This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Forster
Staff Notation • Sacred
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Forster by Anonymous — Lyrics
Wyeth's Repository Part Second, 1813
1. Ye weary, heavyladened souls,
Who are oppressed sore;
Ye travelers through the wilderness
To Canaan's peaceful shore;
Through chilling winds and beating rains,
And waters deep and cold,
And enemies surrounding you –
Take courage and be bold.
2. Though storms and hurricanes arise
The desert all around,
And fiery serpents oft appear
Through the enchanting ground;
Dark nights, and clouds, and gloomy fear,
And dragons often roar;
But while the gospel trump we hear,
We'll press for Canaan's shore.
3. We're often like the lonesome dove,
Who mourns her absent mate,
From hill to hill, from vale to vale,
Her sorrows to relate.
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About Forster
This stirring anthem in English for STB voices offers a powerful message of hope and perseverance to those facing hardship. The text paints a vivid picture of a challenging journey, likening the soul's path to a 'wilderness' fraught with 'chilling winds,' 'beating rains,' and 'enemies.' It acknowledges the fear and despair that can arise from spiritual struggles, using imagery of storms, serpents, and roaring dragons. Yet, the overriding theme is one of courage and steadfastness, urging listeners to 'Take courage and be bold' and to continue pressing towards the 'peaceful shore' of Canaan's land, drawing strength from the gospel message. This sacred work provides a robust and uplifting spiritual call to resilience.
