Scripture Verse

Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life. Matthew 7:14

Introduction

portrait
Johann Crüger
(1598–1662)

Words: Tho­mas F. Mid­dle­ton (1769–1822). Mid­dle­ton in­tend­ed for the hymn to be sung on New Year’s Day.

Music: Grä­fen­berg Jo­hann Crü­ger, Prax­is Pi­eta­tis Me­li­ca, 1647 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Thomas F. Middleton (1769–1822)
National Portrait Gallery

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Lyrics

As o’er the past my me­mo­ry strays,
Why heaves the sec­ret sigh?
’Tis that I mourn de­part­ed days,
Still un­pre­pared to die.

The world and world­ly things be­loved,
My anx­ious thoughts em­ployed;
And time un­hal­lowed, un­im­proved,
Presents a fear­ful void.

Yet, ho­ly Fa­ther, wild des­pair
Chase from my la­bor­ing breast;
Thy grace it is which prompts the pray­er,
That grace can do the rest.

My life’s brief rem­nant all be Thine;
And when Thy sure de­cree
Bids me this fleet­ing breath re­sign,
O speed my soul to Thee.