Church Book ‎#554

554. The precious seed of weeping

1 The precious seed of weeping
To-day we sow once more,
The form of one now sleeping,
Whose pilgrimage is o'er.
Ah, death but safely lands him
Where we too would attain;
Our Father's voice demands him,
And death to him is gain.

2 He has what we are wanting,
He sees what we believe;
The sins on earth so haunting
Have there no power to grieve;
Safe in His Saviour's keeping
Who sent him calm release;
'Tis only we are weeping,
He dwells in perfect peace.

3 The crown of life he weareth.
He bears the shining palm,
The "Holy, holy," shareth,
And joins the angels' psalm;
But we poor pilgrims wander
Still through this land of woe,
Till we shall meet him yonder,
And all his joy shall know.

Text Information

• First Line: The precious seed of weeping
• German Title: Am Grabe steh'n wir stille
• Translator: Miss Winkworth (1862)
• Author: Charles John Spitta (1833)
• Meter: 7, 6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1890
• Topic: Death and Eternity: Burial; Easter Eve

Tune Information

• Name: O HAUPT VOLL BLUT Y. WUNDEN
• Meter: 7, 6.
• Key: a minor
• Notes: Composer from index: Hans Leo Hassler, 1601, secular origin