Hymn from the 16th century Anabaptist Ausbund "There are two ways"

“There are two ways” A hymn from the sixteenth century Anabaptist Ausbund, reads as follows:

(Verse one)

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.

(Verse two)

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.

(Verse 3)

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.

(Verse 4)

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.

(Verse 5)

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.