4. Then God beheld my wretched state With deep commiseration; He thought upon His mercy great And willed my soul’s salvation; He turned to me a Father’s heart— Not small the cost!—to heal my smart, He gave His best and dearest. 5. He spake to His beloved Son: “’Tis time to have compassion; Then go, My heart’s most Precious One, And bring to man salvation; From sin and sorrow set him free, Slay bitter death for him that he May live with Thee forever.” 6. The Son His Father did obey, And, born of virgin mother, He came a while on earth to stay That He might be my Brother. His mighty power He hidden bore, A servant’s form like mine He wore To lead the devil captive. 7. He spake to me: “Hold fast by Me, I am thy Rock and Castle; I wholly give Myself for thee, For thee I strive and wrestle; For I am thine, and thou art Mine, Henceforth My place is also thine; The foe shall never part us. 8. “The foe shall shed My precious blood, Me of My life bereaving. All this I suffer for thy good; Be steadfast and believing. Life shall from death the victory win, Mine innocence shall bear thy sin, So art thou blest forever. 9. “Now to My Father I depart, From earth to heaven ascending, Thence heavenly wisdom to impart, The Holy Spirit sending; He shall in trouble comfort thee, Teach thee to know and follow Me, Into all truth shall guide thee. 10. “What I have done and taught do thou To do and teach endeavor; So shall My kingdom flourish now And God be praised forever. Take heed lest men with base alloy The heavenly treasure should destroy; This counsel I bequeath thee.” Martin Luther, 1523. 311 9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8 By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless! My heart, believ’st thou this or not? Why tremblest thou with terror groundless? Has Scripture e’er a falsehood taught? Then this word also true must be: By grace there is a crown for thee. 2. By grace! Our works are all rejected, All claims of merit pass for naught; The mighty Savior, long expected, To us this blissful truth has brought, That He by death redeems our race And we are saved alone by grace. 3. By grace! Mark well these words’ true meaning, When thou dost sorrow sin-opprest. When Satan tempts with pride o’erweening, When troubled conscience sighs for rest. What reason cannot comprehend It pleases God by grace to send.