The Presbyterian Hymnal: Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs

306

Fairest Lord Jesus

1.  Fairest Lord Jesus,
    Ruler of all nature,
    O Thou of God to earth come down,
    Thee will I cherish,
    Thee will I honor,
    Thou, my soul's glory, joy, and crown.

2.  Fair are the meadows,
    Fairer still the woodlands,
    Robed in the blooming garb of spring:
    Jesus is fairer,
    Jesus is purer,
    Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

3.  Fair is the sunshine,
    Fairer still the moonlight,
    And all the twinkling, starry host:
    Jesus shines brighter,
    Jesus shines purer,
    Than all the angels heaven can boast.

WORDS: Munster Gesangbuch, 1677
MUSIC: Trans. Church Chorals and Choir Studies, 1850; alt.Silesian folk melody In Schlesische Volkslieder, 1842
Theme: Jesus Christ