We Thank Thee, Jesus, Dearest Friend

We thank Thee, Jesus, Dearest Friend

Words: Un­known au­thor, 1607, cen­to (Wir dank­en dir, Herr Je­su Christ); trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Matthias Loy, 1880, alt.

Music: Er­schien­en Ist, Nikolaus Hermann, Die Son­tags Euan­gel­ia, 1560

We thank Thee, Jesus, dearest Friend,
That Thou didst into Heav’n ascend.
O blessèd Savior, bid us live
And strength to soul and body give.
Hallelujah!  
Ascended to His throne on high,

Hid from our sight, yet always nigh,
He rules and reigns at God’s right hand
And has all power at His command.
Hallelujah!

The man who trusts in Him is blest
And finds in Him eternal rest;
This world’s allurements we despise
And fix on Christ alone our eyes.
Hallelujah!

We therefore heartily rejoice
And sing His praise with cheerful voice;
He captive led captivity,
From bitter death He set us free.
Hallelujah!

Through Him we heirs of Heaven are made;
O Brother, Christ, extend Thine aid
That we may firmly trust in Thee
And through Thee live eternally.
Hallelujah!

Resource:

Taken from my collection of hymn books through the years, from my Hymnals for Youth to my favourite A Treasury of Hymns, edited by Maria Leiper and Henry W. Simon. / Tel