433. From yon distant heaven
W. Hey, 1789-1854
Tr. J. R. Thierstein, 1867-1941
Aus dem Himmel ferne,
Wo die Englein sind,
Schaut doch Gott so gerne
Her auf jedes Kind.
Höret seine Bitte
Treu bei Tag und Nacht,
Nimmt’s bei jedem Schritte
Väterlich in Acht.
Gibt mit Vaterhänden
Ihm sein Täglich Brot
Hilft an allen Enden
Ihm aus Angst und Not.
Sagt’s den Kindern allen
Dass ein Vater ist,
Dem sie wohlgefallen,
Der sie nie vergisst.
A popular song for children which appeared originally in the author’s Noch 50 Fabeln für Kinder, nebst einem ernsthaften Anhang, 1857.
Wilhelm Hey was born in Laucha, near Gotha, where he later became minister of the local parish. He received his education at Jena and Göttingen Universities and became a well-known writer, minister, and teacher. His stories for children and young people were widely read. As a minister he was especially helpful to the poor and sick in the parishes he served, and took much interest in the distribution of Bibles where needed.
The translation was made by John R. Thierstein, Ph.D., Professor of German and French, Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas. Dr. Thierstein was born in Bowil, Bern, Switzerland. In addition to his work as college professor, he served the church for a time as editor of The Mennonite, and at the time of his death he was chairman of the Board of Publications of the General Conference of Mennonites, a position he held for some years. In the latter capacity it became his duty to see the Mennonite Hymnary, 1940, through the press, a responsibility he discharged with efficiency and enthusiasm.
MUSIC. AUS DEM HIMMEL FERNE. For comments on this tune see [Hymn 421].