Ye (You) Holy Angels Bright

This is a hymn about the angels and saints. It is especially appropriate on September 29, the Feast of saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels (Michaelmas).

The words arebased on a poem by Church of England and later Non-Conformist clergyman by Richard Baxter (1615-1691). It was adapted to hymn form by Anglican clergyman, John Hampden Gurney (1802–1862).

With meter 6.6.6.6.4.4.4.4, tunes it has been set to include

DARWALL 148th, by John Darwall (1731-1789) - the most commonly used tune for this hymn
CROFT'S 136TH by William Croft (1678-1727)

Downloads

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Arranged for SATB choir, congregation, organ+trumpets by June Nixon - based on DARWELLS 148TH

PowerPoint
slides

Examples

Congregation, with enthusiastic organ and brass accompaniment

Unaccompanied:

Lyrics

Traditional-language text

Ye holy angels bright,
Who wait at God's right hand,
Or through the realms of light
Fly at your Lord's command,
Assist our song, or else the theme
Too high doth seem for mortal tongue.

Ye blessed souls at rest,
Who ran this earthly race
And now, from sin released,
Behold your Saviour's face,
God's praises sound, as in His light
With sweet delight ye do abound.

Ye saints, who toil below,
Adore your heavenly King,
And onward as ye go
Some joyful anthem sing;
Take what He gives, and praise Him still,
Through good or ill, who ever lives.

My soul, bear thou thy part,
Triumph in God above,
And with a well-tuned heart
Sing thou the songs of love;
Let all thy days till life shall end,
Whate'er He send, be filled with praise.