Thursday, July 30, 2020

Zinzendorf's "Jesus Lead Thou On" - Was Stephan and the Walther Circle Pietistic?

 Norma Boeckler's Christian Art



"Jesus, Lead Thou On" - Nicholaus von Zinzendorf
Cento by Christian Gregor, 1723-1801
Translated by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897

Nicholaus von Zinzendorf was a leader of Pietism, had a close connection with Martin Stephan, and was the author of two hymns in The Lutheran Hymnal.



1. Jesus, lead Thou on
Till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow calm and fearless.
Guide us by Thy hand
To our fatherland.

2. If the way be drear,
If the foe be near,
Let not faithless fears o'ertake us;
Let not faith and hope forsake us;
For through many a woe
To our home we go.

3. When we seek relief
From a long-felt grief;
When temptations come alluring,
Make us patient and enduring;
Show us that bright shore
Where we weep no more.

4. Jesus, lead Thou on
Till our rest is won.
Heavenly Leader, still direct us,
Still support, control, protect us,
Till we safely stand
In our fatherland.

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #410
Text: Luke 5:11
Author: Ludwig von Zinzendorf, Cento by Christian Gregor, 1778
Translated by: Jane Borthwick, 1854, alt.
Titled: "Jesu, geh voran"
Composer: Adam Drese, 1697
Tune: "Seelenbraeutigam"