eHymns.org

Johanan Scheffler

Johann Hermann Schein

Alvin (Bud) Herman Manz in 2024

Come, follow me, the Saviour spake,
All in my way abiding!
Deny yourselves, the world forsake;
Obey my call and guiding!
O bear my cross what e'er betide;
Take my example for your guide!

Yea, Lord, Thy image lights the way,
A holy life displaying;
Who comes to Thee and follows Thee
Is led from his dark straying.
Thou art the way and well dost show
How man should sojourn here below.

As Thou in true, obedient love
Didst give Thyself up wholly,
I give myself to God above
To do His will here solely.
If I but follow Thee alone,
I'll stand at last before Thy throne.

Thy heart in lowliness abounds;
Thy soul with love is glowing;
And from Thy lips are words and sounds
Of meekness overflowing.
Thy heart abounds with pitying thought,
E'en for the foe who knows Thee not.

Thou teachest us to shun and flee
What harms our soul's salvation,
Our heart to purify and free
From sin's abomination.
Our Shepherd true Thou art always,
Who seeks what in the desert strays.

And if too hot we find the fray,
Thou at our side art ready,
Defending us, to lead the way
At all times firm and steady.
A coward he, who then can pause,
When our brave captain leads the cause.

Who loves his life here more than Thee,
Without Thee he shall lose it;
Who consecrates it all to Thee,
In God will introduce it.
Who bears no cross, nor follows hard,
Deserves not Thee nor Thy reward.

Then let us follow our dear Lord,
Bearing the cross appointed,
And bravely clinging to His Word,
In suff'ring be undaunted.
He who shall bear the battle's strain,
The crown of life shall there obtain.