Scripture Verse

Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. Isaiah 26:8

Introduction

portrait
Robert S. Bridges
1844–1930

Words: Mar­tin Ja­nus, 1661 (Jesus bleibet meine Freude, mein­es Herz­ens Trost und Saft). Trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish prob­ab­ly by Ro­bert S. Bridg­es (1844–1930).

Music: Jo­hann Schop (1590–1664). Ar­ranged by Jo­hann S. Bach for the cho­rus clos­ing his Can­ta­ta 147, 1723 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Johann S. Bach
1685–1750

Lyrics

Jesu, joy of man’s desiring,
Holy wisdom, love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying round Thy throne.

Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty’s fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom’s holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown.