Author: Unknown Composer: Christian Friedrich Witt, 1715 (1665-1717)
1. Be not thou discouraged, Though the tempters flourish; Him who calls, obey! Follow, though they threaten, For the Saviour’s servants Call: Do not delay. Don’t relent; fear not contempt, Nor the spiteful horde’s oppression; Hold fast thy confession!
2. See’st thou others wander Who the Saviour slander, Dead in unbelief, Who are ever seeking With their evil speaking, Christ’s fold to deceive; Do not fear; the Lord is near, Breaks the way to life immortal; Strive to find the portal!
3. Yield to Him submission Who for thy transgression Died upon the cross! Do no longer tarry; You must haste and hurry; Tardiness is loss. When at last God’s grace is past And proud Babylon is banished, All hope will have vanished.
4. We must shun the teaching Of those who are preaching Sinful greed and lust, To the Beast allegiance, To God disobedience, Whose reward is just. Wrath and scorn must here be borne; He who here avoids affliction Forfeits God’s affection.
5. Therefore, onward hurry; Do not longer tarry Here in Babel’s land! He who here stays captured Ne’er shall be enraptured With that sacred band. Up and strive for endless life; Do not fear the roaring lion; Fear the God of Zion.