Changes: I've updated the text a little.
Note: LSB stanzas 4-7 do not appear here. Likewise, some of the verses that the LSB cuts out do. The ELH, however, has all 16 verses of the original. Jacobi's translation includes v1-3, 12, 8-10, 15, 14.
Tune: LSB has ERHALT UNS HERR, but HERR GOTT, DICH LOBEN ALLE WIR (The Doxology) is also fitting.
To God let all the human race
Bring humble worship mixed with grace,
Who makes His love and wisdom known
By angels that surround His throne.
These angels, whom Your breath inspires,
Your ministers, are flaming fires,
As swift as thought their armies move,
To bear Your vengeance or Your love.
They gladly listen to Your will,
They love to grow their knowledge still;
They always serve the Lord their Rock,
In keeping guard around Your flock.
The Good, where'er Your children dwell,
They do, no mortal tung can tell,
Nor what their heav'nly care prevents,
Where they are bid to pitch their tents.
Brave Daniel found their benefit,
When with the lions (was) forced to sit;
And likewise angels rescued Lot,
So the ungodly harmed him not.
What did the three men in the flame,
Soon as their guardian-angel came?
Did not the oven's scorching fire
Resound with strains of heav'nly choir.
So God defends us day by day
From many dangers in our way
By angels, who do always keep
A watchful eye when we're asleep.
We pray to let their heav'nly host
Be guardians of our land and coast,
To keep Your little flock in peace,
So we can lead of life of grace.
O Lord, we'll bless You all our days,
Our soul shall glory in Your grace,
Your praise shall dwell upon our tungs,
All saints and angels join our songs.
Dicimus grates tibi, summe rerum
Philip Melanchton; German version Paul Eber
Tr. John Christian Jacobi, alt.
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