Ascension.

Poet unknown.

1. Mk. 16:16; 3. Philipp Nicolai, verse 5 of "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern," 1599; 6. Johann Kolrose, verse 4 of "Ich dank dir, lieber Herre," ca. 1535 (Wackernagel, III, #114).

18 April 1724, Leipzig.

BG 7; NBA I/12.

1. Chorus [Dictum] (S, A, T, B)

Who believeth and is baptized, will obtain salvation.

2. Aria (T)

Belief is the pledge of the love
Which Jesus for his people keeps.

Thus hath he just from love's emotion,
When he into life's book inscribed me,
On me this precious gem bestowed.

3. Chorale (S, A)

Lord God, Father, my champion strong!
Thou hast me e'er before the world
In thine own Son belovéd.
Thy Son hath me himself betrothed,
He is my store, I am his bride,
Most high in him rejoicing.
Eia!
Eia!
Life in heaven shall he give to me supernal;
Ever shall my heart extol him.

4. Recit. (B)

Ye mortal folk, do ye now long
With me
God's countenance to see before you?
Then ye should not be on good works relying;
For though a Christian ought
Indeed in good works ever labor,
Because this is the solemn will of God,
Yet doth our faith alone assure
That we 'fore God be justified and saved.

5. Aria (B)

Belief provides the soul with pinions,
On which it shall to heaven soar,
Baptism is the seal of mercy
Which us God's saving blessing brings;
And thus is called the Christian blest
Who doth believe and is baptized.

6. Chorale (S, A, T, B)

Belief bestow upon me
In thy Son Jesus Christ,
My sins as well forgive me
While I am in this life.
Thou wilt not e'er deny me
What thou hast promised me,
That he my sin shall carry
And free me of its weight.

© Copyright  Z. Philip Ambrose

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