toiling nor spinning,
Their clothing how gorgeous and fair!
What tints in their tiny orbs woven,
What wondrous devices are there!
All Solomon's stores could not render
One festival robe of such splendor
As modest field lilies do wear.

His communion hymn, "The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord," is a classic
example of how Spegel could set forth in song the objective truths of the
Christian faith.

The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord,
We celebrate with one accord;
It is our comfort in distress,
Our heart's sweet joy and happiness.

He blotted out with His own blood
The judgment that against us stood;
He full atonement for us made,
And all our debt He fully paid.

That this is so and ever true
He gives an earnest ever new,
In this His Holy Supper, here
We taste His love, so sweet, so near.

For His true body, as He said,
And His own blood, for sinners shed,
In this communion we receive:
His sacred Word we do believe.

O sinner, come with true intent
To turn to God and to repent,
To live for Christ, to die to sin,
And thus a holy life begin.

Spegel was given the highest ecclesiastical honor bestowed by his country
when he was created archbishop in 1711. He died three years later.

Among the other hymn-writers who contributed hymns to Swedberg's noted
book was Jacob Arrhenius, professor of history in the University of
Upsala. This man, who devoted a great deal of his time to the financial
affairs of the University, was also a richly-endowed spiritual poet. The
intimate tenderness with which he sang the Saviour's praise had never
before been attained in Swedish hymnody. It was he who wrote:

Jesus is my Friend most precious,
Never friend did love as He;
Can I leave this Friend so gracious,
Spurn His wondrous love for me?
No! nor friend nor foe shall sever
Me from Him who loves me so;
His shall be my will forever,
There above, and here below.

Wallin's Sublime Morning Hymn

Again Thy glorious sun doth rise,
I praise Thee, O my Lord;
With courage, strength, and hope renewed,
I touch the joyful chord.

On good and evil, Lord, Thy sun
Is rising as on me;
Let me in patience and in love
Seek thus to be like Thee.

May I in virtue and in faith,
And with Thy gifts content,