Scripture Verse

Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. John 12:24

Introduction

Words: Cas­par F. Nach­ten­hö­fer, 1651 (So gehst du dann, mein Jesu, hin). Trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Ar­thur T. Rus­sell, Psalms and Hymns (Cam­bridge, Eng­land: John Deigh­ton, 1851), num­ber 92.

Music: So gehst Kornelius H. Dretzel, 1731 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Nachtenhöfer or Russell (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

So, Lord, Thou goest forth to die,
For me the cross enduring;
For me a sinner willingly
A blest release procuring.
Go forth, my Lord—all praise be Thine;
Thee may I follow weeping:
Now floods of grief, my Lord, be mine,
Watch o’er Thy sorrows keeping.

What for this wondrous love can I
Prepare for an oblation?
My all within is poverty
And deep humiliation.
May I through all my mortal day,
To Thee due tribute raising,
Serve only Thee—in endless day
Still serving Thee and praising.