O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: Thou hast made heaven and earth.
Isaiah 37:16
Words: Matthew Bridges, Hymns of the Heart (London: Richardson & Son, 1848), pages 70–74, alt.
Music: Melk James R. Murray, Joyful Songs (Cleveland, Ohio: S. Brainard’s Sons, 1875), page 67 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
If you know where to get a good photo of Bridges (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
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!
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.
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!
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!
Holy Apostles! beaming
With radiance brightly streaming
From crowns of pow’r;
Call on the awful name—
That we, through flood and flame
The Gospel may proclaim
In every hour!
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!
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!
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!
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!