說到由宗教歌曲所演變的童軍歌曲,大家第一個會想到的,應該都是「榮譽在我心」,這首的確是宗教歌曲改編而來,但在童軍歌曲的歷史中,最早將宗教歌曲改編成童軍歌曲的人,應該是劉元孝老師,而第一首歌則為「對國家盡本份」。很多人並不知道這首歌原來是宗教歌曲,頂多知道跟合唱歌曲中的「野餐」旋律一樣而已。這首「對國家盡本份」,原曲是「What A Friend We Have In Jesus」,中文歌名為「恩友歌」,應該是當初劉老師從日本帶回來的歌曲之一,而日本有讚美歌312番「いつくしみふかき」,以及「星の界よ」 、「星の世界」 的版本,在日本算是相當廣為流傳的讚美歌,也就是宗教歌曲的意思。這部分可回頭看之前的文章[ 童軍歌曲 ] 尋根之旅 (16) -- 對國家盡本分 ( What A Friend We Have In Jesus,いつくしみふかき,星の世界 ),裏頭有詳盡介紹。
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
( 作曲:Charles C. Converse, 1868/作詞:Joseph M. Scriven, 1855)
What a Friend we have in Jesus
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He'll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there
( 中文翻譯歌詞解釋 谷區國語浸信會 - 恩友歌 )