Though in midst of life we be

Representative Text

1 Though in midst of life we be,
Snares of death surround us:
Where shall we for succor flee,
Lest our foes confound us?
To Thee alone, our Savior!
We mourn our grievous sin, which hath
Stirred the fire of Thy fierce wrath:
Holy and gracious God!
Holy and mighty God!
Holy and all-merciful Savior!
Thou eternal God!
Save us, Lord, from sinking
In the deep and bitter flood:
Have mercy, O Lord!

2 While in midst of death we be,
Hell's grim powers o'ertake us:
Who from such distress will free,
Who secure will make us?
Thou only, Lord, canst do it!
It moves Thy tender heart to see
Our great sin and misery:
Holy and gracious God!
Holy and mighty God!
Holy and all-merciful Savior!
Thou eternal God!
Let not hell dismay us
With its deep and burning flood:
Have mercy, O Lord!

3 Into hell's fierce agony
Sin doth headlong drive us:
Where shall we for succor flee,
Who, O who will hide us?
Thou only, blessed Savior;
Thy precious blood was shed to win
Peace and pardon for our sin:
Holy and gracious God!
Holy and mighty God!
Holy and all-merciful Savior!
Let us not we pray,
From the true faith's comfort
Fall in our last need away.
Have mercy, O Lord!

Source: The Lutheran Hymnary #240

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Translator: Richard Massie

Massie, Richard, eldest son of the Rev. R. Massie, of Goddington, Cheshire, and Rector of Eccleston, was born at Chester, June 18, 1800, and resides at Pulford Hall, Coddington. Mr. Massie published a translation of Martin Luther’s Spiritual Songs, London, 1854. His Lyra Domestica, 1st series, London, 1860, contains translations of the 1st Series of Spitta's Psalter und Harfe. In 1864 he published vol. ii., containing translations of Spitta's 2nd Series, together with an Appendix of translations of German hymns by various authors. He also contributed many translations of German hymns to Mercer's Church Psalter & Hymn Book; to Reid's British Herald; to the Day of Rest, &c. He died Mar. 11,1887. -- John Julian, Di… Go to person page >

Author: Martin Luther

Luther, Martin, born at Eisleben, Nov. 10, 1483; entered the University of Erfurt, 1501 (B.A. 1502, M.A.. 1503); became an Augustinian monk, 1505; ordained priest, 1507; appointed Professor at the University of Wittenberg, 1508, and in 1512 D.D.; published his 95 Theses, 1517; and burnt the Papal Bull which had condemned them, 1520; attended the Diet of Worms, 1521; translated the Bible into German, 1521-34; and died at Eisleben, Feb. 18, 1546. The details of his life and of his work as a reformer are accessible to English readers in a great variety of forms. Luther had a huge influence on German hymnody. i. Hymn Books. 1. Ellich cristlich lider Lobgesang un Psalm. Wittenberg, 1524. [Hamburg Library.] This contains 8 German h… Go to person page >

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