14. I am pure, in Thee believing, From Thy store Evermore Righteous robes receiving. In my heart I will enfold Thee, Treasure rare, Let me there, Loving, ever hold Thee! 15. Thee, O Lord, with heed I’ll cherish While I’ve breath; E’en in death Shall my faith not perish. I shall dwell with Thee forever Far on high, In the joy That can alter never. Paul Gerhardt, 1656. 146 7s Let the earth now praise the Lord, Who hath truly kept His word And the sinners’ Help and Friend Now at last to us doth send. 2. What the fathers most desired, What the prophets’ heart inspired, What they longed for many a year, Stands fulfilled in glory here. 3. Abram’s promised great Reward, Zion’s Helper, Jacob’s Lord, Him of twofold race behold, Truly came, as long foretold. 4. Welcome, O my Savior, now! Hail! my Portion, Lord, art Thou! Here, too, in my heart, I pray, O prepare Thyself a way. 5. King of Glory, enter in! Cleanse it from the filth of sin, As Thou hast so often done; It belongs to Thee alone. 6. As Thy coming was in peace, Noiseless, full of gentleness, Let the same mind dwell in me That was ever found in Thee. 7. Comfort my desponding heart; Thou my Strength and Refuge art. I am weak, and cunningly Satan lays his snares for me. 8. Bruise for me the Serpent’s head, That, set free from doubt and dread, I may cleave to Thee in faith, Safely kept through life and death; 9. And when Thou dost come again As a glorious King to reign, I with joy may see Thy face, Truly ransomed by Thy grace. H. Held, 1643; C. Winkworth, tr., a. 147 8, 7, 8, 8, 4 All praise to Jesus’ hallowed name, Who of virgin pure became True man for us! The angels sing, As the glad news to earth they bring, Hallelujah! 2. Th’ eternal Father’s only Son For a manger leaves His throne; Disguised in our poor flesh and blood Is now the everlasting Good. Hallelujah! 3. He whom the world could not inclose Doth in Mary’s lap repose, He is become an infant small, Who by His might upholdeth all. Hallelujah! 4. Th’ eternal Light, come down from heaven, Hath to us new sunshine given; It shineth in the midst of night And maketh us the sons of light. Hallelujah! 5. The Father’s Son, God ever blest, In the world became a guest; He leads us from this vale of tears And makes us in His kingdom heirs. Hallelujah!