Author: Gerhard Tersteegen (1697-1769) Composer: Johann Rosenmüller (1619-1684)
1. Dearest Saviour, draw Thou near, ’Stablish my foundation, Mightily redeeming me, That with consecration I my zeal may reveal, Thee in love embracing, Self and all effacing.
2. Concentrate my scattered mind On Thy word, O Saviour! For apart from Thee I find Torment and disfavor. Mortal foes will confuse, But in Thee is given Rest and joy in heaven.
3. From all evil make me free, Truly separated; True devotion give Thou me, In Thy peace instated. Childlike, pure, meek, demure, May I e’er behold Thee, Live and stand before Thee.
4. Son of Man, Immanuel, As my friend appointed, Fount of love, may heart and soul Be of Thee anointed! Make my will, meek and still, And in all conditions Give me true submission.
5. Mortal creatures stand afar, Cause no interruption! Thy word, Jesus, will I hear, Flesh leads to corruption. From all woes give repose, And to give Thee pleasure Be my richest treasure.
6. Gather ev’ry fugitive, Make the vain surrender; The entangled, true rest give, Make all hard hearts tender; Thus my plea e’er shall be: Nothing shall find favor, But my Lord and Saviour.