Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:5
Words: Benjamin Schmolck, Heilige Flammen, 1709 (Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, deinem Worte nachzuleben). Translated from German to English by Catherine Winkworth, Lyra Germanica, second series, 1858, page 86.
Music: Liebster Jesu Johann R. Ahle, 1664 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Ahle (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Blessèd Jesus! here we stand,
Met to do as Thou hast spoken;
And this child, at Thy command,
Now we bring to Thee, in token
That to Christ it here is given;
For of such shall be his heaven.
Yes! Thy warning voice is plain,
And we fain would keep it duly:
He who is not born again,
Heart and life renewing truly,
Born of water and the Spirit,
Will God’s kingdom ne’er inherit.
Make it, Head, Thy member now;
Shepherd, take Thy lamb and feed it;
Prince of Peace, its peace be Thou;
Way of Life, to Heaven, O lead it:
Vine, this branch may nothing sever,
Grafted firm in Thee for ever.
Now upon Thy heart it lies,
What our hearts so dearly treasure;
Heavenward lead our burdened sighs,
Pour Thy blessing without measure;
Write the name we now have given,
Write it in the book of Heaven.