Eines wuensch ich mir vor allem andern. One thing I above all others cherish, For one thing I long and pray. Though in sorrow's vale fond hopes may perish, This will prove my staff and stay: To behold the Man who, deeply sighing And upon earth's bosom prostrate lying, Drank the bitter cup of woe Since the Father willed it so. Ever shall my soul retain the vision Of that Lamb, for sinners slain, Pale and wounded, held in deep derision, Hanging on the wood of pain, Wrestling there in thirst and mortal anguish, Lest my soul eternally should languish, Being mindful, too, of me When He died the world to free. O Lord Jesus, keep me mindful ever Of my guilt and of Thy grace. Be it Thou all bonds of sin dost sever And all blots of guilt efface. Thou of night the brightest daylight makest, And Thy lamb into Thy bosom takest, As the Shepherd good and fair, Nursing it with tender care. I am Thine! Wilt Thou reply by saying, "Thou forever shalt be mine!" Cause Thy precious name, all fears allaying, Brightly in my heart to shine! Be with Thee all things begun and ended, Who from earth to heaven hast ascended. Yea, this shall, till life is spent, Be our law and testament. Albert Knapp, 1829 (1823). Tr. H. Brueckner, 1918. Meine Seel, ermuntre dich. Come, my soul, again inquire If the love of Christ constrain thee. To His cross again retire; See Him give Himself to gain thee. Search His faithfulness and try Him, Glad in Him and gladdened by Him. See Him there, God's only Son On the tree for thee suspended, Crowned with thorns, by grief undone, Crimson stains with crimson blended, Pierced for thee, transfixed, forsaken: Deathless love by death o'ertaken. Thou, yea thou hadst known the rod, Endless pain thy sole possession; Thou hadst been cast off by God For thy multiplied transgression; But the Lord thy cause defended; By His grace thou art befriended. When in mighty woe He died Vengeance ceased and wrath abated; Sinai was satisfied; All things old were new-created; Sin and death and hell were thwarted; Life and health and heaven imparted. Jesus, grace sufficient give That this mind be ever in me:-- Thine I am; to Thee would live; Naught from Thee shall ever win me. Thou wilt not forsake nor leave me; Let me, Lord, in love receive Thee. Johann Caspar Schade, 1692. Tr. A. Ramsey. So nimm denn meine Haende.