Part 13 (1/2)

He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be His G.o.d, and he shall be My son.

_Rev._ xxi. 7.

Who are these, like stars appearing, These before G.o.d's throne who stand?

Each a golden crown is wearing- Who are all this glorious band?

Alleluia, hark! they sing, Praising loud their heavenly King.

Who are these, who palms are clasping, Like a conqueror, in their hand, When he sees his foeman gasping, Stretched before him in the sand?

What the combat, who the foes, Whence this joyful triumph rose?

Who are these, of dazzling brightness, These in G.o.d's own truth arrayed, Clad in robes of purest whiteness, Robes whose l.u.s.tre ne'er shall fade, Ne'er be touched by Time's rude hand?

Whence come all this glorious band?

These are they who have contended For their Saviour's honour long, Wrestling on till life was ended, Following not the sinful throng: These, who well the fight sustained, Triumph through the Lamb have gained.

These are they whose hearts were riven, Sore with woe and anguish tried, Who in prayer full oft have striven With the G.o.d they glorified: Now, their painful conflict o'er, G.o.d has bid them weep no more.

Branches of that Stock that saved them, Where both grace and health unite, In the Lamb's pure Blood they laved them, Washed their robes and made them white: Now adorned with holiness, s.h.i.+ne they in their festal dress.

These like priests have watched and waited, Offering up to Christ their will, Soul and body consecrated, Day and night to serve Him still: Now, in G.o.d's most Holy Place, Blest they stand before His Face.

As the hart at noon-tide panteth For the brooks of water clear, For the life-spring Jesus granteth These have groaned, with frequent tear: Now their thirst is satisfied, For they are by Jesus' side.

Lo! the Lamb Himself now feeds them On Mount Sion's pastures fair; From His central Throne He leads them By the living fountains there: Lamb and Shepherd! Good Supreme!

Free He gives the cooling stream.

Heavenward now my hands extending, Jesus, Lord, to Thee I pray, Low before Thy footstool bending- Since on earth I still must stay, In Thy Church still wage my war, Drive, good Lord, my foes afar.

In the strife the conquest send me Over h.e.l.l, the world, and sin; With Thy grace, O Lord, defend me, When temptation's storms begin: All my dangers bear me through, Lord, my Rock, my Saviour true!

Oh that, Lord, with Thee connected Like a living branch I grew!

Make me one of Thine elected, Let me here be born anew; Keep from stain my garments free, Let me no dissembler be.

With the just, who Thee resemble, Let, O Lord, my lot be cast; Far from all that makes me tremble, Let Thy faithful child at last Make Thy pledged reward his own, Ever dwelling near Thy Throne.

With that holy throng uniting, Then what rapture shall be mine!

In the Sun's bright beams delighting, I too like the stars shall s.h.i.+ne: Lord, for this my voice shall raise Thanks to Thee, and endless praise.

Christi Fusstapfen.

La.s.set uns laufen durch Geduld in dem Kampf der uns verordnet ist, und aufsehen auf Jesum, den Anfanger und Vollender des Glaubens.

Lebt, ihr Christen, so allhier auf Erden, Da.s.s ihr Christo moget ahnlich werden, Der aus dem Leiden Ging zum Vater in das Reich der Freuden.