Author: Karl Friedrich Harttmann (1743-1815) Composer: Hans Georg Nägeli (1773-1836)
1. Finally from hottest smelter Faith receives its seal and shelter As the gold that’s purified; For the greatest joy of heaven, Having suffered much and striven, God’s belov’d are glorified.
2. Through deep suff’ring we inherit In our heart and mind and spirit Our dear Master’s likeness true. He, the author of creation Shall on ways of tribulation, Us in future life renew.
3. Suff’ring brings rebellious members To submission, from their slumbers Wakens them God’s will to do, Yielding in subordination, Works of sacred consecration Meek and gently to renew.
4. Suff’ring oft collects our senses; From all worldly thought it cleanses That our soul may not be lost; Tells us God’s word to remember, And in our hearts’ inmost chamber Guards as does an angel host.
5. In our hearts the chords attuning, That in psalms with God communing We look up to yonder shore. With the palms of peace abounding, Where the golden harps are sounding, Praising God forevermore.
6. Suff’ring speeds us on our journey, Hallows soul and flesh with yearning For that sleep in silent grave. Bringing tidings of great gladness, Calling all from death and sadness Life eternal to receive.
7. Suff’ring makes our faith more ample, Meek and humble, childlike, simple. What can e’er with thee compare? Here, a heavy load oppressing, There a great and heav’nly blessing, Which not everyone can share.
8. Brethren, suff’ring is a favor Which in various ways the Saviour To His own elect has shown. Often racked by pain and sighing, Often felt the throes of dying, When through sleepless nights they groan.
9. Though in health and in enjoyment, We to our good Lord’s employment, Willingly our strength did yield; Yet we deem it no privation, When through pain and tribulation Our faith unto God is sealed.
10. In the depth of sore affliction, Our hearts draw in close affection To our loving Saviour’s heart. And for this we cry and tremble: May we Thee in death resemble, And in Life with Thee take part!
11. When at last our sighs are counted, Ev’ry barrier is surmounted, And the curtain rends in twain, Who is able then to measure, What of peace, and joy, and treasure In that kingdom we shall gain?
12. Let me then behold in clearness Yonder heights, Lord, in Thy nearness, When at last my hour shall come, When all earthly ties are severed, And from death and toil delivered, Angel bands shall bear me home!