Hallelujah, the Moravians

approach you today in tears,

Massive Pillar of Bethlehem,

divine Diviner of troubles.

You raised your cry at the Mazwi home,

removed its central pillar,

made orphans of the family.

Mercy then, pool-screened Crocodile.

Lion of Africans’ city,

Lion of Africa's city,

comfort the Mazwi children.

Oh, St Michael, stop them scrapping!

When you take the breath from people

and they die,

fix our minds

on the kingdom of heaven.

We all called this pastor father,

the late B.S. Mazwi:

he held limitless love,

one heart for all.

On his shoulders he bore the burdens

of youngsters far and wide;

he gave them comfort, put them at ease,

they confided their troubles to him.

Death, your heart is cold,

you can't be coaxed;

you can't be moved

by torrents of tears.

Peace! Pastor Mazwi, kneeling for hours

painfully praying for Africa;

you proclaim the news from heaven

for the wayward of this land.

We called your life to mind:

before the word came we wore grass skirts,

then you preached and we wasted our foes,

laid them low with conquering kieries.

Mercy, Pastor Mazwi!

Moravian who broadcast the gospel:

the walls of the house resounded,

killers returned to the fold.

Mercy, Pastor Mazwi!

You preached the gospel, they turned to listen,

Elephant striving for Africa.

The commando's horse has lost its way.

You took him from us, Lord of creatures,

gently removed your servant;

prophets heard from shepherds

as angels bore him to you. Peace!

Mercy, Pastor Mazwi!

Your prayer attracted all;

and, Father, your onetime mockers

now perceived your glory.

Walk with pride in Paradise,

mighty stalwart of Africa.

create a commotion in heaven,

thrash all the creatures of hell.

Son of Mazwi, Gabriel's called you.

Go! Confer with the sages.

May your bones be at peace in death,

roar through Africa, bringing the Light.

Walk with pride in Paradise,

mighty stalwart of Africa.

Blessed are those who die in the Lord

but hell is wracked by duststorms.

Walk with pride in Paradise,

mighty stalwart of Africa:

when you get there hell will blink

and shaggy-eared Satan will take to his heels.