Wednesday, February 29, 2012

#143 The Lutheran Hymnal

Tune Herzliebster Jesu, by Johann Cruger, 1640; text from Luke 23: 20-24, lyrics by Johann Heermann, 1630. Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1863.

O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken
That such sharp sentence should on Thee be spoken?
Of what great crime hast Thou to make confession, 
What dark transgression?

They crown Thy head with thorns, they smite, they scourge Thee;
With cruel mockings to the cross they urge Thee;
They give Thee gall to drink, they still decry Thee;
They crucify Thee.

whence come these sorrows, whence this mortal anguish?
It is my sins for which Thou, Lord, must languish;
Yea, all the wrath , the woe, Thou dost inherit, 
This I do merit.

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