6 Well, let the sea shrink all away,
And flame melt down the skies,
My God shall live an endless day,
When th' old creation dies.
Hymn 2:18.
The ministry of angels.
1 High on a hill of dazzling light,
The King of Glory spreads his seat,
And troops of angels stretch'd for flight,
Stand waiting round his awful feet.
2 "Go," saith the Lord, "my Gabriel go,
"Salute the virgin's fruitful womb,[1]
"Make haste, ye cherubs, down below,
Sing and proclaim the Saviour come."
3 Here a bright squadron leaves the skies,
And thick around Elisha stands;[2]
Anon a heavenly soldier flies,
And breaks the chains from Peter's hands.[3]
4 Thy winged troops, O God of hosts,
Wait on thy wandering church below,
Here we are sailing to thy coasts,
Let angels be our convoy too.
5 Are they not all thy servants,[4] Lord?
At thy command they go and come
With cheerful haste obey thy word,
And guard thy children to their home.
[1] Luke 1:16. [2] Luke 2:13. [3] Acts 11:7. [4] Heb. 1:14.
Hymn 2:19.
Our frail bodies, and God our preserver.
1 Let others boast how strong they be,
Nor death, nor danger fear;
But we'll confess, O Lord, to thee,
What feeble things we are.