Laßt uns mit Freuden loben

Here is my translation of the hymn “Laßt uns mit Freuden loben” (E. Neumeister, 1710), from the author’s Zugang zum Gnadenstuhl, for the feast of St. Michael.

Mel.: Nun lob mein Seel den Herren.

WITH joy let praise be given
To God the Holy Three in One,
The God who hath from heaven
Unnumbered mercies to us shown;
In life here to attend us
He did His hosts create,
Who daily here defend us,
Whose watch doth ne’er abate;
Behold what love God showeth
A wretched child of men:
Such servants He bestoweth
Who are like lords in heav’n.

2 If Satan seeks to hurt us
With malice, might, and villainy,
They at our side support us,
That soul and body safe may be.
They in their hands upbear us
And o’er us watch they keep,
From evils all to spare us
While yet we wake or sleep.
And in our lab’ring-hour,
That all may well succeed,
They help our feeble power
With strength in time of need.

3 When after toils encumb’ring
We seek our bed for needful rest,
In peace we then lie slumb’ring,
While round our bed they seek our best.
Around us in their stations,
These mighty guardians wend,
And household and possessions
From wicked strokes defend;
And when again God’s blessing
Falls with the morning ray,
Their guard remains unceasing,
And shields us all the day.

4 If while our life remaineth,
The Mahanaïm guard us here
The angel-hedge ne’er waneth
But standeth strong when death is near,
When from the pains that sting us
God sets us loose in love,
They bear our soul and bring us
To Jesus’ arms above;
Some day from earthly grieving
These limbs to heav’n will go.
O glory! we, believing,
Shall be like angels there.

5 All praise and laud and glory
To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!,
As evermore His story
Is chorused by the heav’nly host;
So for His adoration
Both heart and lips sing free,
That in our earthly station
We may like angels be,
Till we may there adore Him
With all the angel-race
And glorious sing before Him
His meed of endless praise.

Translation © 2025 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Laßt uns mit Freuden loben
Gott Vater, Sohn und Heilgen Geist!
den Gott, der uns von oben
viel tausend-tausend Guts erweist!
der auch für unser Leben
die Engel hat gemacht,
uns täglich zu un..eben,
mit ihrer Hut und Wacht.
Seht, wie der Höchste liebet
ein armes Menschenkind,
daß er ihm Diener giebet,
die Himmelsfürsten sind.

2 Will Satan uns bestreiten
mit seiner Bosheit, Macht und List;
so stehn sie uns zur Seiten,
daß Leib und Seele sicher ist.
Sie tragen uns auf Händen,
und nehmen uns in Acht,
all Unglück abzuwenden,
das seinen Anstoß macht.
Daß bei Berufsgeschäften
der Ausgang glücklich sei,
so stehn sie unsern Kräften
mit guter Födrung bei.

3 Wenn wir von Arbeit müde,
zur Ruh nach unserm Lager gehn,
so schlafen wir in Friede,
da sie um unser Bette stehn.
Ja diese starken Hüter
bewachen überall
die Häuser und die Güter
vor bösem Überfall.
Und wenn uns Gottes Segen
am Morgen wieder wekct,
ist auch ihr Schutz zugegen,
der uns am Tage deckt.

4 Sind in den Lebenstagen
die Mahanaim uns so nah:
so ist der Engelwagen
auch bei dem Lebens-Ende da.
Macht Gott von Leid und Quälen
der argen Welt uns los,
so tragen sie die Seelen
hinauf in Jesu Schoß.
Der Leib kömmt aus der Erden
auch einst ins Himmelreich.
O Herrlichkeit! wir werden
daselbst den Engeln gleich.

5 Sei Lob und Preis mit Ehren,
Gott Vater, Sohn und Heilgem Geist!
wie er von allen Chören
der starken Helden wird gepreist:
so stimmt zu seinem Preise
mit Herz und Lippen ein,
daß wir auf solche Weise
auf Erden Engel sein;
bis wir in seinem Lichte
mit aller Engelschar
vor seinem Angesichte
ihn loben immerdar.

Heut singt die liebe Christenheit

Here is my translation of the hymn “Heut singt die liebe Christenheit” (N. Herman, 1561), from the author’s Sonntags-Evangelia, for the feast of St. Michael, his own German translation or rendering of Melanchthon’s Dicimus grates tibi, translated earlier in 1554 by Paul Eber as “Herr Gott, wir danken alle dir,” which Cronenwett gives as “Lord God, we all to Thee give praise.” Herman, while opting for a meter agreeing with “Kommt her zu mir,” provides a proper melody possibly written by Gesius.

Mel.: Heut singt die liebe Christianheit.
 

 

 

ALL Christians sing with joy today:
To God be laud and praise for aye,
And thanks for His great favor,
That He the blessed angel-kind
Created, and to us assigned,
To guard and keep us ever!

2 They, shining like the sunlight clear,
Bright as a flame of fire appear,
For so hath God arrayed them,
All heav’nly spirits fairest wrought,
By nature holy, without spot;
Christ is their Lord, who made them.

3 They always stand before God’s sight,
As mirrors shining back the light
Of Godhead uncreated;
To Him sing glory, praise, and laud,
Thrice Holy is the Lord our God,
As by the prophet stated.

4 Their name and offices they get
From those o’er which God hath them set
Among the earthly nations;
For as estates are here distinct,
So hath God ordered them and linked
To various earthly stations.

5 Th’ archangel Michael, Christ our Lord,
Who is like God, and so adored,
Beneath whose banner splendid
All angel ranks by day and night
Strive ’gainst the devil’s craft and might,
Until his lies are ended.

6 The ancient dragon will not rest,
At ev’ry hour he seeks how best
To gain the vict’ry o’er us,
And do us harm and take control
Of honor, goods, and body and soul
By sword and guile inglorious.

7 First doth he stir up heresy,
Sedition, war, and tyranny,
God’s order thus to shatter;
He kings and princes doth incite,
All concord break and put to flight,
His wrath doth widely scatter.

8 Great tempests he doth make arise,
And hail, that all doth pulverize;
With fumes the air he filleth,
Nor would he grant us earthly fruits,
But as a villain fouls, pollutes,
And grief in hearts instilleth.

9 Did angels not resist him e’er,
Our body, soul, blood, skin, and hair
Were safe for not one hour;
With fire and water, wind and snow
He would destroy us all below,
So hard and fierce his power.

10 When we in greatest peril lie,
The angels to our succor fly
And soon the foe is beaten;
To Daniel were the lions good,
Because god’s angel by him stood,
Else were he shortly eaten.

11 From heaven fire and brimstone rained
On Sodom and Gomorrah’s land,
Old Lot was yet relievèd
When with his wife and daughters he
Was made by angels thence to flee
And so his life receivèd.

12 When Peter in the prison sat,
Already judged, expecting that
King Herod soon would slay him,
Then came his angel in the night,
To free him from his fetters tight,
And from distress convey him.

13 So in the fiery furnace too,
An angel worked a wonder true,
Three godly young men protected;
He made it as a meadow green,
With dewy wind where fire had been
No heat the lads afflicted.

14 So shall we also still today
Be kept by them from much dismay;
Round us and round our dwelling
They fight and strive by day and night,
Defend us with their watchful might,
The ancient worm repelling.

15 For this we thank Thee, Christ our Lord,
Who dost such watchmen us afford,
Who safely thus attend us,
Lest e’er the foe by guiling art
Assail, and shoot his pois’nous dart,
Oh, by His blood defend us!

Translation © 2025 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Heut singt die liebe Christenheit:
Gott Lob und Dank in Ewigkeit,
und dankt ihm für sein Güte,
daß er der lieben Engel Schar
erschaffen hat und immerdar
unser pflegen und hüten.

2 Sie glänzen wie der Sonnenschein,
hell wie ein Feuerflammen sie sein
als ganz himmlische Geister.
und sein die schönste Kreatur,
heilig von Art und ihr Natur,
Christ ist ihr Schöpfer und Meister.

3 Sie sehen stets Gotts Angesicht
spiegeln sich in dem klaren Licht
göttlicher Majestäte,
dem singen sie Lob, Preis und Ehr,
Heilig, heilig ist Gott der Herr,
wie anzeigt der Prophete.

4 Ihr Namen und Ämter sie han
von denen, so sie zugethan,
sind hie in diesem Leben,
denn wie hie unterschieden sein
die Ständ, also hat ihn Got fein
ihr Ordnung auch gegeben.

5 Michael unser Herre Christ,
der öberst Engel, Gott gleich ist,
unter seim Fännlein schweben
all Engl, und streiten Tag und Nacht
wider des Teufels List und Macht,
und seim Wort widerstreben.

6 Der alte Drach der feiret nicht.
All Augenblick er tracht und ticht,
wie er uns mög ob siegen,
an Leib und Seel, Ehr, Gut und Hab
beschädigen und brechen ab
mit seinem Mord und Liegen.

7 Erstlich erregt er Ketzerei,
Aufruhr, Mord, Krieg und Tyrannei,
Gotts Ordnung er zerrüttet,
Köng und Fürsten zusamm erhetzt,
all Bündnis trennt er und verletzt,
sein Zorn er gar ausschüttet.

6 Groß Ungewitter er erregt,
das oft der Hagel alls erschlägt,
die Luft er auch vergiftet,
die Frücht der Erd gönnt er uns nicht,
beschmeißt, verderbt als der Böswicht,
und allen Jammer stiftet.

9 Wo ihm nicht wehrt der Engel Schar,
unser Leib, Seel, Blut, Haut und Haar
kein Stund blieb unverletzet,
Mit Feuer, Wasser, Wind und Schnee
uns alle er verderbete, {uns allsammt}
so hart er uns zusetzet.

10 Wenn wir stehn in der größten Fahr,
nehmen die Engel unser wahr,
und aus der Noth erretten,
dem Daniel kein Löw nichts thet,
weil der Engel Gotts bei ihm steht,
die ihn sonst gfressen hätten.

11 Da Schwefl und Feur vom Himmel kam,
verderbt Sodom und Gomorram,
wurd Loth dennoch der alte,
mit seim Weib und zwei Töchterlein
errettet durch die Engelein
und beim Leben erhalten.

12 Da Petrus in dem Kerker saß,
und all bereit verutheilt was,
Herodis wollt ihn töten,
da kam sein Engel in der Nacht,
und ihn von Ketten ledig macht,
und half ihn aus sein Nöthen {hulf ihm}

13 Im feuring Ofen hat dergleich
der Engel behüt wünderleich
drei gottselige Knaben,
gleichwie in einer grünen Au,
das Feuer wurd ein kühler Tau,
kein Hitz sie gefüllt haben.

14 Also werdn wir noch heut bei Tag
durch sie behüt für mancher Plag;
treulich für uns sie wachen,
streiten und kämpfen Tag und Nacht,
han uns in guter Hut und Acht,
und wehrn dem alten Drachen.

15 Des dankn wir dir, Herr Jesu Christ,
daß du uns solche Wächter gibst,
die halten uns in Hute,
daß uns der Feind nicht übereil,
und in uns schieß sein giftig Pfeil,
bewahr uns durch dein Blute.

Die heilgen Engel allzumal

Here is my translation of the canticle paraphrase, “Die heilgen Engel allzumal” (C. Spangenberg, 1582), canticle no. 35, titled “The Seraphim’s Psalm of Praise, Isa. 6.” The assigned melody is “Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her,” with the notable difference that the same rhyme is used for all lines in a stanza.

 

THE holy angels one and all
Before God’s throne adoring fall,
On high in heaven’s lofty hall,
His works they laud with wondrous call.

2 Holy Lord God eternally!
Holy the Lord of hosts is He!
Holy the highest Majesty,
Whose hands hold all things certainly!

3 His glory fills all lands and ways,
His glorious might doth all amaze;
In all the world all laud and praise
Upon Him be for endless days!

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Die heilgen Engel allzumal
singen für Gott mit großem Schall,
hoch droben in des Himmels Saal,
sie rühmen sein Werk ohne Zahl.

2 Heilig ist unser Herre Gott,
heilig ist der Herr Zebaoth,
ja heilig ist alleine Gott,
der alles in sein Händen hat.

3 All Land sind seiner Ehren voll,
darum man ihn auch preisen soll,
der Preis und Ruhm in aller Welt
billig nur ihm wird zugestellt.

Send uns, Herr Christ, die Engel dein

Here is my translation of the Michaelmas hymn, “Send uns, Herr Christ, die Engel dein” (Bartholomäus Helder, d. 1635), in ELGB #237, appearing in the Gotha Cantional 1646 (1651), no. 112, with a four-voice setting by Helder. I include this setting as given in Schöberlein’s Schatz II, p. 835.

 

LORD Christ, to us Thine angels send,
That they may e’er Thy flock defend,
And most of all, at Thy command,
The evil one’s attacks withstand.

2 Against those ruses be our stay
Which devil, world, and flesh would play;
To us a mighty Fortress be
Against all force and tyranny.

3 What blessed fortune is their gain
Who such protection here obtain,
By Michael saved, that warlord dread,
Who trampled down the dragon’s head!

4 May He precede us in the fray,
That we may safely walk Thy way
Till with the angel’s company
We dwell in heav’n eternally.

Translation © 2023 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Send uns, Herr Christ! die Engel Dein,
daß sie stets um Dein Häuflein sein,
nach Dein'm Befehl auch allermeist
Wacht halten widern bösen Geist.

2 Bewahre uns fürm Bösen Spiel,
so Teufl, Welt und Fleisch machen will,
sei uns ein starker Schutz dabei
widr all Gewalt und Tyrannei.

3 O glückselig sind alle die,
so diesen Schutz erlangen hie,
die der Großfürst Michael rett't,
der dem Drachen sein'n Kopf zertritt.

4 Der streit' für uns und geh' voran,
das wir treffen die rechte Bahn,
bis wir ewig den Engeln rein
im Himmel zugesellet sein.

Gewonnen, gewonnen, der Satanas lieget

Here is my translation of the Michaelmas hymn, “Gewonnen, gewonnen, der Satanas lieget” (Joachim Bartholomäus Meyer, d. 1701), in ELGB #234, first appearing in Schleusinger Hertzens-Music (1701) anonymously, then in Schlechtiger’s Gsb (Berlin, 1704), Gotha 1715, etc. The melody is proper, as indicated in the Buffalo Synod hymnal, though in other places “Ach alles was Himmel” is designated.

O VICT’RY! O vict’ry! Now Satan’s unseated,
The spirits infernal have all been defeated;
Rejoice, then, ye heavens! Rejoice, earthly pow’rs!
Now Satan’s unseated, the field now is ours.

2 The foe, by whom charges against us were given,
Is now put to rout by the household of heaven.
The prison of hellish abyss now is bare,
The poor captive slaves to their liberty fare.

3 The gates of hell’s fortress are torn down and battered,
The snares of the hunter are broken and scattered,
The one who by cunning led others astray
Himself was ensnared in his fetters today.

4 The strong one today by the Stronger was bested;
He gambled and lost, of his prey was divested.
Salvation, rule, majesty, honor, and might
Are all brought in Christ, and become ours by right.

5 O Michael, let praises and thanks e’er be chanted,
Proclaiming how thou hast the dragon supplanted;
With ceaseless adoring let honor be giv’n
To thy mighty deed, by which hell has been riv’n.

6 O vict’ry! O vict’ry! Now Satan’s unseated,
The spirits infernal have all been defeated;
Rejoice, then, ye heavens! Rejoice, earthly pow’rs!
Now Satan’s unseated, the field now is ours.

Translation © 2023 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Gewonnen! gewonnen! der Satanas lieget,
die höllischen Geister sind alle besieget;
erfreue dich Himmel, erfreue dich Welt!
der Satanas lieget, wir haben das Feld.

2 Der unsere gläubige Brüder verklaget,
ist jetzo vom Hause des Himmels gejaget,
die höllische Grube des Kerkers steht bloß,
die armen gefangenen Sclaven gehn los.

3 Die Pforten der Höllen sind niedergeschmissen,
die Stricke des Jägers sind alle zerrissen!
der andere mannigfalt listig berückt,
ist selber anjetzo mit Ketten bestrickt.

4 Dier Starke hat heute den Stärkern gefuuhlet,
und seine vermeinete Beute verspielet.
Heil, Kräfte, Reich, Ehre und herrliche Macht,
ist alles in unserem Christo gebracht.

5 Sei, Michael, daß Du den Drachen bezwungen,
mit ewigem Rühmen und Danken besungen,
sei daß Du dem Teufel die Hölle zerstört,
mit stetigem Preisen und Loben geehrt.

6 Gewonnen! gewonnen! der Satanas lieget,
die höllischen Geister sind alle besieget;
erfreue dich Himmel, erfreue dich Welt!
der Satanas lieget, wir haben das Feld.

Der Engel güldnes Heer

Here is my translation of the creation/angels hymn “Der Engel güldnes Heer” (Johann Friedrich Starck, 1734), as it appears in Ev.-Luth. Gesangbuch (Wisc. Synod) #84. It originates from Starck’s Tägliches Handbuch, where it is given for the prayer for the protection of the holy angels on St. Michael’s Day. The appointed melody is “O Gott, du frommer Gott.”

 

 

THE angels’ golden host,
Before God ever dwelling,
Which see His majesty
In brightness all excelling,
Are given unto men
To serve us day by day,
And all that threatens harm,
Is turned by them away.

2 On every course we take,
Are angels in great number,
In daytime and at night,
And when in bed we slumber;
When to our task we go,
With us they also come,
And when our work we leave,
With us they journey home.

3 When Satan and the world
And other foes are raging,
The angels too are there,
Their warfare deftly waging,
Our steps they keep, and curb
All danger and distress;
Ne’er sleeps their watchful eye,
They guard with faithfulness.

4 When breaks the pilgrim staff,
And earthly days are ended,
The angels bear our soul
To life of gladness splendid;
To respite after toil,
To vict’ry after war,
To joy beyond all grief,
To comfort from all sore.

5 The angels all rejoice
When we love God sincerely,
And live the way we ought
As He has taught us clearly;
Oh, yes, we may be sure
That angels there are found
Where godly men as one
In pray’r and love are bound!

6 O God, we give Thee thanks
For all Thy kind affection,
And, with Thine other gifts,
The angel host’s protection;
Those champions hither send
When woe and need betide;
Oh, grant in life in death
That they may stand beside.

7 On me Thy grace bestow,
That while on earth I wander,
With ceaseless praise I may
Grow like the angels yonder
And do Thy holy will,
That when this time is done,
Like angels still, I dwell
Before Thy glorious throne.

8 There shall acclaim and praise
Sound ever for Thee solely;
There will I, overjoyed,
Sing Holy, Holy, Holy
With all the angel-choir,
And saints in company;
This is my heart’s desire:
Amen! So may it be!

Translation © 2022 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Der Engel güldnes heer, […strahlend Heer]
die immer vor Gott stehen [die vor dem Throne st.]
und seine Majestät
in hellen Glanze sehen,
die werden täglich noch
zu unserm Dienst gesandt,
und was uns schaden kann,
wird durch sie abgewandt.

2 Die Engel sind bei uns
auf allen unsern Wegen,
bei Tag und auch bei Nacht,
wenn wir uns schlafen legen;
geht man zu dem Beruf,
so gehen sie mit aus,
und kehret man zurück,
so gehn sie mit nach Haus.

3 Wenn Satan und die Welt,
auch andre Feinde wüthen,
so sind die Engel da,
die unsern Tritt behüten;
sie wenden von uns ab
Leid, Unglück und Gefahr,
ihr Auge schlummert nicht,
sie wachen immerdar.

4 Und bricht der Wanderstab
von unsern Lebenstagen,
so werden sie die Seel
ins Freudenleben tragen,
zur Ruhe nach der Last,
zur Krone nach den Streit,
zur Freude nach der Angst,
zum Troste nach dem Leid.

5 Die Engel freuen sich,
wenn wir uns Gott ergeben,
und, wie wir schuldig sind,
nach Gottes Willen leben;
ach ja, wir sind gewiß,
daß man da Engel findt,
wo Fromme durch Gebet
und Lieb verbunden sind.

6 Ach Gott! wir danken dir
für alle deine Gaben,
und daß wir auch von dir
zum Schutz die Engel haben;
die Helden send uns auch
in aller angst und Noth,
ach! laß sie bei uns sein
im Leben und im Tod.

7 Verleih mir deine Gnad,
daß ich annoch auf Erden
mit stetem Lob und Preis
den Engeln gleich mög werden,
und deinen Willen thun,
damit nach dieser Zeit
ich bleib den Engeln gleich
in deiner Herrlichkeit.

8 Da soll dein Lob und ruhm
in Ewigkeit erklingen,
da will ich hocherfreut
das dreimal Heilig singen
mit aller Engel Chor,
der Auserwählten Schaar;
dies ist des Herzens Wunsch,
Amen! er werde wahr.

Es stehn vor Gottes Throne

Here is my translation of the hymn for Michaelmas (St. Michael and All Angels) “Es stehn vor Gottes Throne” (L. Helmbold, 1598), which briefly recounts the scriptural accounts of angels in their service to men. It was published with the proper melody by von Burck in 1594 and 1624.
 

 

BEFORE God’s throne are standing (x2)
Our servants true above;
At Christ the Son’s commanding, (x2)
They serve mankind in love;
They watch with footstep speedy
Lest little ones or needy
Should ever be despised. (x2)

2 They God behold forever, (x2)
And on His bidding wait;
His will is their endeavor (x2)
From early hour to late.
They are the angels blessèd,
Of pinion swift possessèd,
To hasten to and fro. (x2)

3 Where Christian men are dwelling, (x2)
In houses great or small,
None could find peace excelling (x2)
From thief or foe at all
Did not these watchers mighty
Around them posted nightly
Their constant vigil keep. (x2)

4 To Lot was this revealèd, (x2)
And Abr’ham, late in life;
Thus was the wedding sealèd (x2)
Of Isaac and his wife;
And Jacob, at God’s timing,
Beheld the angels climbing
Upon the ladder high. (x2)

5 Elijah fell to slumber, (x2)
An angel made him wake;
Elisha felt their number (x2)
Set for the battle’s sake;
To shepherds too, once nearing,
They sang their tidings cheering:
That Christ the Lord was born. (x2)

6 Beside the Infant’s manger, (x2)
Dear Joseph sleeping lay:
The Infant was in danger, (x2)
He heard the angel say,
And so he fled the nation,
That men in every station
Might in this Infant trust. (x2)

7 To Lazarus the lowly, (x2)
When came his hour to die,
God in His mercy holy (x2)
Did make an angel fly,
To bear him up to heaven!
To God be glory given
And songs of endless praise! (x2)

Translation © 2022 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Es stehn vor Gottes Throne,
die unsre Diener sind,
der in sein'm lieben Sohne,
liebt alle Menschenkind:
daß Er auch nicht der eines
veracht't will han so kleines,
als jemals ist gebor'n.

2 sie sehn sein Angesichte,
und haben fleißig Acht,
was Er ihn'n auszurichten,
befiehlet tag und Nacht.
Da sind die lieben Engel
geschwind, reg'n ihre Flügel,
zu fahren hin und her.

3 Wo Christen-Luete wohnen,
in Häusern groß und klein,
da sie selber nicht können,
für Feinden sicher sein,
wo nicht ein Eng'lisch Lager
umher wird aufgeschlagen,
mit steter Hut und Wacht.

4 Solches hat Lot erfahren,
auch Abram und sein Knecht,
Isaak bei vierzig Jahren,
nahm so Rebeckam recht:
Jacob sah auf der Leitern
die boten Gottes kleitern
auf und ab alle wohl.

5 Elias war entschlafen,
ein Engel weckt' ihn auf;
Elisa kriegt' zu schaffen,
viel Engel warten drauf;
erschienen auch den Hirten
und große Freude lehrten,
daß Christ geboren wär.

6 Bei dieses Kindes Wiegen,
der Joseph schlafend lag:
ein Feind wollt' ihn bekriegen,
ein Engel es ihm sagt,
zog mit in ferne Lande,
das soll in seinem Stande
gläuben ein jeder Christ.

7 Auch Lazarus der Arme,
wenn's gleich zum Sterben kömmt:
Gott, der sich sein erbarme,
hat schon Engel bestimmt,
die ihn gen Himmel bringen,
dem laßt uns alle singen,
ewiges Lob und Preis.

Die Engel, die im Himmels-Licht

Here is my translation of the St. Michael’s hymn,“Die Engel, die im Himmels-Licht” (L. Laurenti, 1700). The appointed tune is “Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr.”

TO ANGEL hosts in heav’nly light
What glory has been given,
Which ever have God’s face in sight,
And praise the Lord of heaven!
Yet they are bidden by the Lord
To watch and shelter in their ward
On earth God’s lowly children.

2 O mighty love! O kindness deep!
Sent by God’s mercy solely—
That hearts of angels thus should leap
To serve us children lowly
Who cling in faith to God alone!
Oh, let us bow before His throne
And with His angels praise Him.

3 Oh, that ye, too, ye mortal race,
Might more their traits inherit—
Yea, even in this realm of grace,
With heart and mind and spirit:
These angels’ duty is alone
To see that God’s good will be done
On earth as ’tis in heaven.

4 Cut off what may a hindrance be,
From such a life angelic,
Displace the old man gradually
And clling not to the relic
Of earthly filth, but upward rise
In spirit to God’s angeled skies
And serve thy God with gladness.

5 A man who leaves his hands and feet
To follow here their pleasure
Will not at Jesus’ banquet meet,
Where angels chant in measure
God’s glory and magnificence,
And where His high inheritance
Sings Holy, Holy, Holy!

6 O Jesus, make Thou me prepared
And able to adore The
That, after this, in glory shared
With all the hosts before Thee
I may like angels be as well,
May ever in Thy kingdom dwell—
This grant by grace and favor!

Translation © 2015 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1 Die Engel, die im Himmelslicht
Jehovah fröhlich loben,
und schauen Gottes Angesicht,
die seind wohl hoch erhoben,
doch seind sie von dem Herrn bestell,
daß sie die Kinder auf der Welt
behüten und bewahren.

2 O große Lieb, o große Güt!
die Gott uns Armen zeiget,
daß auch ein englisches Gemüt
sich zu den Kindern neiget,
die Gott im Glauben hangen an,
drum lobe, was nur lallen kann
Gott mit den Engelschaaren.

3 Ach, werdet doch den Engeln gleich,
ihr Sterblichen auf Erden,
auch hier in diesem Gnaden-Reich
von Herzen und Gebärden,
es ist der Engel Amt und Pflicht,
daß Gottes Will allein geschicht
im Himmel und auf Erden.

4 Haut ab, was euch verhindern mag,
an diesem Engel-LEben,
reißt aus die Unart nach und nach
und bleibet nicht bekleben
am Erdenkot, schwingt euch empor
im Geist zu gottes Engelchor,
und dienet Gott mit Freuden.

5 Ein Mensch, der Händ und Füssen läßt
hier tun nach Wohlgefallen,
der kommt nicht auf des Herrenfest
wo alle Engel schallen,
dem großen Gott zum Preis und Ruhm,
und da sein herrlichs Eigentum
das dreimal Heilig singet.

6 O Jesu, mache mich bereit,
und tüchtig, dich zu loben,
damit ich dich nach dieser Zeit,
mit allen Engeln oben
erheben mög und Engel gleich,
mög ewig sein in deinem Reich;
dies gib aus Gnaden, Amen.

Deum precemur supplices

Here is my translation of the hymn “Deum precemur supplices” (H. Weller, bef. 1561) for feasts of Holy Angels; which amounts, in general Lutheranism, to the feast of St. Michael & All Angels. Note the first line borrowed directly from the second line of “Jam lucis orto sidere.” The melody is that appointed for that hymn, though commonly used otherwise as well. However, if sung in the context of the Office, in comparison with the other hymns for feasts of angels, the prayerful aspect and content recommends the use of this hymn, I think, for Compline on the feast.




TO GOD now let us humbly pray
That He would stir our heart this day
With gratitude that grace to own
Which from His hand we have been shown.

2 He sent the Word of Christ His Son,
Into the world by sin undone,
In darkness wav’ring and astray,
Wherein we wretched sinners lay.

3 Nor did that bounty so renowned
Remain within its measured bound,
But issued forth with brilliant light
And put foul heresies to flight.

4 And that believers e’er might be
Kept safe from harm, from peril free,
God by His trusty angel band
Defends the saints on ev’ry hand.

5 These spirits pure God made, that they
Might ever be our help and stay,
Companions of God’s true elect,
Our ev’ry footstep to direct.

6 Wherefore let us with mind o’erawed,
Behold the boundless grace of God
And live as children good and dear
Of this our Father without peer.

7 With all our pow’rs let us contend
To worship Him with mind unstained
Lest we our due reward receive
With spirits damned, in hell to grieve.

8 We ask that Jesus would be nigh,
Who is our Advocate most high,
And by His favor bring us hence
To heaven’s full inheritance.

Translation © 2015 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

1 Deum precemur supplices
Ut corda nostra excitet
Ad agnoscendam gratiam
Nobis ab ipso praebitam.

2 Quod Verbum sui Filii
Mundo remisit perdito
Et fluctuanti tenebris
Quis jactabamur miseri.

3 Nec intra modum bonitas
Ista tam ingens constitit
Sed luce clara micuit
Foedosque errores dispulit.

4 Et ut credentes firmiter
Tuti vivant periculis
Angelico praesidio
Munit pios tutissimo.

5 Hos puros finxit spiritus
Deus, ut essent comites
Suis semper fidelibus
Quorum gressus dirigerent.

6 Quapropter ejus maximam
In nos miremur gratiam
Bonique simus filii
Patris nostri tam optimi.

7 Quem mente pura colere
Nitamur summis viribus
Ne consequamur praemia
Cum perditis spiritibus.

8 Jesum patronum optimum,
Nobis adesse petimus
Quo nos pro suo gratia
Perducat ad caelestia. Amen.

Summe Rex Christe (Summi regis archangele)

Here is my translation of the Sequence for Michaelmas according to Keuchenthal, et al (1573), as corrected by Bonnus from the original Latin (probably of Alcuin or Notker). The corrections in the middle and end represent quite a departure, and distort the meter of the original. I have restored that meter in the translation, but followed Bonn’s sense. I include the Latin in corrected form and original below.
 
 CHRIST, HIGH King of all the angel company!
1b. We beseech Thee, hear our voices raised to Thee.

2a. Thee we confess o’er every other,
The Head of all the heav’nly progeny;
2b. Oh, intercede before Thy Father
To send us help in need and misery.

3a. By the Father Thou art given
As a Prince all pow’r from heaven
Sinful souls to save, and to deliver us.
3b. We beseech Thee, who hast made us:
Send Thy holy hosts to aid us
Let them hedge us round about and cover us,

4a. Lest the world and Satan
Have the pow’r to do us harm,
And from the one true faith our spirit charm;
4b. But Thy Word let prosper,
And be taught in truth aright,
As it is taught before God’s holy sight.

5a. Guard us by Thine angels’ keeping,
In waking and in sleeping,
Keep our hearts humble all,
Lest in presumption we should slip and fall,
5b. As of old the wicked devil
With all his spirits evil
Fell from their heav’nly claim,
And angels good foul demons thus became.

6a. Hear us, O Christ, true God,
Mighty Redeemer:
From every wicked plot
And the deceiver
Keep and preserve us ’neath Thy shelt’ring wing
Through the true angels who forever sing,
6b. “Salvation to the King,
Our Lord forever!”
Our highest thanks we bring
To God the Father,
Who gave us wretches Christ, and in life’s ill
By all His holy angels keeps us still,——and forever.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

LATIN (BONNUS)

1a. Summe Rex Christe Angelorum omnium.
1b. Intende quaesumus nostris precibus.

2a. Te namque profitemur esse
supernorum civium Principem.
2b. Tu Patrem obsecrà pro nobis
ut mittat auxilium miseris.

3a. Principalis est potestas
a Patre tibi donata,
peccantes salvificare animas.
3b. Ut jubeas, petimus,
Angelos sanctos pro nobis
agere excubias omni tempore,

4. Ne quid Satan et mundus
nocere nobis possint,
in his quae sunt verae fidei.
4b. Et ut tuum verbum
feliciter recteque doceatur,
tanquam in conspectu Dei.

5a. Fac ut Angelorum praesidio
servemur in humilitate spiritus,
ne in praesumptionem prolabamur.
5b. Sic enim pravi spiritus
e coelis olim ceciderunt, 
ex Angelis bonis mali facti Daemones.

6a. Audi nos, Christe redemptor,
et defende nos
contra fallaces
horum insidias,
per Angelos pios, qui semper canunt,
6b. Laus sit Regi Domino.
Agimus summas coelesti
gratias Patri, qui Christum
pro nobis dedit,
et per sanctos Angelos
tuetur nos miseros in tantis malis hujus vitae.

LATIN (ORIGINAL)

1a. Summi Regis archangele Michahel
1b. Intende quaesumus nostris precibus.

2a. Te namque profitemur esse
 supernorum principem civium.
2b. Tu Deum obsecra pro nobis
 ut mittat auxilium miseris.

3a. Principalis est potestas
 a Domino tibi data
peccantes salvificare animas.
3b. Idem tenes perpetuo
 principatum paradisi
omnes civis te honorant superi.

4a. Tu in templo Dei
turibulum aureum
visus es habuisse manibus.
4b. Inde scandens vapor
aromatum plurimus
pervenit ante conspectum Dei.

5a. Quando cum dracone magnum
perfecisti proelium
faucibus illius
animas abstraxisti plurimas.
5b. Hinc maximum agebatur
in caelo selentium
milia milium
dicebant salus regi Domino.

6a. Audi nos, Michahel,
angele summe
huc parum descende
de poli sede
nobis ferendo opem Domini
atque levamen indulgentiae
6b. Tu nostros Gabrihel
hostes prosterne;
tu Raphahel, aegris
affer medelam,
morbos absterge, noxas minue,
nosque fac interesse gaudiis (7.)  beatorum.

Dicimus grates tibi

Here is my translation of “Dicimus grates tibi summe rerum Conditor” (P. Melanchthon, 1539) from the Latin rather than from the German paraphrase by Paul Eber (†1569; translations of that have been made by Seiss and Cronenwett). This one preserves the 11.11.11.5 meter. I provide the melody from Lossius Psalmodia (1579):

THANKS UNTO THEE, O highest Lord, Creator,
We through Thy Son for angel hosts now render,
Who by Thy hand as flames of fire were fashioned
Ministers blameless.

2. Bright with Thy brilliance, they reflect Thy glory,
With raptured gazes e’er Thy face beholding,
Wisdom from Thee as from the Fountain drawing,
Thy Words receiving.

3. Thou dost not suffer this Thy holy people
Idly to tarry, nor their flight to squander
Round the vast ethers, playing in breezes,
As though unheeding.

4. Them hast Thou bidden to be Christ’s attendants,
And to keep vigil where the godly gather,
Where Thy commandments fitting praise are given
And well implanted.

5. For hotly burning with ungodly hatred,
Satan the dragon, by whom sin and dying
This world first entered, furious on thy barracks
Wages his warfare.

6. Here seeking only ruin and destruction
Of house and city, church and congregation,
All Thy commandments, and all holy conduct,—
Fain would he raze them.

7. Yet o’er us watching, heav’nly troops of angels
Follow their Captain, Christ, the high Commander,
Curbing the bloody weapons of the dragon,
Whereso he rages.

8. Angels saved Lot from Sodom’s devastation,
Harbored Elisha from the hostile armies;
Ringed round by angels, he beheld unfearing
Banners of battle.

9. Safe mid the circling lions stood the prophet
Daniel, surrounded by a hedge of angels;
Thus doth God ever by His faithful servants
Keep us in shelter.

10. This Thy protection we devoutly honor,
As unto Thee our choirs, their voices blending
With choirs angelic, thankful anthems render,
O kind Creator.

11. Set these Thy watchmen o’er Thy temple ever,
And o’er Thy people, who Thy Son's fair message
Hallow with rev'rence; this we beseech Thee
With heart unfeigning.

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2011.

LATIN

1. Dicimus grates tibi, summe rerum
Conditor, gnato tua quod ministros
Flammeos finxit manus angelorum
Agmina pura.

2. Qui tuae lucis radiis vibrantes
Te vident laetis oculis, tuasque
Hauriunt voces, sapientiaeque
Fonte fruuntur.

3. Hos nec [non] ignavum sinis [finis] esse vulgus,
Nec per ingentes volitare frustra
Aetheris tractus, temere nec inter
Ludere ventos.

4. Sed jubes Christo comites adesse
Et pios caetus hominum tueri,
Qui tuas leges venerantur, atque
Discere curant.

5. Impiis ardens odiis et ira
Nam tuis castris draco semper infert
Bella, qui primis scelus atque mortem
Intulit orbi.

6. Hic domos, urbes, tua templa, gentes
Et tuae legis monumenta tota
Et bonos mores abolere tentat
Funditus omnes.

7. Interim sed nos regit angelorum,
Quae ducem Christum sequitur, caterva,
Atque grassantis reprimit cruenta
Arma draconis.

8. Angeli Lothon Sodomae tuentur,
Inter infestos Elisaeus [C…] hostes,
Angelis cinctus, nihil extimescit
Bellica signa.

9. Tutus est inter medios leones,
Angelis s(a)eptus Daniel propheta:
Sic tegit semper Deus his ministris
Omnia nostra.

10. Hoc tuum munus celebramus una,
Et tibi noster chorus angelique
Gratias dicunt simul accinentes,
Conditor alme.

11. Et tuo templo vigiles ut addas
Angelos semper, populoque, Gnati
Qui tui verbum colit, obsecramus
Pectore toto.

Christe sanctorum decus (corr. H. Bonnus)

Here is my translation of Hermann Bonnus’ correction to Rabanus Maurus’ hymn for the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels. I have attempted to translate it twice, on the basis of each commonly used versions, one unrhymed and the other rhymed, since the first and last stanzas are largely the same as the original. The sixth stanza is a generic doxology for this meter, apparently from St. Gregory the Great. Since that of Riley is less literal (Dearmer does no better), I have provided an alternate translation, and also direct the reader to the superior doxology provided in the other (Roman use) translation. The following tune is that appointed in Lossius Psalmodia (1579).

Adaptation of English Hymnal #242 (based on A. Riley, 1906):
CHRIST, THE FAIR glory of the holy angels,
Thou who hast made us, Thou who o'er us rulest,
Grant of Thy mercy for our supplications
Steps up to heaven.


2. Give holy angels charge o’er every dwelling,
That they may keep us, standing as our watchmen,
From Satan’s murd’rous plots our souls defending,
His snares dispelling.


3. So let Thy Scripture sound without perversion,
Nor any faction or false doctrine flourish,
Lest our poor senses be seduced to error
By faith’s appearance.


4. As once Thine Angel Michael was triumphant,
Seizing the vict’ry o’er the prince of Persia,
So make among us peace once more to prosper
E’en at the present.


5. Grant that Thine angel govern all the living,
Ably supporting all our earthly labors
That Thou may’st find them well and wholly pleasing:
O Christ, we pray Thee.


6. This may the blessed Godhead vouchsafe to us:
Father coequal with the Son and Spirit,
Whose glory echoes through the world resounding
Now and forever. (Amen.)


Riley’s original doxology:
6. Father Almighty, Son, and Holy Spirit,
God ever blessèd, be Thou our preserver;
Thine is the glory which the angels worship,
Veiling their faces.

Roman translation:
This be our portion [older: This He vouchsafe us…], God forever blessed,
Father eternal, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Whose is the glory, which through all creation
ever resoundeth. (Amen.)


Translation sts. 1, 6 alt., Composite;
sts. 2-6. © Matthew Carver, 2011.


Correction of alternate translation (based on T.I. Ball, 1921):
CHRIST, OF THE Angels praise and adoration,
Maker of all men, Lord of every nation,
Graciously let our earnest pray’r be given
Steps up to heaven.


2. Thy holy angels to our dwellings send us,
Charge them as guardians ever to attend us,
From us averting Satan’s wicked cunning,
His ruses stunning.


3. That in all truth Thy Word may be presented,
And any sects of doctrine false prevented,
Lest they by outward piety’s pretenses
Ensnare our senses.


4. Michael the Angel, once the rival quelling,
Victory wrested, Persia’s prince repelling,—
So let peace prosper now amid the foment,
E’en in this moment.


5. May Thy good angel rule and govern o’er us,
And in our labors help and go before us,
That they may please Thee, nor by sin dismay Thee;
This, Christ, we pray Thee.


6. O May the Godhead, endless bliss possessing, 

Father and Son and Spirit, grant this blessing; 

Whose glory, all the universe pervading

Knoweth no fading.

Translation st. 1 Composite, st. 6, 
sts. 2–5 © Matthew Carver, 2011.


BONNUS’ CORRECTION

1. Christe, sanctorum decus Angelorum
Auctor humani generis et rector,
Supplices nobis, tribuas rogamus
scandere caelum.


2. Angelos sanctos jubeas ubique
Esse custodes, vigilesque nostros,
Impetus contra Satanae malignos,
Insidiasque.


3. Ut tuum verbum doceatur apte,
Nulla perversi valeatque secta
Dogmatis nostros, pietate ficta,
Fallere sensus.


4. Angelus quondam Michael triumphum
Regibus Persis reparavit, idem
Publicam pacem, tueatur omni
Tempore nobis.


5. Angelus vitam regat universam,
Adjuvet nostros simul et labores,
Cuncta quòd possint tibi comprobari,
Christe precamur.


6. Praestet hoc nobis Deitas beata
Patris ac Nati, pariterque Sancti
Spiritus, cuius reboat per omnem
gloria mundum. (Amen.)

ORIGINAL LATIN

1. CHRISTE, sanctorum decus Angelorum
Rector humani generis et auctor,
nobis aeternum tribue benigne
scandere caelum.


2. ANGELUM pacis, Michael ad istam
caelitus mitte, rogitamus aulam:
nobis ut crebro veniente crescant
prospera cuncta.


3. ANGELUS fortis Gabriel, ut hostem
pellat antiquum, volitet ab alto,
saepius templum veniat ad istud
visere nostrum.


4. ANGELUM nobis medicum salutis
mitte de caelis Raphael, ut omnes
sanet aegrotos, pariterque nostros
dirigat actus.


5. HINC Dei nostri Genetrix Maria,
totus et nobis chorus Angelorum
semper assistat, simul et beata
concio tota.


6. PRAESTET hoc nobis Deitas beata
Patris ac Nati pariterque Sancti
Spiritus, cuius resonat per omnem
gloria mundum. Amen.

LATIN, REVISED USE:

1. Christe, sanctorum decus Angelorum,
Gentis humanae sator et redemptor,
Coelitum nobis tribuas beatas
Scandere sedes.


2. Angelus pacis Michael in aedes
Coelitus nostras veniat, serenae
Auctor ut pacis lacrimosa in orcum
Bella releget.


3. Angelus fortis Gabriel, ut hostes
Pellat antiquos, et arnica coelo,
Quae triumphator statuit per orbem,
Templa revisat.


4. Angelus nostrae medicus salutis,
Adsit e coelo Raphael, ut omnes
Sanet aegrotos, dubiosque vitae
Dirigat actus.


5. Virgo dux pacis, Genitrixquae lucis,
Et sacer nobis chorus Angelorum
Semper assistat, simul et micantis
Regia coeli.


6. Praestet hoc nobis Deitas beata
Patris, ac Nati, pariterque sancti
Spiritus, cujus resonat per omnem
Gloria mundum.