Pentecost (Whitsunday)

Poet unknown.

After 1740; Parody: 1,3,5 <--- BWV 34a/1, 5, 4.

BG 7; NBA I/13

1. Chorus (S, A, T, B)

O fire everlasting, O fountain of loving,
Enkindle our hearts now and consecrate them.

Let heavenly flames now envelop and flood them,
We wish now, O Highest, thy temple to be,
Ah, let thee our spirits in faith ever please thee.

2. Recit. (T)

Lord, these our hearts hold out to thee
Thy word (1)of truth to see:
Thou wouldst midst mankind gladly be,
Thus let my heart be thin;
Lord enter graciously.
For such a chosen holy shrine
Hath e'en the greatest fame.

3. Aria (A)

Rejoice, all ye, the chosen spirits,
Whom God his dwelling did elect.

Who can a greater bliss be wanting?
Who can his blessings; number reckon?
And this is by the lord fulfilled.(2)

4. Recit. (B)

If God doth choose the holy shelters
Where he with health doth dwell,
Then must he, too, his blessing pour upon them,
And thus the holy temples seat reward.
The Lord proclaims above his hallowed house
His word of blessing now:

5. Chorus (S, A, T, B)

Peace be over Israel.
Thank the lofty hands of wonder,
Thank, God hath you in his heart.

Yea, his blessing works with might,
Peace be over Israel,
Peace upon you all he sendeth.

1. I.e., the words of the Gospel, Jn. 14:23.

2. Cf. Ps. 118:23.

3. Cf. Ps. 128:6

© Copyright  Z. Philip Ambrose

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