From out the cloud of amber light

From out the cloud of amber light. Cecil Frances Alexander* (1818-1895).  This hymn for St Mark’s Day (25 April) was written by Alexander for the Second Edition of A&M (1875). It draws upon the traditional association of St Mark with a winged lion. It had five stanzas:  From out the cloud of amber light,  Borne on the whirlwind of the north, Four living creatures wing’d and bright  Before the Prophet’s eye came forth.  The Voice of God was in the Four  Beneath that awful crystal mist, And every wondrous form they wore  Foreshadow’d an Evangelist.  The lion-faced, he told abroad  The strength of love, the strength of faith; He show’d the Almighty Son of God,  The Man Divine Who won by...