The Lutheran Hymnary ‎#391

391. Amid the world's deceitful cares

1 Amid the world's deceitful cares
Thou dost not heed how unawares
Thy day of life is ending!
Secure thou livest, strong and wise,
The world pursuing, 'tis the prize
For which thou art contending:--
O man, O man! the end draws near!
Thy life thou art expending!

2 While here thou toilest at thy best,
Death comes, an uninvited guest--
His summons is appalling--
The most secure awakes with fears,
And for the wise no way appears,
The strongest then is falling:--
O man, O man! Death thee and all
Away from earth is calling!

3 When sounds the voice: "The soul of thee,
This very night required shall be!"
Thou to the grave art tending--
Vain is resistance--vain thy nay--
For treat thou must that downward way
Which none is reascending:
O man, O man! from danger flee,
Thy soul to God commending!

4 For if thou shouldst the whole world gain
And lose thy soul, all were in vain,
No gain is thee afforded!
Thy works are counted at God's throne,
And thou shalt reap what thou hast sown,
O man, O man! thy peril know!
'Tis in God's word recorded!

5 Wide is the gate, and broad the way,
That to destruction leads astray,
The many yet pursue it;
The narrow gate and narrow way
Leads unto life and bliss for aye,
And few be they that find it:
O man, O man! O care betimes
For thine immortal spirit!

6 Awake! awake! repent and pray!
By faith prepare thyself each day
To die in peace unfearing!
The Christ embrace, thy sins deplore,
The naked clothe, and feed the poor,
By works thy faith declaring!
O man, O man! before thy God
Thou soon shalt have a hearing!

7 In alms, in works put not thy trust,
But do thou pray: My God most just,
Thy mercy I am needing!
Out of the deep I cry to Thee;
O judge me not be just decree!
Thy mercy I am pleading!
O Savior Christ! O Savior Christ!
For me be interceding!

Text Information

• First Line: Amid the world's deceitful cares
• Author: L. P. Gothus (1572)
• Author: J. O. Wallin (1816)
• Meter: 8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 8, 7.
• Publication Date: 1913
• Topic: The Church Year: First Sunday after Trinity
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: [Amid the world's deceitful cares]
• Composer: Ludv. M. Lindeman, 1812—87
• Meter: 8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 8, 7.
• Key: d minor
• Notes: Now Public Domain.