O God of all, we give thee praise,
Thanksgivings unto thee we raise,
That angel hosts thou didst create
Around thy glorious throne to wait.
They shine with light and heav’nly grace
And constantly behold thy face;They heed thy voice, they know it well,
In godly wisdom they excel.
They never rest nor sleep as we;
Their whole delight is but to be
With Christ the Shepherd, and to keep
Thy little flock, thy lambs and sheep.
The ancient dragon is their foe;
Whose envy and whose wrath they know.It always is his aim and pride
Thine earthly people to divide.
But watchful is the angel band
That follows Christ on every handTo guard God's people where they go
And break the counsel of the foe.
For this, now and in days to be,
Our praise shall rise, O God, to thee,Whom all the angel hosts adore
With grateful songs forevermore.
Philipp Melancthon, 1534
tr. Emanuel Cronenwett, 1880; alt.
Tune: HEAVENLY FLIGHT (L.M.)
Nahum Mitchell, 1816
P.S. The window above is from St Michael and All Saints Church in Herefordshire.
Eleven Years Ago: Around the throne of God
Ten Years Ago: Stars of the morning, so gloriously bright
Nine Years Ago: They are evermore around us
Seven Years Ago: O Captain of God's host
Five Years Ago: High on a hill of dazzling light
Two Years Ago: Life and strength of all thy servants