Drum, liebster Gott, leit meinen Fuss, Dass ich Dir folg in wahrer Buss, Und läutre mich von Sünden; So kann ich, als ein kühner Held, Bestreiten diese böse Welt, Mit Dir sie überwinden: So tret ich muthig an den Tag, Und scheue nicht, was kommen mag. Ich leg auf Dich, mein Gott und Herr, Was mir zu tragen wird zu schwer, Die Last, die mich gebogen: Ich lege meine Würd und Stand In deine grosse Allmachtshand, Die Du mir nie entzogen: Mit der hast Du von Jugend auf Geleitet meinen Lebenslauf. Ich leg in deinen Schooss hinein Die meine Blutsverwandten sein, Da sind sie wohl beschlossen: Ich lege meine arme Seel In Jesu sichre Wundenhöhl, Du wirst sie nicht verstossen, Wenn sie vom Leibe scheidt der Tod: Ich leg mich ganz in Dich, mein Gott. Anton Ulrich, Duke of Brunswick. 1633-1714. The Invalid’s Morning Hymn. I, the Lord thy God, will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not, I will help thee. _Isaiah_, xli. 13. From blest, unconscious sleep I wake again, To sense of cheerless days and wearing pain, My sad, appointed lot; I know not if to-day my righteous God Will add fresh strokes of His chastising rod, Yet be it so or not, His love will guard me with its watchful care, And keep me safe beneath the cross I bear. Though every morning bring some burden new, My heavenly Father every day is true, Who all my sorrow feels; No man before the evening’s close can say What unforeseen event shall mark the day, Which time alone reveals: Each day may open some new path of pain, Yet God will in that path my feet sustain. Then why, faint heart, dost thou still hesitate, Appalled and frightened at the burden’s weight Upon thy shoulder laid? Grasp it more firmly, and the Lord of all, Who ne’er was known to stumble or to fall, Thy staggering steps will aid: Cheered by this thought, thou shalt no longer dread The dreary way of that rough road to tread. Fain would I take this comfort to my heart. Could I but feel secure that I have part In His almighty love; Which blessed hope no flattering view can give, Unless a life of holiness I live, A saving faith to prove; For if I walk not closely with my God, I cannot lean on His supporting rod. Now truly contrite, in Thy way direct Make me henceforth to walk more circumspect, And cleanse me from my sin; Then, strengthened by Thy saving Arm of might, I ’gainst this evil world shall bravely fight, And shall the battle win: With this conviction I my road pursue, Regardless what each turn may bring to view.