Brunn alles Heils, dich ehren wir

Brunn alles Heils, dich ehren wir. Gerhard Tersteegen* (1697-1769). From Tersteegen’s Geistliches Blumen-Gärtlein, Drittes Büchlein (Book III) (1745), where it was designated as a hymn for many different occasions, ‘Morgens, Abends, bey Tisch, nach der Predigt, und zu aller Zeit gläubig zu bäten’ (‘in the mornings, evenings, at the meal table, after the sermon, and in order to pray faithfully at all times’). It was entitled ‘Der Segen über Gottes Volck’ (‘the blessing of God’s people’), and designated ‘Aus 4 Mos. 6, 24-27’ (Numbers 6: 24-27; EG more accurately refers to verses 24-26, ‘The Lord bless thee, and keep thee’, etc.). Tersteegen begins with a general salutation, ‘Fountain of all...