University of Virginia Library

HYMN 109.

[The holy Angels have a charge]

Dan. 4. 17. This matter is by the decree of the Watchers.

[The First Part.]

The holy Angels have a charge
To watch continually;
They do not sleep, but evermore
Have us in their sweet eye.
They have a charge to keep us here,
And compass us about,
And warning give oft-times also
When trouble's breaking out.

264

Watch men are useful in the night,
They dangers do prevent;
So Angels useful are to those
Unto whom they are sent.
Was not Elisha safe whilst he
Was compassed quite round
With these blest Chariots and Horsemen
Who did his Foes confound?
O what are we, most holy God,
That thou shouldst take such care
Of us who so unworthy be,
And sinful Creatures are!

The Second Part.

Behold the Angels of the Lord
Do encompass round about
All them that fear him, for their Guard,
To keep all dangers out;
For he hath giv'n his Angels charge
To keep thee day by day,
That thou mayst walk abroad at large
With safety in thy way;
For they this charge must execute,
And bear thee in their Arms,
Lest ever thou shouldst dash thy feet
Against a stone for harm;

265

For are they not all Ministers
Sent forth for ministration
In their behalf, that shall be Heirs
Of God's assur'd Salvation?
Ye Saints, behold the Love of God,
And sing his Praises forth;
No wicked Prince has such a Guard
As th'meanest Saint on Earth.