Dialogue: Soul (S), Jesus (B) 1. Aria [Dictum] (B) Jesus Blessed is the man who bears temptation with patience; for when he hath withstood the test, he shall the crown of true life then be given. 2. Recit. (S) Soul Ah! this sweet comfort doth Restore my heart as well, Which nought but "Ah and woe" In endless sorrow findeth And is just like a worm in its own blood now writhing. I must just like the sheep Midst countless savage wolves be living; I am a true forsaken lamb And must unto their rage And cruelty surrender. What Abel once befell,(1) Evokes from me as well a flood of tears. Ah! Jesus, had I here No strength from thee, My courage and my heart would fail me And say with deepest sorrow: 3. Aria (S) Soul I would now yearn for death, for death, If thou, my Jesus, didst not love me. Yea, if thou me wouldst still leave saddened, I'd suffer more than pain of hell. 4. Recit. (B, S) Jesus, Soul (Jesus) I stretch to thee my hand, My heart as well comes with it. (Soul) Ah! Sweetest bond of love, Thou canst my foes bring ruin And their great rage diminish. 5. Aria (B) Jesus Yes, yes, I can thy foes destroy now Who have before me e'er accused thee, So have no fear, O anxious soul. O anxious soul, cease now thy weeping, The sun will soon be brightly shining, Which thee now clouds of trouble sends. 6. Recit. (B, S) Jesus, Soul (Jesus) Within my lap life's peace abideth, This I will once give thee forever. (Soul) Ah, Jesus, were I now with thee! Ah, if the wind Did now graze o'er my tomb and grave, I could then every sorrow conquer. How blest are they within the coffin And for the sound of angels hoping! Ah, Jesus, do for me just what For Stephen once, make heaven open!(2) My heart is now prepared To soar aloft to meet thee. Come, come, O blessed hour! Thou canst the tomb and grave And mine own Jesus show me. 7. Aria (S) Soul I'd quit now so quickly(3) mine earthly existence, With gladness to part now I long at this moment. My Savior, I'm dying with greatest of joy