Scripture Verse

Before Abraham was, I am. John 8:58

Introduction

portrait
Johann Scheffler
1624–1677

Words: Sam­uel John­son, Hymns of the Spi­rit 1864.

Music: Cul­bach, from Heil­i­ge Seel­en­lust, by Jo­hann Scheff­ler, 1657 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Samuel Johnson
1822–1882

Lyrics

Life of ages, richly poured,
Love of God, unspent and free,
Flowing in the prophet’s word,
And the people’s liberty.

Never was to chosen race
That unstinted tide confined
Thine is every time and place,
Fountain sweet of heart and mind.

Breathing in the thinker’s creed,
Pulsing in the hero’s blood,
Nerving noblest thought and deed,
Freshening time with truth and good.

Consecrating art and song,
Holy book and pilgrim way,
Quelling strife and tyrant wrong,
Widening freedom’s sacred sway.