Farewell I Gladly Bid Thee - #407 - Winkworth Translation

"Farewell I Gladly Bid Thee"
by Valerius Herberger, 1562-1627
Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878

Tune - Valet will ich dir geben - linked here

1. Farewell I gladly bid Thee,
False, evil world, farewell.
Thy life is vain and sinful,
With Thee I would not dwell.
I long to be in heaven,
In that untroubled sphere
Where they will be rewarded
Who served their God while here.

2. By Thy good counsel lead me,
O Son of God, my Stay;
In each perplexing trial
Help me, O Lord, I pray.
Mine hour of sorrow shorten,
Support my fainting heart,
From every cross deliver,
The crown of life impart.

3. When darkness round me gathers,
Thy name and cross, still bright,
Deep in my heart are sparkling
Like stars in blackest night.
O heart, this image cherish:
The Christ on Calvary,
How patiently He suffered
And shed His blood for me!

4. Lord, hide my soul securely
Deep in Thy wounded side;
From every danger shield me
And to Thy glory guide.
He has been truly blessed
Who reaches heaven above;
He has found perfect healing
Who rests upon Thy love.

5. Lord, write my name, I pray Thee,
Now in the Book of Life
And with all true believers
Take me where joys are rife.
There let me bloom and flourish,
Thy perfect freedom prove,
And tell, as I adore Thee,
How faithful was Thy love.

Hymn #407
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Revelation 3:5
Author: Valerius Herberger, 1613
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.
Titled: "Valet will ich dir geben"
Composer: Melchior Teschner, 1613
Tune: "Valet will ich dir geben"