V. The Resolve. 7,7,7,7,7,7 Nun so will ich denn mein Leben [322]Tersteegen.1731. Now at last I end the strife, To my God I give my life Wholly, with a steadfast mind; Sin, I will not hearken more, World, I turn from thee, 'tis o'er, Not a look I'll cast behind. Hath my heart been wavering long, Have I dallied oft with wrong, Now at last I firmly say: All my will to this I give, Only to my God to live, And to serve Him night and day. Lord, I offer at Thy feet All I have most dear and sweet, Lo! I keep no secret hoard: Try my heart, and lurks there aught False within its inmost thought, Take it hence this moment, Lord! I will shun no toil or wo, Where Thou leadest I will go, Be my pathway plain or rough; If but every hour may be Spent in work that pleases Thee, Ah, dear Lord, it is enough! One thing will I seek alone, Nothing outward shall be known, Sought, or toil'd for, more by me; Strange to earth and all her care, Well content with pilgrim's fare, Shall my life be hid in Thee. Thee I make my choice alone, Make for ever, Lord, Thine own All my powers of soul and mind; Here I give myself away, Let the covenant stand for aye That my hand to-day hath sign'd. |