2 We are still as in a dungeon living,
Still oppressed with sorrow and misgiving;

Our undertakings
Are but toils and troubles and heart-breakings.
3 Ye, meanwhile, are in your chambers sleeping,
Quiet, and set free from all your weeping;

No cross or sadness
There can hinder your untroubled gladness.
4 Christ has wiped away your tears forever;
Ye have that for which we still endeavor.

To you are chanted
Songs that ne'er to mortal ears were granted.
5 Ah! who would then not depart with gladness,
To inherit heaven for earthly sadness?

Who here would languish
Longer in bewailing and in anguish?
6 Come, o Christ, and loose the chains that bind us!
Lead us forth, and cast this world behind us!

With Thee, th’ Anointed,
Finds the soul its joy and rest appointed.

S. Dack, 1635

dark hath been the mid - night, But day-spring is

: 26 E

598 4, 6, 8L.

J. Barnby, 1869

2 What better can befall me

No good He e'er neglected, Than that the Lord doth call me

And all His works His glory tell. From hence, where sin holds sway?

6 When ye shall see me nearing Who is on earth a stranger

The throne of God, appearing Must ever be in danger,

Adorned and crowned a bride, Till God hath closed life's fleeting day.

My palms of victory swinging, 3 God takes His own from anguish

'Midst Hallelujahs ringing, And pain, in which they languish

In beauteous grace the Lamb beWithin this vale of tears,

side: And gives them to inherit The crown that Christ did inerit:

7 Ye both shall rue the sadness The joy of heaven's eternal years.

That made you weep, and gladness 4 I was on earth your treasure;

E’er in your hearts shall reign.

Who follows where God guideth, When now I know but pleasure Ye weep in bitter woe;

And takes what He provideth,

Shall know surcease from all his Believe, whate'er betideth,

pain. God's love in all abideth, And soon your tears shall cease to 8 Farewell, I now must leave you; flow.

The grief this day doth give you 5 Our days the Lord appointeth,

Soon others, too, shall bear. He woundeth and anointeth,

Be ye to God commended; He knoweth all things well.

In heaven all woe is ended, No evil He effected,

And we shall meet in glory there.

J. Heermann, 1634