Hymns, Hymnody, Translations and a few assorted
Exegetical and Historical Thoughts thrown in
Exegetical and Historical Thoughts thrown in
At a time when the estate of marriage is under great assault, when the devil has convinced the world that a man and a woman should live and sleep together before marriage, and how he turns married couples against each other, it is a great blessing to read the praises of marriage and its blessings from Lutherans in times past. This hymn is the first of at a least a few hymns on marriage by Rist in the book I am translating. I am sharing it here for your blessing and edification. God be praised and thanked for His estate of marriage. My God, You have Desired such Purity” – A wedding hymn by Johann Rist, trans. from the German by Rev. Robert J. H. Mayes, March 2022. (from Frommer Gottseliger Christen Alltägliche Hausmusik, oder musikalische Andachten, Lüneburg, 1654), no. 14.
A sacred song of trust Which can be sung at the public joining Of a bridegroom and a bride, According to the melody of my well-known song of heaven, “O Gott was ist das für ein Leben,” etc. 1. My God, You have desired such purity That chaste and disciplined in will, All would devote themselves most surely Their marriage vows of love fulfill. This is for each and everyone. Your blessing is in marriage giv’n - That man and wife would dwell together. In love or woe, refresh each other. 2. All know from birth a life of labor. Each person knows his own defects. Yet by the wife one weds and savors, Man finds from her great peace and rest. Then, treasured as the sun so bright That makes its course and shines its light, So likewise, man regards a wise wife. Their house, made diligent throughout life. 3. But when one enters into marriage And there will give his time and ends, Great woe will make his heart disparage, His heart knows heavy, great burdens. For marriage, Satan cannot bear, When man and wife, their joys will share. Yet still, God’s blessings to them must flow Their love makes suff’rings sweet. It will show. 4. He, who a pious wife discovers, Finds greater goodness ever more. Bound in their solemn love together By trusting hearts and vows they swore. Such a one will in his days see Great virtue, peace, domestic’ly. And his beloved finds satisfaction. He bears her flaws and imperfections. 5. For pious wives be all extolling, She is her husband’s want and joy. She makes life restful and consoling, With her, no strife will then annoy. Even if he suffers hurting, Or frustration, disconcerting, Yet his heart soon rejoices in her. She sensibly helps in such matters. 6. No treasure Earth has is more honored Than such high friendship one attains. Nothing is better, bringing concord, Than marriage that in Christ remains. Each will bear and lift the other, In good times, or on days rougher. Even if error overtakes him, She is his help, and won’t forsake him. 7. Though he may travel many places, In friendship or from greater need, Though he may still increase his paces, His wife ‘til death she stays, indeed. And under crosses, harsh and drear, She needs no order to come near. Howe’er the world may cause them problems, His lead, her help will join to solve them. 8. Lord, from Your eye cannot be hidden How valuable such chaste love is. The marriage-’state, as You have bidden, Let it bring blessing, joy and bliss. Let each time of shame be driven From each one Christ calls to heaven That they will here to You, Lord, and then Give praise with highest joy, without end. Tune: MEIN GOTT ES HAT DIR JA GEFALLEN (Original tune by Michael Jacobi). 9898 8899 ABAB CCDD
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AuthorRev. Robert J. H. Mayes is a justified sinner through faith in Christ. He is a husband, father, an LCMS pastor, musician, and has a strong interest in Lutheranism, Christ-centered Scriptural exegesis and the hymns of the Church. In his spare time, he likes to watch the Kansas City Chiefs. Archives
May 2022
CategoriesImportant Links- - LCMS website - Nebraska dist. - CPH - Issues, Etc. - Lutheran Public Radio - PRDL (Post Reformation Digital Library) Other Hymn sites - What you need to know about hymns - Public domain Lutheran hymns - Mark Preus - Matthew Carver - Walther's Hymnal (ed. Carver) - Stephen Starke - Starke hymns vol. 1 & vol. 2 - Alan Kornacki Jr. - Kathryn Ann Hill - Robin Fish, Jr. - Kurt E. Reinhardt - Center for Church Music (Concordia Chicago) |