"If Thy Beloved Son, O God"
                 By Johann Heermann, 1585-1647
                                  Text From:
                       THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL
        (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941)



        1. If Thy beloved Son, O God,
        Had not to earth descended
        And in our mortal flesh and blood
        Had not sin's power ended,
        Then this poor, wretched soul of mine
        In hell eternally would pine
        Because of its transgression.

        2. But now I find sweet peace and rest,
        Despair no more reigns o'er me;
        No more am I by sin opprest,
        For Christ has borne sin for me.
        Upon the cross for me He died
        That, reconciled, I might abide
        With Thee, my God, forever.

        3. I trust in Him with all my heart;
        Now all my sorrow ceases;
        His words abiding peace impart,
        His blood from guilt releases.
        Free grace through Him I now obtain;
        He washes me from every stain,
        And pure I stand before Him.

        4. All righteousness by works is vain,
        The Law brings condemnation;
        True righteousness by faith I gain,
        Christ's work is my salvation.
        His death, that perfect sacrifice,
        Has paid the all-sufficient price;
        In Him my hope is anchored.

        5. My guilt, O Father, Thou hast laid
        On Christ, Thy Son, my Savior.
        Lord Jesus, Thou my debt hast paid
        And gained for me God's favor.
        O Holy Ghost, Thou Fount of grace,
        The good in me to Thee I trace;
        In faith do Thou preserve me.

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        Notes:
        Hymn #375 from _The Lutheran Hymnal_
        Text: Gal. 2: 16
        Author: St. 1-4, Johann Heermann, 1630
        Author: St. 5, unknown, 1661
        Translated by: Composite
        Titled: "Wenn dein herzliebster Sohn, o Gott"
        Tune: "Nun freut euch"
        1st Published in: _Etlich' christliche Lieder_
        Town: Wittenberg, 1524
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        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 of the Walther
        Library at Concordia Theological Seminary.

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