497. Proper 27 (Series C)

The lessons for this Sunday (Nov. 6-12) are Exodus 3:1-15, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8 skipping to 13-17 and Luke 20:27-40. The tune is MARBURG, credited to Johann Crüger by way of adaptation by L. Herman Ilse (1910), which ELHB paired with "When I survey the wondrous cross." In my tune index I have a snippy note (from myself) saying, "One wonders how much credit Ilse gets for the effectiveness of this melody. Probably about as much credit as Lowell Mason deserves for HAMBURG. This is the better tune."

Brethren, stand firm, though dark the time;
Be not soon shaken in your mind,
Knowing the Day will be constrained
Till Satan's fury comes unchained.

His lawlessness already works
Even within the holy church;
Yet Christ restrains him till that Day
When Satan's works are swept away.

With wondrous signs and works of pow'r
He will dupe many in this hour;
A strong delusion God will send
On them who wickedness befriend.

But you, rejoice that God so chose
You to endure the world's last throes,
That you His glory may display
As you withstand the evil day.

For you by grace are His elect,
Whom by the truth He will perfect.
Hold fast the doctrine you received,
Whereby in Christ you have believed.

Now you, till earth's last tomb is breached,
Take through His written word or preached
An everlasting hope and peace,
Built to withstand till struggles cease.