Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#127

127. When marshalled on the nightly plain

1 When, marshalled on the nightly plain,
The glittering hosts bestud the sky,
One star alone of all the train
Can fix the sinner's wandering eye.

2 Hark! hark! to God the chorus breaks
From every host, from every gem;
But one alone the Saviour speaks,
It is the Star of Bethlehem.

3 In storm and darkness, once I feared,
And, death-struck, ceased the tide to stem,
When suddenly a star appeared,
It was the Star of Bethlehem.

4 It is my guide, my light, my all;
It bids my dark forebodings cease;
And through life's storm and danger's thrall,
It leads me to the port of peace.

5 Thus, safely moored, my perils o'er,
I'll sing first in night's diadem,
For ever, and for evermore,
The Star! the Star of Bethlehem!

Text Information

• First Line: When marshalled on the nightly plain
• Alterer: H. Kirke White, 1785-1806
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: Bethlehem: Star of; Christmas Hymns; The Son: Christmas; Love: Of Christ; Star: Of Bethlehem

Tune Information

• Name: SIMEON
• Composer: Samuel Stanley, 1767-1822
• Meter: L.M.
• Key: F Major or modal