Author: Unknown Composer: Christoph Anton, 1643 (1610-1658)
1. Follow me, the Saviour calleth; Come to me, I am the way! What is lacking I will give you; Trust in me and watch and pray! Follow me in true submission; I have borne all your transgression; Learn of me; both great and small, Meekly, humbly hear my call.
2. Through this life I’ve gone before you, Serving not earth’s vanity; So should all now choose my virtue And my true disciples be. Follow me with cheerful spirit That my kingdom ye inherit. Yea, forsake the highway broad; Follow me on heaven’s road.
3. Why is there this anxious striving For the treasures of this earth? By God’s word they all will perish, Honor, pleasure, wealth and mirth. And I, who have life eternal, Joy and blessedness supernal, Find so few who will obey On the straight and narrow way!
4. I call weeping: “Tribes and nations O, that all could understand And would come to seek salvation, Would obey my kind command!” For the day is drawing nearer When the disobeying hearers Who the truth have not believed, In false hope they were deceived.
5. When the words by prophets spoken, Their fulfillment then shall find: “Lo! Their vision I have broken And confused their heart and mind!” Woe to ev’ry willful being Who is constantly pursuing A perverse and sinful way, And in selfish pride does stay.
6. Therefore, all ye human beings, Hear today the Saviour’s word; He came for the poor lost sinner Who with joy His message heard. Come, believe! Be meek and lowly, For His Word is true and holy; Who believes Him is made free Here and in eternity.
7. Sing, all ye who are persuaded By the power of His call! O, be glad; for you are aided By His hand through dangers all. Not a sparrow ever falleth Lest it be that God alloweth; So rejoice exceedingly For His kingdom yours shall be.
8. Walk thus, cheering one another, Little flock, e’en to the end; If ye see a stumbling brother, Helpful word and hand extend; Filled with God’s own mighty fullness, Follow Christ in holy stillness, Sing to Him a “Gloria!” And rejoice, “Hallelujah!”