Come sing, ye choirs exultant, Those messengers of God, Through whom the living Gospels Came sounding all abroad! Whose voice proclaimed salvation That poured upon the night, And drove away the shadows, And filled the world with light. He chose them, our Good Shepherd, And, tending evermore, His flock through earth’s four quarters, In wisdom made them four; True Lawgiver, He bade them Their healing message speed— One charter for all nations, One glorious title deed! In one harmonious witness The chosen four combine While each his own commission Fulfills in every line; As, in the prophet’s vision, From out the amber flame In form of visage diverse Four living creatures came. Lo, these the wingèd chariots, That bring Emmanuel nigh, The golden staves, uplifting God’s very ark on high; And these the fourfold river Of paradise above, Whence flow for all the nations New mysteries of love. Foursquare on this foundation The Church of Christ remains, A house to stand unshaken By floods or winds or rains. O glorious happy portion In this safe home to be, By God, true man, united With God eternally. |