Who: This paraphrase of the Gloria in excelsis (Glory in the highest), was written by Nicolaus Decius in 1525. While this translation is not as familiar as Winkworth's, nor as accurate as the Lutheran Service Book's, it has the distinction of being translated into (Scottish) English at the time of the Reformation!
Changes: I have done my best to modernize what needs to be (including spelling), as well as fixed some rhymes and meters, which apparently did not used to be important.
Note: the word 'love' here does not mean 'affection' or 'charity,' but rather 'laud' or 'praise.' (cf. German 'Lob.') It died out for the same reason as the US half-dollar.
Tune: I'm not sure what the Scots used, but I suggest singing this to "Allein Gott in der Höh,'" also by Decius, LSB 947.
Only to God on high be glor',
And loaving be unto His grace;
Who can condemn us anymore,
Since we are now at our Lord's peace?
Unto His favor we are one,
Through faith in Jesus Christ alone,
Because His wrath shall end and cease.
We worship and we loave and praise
Thy majesty and magnitude;
That Thou, God, Father only wise,
Reigns over all with fortitude:
No tung can tell Thy strength or might,
Thy words and thoughts are all aright,
And all Thy works are just and good.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son only borne
Of God, Thy Father celestíal;
Thou savéd us who were forlorne,
From sin and hell and Satan's thrall.
Lord God's pure Lamb, Thou took on Thee
All of our sin to satisfy.
Lord be merciful to us all.
O Holy Ghost, our comfort good,
From feindish foes Thy flock defend,
Whom Christ redeeméd with His blood,
To Thy keeping we them commend,
From error and hypocrosy,
Us quicken in Thy verity
To persevere unto the end.
Nicolaus Decius
Tr. J. Wedderburns, ed. MDS
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