Christian Classics
‹ The Chorale Book for England

Catherine Winkworth (trans. & ed.) · 134 of 213

129. Great High-priest, who deign'dst to be

Christian Faith and Resolve

(XLIII.--"Höchster Priester, der du dich.")

Original Tune.

Great High-priest, who deign'dst to be Once the sacrifice for me, Take this living heart of mine, Lay it on Thy holy shrine.

Love I know accepteth nought, Save what Thou, O Love, hast wrought; Offer Thou my sacrifice, Else to God it cannot rise.

Slay in me the wayward will, Earthly sense and passion kill, Tear self-love from out my heart, Though it cost me bitter smart.

Kindle, Mighty Love, the pyre, Quick consume me in Thy fire, Fain were I of self bereft, Nought but Thee within me left.

So may God, the Righteous, brook On my sacrifice to look, In whose sight no gift has worth Save a Christ-like life on earth.

Höchster Priester, der du dich