BWV 153 Schau, lieber Gott, wie meine Feind
The Sunday after New Year's Day. Poet unknown. 1. David Denicke, verse 1 of the hymn, 1646 (Fischer-Tümpel, II, #383); 3. Is. 41:10; 5. Paul Gerhardt, verse 5 of "Befiehl du deine Wege," 1653 (Fischer-Tümpel, III, #435); 9. Martin Moller, verses 16-18 of "Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid," 1587, after Bernard of Clairvaux, "Jesu dulcis memoria" (Wackernagel, I, #38). 2 January 1724, Leipzig. BG 32; NBA I/4. 1. Chorale (S, A, T, B) Behold, dear God, how all my foes, 2. Recit. (A) My dearest God, ah, grant me yet thy mercy, 3. Aria [Dictum] (B) Fear have thou none, I am with thee. Waver not, I am thy God; I strengthen thee, I also help thee through this the right hand of mine own righteousness. 4. Recit. (T) Thou dost assure, O God, unto my soul’s repose, 5. Chorale And though now all the devils 6. Aria (T) Storm then, storm, afflictions’ tempests, 7. Recit. (B) Bear up, my heart, 8. Aria (A) Though I must my life’s full courseRun neath cross and sorrow’s burden, Yet it shall in heaven end. There is nought but jubilation, And there, too, shall Jesus transform all my sadness To happiest pleasure, to unceasing gladness. 9. Chorale (S, A, T, B) Thus will I, while I yet have life,The cross with gladness bear to thee; My God, make me for it prepared, The cross will serve me all my years! Help me my life to meet forthright, That I my course may run complete, Help me to master flesh and blood, From sin and scandal keep me free! If thou my heart in faith keep pure, I’ll live and die in thee alone; Jesus, my hope, hear my desire, O Savior mine, were I with thee! © Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose |