THE SONG OF DYING. (DAS LIED VOM STERBEN.) SING now the Song of Dying;- No joy is sure, nor sorrow, With this life's doubtful breath; But nought there is more certain Than parting, dying, death, In each succeeding footstep With life itself we part; And with each joy the heart dies, As the joy dies in the heart. F On pilgrim-staff supported, We draw near to our graves : And even princes' sceptres Are but their pilgrim-staves. Earth gives to all her children A pilgrim-garb to wear : Upon her soil we wear it ;— But leave it, also, there. Go, climb o'er heights and mountains ;- Then sing the Song of Dying; That song, like sweet bells' voices But of Resurrection Morn. THE FULNESS OF CHRIST. (DIE FÜLLE CHRISTI.) WHERE is Divine compassion, that will sinners not despise ; Love, that with open arms would meet the penitent who cries? Where shall all guilt be covered o'er; and who can sins forgive; And, in death's terrors, who true life and blessedness can give? Take courage, trembling-hearted ones! such perfect grace is found: Such Fulness of compassion doth in Jesus Christ abound. Where is there balm for wounds; and who can healing power impart ; Who, comfort and support devise, for joyless, lonely heart? Who shall raise up the fallen ones-the weary souls renew; Who strengthen them to run their course, and keep them right and true? Be comforted, desponding hearts; such strengthening help is found: In Jesus Christ this Fulness of compassion doth abound. Who giveth life that satisfies? Who can give joy in woe? Who keeps our hearts in glad content with all that God may do? Who giveth child-like faith, and lays us on The Father's Breast; Reveals His wonders to our souls, and keeps us in His Rest? Rejoice, poor homeless wanderers: this Resting-Place is found: This Fulness of all mercy doth in Jesus Christ abound. The spirit of God's children, is there one who can bestow? What hand can give humility, and keep us meek and low? Who giveth love that faileth not, and shuns no sacrifice That with glad hearts rejoiceth, and doth weep with weeping eyes? O thank The Heavenly Father that this blessed gift is found! This Fulness of all graces in Christ Jesus doth abound. Who leaves us not, in dying, any fear of death to know; But giveth endless joy and life, when forth from earth we go? Who to the earth the seed entrusts, which there a season lies, That through His Word, when Spring-time comes, in glory it may rise? Give thanks and sing, O children; for this blessedness is found: In Jesus Christ this Fulness of Salvation doth abound. O Thou, our only Helper-Who, to all, all things must be; Because by God's good pleasure, all His Fulness dwells in Thee! Draw Thou all hearts to Thee, and let Thy Love all souls embrace; And let all seeking spirits find the treasures of Thy Grace! O blessed children, that partake of what Thou dost impart; And, thus partaking, through Thy Love, thus know Thee as Thou art! |