Author: J. M. Neale, 1818-1866; St Joseph the Hymnogrpher, d. 883 Meter: 10.10.10.10 Appears in 69 hymnals Scripture: Genesis 1:31 Lyrics: 1 Stars of the morning, so gloriously bright,
filled with celestial resplendence and light,
these that, where night never followeth day,
raise the Trisagion ever and aye:
2 These are thy counsellors, these dost thou own,
Lord God of Sabaoth, nearest thy throne;
these are thy ministers, these dost thou send,
help of the helpless ones, us to defend.
*3 These keep the guard amid Salem's dear bowers;
Thrones, Principalities, Virtues, and Powers;
where, with the Living Ones, mystical Four,
Cherubim, Seraphim bow and adore.
4 'Who like the Lord?' thunders Michael the Chief;
Raphael, 'the Cure of God', comforteth grief;
and, as at Nazareth, prophet of peace,
Gabriel, 'the Light of God', bringeth release.
5 Then, when the earth was first poised in mid-space,
then, when the planets first sped on their race,
then, when were ended the six days’ employ,
then all the Sons of God shouted for joy.
6 Still let them succor us; still let them fight,
Lord of angelic hosts, battling for right;
till, where their anthems they ceaselessly pour,
we with the angels may bow and adore. Topics: St. Michael and All Angels Used With Tune: QUEDLINBURG Text Sources: Greek hymn
Stars of the morning, so gloriously bright