1 Ere earth's foundations yet were laid,
Or heaven's fair roof was spread abroad;
Ere man a living soul was made,
Love stirred within the heart of God.
2 Thy loving counsel gave to me
True life in Christ, Thy only Son,
Whom thou hast made my way to Thee,
From whom all grace flows ever down.
3 Oh Love, that long ere time began,
This precious name of child bestowed;
That opened heaven on earth to man,
And called us sinners "sons of God!"
4 I am not worthy, Lord, that Thou
Shouldst such compassion on me show,
That He who made the world should bow
To cheer with love a wretch so low.
5 Could I but honor Thee aright,
Noble and sweet my song should be;
That earth and heaven should learn Thy might,
And what my God hath done for me.
Source: The Book of Worship #133
Catherine Winkworth (b. Holborn, London, England, 1827; d. Monnetier, Savoy, France, 1878) is well known for her English translations of German hymns; her translations were polished and yet remained close to the original. Educated initially by her mother, she lived with relatives in Dresden, Germany, in 1845, where she acquired her knowledge of German and interest in German hymnody. After residing near Manchester until 1862, she moved to Clifton, near Bristol. A pioneer in promoting women's rights, Winkworth put much of her energy into the encouragement of higher education for women. She translated a large number of German hymn texts from hymnals owned by a friend, Baron Bunsen. Though often altered, these translations continue to be used i… Go to person page >
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