Probably Written Early in 1837 

1. Lord Jesus Christ, God’s only son, 
O step down from Thy heavenly throne 
And save my soul for me. 
Come down in all Thy blessedness, 
Light of Thy Father’s holiness, 
Grant that I may choose Thee. 
Lovely, splendid, without sorrow is the 

joy with which we raise, 

Saviour, unto Thee our praise. 

2. And when I draw my dying breath 
And must endure the pangs of death, 
Firm to Thee may I hold; 

That when my eyes with dark are filled 

And when my beating heart is stilled, 

In Thee shall I grow cold. 

Up in Heaven shall my spirit praise 
Thy name eternally, 

Since it lieth safe in Thee. 

3. O were the time of joy but nigh 
When from Thy loving bosom I 
Might draw new life that warms. 
And then, O God, with thanks to Thee, 
Shall I embrace those dear to me 
Forever in my arms. 
Ever, ever, ever-living, Thee abiding to behold 
Shall my life anew unfold. 

Thou camest Humankind to free 
From death and ill, that there might be 

Blessings and fortune everywhere. 

And now with this, Thy new descent, 
On Earth all shall be different; 

To each man shalt Thou give his share.