A multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luke 2:13–14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Words: C. Louise Bell, 1882. Appeared in Jewels of Praise, edited by Asa Hull (New York: Daniel W. Knowles, 1884), page 143.
Music: E. U. Edel (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Edel (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), or a better one of Bell,
Sweetly and softly on my ear
A wondrous chorus breaks;
A melody that calms all fear,
That in my soul awakes.
Refrain
It is the echo of the song,
First heard upon that night;
When shepherds saw the heav’nly throng,
In glittering raiment bright.
Fear not, O trembling heart, but sing,
For thee a Savior’s born;
Let every soul its tribute bring,
And hail the joyous morn.
Within the east, lo! Christmas day
Breaks with its rosy light;
My soul, that song divine obey,
And praise Him day and night.
Refrain