Lyra Germanica Second Series The Christian Life

III.
The Kingdom of Christ.

7,7,7,7

Siegesfürst und Ehrenkönig

[111]Tersteegen.1731.

Conquering Prince and Lord of glory!

Majesty enthroned in light!

All the heavens are bow'd before Thee,

Far beyond them spreads Thy might

Shall I fall not at Thy feet,

And my heart with rapture beat,

Now Thy glory is display'd,

Thine ere yet the worlds were made?

Far and wide, Thou heavenly Sun,

Now Thy brightness streams abroad,

And Heaven's host anew hath won

Light and gladness from its Lord;

Hark, how yon unnumber'd throng

Welcome Thee with joyous song:

See Thy children weak and few

Here would cry Hosanna too.

Of Thy cup shall I not drink,

Now Thy glories o'er me shine?

Shall my courage ever sink,

Now I know all power is Thine?

I will trust Thee, O my King,

And will fear no earthly thing,

Henceforth will I bow the knee

To no ruler, save to Thee.

Power and Spirit now o'erflow,

On me also be they pour'd,

Till Thy last and mightiest foe

Hath been made Thy footstool, Lord;

Yea, let earth's remotest end

To Thy righteous sceptre bend,

Make Thy way before Thee plain,

O'er all hearts and spirits reign.

Lo! Thy presence filleth now

All Thy Church in every place,

To my heart, oh enter Thou,

See it thirsteth for Thy grace;

Come, Thou King of glory, come,

Deign to make my heart Thy home,

There abide and rule alone,

As upon Thy heavenly throne!

Parting, dost Thou bring Thy life,

God and heaven, most inly near:

Let me rise o'er earthly strife,

As though still I saw Thee here,

And my heart transplanted hence,

Strange to earth and time and sense,

Dwell with Thee in heaven e'en now,

Where our only joy art Thou!