Author: Georges Michel Mangold (1822-1894) Composer: Johann Gottlieb Naumann (1741−1801)
1. Come, draw near of ev’ry nation, Heed the Saviour’s loving voice; Hear the words of consolation, Make the way of truth your choice! From His lips is ever heard His inspiring, living word.
2. Blessed are the poor in spirit Who, with meek and lowly heart, Plead now for the Saviour’s mercy For His grace He will impart. He will hear their pleading voice, In His kingdom they’ll rejoice.
3. Blest are they who truly sorrow For the debt of sin they owe; They shall not become discouraged, Grace and help He will bestow. He’ll efface sin’s debt and grief, And give solace and relief.
4. Blessed are the meek and lowly, Gentle as a lamb and pure, Pride and wrath forever scorning, Who in humbleness endure; On the new earth, glad and free Their inheritance shall be.
5. Blest are they who thirst and hunger After truth and righteousness; For, such real, essential virtues God will give them to possess. All whose soul doth long for grace Shall these precious gifts embrace.
6. Blest are they, who, showing mercy Without favor, without fear, All mankind in love embracing, To the needy ones draw near. They who merciful remain, Mercy also shall obtain.
7. Blessed are the pure and spotless, Who in chastity abide; In whose heart the Saviour’s likeness Shall be truly glorified. They shall in yon heav’nly light See God’s countenance so bright.
8. Blessed are the peaceful children Who in peace live day by day, And, unlike the godless sinner, Evil works with good repay. He who peace and love has taught Shall be called a child of God.
9. Blessed are those who must suffer For the sake of righteousness; Through such trials God prepares them For that home of joy and bliss. Those who die in Christ the Lord Find in heaven their reward.
10. Blest are you, when people chide you, Hate you, slander scoffingly; Lie about you, and deride you: - “Yours the Kingdom yet shall be.” You shall, in your gracious Lord, Share the prophets’ rich reward.
11. Blest are all who here reproaches, Without blame, and scorn must bear, Patient till the end approaches, God will then reward them there: Crowns of righteousness will there All the patient sufferers wear.
12. But woe to the rich whose fullness Is their God and their reward; Hence they shall go empty-handed; Tears and hunger is their part. Woe to those who laugh and scorn; They shall surely weep and mourn.