Once He Came in Blessing

Full Text

Once he came in blessing,
All our ills redressing,
Came in likeness lowly,
Son of God most holy,
Bore the cross to save us,
Hope and freedom gave us.

Still He comes within us,
Still His voice would win us
From the sins that hurt us;
Would to Truth convert us
From our foolish errors,
Ere He comes in terrors.

Thus if thou hast known Him,
Not ashamed to own Him,
Nor dost love Him coldly,
But wilt trust Him boldly,
He will now receive thee,
Heal thee, and forgive thee.

But through many a trial,
Deepest self-denial,
Long and brave endurance,
Must thou win assurance
That His own He makes thee,
And no more forsakes thee.

He who thus endureth
Bright reward secureth;
Come then, O Lord Jesus,
From our sins release us.
Let us here confess Thee,
Till in heaven we bless Thee.

The Chorale Book for England, 1863

Author: Johann Roh

Roh, Johann, was a native of Domascbitz near Leitmeritz, in Bohemia. Roh was his name in Bohemian, but when he wrote in Latin he styled himself Cornu,and in German Horn. In 1518 he was ordained priest and appointed preacher to the Bohemian Brethren's community at Jungbunzlau, in Bohemia. At the Synod of Brandeis, in Sep. 1529, he was chosen as one of the three Seniors of the Unity. Finally, at the Synod of Brandeis, in April 1532, he was appointed Bishop, and held this post till his death, at Jungbunzlau, Feb. 11, 1547. (Koch, ii. 114; Wackernagel, i. p. 727, &c.) Roh was the editor of the Bohemian Hymn Book of 1541, and is said to have written a number of hymns in the Bohemian language, but the edition of 1561 only gives one with his name… Go to person page >

Translator (English): Catherine Winkworth

Catherine Winkworth is "the most gifted translator of any foreign sacred lyrics into our tongue, after Dr. Neale and John Wesley; and in practical services rendered, taking quality with quantity, the first of those who have laboured upon German hymns. Our knowledge of them is due to her more largely than to any or all other translators; and by her two series of Lyra Germanica, her Chorale Book, and her Christian Singers of Germany, she has laid all English-speaking Christians under lasting obligation." --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A., 1872… Go to person page >

Translator (German): Michael Weisse

Michael Weiss was born at Neisse, in Silesia. He was a pastor among the Bohemian Brethren, and a contemporary with Luther. His hymns have received commendation. He died in 1540. --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A. 1872.… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Once he came in blessing
Title: Once He Came in Blessing
German Title: Gottes Sohn ist kommen
Translator (German): Michael Weisse (1531)
Author: Johann Roh
Translator (English): Catherine Winkworth
Meter: 6.6.6.6.6.6
Language: English

Timeline

Instances

Instances (4)TextImageAudioScore
Hymnal 1982: according to the use of the Episcopal Church #53TextImage
AGO Founders Hymnal #72Image
Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary #141Text
Lutheran Service Book #333Text