The Cyber Hymnal ‎#1436

1436. Farewell I Gladly Bid Thee

1. Farewell I gladly bid thee,
False, evil world, farewell.
Thy life is vain and sinful,
With thee I would not dwell.
I long to be in Heaven,
In that untroubled sphere
Where they will be rewarded
Who served their God while here.

2. By Thy good counsel lead me,
O Son of God, my stay;
In each perplexing trial
Help me, O Lord, I pray.
Mine hour of sorrow shorten,
Support my fainting heart,
From every cross deliver,
The crown of life impart.

3. When darkness round me gathers,
Thy name and cross, still bright,
Deep in my heart are sparkling
Like stars in blackest night.
O heart, this image cherish:
The Christ on Calvary,
How patiently He suffered
And shed His blood for me!

4. Lord, hide my soul securely,
Deep in Thy wounded side;
From every danger shield me
And to Thy glory guide.
He has been truly blessèd
Who reaches Heav’n above;
He has found perfect healing
Who rests upon Thy love.

5. Lord, write my name, I pray Thee,
Now in the Book of Life
And with all true believers
Take me where joys are rife.
There let me bloom and flourish,
Thy perfect freedom prove,
And tell, as I adore Thee,
How faithful was Thy love.

Text Information

• First Line: Farewell I gladly bid thee
• Title: Farewell I Gladly Bid Thee
• German Title: Valet will ich dir geben
• Author: Valerius Herberger (1613)
• Translator (from German): Catherine Winkworth
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Language: English
• Source: Translation: Chorale Book for England, 1863, alt.
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: First published on a broadsheet in Leipzig, Germany, in 1614 during a period of plague. A devout prayer with which the Evangelical citizens of Frawenstadt in the autumn of the year 1613 moved the heart of God the Lord so that He mercifully laid down the sharp rod of wrath under which nearly two thousand fell on sleep. And also a hymn of consolation in which a pious heart bids farewell (Valet) to this world. Both composed by Valerius Herberger, preacher at the Kripplein Christi. Julian, p. 511

Tune Information

• Name: VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN
• Composer: Melchior Teschner (1613)
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Incipit: 15567 11321 17115
• Key: C Major
• Copyright: Public Domain