On Old Hymn from 1641

This original German hymn was translated in 1863 by Catherine Winkworth and published in the Chorale book of England. Pondering the words and meaning of them is very hepful. The original translation:

If thou but suffer God to guide thee and hope in Him through all thy ways,

He’ll give thee strength, whate’er betide thee and bear thee through the evil days.

Who trust in God’s unchanging love builds on the rock that naught can move.



What can these anxious cares avail thee; these never ceasing moans and sighs?

What can it help if thou bewail thee o’er each dark moment as it flies?

Our cross and trials do but press the heavier for our bitterness.



Be patient and await His leisure in cheerful hope, with heart content

To take whatever thy Father’s pleasure and His discerning love hath sent;

Nor doubt our inmost wants are known to Him who chose us for His own.



God knows full well when time of gladness shall be the needful thing for thee.

When He has tried thy soul with sadness and from all guile has found thee free,

He comes to thee all unaware and makes thee own His loving care.



Nor think amid the fiery trial that God hath cast thee off unheard,

That He whose hopes meet no denial must surely be of God preferred.

Time passes and much change doth bring and set a bound to everything.



All are alike before the Highest: 'tis easy for our God, we know,

To raise thee up, though low thou liest; to make the rich man poor and low.

True wonders still by Him are wrought Who setteth up and brings to naught.



Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving, perform thy duties faithfully,

And trust His Word: though undeserving, thou yet shalt find it true for thee.

God never yet forsook in need the soul that trusted Him indeed.