"All Men Living Are But Mortal" by Johann G. Albinus, 1624-1679 Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878; Stanzas 1-4, 6, 7 Text From: THE HANDBOOK TO THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1942) p.428 1. All men Iiving are but mortal, Yea, all flesh must fade as grass; Only through death's gloomy portal To eternal Iife we pass. This frail body here must perish Ere the heavenly joys it cherish, Ere it gain the free reward For the ransomed of the Lord. 2. Therefore, when my God doth choose it, Willingly I'll yield my Iife Nor will grieve that I should lose it, For with sorrows it was rife. In my dear Redeemer's merit Peace hath found my troubled spirit, And in death my comfort this: Jesus' death my source of bliss. 3. Jesus for my sake desended My salvation to obtain: Death and hell for me are ended, Peace and hope are now my gain; Yea' with joy I leave earth's sadness For the home of heavenly gladness, Where I shall forever see God, the Holy Trinity. 4. There is joy beyond our telling, Where so many saints have gone; Thousands, thousands, there are dwelling, Worshiping before the throne, There the Seraphim are shining, Evermore in chorus joining: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord! Triune God, for aye adored!" 5. Patriarchs of sacred story And the prophets there are found; The apostles, too, in glory On twelve seats are there enthroned All the saints that have ascended Age on age, through time extended, There in blissful concert sing Hallelujahs to their King. 6. O Jerusalem, how glorious Dost thou shine, thou city fair! Lo, I hear the tones victorious Ever sweetly sounding there. Oh, the bliss that there surprises! Lo, the sun of morn now rises, And the breaking day I see That shall never end for me. 7. Yea, I see what here was told me, See that wondrous glory shine, Feel the spotless robes enfold me, Know a golden crown is mine. Thus before the throne so glorious Now I stand a soul victorious, Gazing on that joy for aye That shall never pass away. _______________________________________ Notes: Hymn #601 Text: Is. 40:6 Author: Johann G. Albinus, 1652 Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt. Titled: "Alle Menschen muessen sterben" Tune: "Alle Menschen muessen sterben" 1st Published in: _Praxis Pietatis Melica_ Town: Berlin, 1678 _________________________________________________________ This text was converted to ascii format for Project Wittenberg by Cindy A. Beesley and is in the public domain. You may freely distribute, copy or print this text. Please direct any comments or suggestions to: Rev. Robert E. Smith Walther Library at Concordia Theological Seminary E-mail: bob_smith@ctsfw.edu Surface Mail: 6600 N.Clinton St., Ft.Wayne,IN 46825 USA Phone: (219) 452-2148 Fax: (219) 452-2126 __________________________________________________________