18. Hymn: Deck Thyself, My Soul, With Gladness

Deck Thyself, My Soul, With Gladness

Author: Johann Franck

Tune: SCHMÜCKE DICH, by Johann Crüger

(Vocal 1)
(Vocal 2)

1. Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,
    Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness,
    Come into the daylight's splendour,
    There with joy thy praises render
    Unto Him whose grace unbounded
    Hath this wondrous banquet founded,
    High o'er all the heav'ns he reigneth,
    Yet to dwell with thee He deigneth.

2. Hasten as a Bride to meet Him,
    And with loving reverence greet Him,
    For with words of life immortal
    Now He knocketh at thy portal;
    Haste to ope the gates before Him,
    Saying, while thou dost adore Him,
    "Suffer, Lord, that I receive Thee,
    And I never more will leave Thee."

3. Ah how hungers all my spirit
    For the love I do not merit!
    Oft have I, with sighs fast thronging,
    Thought upon this food with longing,
    In the battle well-nigh worsted,
    For this cup of life have thirsted,
    For the Friend, who here invites us,
    And to God Himself unites us.

4. Now I sink before Thee lowly,
    Fill'd with joy most deep and holy,
    As with trembling awe and wonder
    On Thy mighty works I ponder,
    Now, by mystery surrounded,
    Depths no man hath ever sounded,
    None may dare to pierce unbidden
    Secrets that with Thee art hidden.

5. Sun, who all my life dost brighten,
    Light, who dost my soul enlighten,
    Joy, the sweetest man e'er knoweth,
    Fount, whence all my being floweth,
    At Thy feet I cry, my Maker,
    Let me be a fit partaker
    Of this blessed food from heaven,
    For our good, Thy glory, given.

6. Jesus, Bread of Life, I pray Thee,
    Let me gladly here obey Thee,
    Never to my hurt invited,
    Be Thy love with love requited;
    From this banquet let me measure,
    Lord, how vast and deep its treasure;
    Through the gifts Thou here dost give me
    As Thy guest in heaven receive me.