From the Epistle. [Acts 1:11]

7,7,7,7

Herr auf Erden muss ich leiden

[92]Neumann.1700.

trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855

Lord, on earth I dwell in pain;

Here in anguish I must lie;

Wherefore leav'st Thou me again,

Why ascendest Thou on high?

Take me, take me hence with Thee,

Or abide, Lord, still in me;

Let Thy love and gifts be left,

That I be not all bereft.

Leave Thy heart with me behind,

Take mine hence with Thee away;

Let my sighs an entrance find

To Thy heaven whene'er I pray.

When I cannot pray, oh plead

With Thy Father in my stead;

Seated now at God's right hand,

Help us here Thy faithful band.

Help me earthly toys to spurn,

Raise my thoughts from things below;

Mortal am I, yet I yearn

Heavenly like my Lord to grow,

That my time through faith may be

Ordered for eternity;

Till we meet, all perils o'er,

Whither Thou hast gone before.

In due season come again,

As was promised us of old;

Raise the members that have lain

Gnawed of death beneath the mould,

Judge the evil world that deems

Thy sure words but empty dreams;

Then for all our sorrows past,

Let us know Thy joy at last.