An Easter hymn of the first rank, an “acknowledged masterpiece of Christian poetry that will ever remain a treasure among the hallowed songs of the Evangelical Church.” It is based on I Cor. 15:35 ff and Job 19:25-27.
Luise Henriette, a woman of noble Christian character and a member of the Reformed Church, was born in The Hague, Holland. She was married to Elector Friedrich Wilhelm of Brandenburg. Interested in the economic as well as religious welfare of her people, she founded model farms, introduced the culture of the Irish potato, and was helpful in many ways in the restoration of the country after the ravages of the Thirty Years War. Luise Henriette is credited with numerous hymns but Julian points out that there is uncertainty whether she actually wrote all of them or selected them as her favorites. She had a great admiration for Paul Gerhardt and his poetry.
The hymn is a selection of stanzas 1, 2, 3, and 10. For comments on Catherine Winkworth, translator, see [Hymn 236].
MUSIC. For comments on the tune, GROSSER GOTT WIR LOBEN DICH, see [Hymn 519].
542. Welcome, Thou Victor in the strife
Benjamin Schmolck, 1672-1737
Tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1829-78
1.
Willkommen, Held im Streite,
Aus deiner Grabes Kluft!