There Are Two Ways

Es sind zween Weg in dieser Zeit (Ausbund Hymn No. 125)

There are two ways, in this, our day, One narrow and the other broad;
Who now will go the narrow way Will be despised by all abroad.
This plainly God’s word teaches us, The narrow entrance way go in;
Straight is the gate, who enters thus, Must first endure great suffering.

There—after, there’s eternal rest, Therefore, O man, Thy way prepare;
Wilt thou be in God’s kingdom blessed Eternally with righteous there.
After this time nought shall transpire But peace and joy eternally;
The righteous then, this shall acquire Who God’s will honor constantly.

But he who the broad way shall go, The stairs to hell, this is the same;
He now is lost, God’s wrath shall know, But blessed is he who’s born again.
To him hath God prepared, impearled A crown eternity shall hold;
It shall not pass away, O world, Away then, with your gain and gold.

O, take the straight and narrow way That thou the lasting crown obtain;
Which God doth but His church convey Which He hath cleansed from sin and stain.
Therefore away with all man’s gain, Desire, vain pomp, and arrogance;
Turn sharp away from all known sin, So thou be known as God’s child hence.

Nought other can the way become, Who will eternal suffering flee;
Must righteous be, this is the sum, Go on your way, nor fancy see.
Press toward the mark till endless day, For who the prize at last will gain;
All must forsake upon this way Would he the lasting crown obtain.

(This song can be found in the hymnal ‘Christian Hymnary’ and in the CD ‘Anabaptist Martyr Hymns’ recorded by the Overholt Family. For further information regarding the hymnal and CD, please contact CHRISTIAN HYMNARY PUBLISHERS - P.O. Box 7159 Pinecraft, Sarasota, Florida 34278 U.S.A.)