This beloved hymn is sung throughout the church year but especially during Thanksgiving. The original text was written in 1626 after the Dutch people became free from Spanish domination. It was later translated into English by Theodore Baker (1894). The translation is clever in that the rhymes come in word pairs. Each describes the salvation of God.
Chastens and hastens (his will to make known)
Wicked oppressing cease from distressing
Beside us to guide us
Ordaining, maintaining (his kingdom divine)
From the beginning the fight we were winning
Let thy congregation escape tribulation
May you celebrate the hastening, guiding, and triumphant God described so well in this hymn as you celebrate Thanksgiving this year.
Bishop Peggy A. Johnson
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