8,6,8,6,4,4,8,8,8

Herr Gott nun schleuss dein Himmel auf

[398]T. Kiel.1620.

Lord God, now open wide Thy heaven,

My parting hour is near;

My course is run, enough I've striven

Enough I've suffer'd here;

Weary and sad

My soul is glad

That she may lay her down to rest;

Now all on earth I can resign,

But only let Thy heaven be mine.

As Thou, Lord, hast commanded me,

Have I with perfect faith

Embraced my Saviour, and to Thee

I calmly look in death;

With willing heart

I hence depart,

I hope to stand before Thy face:

Yes, all on earth I can resign,

If but Thy heaven at last be mine.

Then let me go like Simeon

In peace with Thee to dwell,

For I commend me to Thy Son,

And He will guard me well,

And guide me straight

To the golden gate;

And in this hope I calmly die;

Yes, all on earth I can resign,

If but Thy heaven may now be mine.