Against Thee only have I sinn'd, I own it

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Against Thee only have I sinn'd, I own it

Author: Christian F. Gellert (1757); Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1863)
Published in 1 hymnal

Representative Text

Against Thee only have I sinn'd, I own it,
And done this evil in Thy sight;
My guilt deserves Thy wrath, and Thou hast shown it,--
Ah! see my grief, my wretched plight.

My secret prayers and sighs Thou hearest plainly,
My tears are ever known to Thee;
Ah God, my God, and shall I seek Thee vainly?
How long wilt Thou be far from me?

Lord, not according to my guilt requite me,
But deal with me in tender grace;
Thy patience and long-suffering still invite me,
I come! Ah hide Thou not thy face!

Make me to sing once more of joy and gladness,
Father of mercies, hear my voice!
For Thy name's sake, oh raise me from this sadness,
Thou, God, dost love that we rejoice.

Teach me Thy law, with spirit glad and fervent
Let me go forth upon my way;
Thou art my God, I am Thy willing servant
To do Thy pleasure day by day.

Oh haste Thou, my Defence, be now beside me!
Behold, the Lord hath heard my prayer!
Now on a plainer path His hand shall guide me,
My soul is safe beneath His care.

Source: Chorale Book for England, The #42

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Author: Christian F. Gellert

Gellert, Christian Fürchtegott, son of Christian Gellert, pastor at Hainichen in the Saxon Harz, near Freiberg, was born at Hainichen, July 4, 1715. In 1734 he entered the University of Leipzig as a student of theology, and after completing his course acted for some time as assistant to his father. But then, as now, sermons preached from manuscript were not tolerated in the Lutheran Church, and as his memory was treacherous, he found himself compelled to try some other profession. In 1739 he became domestic tutor to the sons of Herr von Lüttichau, near Dresden, and in 1741 returned to Leipzig to superintend the studies of a nephew at the University. He also resumed his own studies. He graduated M.A. 1744; became in 1745 private tutor or l… Go to person page >

Translator: Catherine Winkworth

Catherine Winkworth (b. Holborn, London, England, 1827; d. Monnetier, Savoy, France, 1878) is well known for her English translations of German hymns; her translations were polished and yet remained close to the original. Educated initially by her mother, she lived with relatives in Dresden, Germany, in 1845, where she acquired her knowledge of German and interest in German hymnody. After residing near Manchester until 1862, she moved to Clifton, near Bristol. A pioneer in promoting women's rights, Winkworth put much of her energy into the encouragement of higher education for women. She translated a large number of German hymn texts from hymnals owned by a friend, Baron Bunsen. Though often altered, these translations continue to be used i… Go to person page >

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Text Information

Text Information

First Line:	Against Thee only have I sinn'd, I own it
German Title:	An dir allein, an dir hab' ich gefündigt
Author:	Christian F. Gellert (1757)
Translator:	Catherine Winkworth (1863)
Language:	English