There was…a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luke 2:13–14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Words: William Gadsby, The Nazarene’s Songs (Manchester, England: 1814), number 5, alt.
Music: Guide Marcus M. Wells, 1858 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Wells (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
At the birth of Christ our king,
Angels made the heavens ring,
Singing with a solemn joy,
Glory to the Lord on high.
In angelic heights of bliss,
They His majesty confess;
Ravished with so grand a scene,
They renew their songs to Him.
Glory in the highest height,
Blazing with majestic light,
Shine in David’s root and rod,
The incarnate Son of God.
Nature in its brightest glow,
Never can such glory show;
Here alone, the great Three-One,
Put Their brightest glories on.
O the wonders of God’s ways,
Here I AM, Himself displays;
And in spite of hell and sin,
Here His honors He’ll maintain.
Sinners here by faith may view,
What Omnipotence can do;
And in measures sweetly trace,
The rich treasures of this grace.
Come, ye mourning souls, rejoice,
Look, and with a cheerful voice,
Sing the honors of your God,
Blazing in th’incarnate word.
Soon the whole elect shall know
All the glory God can show
;
And in bliss immortal sing,
Hallelujahs to their king.