Scripture Verse

Sing unto Him a new song. Psalm 33:3

Introduction

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Johann S. Bach (1685–1750)

Words: From Sie­ben und Zwantz­igk ne­we geist­liche Ge­sen­ge, mit vier Stim­men com­po­nir­et (Er­furt, Ger­ma­ny: 1588), by Jo­hann Steu­er­lein, 1588 (Das alte Jahr ver­gan­gen ist). Trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Jo­hann C. Ja­co­bi, Psal­mo­dia Ger­ma­ni­ca (Lon­don: G. Smith, print­er, se­cond edi­tion, 1732), page 9.

Music: Vom Him­mel hoch, in Geist­liche Lied­er, by Val­en­tin Schu­mann (Leip­zig, Ger­ma­ny: 1539). Har­mo­ny by Jo­hann S. Bach (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Johann Steuerlein
1546–1613

Lyrics

With this new year we raise new songs,
To praise the Lord with hearts and tongues,
For His support in troubles past,
Wherewith our life was overcast.

O! grant us, Je­su, Prince of Peace,
Thy constant aid, Thy constant grace,
That we may, thro’ the rolling year,
Serve Thee with filial love and fear.

O! may we ne­ver lose Thy truth—
The prop of age, the guard of youth—
Keep from us superstitious fears,
Banish false doctrine from our ears.

Guard us, oh! guard us from all sin:
And let us be renewed within:
Of errors past the records rend,
O! Thou, whose mercy knows no end.

Grant us to lead a holy life.
And when we leave this world of strife,
O! bring us to that joyful day,
When Thou wilt wipe all tears away.

Then shall Thy praise anew begin,
Without th’allay of self and sin.
Maintain, O Lord, our faith and love,
Till we behold Thy face above.