1. O grieve not so, nor so lament, My soul! nor troubled sigh, Because some joys to others sent Your Father may deny; Take all as love that seems severe There is no want if God is near.
2. There is no right you can demand, No title you can claim; For all are strangers in the land Who bear the human name: Earth and its treasures are the Lord's, And He the lot of each accords.
3. How thankless art you, child of man! For favors that abound; Your God has giv'n you eyes to scan The glory all around; Yet seldom for this priceless sight, Have you been heard to praise aright.
4. Number your limbs, your members tell, And ask your thankless soul, If to another you would sell The smallest of them all. There is not one from which your heart Would willingly submit to part.
5. Now, go and search the depths of mind, Explore its wondrous pow'r, New proofs of benefits to find, That meet you ev'ry hour; More than the sand upon the shore, And ever rising more and more.
6. He knows, who lives on Zion's hill, What we in truth require; Knows too how many blessings still This flesh and blood desire; And could He safely all bestow, He would not let you sorr'wing go.
7. You were not born that earth should be A portion fondly sought; Look up to heav'n, and smiling see Your shining, golden lot! Honors and joys, which you shall share, Unending and unenvied there!
8. Then journey on to life and bliss, God will protect to heav'n; And every good that meets you is A blessing wisely given. If losses come, let it be so The God of heav'n remains with you.
Words: Paul Gerhardt, 1923. Translated by Sarah Findlater, 1854, alt. Music and
Setting: 'Erfurt' or 'Ilse' Ludwig Herman Ilse, 1910.
copyright: public domain. This score is a part of the Open Hymnal Project, 2026 Revision.
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