Christ My Song - 1472
As a traveller, returning - Our conversation is in heaven
(Carl Johann Philipp Spitta/Richard Massie/
Johannes Thomas Rüegg)
Our conversation is in heaven.
1. As a traveller, returning
to his home from some far land,
thinks of it with bosom yearning,
ere his foot hath touched the strand;
so amid the noisy pleasures
of the world, the heart oft sighs
for the nobler higher treasures
laid up for us in the skies. PDF - Midi
2. All our wish and our endeavour
is to love and please and choose
him, who loves us, nor will ever
what is for our good refuse.
When the soul without distraction
sits and listens at his feet,
then she finds true satisfaction
and a happiness complete.
3. Jesus, like the magnet, raises
our dull spirits to the skies,
and we seem, in prayer and praises,
as on eagles' wings to rise;
why we feel this strong attraction,
why we wait for his command
in each thought, and word, and action,
can the world not understand.
4. Should our enemies asperse us,
our dear Lord, who loves us so,
bids us bless e'en them who curse us,
and to love our greatest foe.
He, who died for our salvation,
and on us hath heaven bestowed,
wills that by our conversation
we should glorify our God.
5. Can we have our hearts in heaven,
and yet earthly-minded live?
Can we, who have been forgiven,
not forget and not forgive?
Can we hate an erring brother,
only love when we are loved,
and not bear with one another,
by Christ's Holy Spirit moved?
6. Ah! no hater, or blasphemer,
none who slander and defame,
can be one with the Redeemer,
who was gentle as a lamb;
love will cause assimilation
with the object of our love,
love will work a transformation,
and renewal from above.
7. None, O Lord, who are unholy,
shall thy perfect beauty see;
teach me to be meek and lowly,
teach me to resemble thee.
Keep me from the world unspotted,
that I may not only be
to thy service here devoted,
but abide in heaven with thee.
Richard Massie, Lyra Domestica I, 1863, 73-75.
Translated from the German Unser Wandel ist im Himmel!
of Carl Johann Philipp Spitta.