I shrank not from the grave, Or unmoved the stake could see; Though my body here were given To the all-consuming flame; If my mind were still the same, Meeter were I not for heaven, Till by Love my works were crowned, Till in Love my strength were found. Faith must conquer, Hope must bloom, As our onward path we wend, Else we came not through the gloom, But with earth they also end: Thou, O Love, doth stretch afar Through the wide eternity, And the soul arrayed in Thee Shines for ever as a star. Faith and hope must pass away, Thou, O Love, endurest aye. Come, thou Spirit of pure Love, Who dost forth from God proceed, Never from my heart remove, Let me all Thy impulse heed; All that seeks self-profit first, Rather than another's good, Whether foe or linked in blood, Let me hold such thought accurst; And my heart henceforward be Ruled, inspired, O Love, by thee!

Not in anger smite us, Lord

Author: Albinus; Catherine Winkworth Meter: 7.5.7.5.3.4.7.7 Appears in 3 hymnals Lyrics: Not in anger smite us, Lord, Spare Thy people, spare! If Thou mete us due reward We must all despair. Let the flood Of Jesus' blood Quench the flaming of Thy wrath, That our sin enkindled hath. Father! Thou hast patience long With the sick and weak; Heal us, make us brave and strong, Words of comfort speak. Touch my soul, And make me whole With Thy healing precious balm; Ward off all would bring me harm. Weary am I, Lord, and worn With my ceaseless pain; Sad the heart that night and morn Sighs for help in vain. Wilt Thou yet My soul forget, Waiting anxiously for Thee In the cave of misery? Hence, ye foes! God hears my prayer From His holy place; Once again with hope I dare Come before His face. Satan flee, Hell touch not me; God hath given me power o'er all, Who once mocked and sought my fall.

Awake, O man, and from thee shake

Author: Crasselius; Catherine Winkworth Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.8.10.10 Appears in 3 hymnals Lyrics: Awake, O man, and from thee shake This heavy sleep of sin! Soon shall the Highest vengeance take, Soon shall His wrath begin To smite the wretched sinner home; In awful terrors He shall come, To mete to all on earth their due reward, Only the righteous spares our angry Lord. Come then, ye sinners, great and small, Weeping and mourning sore, Low down before his footstool fall, And vow to sin no more. In faith and godliness array Your souls against that final day, So shall ye 'scape His wrath, and blessed die, Heirs of the kingdom with your Lord on high. Oh lay to heart this wondrous thought, Through what sore agony And death was your redemption bought, And to your Saviour flee Ere yet to late; the world disown, And fix your love on Christ alone, And do His will; for at the final doom, Those who dishonoured Him shall wrath consume. Turn Thou us, and we shall be turned, Thou broughtest back of old Thy straying people, when they yearned After their proper fold; Even so forgive what we have done, Accept us in Thy blessed Son, And let Thy Holy Spirit be our guide, That we may spread Thy praises far and wide!

Here, O my God, I cast me at Thy feet

Author: Anonymous; Catherine Winkworth Meter: 10.10.10.10 Appears in 3 hymnals Lyrics: Here, O my God, I cast me at Thy feet, Ready to suffer what Thou thinkest meet; Yet look on me, great God, with pitying eyes, Reward me not for mine iniquities! To oft, alas! my heart hath loved to stray Downward along Sin's broad and easy way; And worldly pride and carnal lusts most foul Were shameless cherished in my inmost soul. Thy Majesty have I offended, Lord, And set at nought Thy law, Thy holy Word; I had not learnt Thy righteous wrath to dread, Nor saw the vengeance gathering o'er my head. O wretched man, what evil have I wrought! Who may these heavy chains of sin unbind? Can man nor creature show me any place, Where I may flee and hide me from God's face! Nay, I must flee to God Himself, from whom Our life and help, our hope and safety come; What all the world must unaccomplished leave, Thou, for Thou art Almighty, canst achieve. Think on the covenant Thou hast never broken, Think on the steadfast oath Thyself hast spoken, Know that I am a God, Thy promise saith, Who hath no pleasure in a sinner's death. Then let the arms of love be round me thrown, Have pity on me, hear my bitter moan, Call back Thy sheep, that wandering far astray, Was lost in sin, nor knew its homeward way. Grant me to rule my inner life aright, And act and speak as ever in Thy sight, A friend to all true virtue, but a foe To all Thou hatest, sins and follies low. Thou Merciful! what thanks and praise shall be For Thy great goodness offered unto Thee, As is most meet, while here my days I spend, And yonder in the world that shall not end!

Out of the depths I cry to thee

Author: Luther; Catherine Winkworth Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.8.9 Appears in 43 hymnals Lyrics: Out of the depths I cry to thee, Lord God! oh hear my prayer! Incline a gracious ear to me, And bid me not despair: If Thou rememberest each misdeed, If each should have its righteous meed, Lord, who shall stand before Thee? 'Tis through Thy love alone we gain The pardon of our sin; The strictest life is but in vain, Our works can nothing win, That none should boast himself of aught, But own in fear Thy grace hath wrought What in him seemeth righteous. Wherefore my hope is in the Lord, My works I count but dust, I build not there, but on His word, And in His goodness trust. Up to His care myself I yield, He is my tower, my rock, my shield, And for His help I tarry. And though it linger till the night, And round again till morn, My heart shall ne'er mistrust Thy might, Nor count itself forlorn. Do thus, O ye of Israel's seed, Ye of the Spirit born indeed, Wait for your God's appearing. Though great our sins and sore our wounds, And deep and dark our fall, His helping mercy hath no bounds, His love surpasseth all. Our trusty loving Shepherd He, Who shall at last set Israel free From all their sin and sorrow.

In the bonds of Death He lay

Author: Luther; Catherine Winkworth Meter: 7.7.7.7.7.7.4 Appears in 8 hymnals Lyrics: In the bonds of Death He lay, Who for our offense was slain, But the Lord is risen today, Christ hath brought us life again. Wherefore let us all rejoice, Singing loud with a cheerful voice Hallelujah! Of the sons of men was none Who could break the bonds of Death, Sin this mischief dire had done, Innocent was none on earth; Wherefore Death grew strong and bold, Death would all men captive hold. Hallelujah! Jesus Christ, God's only Son, Came at last our foe to smite, All our sins away hath done, Done away Death's power and right, Only the form of Death is left, Of his sting he is bereft; Hallelujah. 'Twas a wondrous war, I trow, When Life and Death together fought; But life hath triumphed o'er his foe, Death is mocked and set at nought; Yea, 'tis as the Scripture saith, Christ through death has conquered Death. Hallelujah. Now our Paschal Lamb is He, And by Him alone we live, Who to death upon the tree, For our sake Himself did give. Faith His blood strikes on our door, Death dares never harm us more. Hallelujah. On this day most blest of days, Let us keep high festival, For our God hath showed His grace, And our Sun hath risen on us all, And our hearts rejoice to see Sin and night before Him flee. Hallelujah. To the supper of the Lord, Gladly we will come today, The word of peace is now restored, The old leaven is put away; Christ will be our food alone, Faith no life but His doth own. Hallelujah.

Come to Thy temple here on earth

Author: Paul Gerhardt; Catherine Winkworth Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.8.8.6 Appears in 5 hymnals Lyrics: Come to Thy temple here on earth, Be Thou my spirit's guest, Who givest us of mortal birth A second birth more blest; Spirit beloved, Thou mighty Lord, Who with the Father and the Son Reignest upon an equal throne, Art equally adored! Oh enter, let me feel and know Thy mighty power within, That can alone our help bestow, And rescue us from sin. Oh cleanse my soul and make it white, That I with heart unstained and true, May daily render service due, And honour Thee aright. I was a wild unfruitful vine Which Thou shouldst prune and train; Death pierced through all this life of min, But Thou my foe hast slain. Thy holy baptism is his grave, He perishes beneath the flood Of His most precious death and blood, Who died our life to save. Thou art the Spirit who dost teach To pray aright, for all Our prayers are heard if Thou beseech, Thy songs have sweetest fall. They soar on tireless wings to heaven, They fail not from before God's throne, Till all His goodness we have known By whom all help is given. Thou art the Spirit of all joy, Sadness Thou lovest not; Thy comfort beaming from on high, Lights up the darkest lot. Ah yes, how many a time of old Thy voice hath rapt my soul away, To yon bright halls of endless day, And oped the gates of gold! Thou art the Spirit of all love, The Friend of all kindly life, Thou wouldst not that our hearts should prove The pangs of wrath and strife. Thou hatest hatred's withering reign, In souls that discord maketh dark Dost Thou rekindle love's bright spark, And make them one again. On Thee is all this world upstaid, And in Thy hands doth rest; And Thou canst wayward hearts persuade To turn as seems Thee best: Oh therefore give Thy love and peace, That they may join in strongest bands Long parted foes, and through our lands These sad divisions cease. Thou art the true, the only Source Whence concord comes to men; Oh that Thy power might have free course And bring us peace again! Oh hear, and stem this mighty flood That o'er us death and sorrow spreads; Alas! each day afresh it sheds Like water human blood. And let our nation learn to know What, and how deep, our sin; Nay, let God's judgments come, if so A fire be lit within The hearts that loved themselves to please; In bitter shame now let them burn, And loving Thee, repentant spurn Their selfish worldly ease. Grace for the contrite heart abounds, Joy to the sad is given; To serve God's truth will heal our wounds, And bring us help from heaven; Lord, for Thine honour's sake, make known Thy power, convert the wicked now, And teach the hard to weep, for Thou Canst soften steel and stone! Arise and make an end of all Our heartache, and our pain; Thy wandering flock at last recall And grant them joy again; To peace and wealth the land restore, Wasted with fire or plague or sword; Come to Thy ruined churches, Lord, And bid them bloom once more! The rulers of our land defend, Our sovereign's throne uphold; That he and we may prosper, send True wisdom to the old; With piety the young men bless, And through the nation shed abroad True virtue and the fear of God, A nation's happiness. Fill every heart with holy zeal To keep the faith unstained; Let house and land Thy blessing feel, Whence all true wealth is gained. Him who resists Thy inward powers, The Evil Spirit, make Thou flee; Whate'er delights Thy heart, would he Fain root from out of ours. Give strong and cheerful hearts to stand Undaunted in the wars That Satan's fierce and mighty band Is waging with Thy cause. Help us to fight as warriors brave, That we may conquer in the field, And not one Christian man may yield His soul to sin a slave. Order according to Thy mind Our life from day to day, And when this life must be resigned, And death has seized his prey, When all our days have fleeted by, Help us to die with fearless spirit, And let us after death inherit Eternal life on high.

Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord

Author: Luther; Catherine Winkworth Meter: 8.8.8.8 D with alleluias Appears in 70 hymnals Lyrics: Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord, Be all Thy graces now outpoured On the believer's mind and soul, And touch our hearts with living coal. Thy Light this day shone forth so clear, All tongues and nations gathered near, To learn that faith, for which we bring Glad praise to Thee, and loudly sing, Hallelujah, Hallelujah! Thou Strong Defence, Thou Holy Light, Teach us to know our God aright, And call Him Father from the heart: The Word of life and truth impart, That we may love not doctrines strange, Nor e'er to other teachers range, But Jesus for our Master own And put our trust in Him alone. Hallelujah, Hallelujah! Thou Sacred Ardour, Comfort Sweet, Help us to wait with ready feet And willing heart at Thy command, Nor trial fright us from Thy band. Lord, make us ready with Thy powers, Strengthen the flesh in weaker hours, That as good warriors we may force Through life and death to Thee our course. Hallelujah, Hallelujah!

Most High and Holy Trinity!

Author: Angelus; Catherine Winkworth Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.8.8.8 Appears in 8 hymnals Lyrics: Most High and Holy Trinity! Who of Thy mercy mild Hast formed me here in Time, to be Thy image and Thy child: Oh let me love Thee day and night With all my soul, with all my might; Oh come, Thyself my soul prepare, And make Thy dwelling ever there! Father! replenish with Thy grace This longing heart of mine, Make it Thy quiet dwelling-place, Thy sacred inmost shrine! Forgive that oft my spirit wears Her time and strenght in trivial cares, Enfold her in Thy changeless peace, So she from all but Thee may cease! Oh God the Son! Thy wisdom's light On my dark reason pour; Forgive that things of sense and sight Were all her joy of yore; Henceforth let every thought and deed On Thee be fixed, from Thee proceed, Draw me to Thee, for I would rise Above these earthly vanities! Oh Holy Ghost! Thou fire of love, Enkindle with Thy flame my will; Come with Thy strength, Lord, from above, Help me Thy bidding to fulfil: Forgive that I so oft have done What I as sinful ought to shun; Let me with pure and quenchless fire Thy favour and Thyself desire! Most High and Holy Trinity! Draw me away far hence, And fix upon eternity All powers of soul and sense! Make me at one within; at one With Thee on earth; when life is done Take me to dwell in light with Thee, Most High and Holy Trinity!

On wings of faith, ye thoughts, fly hence

Author: J. G. Hermann; Catherine Winkworth Meter: 8.8.8.8.10.10 Appears in 3 hymnals Lyrics: On wings of faith, ye thoughts, fly hence, Roam o'er Eternity's vast field, Surpass the bounds of time and sense, And rise to Him, who hath revealed That He is Love: there pause, and awestruck view That ancient love with every morning new! Ere earth's foundations yet were laid, Or heaven's fair roof was spread abroad, Ere man a living soul was made, Love stirred within the heart of God; Love filled the long futurity with good, And grace to help at need beside her stood. 'Twas Love whose counsel gave to me True life in Christ Thy only son, Whom Thou hast made our Way to Thee, From whom all grace flows ever down; Whose sacrifice can make us pure and whole, And bless and hallow all our inmost soul. 'Twas Love, that long ere time began, That precious name of child bestowed; That opened Heaven on earth to man, And called us sinners sons of God; Whose gracious promptings move the Father's hand, That on the page of life our names may stand! Ah happy hours, whene'er upsprings My soul to yon Eternal Source, Whence the glad river downward sings, Watering with goodness all my course, So that each passing day anew I prove How tender and how true my Father's love! For what am I? At His command The million creatures of His power Start to life on sea and land; Oh why should God such blessings shower On me, who am a leaf that fadeth fast, A little shifting dust before the blast! I am not worthy, Lord, that Thou Shouldst such compassion on me show; That He who made the world should bow To cheer with love a wretch so low. O Father, I would utterly resign Myself to Thee; take me, and make me Thine. When strength and heart grow faint and sad, From battling long with heavy pain, Thy smile shines forth to make me glad, Thou crownest me with joy again; Then I behold Thy Spirit's wondrous power, Whose work is mightiest in our weakest hour. Forth from Thy rich and bounteous store Life's common blessings daily flow; More than we dare to ask, far more That we deserve, dost Thou bestow. My heart dissolves in tears of thankfulness, To see how true Thy care, how quick to bless. Nor here alone: hope pierces far Through all the shades of earth and time; Faith mounts beyond the farthest star, Yon shining heights she loves to climb, And gazing on eternity behold The promised land, our heritage of old. Can I with loveless heart receive Tokens of love that never cease? Can I be thankless still, and grieve Him who is all my joy and peace? Ah Friend of Man, were I to turn from Thee, Myself were sure my own worst enemy. Could I but honour Thee aright, Noble and sweet my song should be, That earth and heaven should learn Thy might, And what my God hath done for me. There is no music sweet as is Thy name, No joy so deep as pondering o'er Thy fame. O heart redeemed! thou think'st it long Till the appointed hour be come, When thou shalt join the angels' song To that Fair Love that brought thee home. Have patience, heart; time hurries fast away, Soon shalt thou reach the one Eternal Day.

Heart and heart together bound

Author: Zinzendorf; Catherine Winkworth Meter: 7.7.7.7 Appears in 8 hymnals Lyrics: Heart and heart together bound, Seek in God your true repose, In your love the price be found Of your Saviour's love and woes; We the members, He the Head, He the sun, we beams He showers, Brethren by one Master led, We are His, and he is ours. Children of His realm draw near, Make your covenant stronger still, From your hearts allegiance swear Unto Him who conquered ill. If your bonds are yet too weak, If but fragile yet they prove, Help from His good Spirit seek Who can steel the chains of love. Only such love will suffice, As the love that dwells in Him, Love that from the cross ne'er flies, Love that spares not life or limb; 'Twas for sinners He was slain, 'Twas for foes He shed His blood, That His death for all might gain Endless life--the Highest Good. Thus, O truest Friend, unite All Thy consecrated band, That their hearts be set aright To fulfil Thy last command. Each must onward urge his friend, Helping him in word and deed, Love's blest pathway to ascend, Following on where Thou dost lead. Thou who dost command that all Practise love who bear Thy name, Wake the dead, new followers call, Touch the slothful with Thy flame. Let us live, O Lord, at one, As Thou with the Father art, That through all the world be none Of Thy members left apart. Then were given what Thou hast sought, In the Son were all men freed, And the world at last were taught That Thy rule is blest indeed. Father of all souls, we praise Thee who shinest in the Son; Lord, to Thee our hymns we raise, Who hast all men to Thee drawn!

What within me and without

Author: A. H. Franke, 1663-1727; Catherine Winkworth Meter: 7.7.7.7 Appears in 8 hymnals Lyrics: What within me and without, Hourly on my spirit weighs, Burdening heart and soul with doubt, Darkening all my weary days: In it I behold Thy will, God, who givest rest and peace, And my heart is calm and still, Waiting till Thou send release. God! Thou art my rock of strength, And my home is in Thine arms, Thou wilt send me help at length, And I feel no wild alarms. Sin nor Death can pierce the shield Thy defence has o'er me thrown, Up to Thee myself I yield, And my sorrows are Thine own. Thou my shelter from the blast, Thou my strong defence art ever; Though my sorrows thicken fast, Yet I know Thou leav'st me never; When my foe puts forth his might, And would tread me in the dust, To this rock I take my flight, And I conquer him through trust. When my trials tarry long, Unto Thee I look and wait, Knowing none, though keen and strong, Can my faith in Thee abate. And this faith I long have nurst, Comes alone, O Lord, from Thee; Thou my heart didst open first, Thou didst set this hope in me. Christians! cast on Him your load, To your tower of refuge fly; Know He is the Living God, Ever to His creatures nigh. Seek His ever-open door In your hours of utmost need; All your hearts before Him pour, He will send you help with speed. But hast thou some darling plan, Cleaving to the things of earth? Leanest thou for aid on man? Thou wilt find him nothing worth. Rather trust the One alone Whose is endless power and love, And the help He gives His own, Thou in very deed shalt prove. Yea, on Thee, my God, I rest, Letting life float calmly on, For I know the last is best, When the crown of joy is won. In Thy might all things I bear, In Thy love find bitters sweet, And with all my grief and care Sit in patience at Thy feet. O my soul, why art thou vexed? Let things go as e'en they will; Though to thee they seem perplexed, Yet His order they fulfil. Here He is thy strength and guard, Power to harm thee here has none; Yonder will He each reward For the works he here has done. Let Thy mercy's wings be spread O'er me, keep me close to Thee, In the peace Thy love doth shed, Let me dwell eternally. Be my All; in all I do Let me only seek Thy will, Where the heart to Thee is true, All is peaceful, calm, and still.

Wouldst thou inherit life with Christ on high?

Author: Catherine Winkworth; Simon Dach Meter: 10.6.6.10.10.4 Appears in 4 hymnals Lyrics: Wouldst thou inherit life with Christ on high? Then count the cost, and know That here on earth below Thou needs must suffer with thy Lord and die. We reach that gain to which all else is loss, But through the cross. Oh think what sorrows Christ himself has known! The scorn, and anguish sore, The bitter death He bore, Ere He ascended to His heavenly throne; And deemest thou, thou canst with right complain, Whate'er thy pain? Not e'en the sharpest sorrows we can feel, Nor keenest pangs, we dare With that great bliss compare When God His glory shall in us reveal, That shall endure when our brief woes are o'er For evermore!

If God be on my side

Author: Catherine Winkworth; Paul Gerhardt Meter: 6.6.8.6 Appears in 11 hymnals Lyrics: If God be on my side, Then let who will oppose, For oft ere now to Him I cried, And he hath quelled my foes. If Jesus be my Friend, If God doth love me well, What matters all my foes intend, Though strong they be and fell? Here I can firmly rest, I dare to boast of this, That God the Highest and the Best, My Friend and Father is. From dangerous snares He saves, Where'er He bids me go He checks the storms and calms the waves, That nought can work me woe. I rest upon the ground Of Jesus and His blood, For 'tis through Him that I have found The True Eternal Good. Nought have I of mine own, Nought in the life I lead, What Christ hath given me, that alone Is worth all love indeed. His Spirit in me dwells, O'er all my mind He reigns, All care and sadness He dispels, And soothes away all pains. He prospers day by day His work within my heart, Till I have strength and faith to say, Thou God my Father art! When weakness on me lies, And tempts me to despair, He speaketh words and utters sighs Of more than mortal prayer; But what no tongue can tell, Thou God canst hear and see, Who readest in the heart full well If aught there pleaseth Thee. He whispers in my breast Sweet words of holy cheer, How he who seeks in God his rest Shall ever find Him near; How God hath built above A city fair and new, Where eye and heart shall see and prove What faith has counted true. There is prepared on high My heritage, my lot; Though here on earth I sink and die, My heaven shall fail me not. Though here my days are dark, And oft my tears must rain, Whene'er my Saviour's Light I mark, Lo, all is bright again. Who joins him to that Lord Whom Satan flies and hates, Shall find himself despised, abhorred, For him the burden waits Of mockery and shame, Heaped on his guiltless head; And crosses, trials, cruel blame, Shall be his daily bread. I knew it long ere now, Yet am I not afraid; The God to whom I pledged my vow, Will surely send His aid. At cost of all I have, At cost of life and limb, I cling to God who yet shall save, I will not turn from Him. The world may fail and flee, Thou standest fast for ever, Nor fire, nor sword, nor plague, from Thee My trusting soul shall sever. No hunger, and no thirst, No poverty or pain, Let mighty princes do their worst, Shall fright me back again. No joys that angels know, No throne or wide-spread fame, No love or loss, no fear or woe, No grief of heart or shame — Man cannot aught conceive Of pleasure or of harm That e'er could tempt my soul to leave Her refuge in Thine arm. My heart for gladness springs, It cannot more be sad, For very joy it laughs and sings, Sees nought but sunshine glad. The sun that glads mine eyes Is Christ the Lord I love, I sing for joy of that which lies Stored up for us above.

Well for him who all things losing

Author: Catherine Winkworth; Anon. Meter: 9.8.9.8 Appears in 22 hymnals Lyrics: Well for him who all things losing, E'en himself doth count as nought, Still the one thing needful choosing That with all true bliss is fraught! Well for him who nothing knoweth But his God, whose boundless love Makes the heart wherein it gloweth, Calm and pure as saints above! Well for him who all forsaking Walketh not in shadows vain, But the path of peace is taking Through this vale of tears and pain! Oh that we our hearts might sever From earth's tempting vanities, Fixing them on Him for ever In whom all our fulness lies! Oh that we might Him discover Whom with longing love we've sought, Joining us to Him for ever, For without Him all is nought! Oh that ne'er our eyes might wander From our God, so might we cease Ever o'er our sins to ponder, And our conscience be at peace! Thou abyss of love and goodness, Draw us by Thy cross to Thee, That our senses, soul, and spirit Ever one with Christ may be!

Go forth, my heart, and seek delight

Author: Catherine Winkworth; Paul Gerhardt Meter: 8.8.6.8.8.6 Appears in 7 hymnals Lyrics: Go forth, my heart, and seek delight In all the gifts of God's great might, These pleasant summer hours: Look how the plains for thee and me Have decked themselves most fair to see, All bright and sweet with flowers. The trees stand thick and dark with leaves, And earth o'er all here dust now weaves A robe of living green; Nor silks of Solomon compare With glories that the tulips wear, Or lilies' spotless sheen. The lark soars singing into space, The dove forsakes her hiding-place, And coos the woods among; The richly-gifted nightingale, Pours forth her voice o'er hill and dale, And floods the fields with song. Here with her brood the hen doth walk, There builds and guards his nest the stork, The fleet-winged swallows pass; The swift stag leaves his rocky home, And down the light deer bounding come To taste the long rich grass. The brooks rush gurgling through the sand, And from the trees on either hand, Cool shadows o'er them fall; The meadows at their side are glad With herds; and hark! the shepherd lad Sends forth his mirthful call. And humming, hovering to and fro, The never-wearied swarms no go To seek their honey'd food; And through the vine's yet feeble shoots Stream daily upwards from her roots New strength and juices good. The corn springs up, a wealth untold, A sight to gladden young and old, Who now their voices lift To Him who gives such plenteous store, And makes the cup of life run o'er With many a noble gift. Thy mighty working, mighty God, Wakes all my powers; I look abroad And can no longer rest: I too must sing when all things sing, And from my heart the praises ring The Highest loveth best. I think, Art Thou so good to us, And scatterest joy and beauty thus O'er this poor earth of ours; What nobler glories shall be given Hereafter in Thy shining heaven, Set round with golden towers! What thrilling joy when on our sight Christ's garden beams in cloudless light, Where all the air is sweet, Still laden with the unwearied hymn From all the thousand seraphim Who God's high praise repeat! Oh were I there! Oh that I now, Dear God, before Thy throne could bow, And bear my heavenly palm! Then like the angels would I raise My voice, and sing Thy endless praise In many a sweet-toned psalm. Nor can I now, O God, forbear, Though still this mortal yoke I wear, To utter oft Thy name; But still my heart is bent to speak Thy praises; still, though poor and weak, Would I Thy love proclaim. But help me; let Thy heavenly showers Revive and bless my fainting powers, And let me thrive and grow Beneath the summer of Thy grace, And fruits of faith bud forth apace While yet I dwell below. And set me, Lord, in Paradise When I have bloomed beneath these skies Till my last leaf is flown; Thus let me serve Thee here in time, And after, in that happier clime, And Thee, my God, alone!

O God, O Spirit, Light of all that live

Author: Catherine Winkworth; Gerhard Tersteegen Meter: 10.10.10.10.10.10 Appears in 16 hymnals Lyrics: O God, O Spirit, Light of all that live, Who dost on us that sit in darkness shine, Our darkness ever with Thy Light dost strive, In vain Thou lur'st us with Thy beams divine; Yet none, O Spirit, from Thine eye can hide, Gladly [will] I Thy searching glance abide. Search all my hidden parts, whate'er impure Thy Light discovers there, do Thou destroy; The bitterst pain I willingly endure, Such pain is followed by eternal joy; Thou'lt cleanse me from my stains of darkest hue, And in Christ's image form my soul anew. I cannot stay the venomed power of sin, 'Tis Thy anointing only can avail; Oh make my spirit new and right within, Without Thee all my utmost efforts fail. Life to my cold dead soul I cannot give, Be Thou my life, so only shall I live. O Breath from out the Eternal Silence, blow All softly o'er my spirit's barren ground, The precious fulness of my God bestow, That where erst sin and shame alone were found, Faith, love, and holy reverence may upspring, In spirit and in truth to worship God our King. Oh let my thoughts, my actions and my will Obedient solely to Thy impulse move, My heart and senses keep Thou blameless still, Fixed and absorbed in God's unuttered love. Thy praying, teaching, striving, in my heart, Let me not quench, nor make Thee to depart. O Fount, O Spirit, who dost take and show Things of the Son to us, who crystal clear From God's throne and the Lamb's doth ceaseless flow Into the quiet hearts that seek Thee here, I open wide my mouth, and thirsting sink Beside Thy stream, its living waves to drink. I give myself to Thee, to Thee alone, From all else sundered, Thou art ever near, The creature and myself I all disown, Trusting with inmost faith that God is here! O God, O Spirit, Light of Life, we see None ever wait in vain, who wait for Thee.

Why halt thus, O deluded heart

Author: Catherine Winkworth; Lehr Meter: 8.8.8.8.8.8.2 Appears in 2 hymnals Lyrics: Why halt thus, O deluded heart, Why waver longer in thy choice? Is it so hard to choose the part Offered by Heaven's entreating voice? Oh look with clearer eyes again, Nor strive to enter in, in vain. Press on! Remember, 'tis not Caesar's throne, Nor earthly honour, wealth or might Whereby God's favour shall be show To him who conquers in the fight; Himself and an eternity Of bliss and rest he offers thee. Press on! God crowneth no divided heart; To Him oh hallow all thy life! Who loveth Jesus but in part, he works himself much pain and strife, And gains what he deserveth well, Here conflict, and hereafter hell. Press on! Who wrestling long, with many a cry Can bid farewell at last to all, Yet ever loves the Lord most High, Loves Him alone whate'er befall, Is counted worthy of the crown, And on a kingly throne set down. Press on! Then break the rotten bonds away That hinder you your race to run, That make you linger oft and stay; Oh be your course afresh begun! Let no false rest your soul deceive, Up! 'tis a Heaven ye must receive! Press on! Omnipotence is on your side, And Wisdom watches o'er your heads, And God Himself will be your guide So ye but follow where He leads; How many guided by His hand, Have reached ere now their father-land! Press on! Nor let the body dull the soul, Its weakness, fears, and sloth despise; Man toils and roams from pole to pole To gain some earthly fleeting prize, The Highest Good he little cares To win, or striving soon despairs. Press on! Oh help each other, hasten on, Behold the goal is nigh at hand; The battle-field shall soon be won, Your King shall soon before you stand! To calmest rest He leads you now, And sets His crown upon your brow. Press on!

O God, I long Thy Light to see

Author: Catherine Winkworth; Anton Ulrich, Duke of Brunswick Meter: 8.8.8.8 Appears in 8 hymnals Lyrics: O God, I long Thy Light to see, My God, I hourly think on Thee; Oh draw me up, nor hide Thy face, But help me from Thy holy place. As toward her sun the sunflower turns, Towards Thee, my Sun my spirit yearns; Oh would that free from sin I might Thus follow evermore Thy Light! But sin hath so within me wrought, Such deadly sickness on me brought, My languid soul sits drooping here And cannot reach the heavenly sphere. Ah how shall I my freedom win? How break this heavy yoke of sin? My fainting spirit thirsts for Thee, Come, Lord, to help and set me free. My heart is set to do Thy will, But all my deeds are faulty still; My best attempts are nothing worth, But soiled with cleaving taint of earth. Remember that I am Thy child, Forgive whate'er my soul defiled, Blot out my sins, that I may rise Freely to Thee beyond the skies. Help me to love the world no more, Be Master of my house and store, The shield of faith around me throw, And break the arrows of my foe. Fain would my heart henceforward be Fixed, O my God, alone on Thee, That heart and soul by Thee possest, May find in Thee their perfect rest. Begone, ye pleasures false and vain, Untasted, undesired remain! In heaven alone those joys abound, Where all my true delight is found. Oh take away whate'er has stood Between me and the Highest Good; I ask no better boon than this, To find in God my only bliss.

O Friend of Souls, how well is me

Author: Catherine Winkworth; Wolfgang C. Deszler Meter: 8.8.8.8.8.8.8.8.8.8 Appears in 15 hymnals Lyrics: O Friend of Souls, how well is me, Whene'er Thy love my spirit calms! From sorrow's dungeon forth I flee, And hide me in Thy shelt'ring arms. The night of weeping flies away Before the heart-reviving ray Of love, that beams from out Thy breast; Here is my heaven on earth begun; Who were not joyful had he won In Thee, O God, his joy and rest! The world may call herself my foe, So be it; for I trust her not, E'en though a friendly face she show, And with her bounties heap my lot. In Thee alone will I rejoice, Thou art the Friend, Lord, of my choice, For Thou art true when friendships fail; 'Mid storms of woe Thy truth is still My anchor; hate me as it will, The world shall o'er me ne'er prevail. Through deserts of the cross Thou leadest, I follow leaning on Thy hand; From out the clouds Thy child Thou feedest, And giv'st him water from the sand. I know Thy wondrous ways will end In love and blessing, Thou true Friend, Enough if Thou art ever near! I know, whom Thou wilt glorify, And raise o'er sun and stars on high, Thou lead'st through depths and darkness here. To others Death seems dark and grim, But not, Thou Life of life, to me; I know Thou ne'er forsakest him Whose heart and spirit rest in Thee. Oh who would fear his journey's close, If from dark woods and lurking foes, He then found safety and release? Nay, rather with a joyful heart From this dark region I depart To Thy eternal light and peace. O Friend of souls, then well indeed Is me, when on Thy love I lean! The world, nor pain, nor death I heed, Since Thou, my God, my joy hast been. Oh let this peace that Thou hast given Be but a foretaste of Thy heaven, For goodness infinite is Thine. Hence, world, with all thy flattering toys! In God alone be all my joys; Oh rich delight, my Friend is mine!

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