Lift up your eyes unto the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and the people that dwell therein shall die in like manner; but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. From the Lesson. [Is.51:6] 5,8,8,8,8,8,7,7,7,7 Gott lebet noch [59]Zihn.1682. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! Our God is good, in every place His love is known, His help is found, His mighty arm, and tender grace Bring good from ills that hem us round, Easier than we think can He Turn to joy our agony; Soul, remember 'mid thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! Say, shall He slumber, shall He sleep, Who gave the eye its power to see? Whall He not hear His children weep Who made the ear so wondrously? God is God; He sees and hears All their troubles, all their tears. Soul, forget not 'mid thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! He who can earth and heaven control, Who spreads the clouds o'er sea and land, Whose presence fills the mighty Whole, In each true heart is close at hand; Love Him, He will surely send Help and joy that never end. Soul, remember in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! Scarce canst thou bear thy cross? Then fly To Him where only rest is sweet; Thy God is great, His mercy nigh, His strength upholds the tottering feet; Trust Him, for His grace is sure, Ever doth His truth endure; Soul, forget not in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! When sins and follies long forgot Upon thy tortured conscience prey, Oh come to God, and fear Him not, His love shall sweep them all away; Pains of hell at look of His, Change to calm content and bliss. Soul, remember in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! Those whom the thoughtless world forsakes, Who stand bewildered with their woe, God gently to his bosom takes, And bids them all His fulness know; In thy sorrows' swelling flood Own his hand who seeks thy good. Soul, forget not in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! Let earth and heaven outworn with age, Sink to the chaos whence they came; Let angry foes against us rage, Let hell shoot forth his fiercest flame; Fear not Death, nor Satan's thrusts, God defends who in Him trusts; Soul, remember in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. God liveth ever! Wherefore, Soul, despair thou never! What though thou tread with bleeding feet A thorny path of grief and gloom, Thy God will choose the way most meet To lead thee heavenwards, lead thee home. For this life's long night of sadness He will give thee peace and gladness; Soul, remember in thy pains, God o'er all for ever reigns. |
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