From “A Mirror For Pastors. Translated From The German Of Guthe,
By Rev. W. E. Tressel, Baltimore, Md.
The Activity Of The Catechist.” in Loy, ed.
The Columbus Theological Magazine. Vol. 18, 1898.
quote:
The pearls of the Church’s hymnology are likewise not to remain unknown to the scholars. One should also not omit to communicate whatever in the history of the origin or blessed influence of these hymns is edifying. If the children learn the hymn: “If thou but suffer God to guide thee,” relate to them the circumstances under which it was composed: G. Neumark in the year 1653 fell into such great poverty, that he was even forced to pawn his beloved viola di Gamba, upon which he was such a skillful performer. When God did not permit his confidence to be put to shame and helped him out of his need, so that he could redeem his viola di Gamba, he composed the beautiful hymn so expressive of trust in God, and when he had finished writing it, he immediately played. it amid tears of thankfulness. Koch’s “Geschichte des Kirchenliedes” is a rich storehouse upon which to draw in this respect.
The Bethany Hymnal -
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"If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee"
by Georg Neumark, 1621-1681
Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878
1. If thou but suffer God to guide thee
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He'll give thee strength, whate'er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days.
Who trusts in God's unchanging love
Builds on the Rock that naught can move.
2. What can these anxious cares avail thee,
These never-ceasing moans and sighs?
What can it help if thou bewail thee
O'er each dark moment as it flies?
Our cross and trials do but press
The heavier for our bitterness.
3. Be patient and await His leisure
In cheerful hope, with heart content
To take whate'er thy Father's pleasure
And His discerning love hath sent,
Nor doubt our inmost wants are known
To Him who chose us for His own.
4. God knows full well when times of gladness
Shall be the needful thing for thee.
When He has tried thy soul with sadness
And from all guile has found thee free,
He comes to thee all unaware
And makes thee own His loving care.
5. Nor think amid the fiery trial
That God hath cast thee off unheard,
That he whose hopes meet no denial
Must surely be of God preferred.
Time passes and much change doth bring
And sets a bound to everything.
6. All are alike before the Highest;
'Tis easy to our God, we know,
To raise thee up, though low thou liest,
To make the rich man poor and low.
True wonders still by Him are wrought
Who setteth up and brings to naught.
7. Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving,
Perform thy duties faithfully,
And trust His Word, though undeserving,
Thou yet shalt find it true for thee.
God never yet forsook in need
The soul that trusted Him indeed.
Hymn #518
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Psalm 55:22
Author: Georg Neumark, 1640
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.
Titled: "Wer nur den lieben Gott laesst walten"
Composer: Georg Neumark, 1640
Tune: "Wer nur den lieben Gott"
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| Georg Neumark |
