The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
Psalm 19:7
Words: Bartholomäus Ringwaldt, 1581 (Gott Heil’ger Geist, hilf uns mit Grund). Translated from German to English by Oluf H. Smeby, 1909.
Music: Es ist gewisslich Geistliche Lieder (Wittenberg, Germany: 1535) (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Ringwaldt (head-and-shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace
That we our Lord and Savior
In faith and fervent love embrace
And truly serve Him ever,
So that when death is drawing nigh,
We to His open wounds may fly
And find in them salvation.
Help us that we Thy saving Word
In faithful hearts may treasure;
Let e’er that Bread of Life afford
New grace in richest measure.
Yea, let us die to every sin,
For Heav’n create us new within
That fruits of faith may flourish.
And when our earthly race is run,
Death’s bitter hour impending,
Then may Thy work in us begun
Continue until life’s ending.
Until we gladly may commend
Our souls into our Savior’s hand
To rest in peace eternal.