Author: Dr. S. Stennett Hymnal: A Selection of Hymns #CCCVII (1792) Meter: 8.8.8.8 First Line: Great God, what hosts of angels stand Lyrics: 1 Great God, what hosts of angels stand
In shining ranks at thy right hand,
Array'd in robes of dazzling light,
With pinions stretch'd for distant flight!
2 Immortal fires! seraphic flames!
Who can recount their various names?
In strength and beauty they excell,
For near the throne of God they dwell.
3 How eagerly they wish to know
The duties he would have them do.
What joy their active spirits feel,
To execute their sovereign's will!
4 Hither, at his command they fly,
To guard the beds on which we lie;
To shield our persons, night and day,
And scatter all our fears away.
5 [Against the holy Syrian band
Around the helpless prophet stand,
While mighty Gabriel downward flies,
And with his chariots fills the skies.
6 Herod attempts, but all in vain,
To bind a Peter with his chain:
At one soft word an angel speaks,
And massy chain asunder breaks.]
7 Send, O my God, some angel down,
(Tho' to a mortal eye unknown)
To guide and guard my doubtless way,
Up to the realms of endless day.
Topics: The Christian; Angels Ministering to Christians; Christian Ministered to by Angels Languages: English
The Ministry of Angels