The Cyber Hymnal ‎#13838

13838. Head Of The Hosts In Glory!

1 Head of the hosts in glory!
We joyfully adore Thee—
Thy church below,
Blending with those on high—
Where through the azure sky
Thy saints in ecstasy—
For ever glow!

2 Armies of God! in union
With us, through one communion—
Pour forth sweet prayers:
Our souls in love embrace—
Around the Savior’s face—
And ask His special grace
To soothe our cares.

3 Offer those golden vials
Of odors—for our trials—
Before the throne:
Till God the Father smile
On us—though we were vile—
Now counted without guile,
Through Christ alone!

4 Then raise the song of gladness,
To dissipate our sadness—
Among these tears;
We wend our weary way
Up t’wards the realms of day—
And watch, and wait, and pray,
In constant fears!

5 Holy Apostles! beaming
With radiance brightly streaming
From crowns of power;
Call on the awful name—
That we, through flood and flame
The Gospel may proclaim
In every hour!

6 Martyrs! whose mystic legions
March o’er yon heav’nly regions
In triumph round:
Wave—wave your banners—wave!
Your God—our Savior—clave
For Death itself a grave—
In hell profound!

7 Saints! in fair circles, casting
Rich trophies everlasting
At Jesu’s feet—
Amidst our rude alarms,
Stretch forth your conqu’ring arms,
That we too, safe from harms,
In Heav’n may meet!

8 Virgins! in bliss transcendent,
Whose coronals resplendent
Unwithering bloom:
Exalt, in ceaseless lays,
Him whom all anthems praise,
And oft our spirits raise
With your perfume!

9 Angels, archangels! glorious
Guards of the Church victorious!
They praise the Lamb!
Crown Him with crowns of light—
One of the Three by right—
Love, majesty and might—
The great I AM!

Text Information

• First Line: Head of the hosts in glory!
• Title: Head Of The Hosts In Glory!
• Author: Matthew Bridges
• Meter: 774.6664
• Language: English
• Source: Hymns of the Heart (London: Richardson & Sons, 1848)
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tune: CAPUT by Walter B. Gilbert

Tune Information

• Name: MELK
• Composer: James Ramsey Murray (1875)
• Meter: 774.6664
• Key: C Major
• Copyright: Public Domain