Septuagesima Sunday.

Christian Friedrich Henrici (Picander), Ernst- Schertzhaffte und Satyrische Gedichte, Teil III (Leipzig, 1732); Facs: Neumann T, p. 338; the author of this adaptation unknown.

5. Ämilie Juliane von Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, verse 12 of "Wer weiß, wie nahe mir mein Ende," 1686 (Fischer-Tümpel, V, #631).

Probably 9 February 1727, Leipzig.

BG 20,1; NBA I/7.

1. Aria (S)

I am content with my good fortune,
On me by God himself bestowed.

Should I possess no sumptuous treasures,
I'll thank him just for simple favors
Yet merit not the worth of these.

2. Recit. (S)

Indeed God owes me nothing,
And with his every gift
He shows to me his love for me;
I can acquire nought in his service,
For what I do I owe to him.
Indeed, however good my deeds' appearance,
I have, no less, nought worthy brought to pass.
However, man is so impatient,
That he is often sad
If on him God above excessive wealth not shed.
Hath he not us through all these years
Both freely nourished and beclad
And will he us once to happiness
Before his majesty not raise?
It is enough for me
That I not hungry must to bed retire.

3. Aria (S)

I eat now with gladness my humblest of bread
And grant to my neighbor sincerely what's his.

A conscience e'er quiet, a spirit e'er gay,
A heart ever thankful, exalting with praise,
Increaseth one's blessings and sweetens one's need.

4. Recit. (S)

With sweat upon my countenance
I will meanwhile my bread enjoy,
And when my life's full course,
My life's last evening, once is finished,
Then God will deal me all my pence,
As sure as heaven stands!
Oh, if I may this favor
As my reward of mercy savor
I shall nought further need.

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

I live meanwhile in thee contented
And die, all troubles laid aside;
Sufficient is what my God gives me,
Of this I am in faith convinced:
Through thy dear grace and Christ's own blood
Mak'st thou mine own life's finish good.

© Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose

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