Jesus Refuge of the Weary - #145 - Savonarola

 

"Jesus, Refuge of the Weary"
by Girolamo Savonarola, 1454-1498
Translated by Jane F. Wilde, 1826-1896

Tune - O du Liebe

1. Jesus, Refuge of the weary,
Blest Redeemer, whom we love,
Fountain in life's desert dreary,
Savior from the world above,
Oh, how oft Thine eyes, offended,
Gaze upon the sinner's fall!
Yet, upon the cross extended,
Thou didst bear the pain of all.

2. Do we pass that cross unheeding,
Breathing no repentant vow,
Though we see Thee wounded, bleeding,
See Thy thorn-encircled brow?
Yet Thy sinless death hath brought us
Life eternal, peace, and rest;
Only what Thy grace hath taught us
Calms the sinner's stormy breast.

3. Jesus, may our hearts be burning
With more fervent love for Thee!
May our eyes be ever turning
To Thy cross of agony
Till in glory, parted never
From the blessed Savior's side,
Graven in our hearts forever
Dwell the cross, the Crucified!

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #145
Text: Mark 15:29-30
Author: Girolamo Savonarola, 1563
Translated by: Jane F. Wilde, 1853
Titled: "Giesu sommo conforto"
Tune: "O du Liebe"
1st Published in: _Musikalischer Christenschatz"
Town: Basel, 1745

 Savanarola - burned at the stake - was considered a leader in starting the Reformation, according to Luther.