“Christus der ist mein Leben.”
With clasped hands they hear him commending his soul to God. “O, Lord, hitherto Thou hast preserved me, hitherto Thou hast brought me, and hast bestowed innumerable benefits upon me. Do what is pleasing in Thy sight. I deliver my spirit into Thy hands, cleanse, and adorn it with the righteousness of my Redeemer, and receive me into the arms of Thy love and mercy!” A little group of native servants softly sing a German hymn, one of Paul Gerhardt’s, the words of which he had taught them in that language:
“O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden.”
O Wounded Head! Must Thou
Endure such shame and scorn!
The blood is trickling from Thy brow,
Pierced by the crown of thorns.
Thou who was crowned on high
With light and majesty,
In deep dishonour here must die,