Oh, How Great is Thy Compassion - #384 - Olearius - Crull Translation

Norma A. Boeckler

"Oh, How Great is Thy Compassion"
by Johann Olearius
Translated by August Crull, 1845-1923

Tune - Ach, was soll ich Suender machen - linked here

1. Oh, how great is Thy compassion,
Faithful Father, God of grace,
That with all our fallen race
And in our deep degradation
Thou wast merciful that we
Might be saved eternally!

2. Thy great love for this hath striven
That we may from sin be free
And forever live with Thee;
Yea, Thy Son Himself hath given
And extends an earnest call
To His Supper unto all.

3. And for this our soul's salvation
Voucheth Thy good Spirit, Lord,
In Thy Sacraments and Word.
He imparts true consolation,
Granteth us the gift of faith
That we fear nor hell nor death.

4. Lord, Thy mercy will not leave me,-
Truth doth evermore abide,-
Then in Thee I will confide.
Since Thy Word cannot deceive me,
My salvation is to me
Well assured eternally.

5. I will praise Thy great compassion,
Faithful Father, God of grace,
That with all our fallen race
And in our deep degradation
Thou wast merciful that we
Might bring endless praise to Thee.

Hymn #384
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: 2 Corinthians 9:15
Author: Johann Olearius, 1671
Translated by: August Crull, 1923, alt.
Titled: "Ach, wie gross ist deine Gnade"
Tune: "Ach, was soll ich Suender machen"
1st Published in: "Hirtenlieder"
Town: Altdorf, 1653