Theodore Brown Hewitt · 193 of 194
Lutheran Hymnary, #436: I will sing my Maker's praises
I will sing my Maker's praises, And in Him most joyful be, For in all things I see traces Of the good He meaneth me: Nothing else but love could move Him With such sweet and tender care All who try to serve and love Him Evermore to raise and bear.
Yea, so dear doth he esteem me, That the Son He loves so well He hath given to me From the quenchless flames of Hell; Well of life that springeth ever! Sea of love that hath no ground! Fruitless were my best endeavor Depth of love like Thine to sound.
All which for my soul is needful He will carefully provide Nor of that is he unheedful Which my body needs beside: When my strength cannot avail me-- At the best a broken reed-- God appears; He will not fail me In the time of utmost need.
As a father ne'er removeth All his love for some lost child, But the prodigal still loveth, Yearning to be ; So my sins and many errors Find a tender pardoning God, Who doth not with penal terrors Chasten them, but with the rod.
All His blows and scourges truly For the moment grievous prove, And yet, when I weigh them duly, Are but tokens of His love; Proofs that He is watching o'er me, And would, by the cross and rod, From this wicked world restore me To my Father and my God.
Since then neither change nor coldness In His precious love can be, Lo! I lift my hands with boldness, As a child I come to Thee. Grant me , O God, I pray Thee, That I may with all my might Love, and trust Thee, and obey Thee, Till I reach the realms of light.
P Gerhardt. 1653.
Lutheran Hymnary, #436