The Dutch in 1626, when this hymn was written, were well versed in Biblical theology. What came first to mind after the writer’s first line, “We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing?”

Remarkably his next thought was, “He chastens...”

After nearly one hundred years of intermittent persecution, the Dutch felt gratitude for God’s chastening. They knew the reality of Hebrews 12: “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by Him. For the Lord disciplines him whom He loves. And chastises every son whom He receives.... God is treating you as sons.... If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.... For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant. Later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Thanksgiving Day is a uniquely American and particularly religious holiday. It is celebrated in the gathering of family, rather than church, the unit most aware of God’s blessing and chastisement.

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing.
He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His name. He forgets not His own.

This piece is really quite difficult to play well. It must be well sustained. On piano pedal liberally, not only where I have indicated prolonged pedal. Don’t be pedantic and square; rather use duration to accentuate and separate. Accelerate into phrases. Listen to the left hand. Practice at Largo tempo to understand what is going on. Then, you may perform it a little faster in the interest of time.

Don’t be concerned if you don’t see all staff lines on your screen. They will print when you print from your browser.