2. These are Thy ministers, these dost Thou own, Lord God of Sabaoth, nearest Thy throne. These are Thy messengers; these dost Thou send, Help of the helpless ones, man to defend. 3. When by Thy word earth was first poised in space, When the far planets first sped on their race, When was completed the six days’ employ, Then “all the sons of God shouted for joy.” 4. 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. Joseph of the Studium, c. 850; J. M. Neale, tr., 1862, a. 286 L. M. Lord God, we all to Thee give praise, Thank-offerings meet to Thee we raise, That Thou didst angel hosts create Around Thy glorious throne to wait. 2. They glow with light and heavenly grace And constantly behold Thy face; Obedience to Thy voice they yield And are with godly wisdom filled. 3. They never rest nor sleep as we; Their whole delight is but to be Forever near Thee, gracious Lord, Thy little flock to watch and guard. 4. The foul old Dragon and dread Foe With envy, hate, and wrath doth glow; It always is his aim and pride Thy Christian people to divide. 5. As he has blighted earth of old, He keeps e’en now his deathly hold, Chafes madly to annihilate All virtue, honor, Church, and State. 6. Therefore no halt or rest he knows; A roaring lion round he goes, Or lies in wait with baneful snare To drive the Christians to despair. 7. But watchful is the angel band That follows Christ on every hand And guards Thy holy Christendom From harm that might from Satan come. 8. From Daniel’s case this may be seen When he sat in the lions’ den, And likewise angels rescued Lot That the ungodly harmed him not. 9. When the three Hebrews were at last Into the fiery furnace cast, No power had fiercest flames to harm Against the rescuing angel’s arm. 10. And thus our God, still at this day, From harm and many an evil way Keeps near us His dear angel guard, Placed over us as watch and ward. 11. For this, now and eternally, Our praise shall rise, O God, to Thee, Whom all the angel hosts adore With joy now and forevermore. 12. We also pray Thee to defend By them unto the latter end Thy fold, that little flock, O Lord, That holds in honor Thy blest Word. From the Latin of Philip Melanchthon. Paul Eber, 1566. 287 8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7