In Ancient Times

(O Heilige Drefaltigkeit; LM)

In ancient times Thou mad'st the earth,

And from the dust didst Adam birth.

A garden planted, far and wide:

In beauty, Thou wert glorified.

For signs and seasons, lights above

To guide the ships in tender love;

To aid the farmers as they sow;

Thy providence all souls may know.

The grapes and wheat, not yet matured

The serpent’s power, not yet deterred

But through the promise of the Seed

Thy Son would save us by a Tree.

Grant that we noble stewards be

Who by our work will honor Thee

And by our toil beautify

The land that Thou didst Sanctify.

“If, Lord, tomorrow, you return,

A tree I’d plant, no work I’d spurn.”

A life of faith, the narrow way

will bring me fortune on that day.