A Sound of angels

A virgin most pure, as the Prophets do tell,
Hath brought forth a baby¹, as it hath befell,
To be our Redeemer from death, hell and sin,
Which Adam’s transgression had wrapped² us in.

Refrain
Aye, and therefore be you merry,
Rejoice and be merry, 
Set sorrow aside;
Christ Jesus our Savior was born on this tide.³

2. At Bethlehem city in Jewry⁴ a City there was⁵
Where Joseph and Mary together did pass,
And there to be taxed, with many one more,
For Cæsar commanded the same should be so. Refrain

3. But, when they had entered the city so fair^5a
A number of people so mighty was there,
That Joseph and Mary, whose substance was small,
Could get in the Inn there⁶ no lodging at all. Refrain

4. Then were they constrained in a stable to lye,
Where horses and asses^6a they us'd for to tie;
Their lodging so simple they held it no scorn,
But against the next morning our Saviour was born. Refrain

5. The King of all kings⁷ to this world being brought,
Small store of fine linen to wrap him was sought,
And when she⁸ had swaddled her young son so sweet,
Within an ox manger she laid him to sleep. Refrain

6. Then God sent an Angel from Heaven so high,
To certain poor Shepherds in fields where they lye,
And bade⁹ them no longer in sorrow to stay,
Because that our Saviour was born on this day. Refrain

7. Then presently after the Shepherds did spy
A number of Angels that stood¹⁰ in the sky;
Who joyfully talked and sweetly did sing,
To God be all glory our Heavenly King. Refrain

Sandys added the following verse, which was not found in Gilbert, 1822 or 1823.

8. Three certain Wise Princes, they thought it most meet
To lay their rich offerings at our Saviour’s feet;
Then the Shepherds consented, and to Bethlehem did go,
And when they came thither, they found it was so. Refrain

Notes:

1. Or: Saviour, or Babe
2. Or: has brought forth a baby, or had wrapt us all in
3. Or:
      Rejoice and be merry, set sorrow aside;
      Christ Jesus our Savior was born on this tide
4. Or: Judah or Jury
5. Or: In Bethlehem in Jewry, it was
6. Or: far
7. Or:
      Could get in the City there 
   Or Could procure in the inn
8. Or: But when Mary … 
9. Or: charged Or bid
10. Or: appear

Sources (music and words):

• Davies Gilbert, Some Ancient Christmas Carols, London: John Nichols and Son, [First Ed.] 1822; also Second Edition 1823.
• William Sandys, Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern. London, Richard Beckley, 1823.

All Glory be to God on high

HYMN CXVII. ----- For Christmas.

ALL Glory be to God on high,
Ye Sons of Adam fill the Sky,
With Praise and Thankfulness;
God, from an everlasting Love,
Decreed with his dear Son above
A sinful World to bless.

Stand still, and see what God hath done,
He had but one beloved Son,
And Him He freely gave:
For whom was this; but for a Race
Of cursed Sinners vile, and base?
Yet all He came to save.

All Glory to th' eternal Son,
That He most freely did put on
Our Flesh and Misery:
That He, our God, a Man was made,
And bore our Curse, our Ransom paid,
By bleeding on the Tree.

He as a poor mean Child was born,
His Birth no Palace did adorn,
A Manger was his Bed:
Look, look upon this rising Sun,
Till Tears of Love the Eyes o'er-run,
This Babe is Christ our Head.

Sources:

• The collection of hymns, sung in the Countess of Huntingdon’s chapel, pp 161-62, 1770.
• A collection of hymns, with several translations from the hymn-book of the Moravian Brethren, second edition, 1743.
• A collection of sacred hymns, by John Cennick, fifth edition, 1752.
• A collection of hymns of the children of God in all ages, from the beginning till now, 1754.

All glory to God, and peace upon earth

All glory to God, and peace upon earth,
Be published abroad at Jesus’ birth;
The forfeited favor of Heaven we find
Restored in the Savior and Friend of mankind.

Then let us behold Messias the Lord,
By prophets foretold, by angels adored;
Our God’s incarnation with angels proclaim,
And publish salvation in Jesus’ name.

Our newly born King by faith we have seen
And joyfully sing His goodness to men,
That all men may wonder at what we impart,
And thankfully ponder His love in their heart.

What moved the Most High so greatly to stoop,
He comes from the sky our souls to lift up;
That sinners forgiven, might sinless return
To God and to Heaven; their Maker is born.

Immanuel’s love let sinners confess,
Who comes from above, to bring us His peace;
Let every believer His mercy adore,
And praise Him forever, when time is no more.

Sources:

• Words: Charles Wesley, Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord (London: William Strahan, 1745), number 7.

All Hail the Power of Jesu's Name

ADVENT CAROL

All hail the power of Jesus' name! 
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown him Lord of all. 

Ye saints redeemed of Adam's race,
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail him who saves you by his grace,
And crown him Lord of all.

[Hail Him, ye heirs of David's line,
Whom David Lord did call,
The God incarnate, Man divine,
And crown Him Lord of all.]

Sinners, whose love can ne'er forget
The wormwood and the gall,
Go spread your trophies at his feet,
And crown him Lord of all.   

Let every kindred, every tribe
On this terrestrial ball,
To him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all. 

[Crown him, ye martyrs of your God,
Who from his altar call;
Extol the Stem of Jesse's Rod,
And crown him Lord of all.]   

O that with yonder sacred throng
We at his feet may fall! 
We'll join the everlasting song,
And crown him Lord of all. 

Sources:

• Text: Rev. 19:16
• Edward Perronet; (1726-1792),  altered and amended by John Rippon
• Hymn No. 339 from The Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal.

Angels from the realms of glory

Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o’er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation’s story
Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.

Refrain

Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Shepherds, in the field abiding,
Watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing;
Yonder shines the infant light:

Refrain

Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations;
Ye have seen His natal star.

Refrain

Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear;
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear.

Refrain

Sinners, wrung with true repentance,
Doomed for guilt to endless pains,
Justice now revokes the sentence,
Mercy calls you; break your chains.

Refrain

Though an Infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down:

Refrain

All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
To th’eternal Three in One.

Refrain

Sources:

Arise and Hail the Glorious Star

Arise, and Hail the Happy Day

HYMN XCVI. Peculiar Measure.

For the Morning of Christmas-Day.

ARISE, and hail the happy Day;
Cast all low Cares of Life away,
And Thought of meaner Things:
This Day, to cure our deadly Woes,
The Sun of Righteousness arose,
With Healing in His Wings.

If Angels on that happy Morn,
The Saviour of the World was born,
Pour'd forth their joyful Songs;
Much more should we of human Race
Adore the Wonders of His Grace,
To whom that Grace belongs.

O then let Heaven and Earth rejoice,
Let every Creature join his Voice
To hymn the happy Day;
When Satan's Empire vanquish'd fell,
And all the Powers of Death and Hell
Confess'd His sovereign Sway.

 L. L.

Sources:

• A collection of hymns adapted to public worship,  third edition, p 100, 1778.
• A collection of Psalms and hymns for public worship, unmixed with the disputed doctrines of any sect, by George Walker, 1788.
• The Psalm tunes and hymns used, and taught by the editor, in Bedford chapel, 1791.
• Psalms and hymns for the use of the congregation of Carlisle Chapel, Kennington-Lane, in the parish of Lambeth, 1797
• and more...

As shepherds watched their fleecy care

Jacob's Well

Attend, O earth, whilst I declare

PSALM II. v. 7, 8, 9, 10.

CHRISTMAS-DAY.

ATTEND, O earth, whilst I declare
God's uncontrolled decree:
Thou art my son this day, my heir
Have I begotten thee.

Ask and receive thy full demands;
Thine shall the heathen be:
The utmost limits of the lands
Shall be possest by thee.

Thy threat'ning sceptre thou shalt shake
And crush them every where:
As massy bars of iron break
The potter's brittle ware.

Learn then, ye Princes, and give ear,
Ye judges of the earth!
Worship the Lord with Holy Fear,
Rejoice with awful mirth.

Sources:

• Psalms and hymns for the use of the chapel of the Asylum for Female Orphans, pp 3-4, 1785.
• A selection of Psalms, from Tate and Brady’s version, second edition, by Alexander Cleeve, 1793.

Awake, awake the sacred Song

HYMN LXXXVIII. Common Measure.

The Incarnation. John 1. 14.

AWAKE, awake the sacred Song
To our incarnate Lord;
Let every Heart, and every Tongue
Adore th' eternal Word.

That awful Word, that sovereign Power,
By Whom the Worlds were made;
(O happy Morn! illustrious Hour!)
Was once in Flesh array'd!

Then shone almighty Power and Love
In all their glorious Forms;
When Jesus left His Throne above
To dwell with sinful Worms.

To dwell with Misery below,
The Saviour left the Skies;
And sunk to Wretchedness and Woe,
That worthless Man might rise.

Adoring Angels tun'd their Songs
To hail the joyful Day;
With Rapture then, let mortal Tongues
Their grateful Worship pay.

What Glory, Lord, to Thee is due?
With Wonder we adore;
But could we sing as Angels do,
Our highest Praise were poor.

T.

Sources

• A collection of hymns adapted to public worship, The third edition, p 92, 1778.
• Sacred songs and hymns on various passages of scripture, approved by the Synod of Relief, 1794.

Awake my harp, my lute, and cheerful voice

On Christmas Day

HYMN LXXXII.

[1] AWAKE my harp, my lute, and cheerful voice;
Ye people all in songs of praise rejoice;
On this glad morn, to chase the gloomy night,
The Star of Jacob rose divinely bright!

[2] Behold! he comes--Messiah from above,
Comes to perform the mighty acts of love;
A virgin pure, of Abraham's favour'd race,
Brings forth the seed design'd the world to bless!

[3] A child is born, to us a son is given;
In mortal flesh appears the God of heaven!
Humbly he stoops to this polluted earth,
Diffusing gladness in his wond'rous birth.

[4] Angelic legions hail'd the natal day,
While their Creator in a mannet lay;
Amazing love! what wonders here combine,
To manhood stoops the majesty divine!

[5] Ye captive slaves to sin and hell a prey,
Lift up your heads, let gladness crown the day;
Your pond'rous chains shall break at Jesu's name,
His flaming heralds liberty proclaim.

[6] He comes, the tyrant's kingdom to destroy,
To publish peace, and universal joy!
From pole to pole extends his vast domain,
Thy King, O Salem, shall for ever reign!

[7] Break forth aloud, and swell the lofty song,
To man belov'd the pleasing strains belong;
While endless ages in their circles move,
Enraptur'd saints shall sing redeeming love.

Sources

• Hymns, and divine songs, for young persons, by Benjamin Rhodes, pp 83-4, 1796.

Away with our fears

HYMN CIII.

Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son,
and shall call his name Immanuel.  Isa. vii. 14.

AWAY with our fears,
The Godhead appears,
In CHRIST reconciled,
The Father of mercies in JESUS the child.

He comes from above,
In manifest love;
The desire of our eyes,
The meek Lamb of GOD, in a manger he lies.

At Immanuel's birth,
What triumph on earth!
Yet could it afford,
No better a place for its heavenly LORD!

The Ancient of Days,
To redeem a lost race,
From his glory comes down,
Self humbled, to carry us up to a crown.

Made flesh for our sake,
That we might partake,
The nature divine,
And again in his image, his holiness shine.

An heavenly birth,
Experience on earth;
And rise to the throne,
And live with our JESUS eternally one.

Then let us believe,
And gladly receive,
The tidings they bring;
Who publish to sinners their Saviour and King.

And while we are here,
Our King shall appear;
His spirit impart,
And form his full image of love in our heart.

Sources

• A new collection of hymns, particularly designed for the use of the congregation at the chapel in Jewry-Street, Aldgate, London, 6th ed, pp 113-4, 1794,  by William Aldridge. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Aldridge  
• Hymns on the great festivals, and other occasions, by John Frederick Lampe, 1746.
• Hymns for the nativity of our Lord, by John Wesley, 1766.

Behold the grace appear

CCCLXXXIII. Short Metre. WATTS.

The Birth of CHRIST. - For Christmas Day.

[1] BEHOLD the grace appear,
The blessing promised long;
Angels announce the Saviour near,
In this applauding song.

[2] "Glory to God on high,
"And heavenly peace on earth,
"Good will to men, to angels joy,
"At your Redeemer's birth."

[3] In worship so divine
Shall man his part refrain?
Forbid it love! the song we join
In sympathetic strain.

[4] "Glory to God on high,
"And heavenly peace on earth,
"Good will to men, to angels joy,
"At our Redeemer's birth."

Sources

• A collection of Psalms and hymns for public worship, unmixed with the disputed doctrines of any sect, by George Walker, pp 304-5, 1788.

Behold, the grace appears

HYMN 23. The Nativity of Christ, for Christmas. Tune 13.--Luke ii. Dr. Watts.

[1] BEHOLD, the grace appears,
The promise is fulfill'd;
Mary, the wond'rous Virgin bears,
And Jesus is the child.

[2] The Lord, the highest God,
Calls him his only son;
He bids him rule the lands abroad,
And gives him David's throne.

[3] To bring the glorious news,
A heav'nly form appears:
He tells the shepherds of their joys,
And banishes their fears.

[4] "Go, humble swains, said he,
"To David's city fly;
"The promis'd infant born to-day,
"Doth in a manger lie.

[5] "With looks and hearts serene
"Go visit Christ your King;"
And strait a flaming troop was seen,
The shepherds heard them sing.

[6] Glory to God on high,
And heavenly peace on earth,
Good will to men, to Angels joy,
At the Redeemer's birth.

Sources:

• Select hymns and anthems, on religious subjects, taken from David’s psalms, and other passages of Holy Scripture; and sung at Tunbridge-Wells Chapel, fifth edition, pp 34-5, c1790.
• A collection of Psalms for Christian worship, 1779.
• Spiritual songs for Zion’s travellers, being a collection of hymns from different authors, by Samuel Barnard, 1799.

The words first appeared in print in a book of music by William Knapp of Poole, Dorset, in 1753, words attributed by Knapp to 'An Old Gentleman', who wanted to remain anonymous.

Behold the splendour, hear the shout!
Heav'n opens; angels issue out
And throng the nether sky.
What solemn tidings do they bring?
Rapt at th'approach of Israel's King,
They speak the Monarch nigh. 

Why does the King approach our land?
Comes he with thunder in his hand,
The merit of our crimes?
Shepherds, be glad: he comes with peace,
Not wrath, but universal grace,
To bless ev'n distant climes. 

See heav'n's great heir, a woman's son!
Behold; a manger is his throne!
Nay: see him born to die.
Yours is the guilt, but his the pain:
His are the sorrows, yours the gain:
Then let his praise be high. 

Come, mighty King, the grace enhance,
A stable was thy palace once;
Dwell in these hearts of ours:
Teach us to praise the Father's love,
Till blest, transported, fired above,
We sing with nobler pow'rs.

Sources:

• text first set to music on pages 162-163 of William Knapp's New Church Melody (1st edition, [1753]), where it is headed 'A Carol, or Redemption the Wonder of Angels. 1749 [/] A 4 Voc.'
• Joseph Stephenson of Poole also rublished his version of these words on pp28-29 of Church Harmony Sacred to Devotion (first edition 1757).

Note:

• The first line is also known as 'Behold what splendour', and 'Behold thar splendour'..

Betimes, on that auspicious morn

HYMN. (For Christmas Day.)

YARMOUTH TUNE.

BETIMES, on that auspicious morn,
When the long promis'd Christ was born;
An Angel unto the Shepherds came,
The glorious tidings to proclaim;
Around him heavenly splendour shone,
Glories before them unknown.

But soon they heard his cheering voice;
"Shepherd's, I call to you, rejoice,
"To David's City, hast away,
"There Christ, the Lord, is born to day;
"Laid in a manger, there you'll find,
"The promis'd Saviour of mankind.

Soon as the Angel made an end,
They say the heavenly troops descend,
In radiant clouds, on high, they hung,
And thus in strains Celestial sung;
To God on high, all praise below,
Peace and good will to men below.

Shall Angels sing our Saviours name,
With loud applause his birth proclaim;
And shall not we, with voice and heart,
With them, in consort, join our part;
Glory to him in praises sing,
Who this day, did Salvation bring.

Sources

• An abridgement of the new version of the psalms, for the use of Charlotte-Street Chapel, 1785, p 48.
• Hymns and spiritual songs. In three books, by Simon Browne, third edition, 1760.

Christians! awake, salute the happy morn

HYMN VII.

For Christmas Day.

CHRISTIANS! awake, salute the happy morn
Whereon the Saviour of mankind was born;
Rise to adore the mystery of love
Which hosts of angels chanted from above:
With them the joyful tidings first begun
Of God incarnate, and the Virgin's son.

The to the watchful shepherds it was told.
Who heard th' angelic herald's voice, "Behold!
"I bring glad tidings of a Saviour's birth
"To you and all the nations upon earth:
"This day hath God fulfill'd his promis'd word;
"This day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord.

"In David's city, shepherds! ye will find
"The long foretold redeemer of mankind;
"Wrapt up in swaddling clothes, the babe divine
"Lies in a manger,--this shall be your sign."
He spoke, and straightway the celestial choir
In hymns of joy unknown before conspire.

The praises of redeeming love they sung,
And heav'ns whole orb with Hallelujah's rang;
God's highest glory was their anthem still,
Peace upon earth, and mutual good will.
To Bethle'm straight th' enlightened shepherds ran,
To see the wonder God had wrought for man:

And found, with Joseph and the blessed maid
Her son, the Saviour, in a manger laid.
Amaz'd the wond'rous story they proclaim;
The first Apostles of his infant fame:
While Mary keeps and ponders in her heart
The heav'nly vision which the swains impart.

They to their flocks still praising God return;
And their glad hearts within their bosoms burn.
Let us, like these good shepherds then employ
Our grateful voices to proclaim the joy;
Like Mary, let us ponder in our mind
God's wondrous love in saving lost mankind.

Artless and watchful as these favour'd swains,
While virgin meekness in the heart remains;
Trace we the babe who has retriev'd our loss
From his poor manger to his bitter cross;
Tread in his steps, assisted by his grace,
Till man's first heav'nly state again takes place.

Then may we hope th'angelic thrones among,
To find redeemed a glad triumphant throng.
He that was born upon this joyful day,
Around us all his glory shall display;
Saved by his love, incessant we shall sing,
Eternal praise to heav'ns all-glorious king.

Sources

• Hymns, proper for Christian Worship, pp 8-10. 1797.
• A select set of psalms and hymns . . . jn the Parish of Grantham, 3rd Edition 1792
• Hymns, proper for Christian worship, pp 8-10, 1797.
• Select portions of Psalms and hymns, for the use of the congregation of St. Philip’s, in Birmingham, c1800.

Come all who have ears, let them hear

HYMN XCVI.

[1] COME all who have ears, let them hear,
Come all who can speak with their tongue;
While GOD doth to mortals draw near,
Let mortals unite in their song:
The love of our GOD is so great,
He hath not with-held his dear Son!
To save from our fallen estate,
And raise us with joy to his throne.

[2] Record the glad day of his birth,
JEHOVAH to man is come down!
To visit his creatures on earth,
And claim his redeemed for his own:
Tho' Satan usurping hath been,
And gained an abundant success:
Our JESUS shall save us from sin,
And fully restore us by grace.

[3] Our mighty deliv'rer is come,
Proclaiming the great jubilee!
His grace hath reversed our sad doom,
And set the poor captives quite free!
We know not the WAY nor the HOW!
The myst'ry all reason o'erpow'rs!
Yet lo! the inheritance now,
The purchas'd possession is ours.

[4] Then let us in praises be found,
Now mortals with angels can vie,
Shall angels or mortals abound?
"All praise to Jehovah on high:
"To him who hath lov'd us so great,
"And ransom'd our souls by his blood,
"The theme we FOR EVER repeat,
"All honour and glory to GOD."

Sources:

• Hymns and spiritual songs, by Andrew Kessell, pp 158-9, 1787.

Come let us unite and agree

HYMN XLVIII.

For Christmas.

COME let us unite and agree,
Our Emanuel's bless'd Name to adore,
Who came this day to set us free,
And save all our Souls by his Pow'r.
The Infant of Days now appears,
His Creatures on Earth for to bless
Destroying our Doubts and our Fears,
And saving our Souls thro' his Grace.

He comes upon Earth to fulfil
That Law which his Creatures had broke,
To suffer his Father's just Will,
Submitting to Death's cruel Stroke.
To save a lost Race he descends,
From Heav'n the Place of his Bliss,
Addresses his Rebels as Friends,
What Love was e'er equal to this.

Of our Jesus' Love let us sing
On this Day of his Advent rejoice,
And bless our Redeemer and King,
With Union of Heart and of Voice.
Ye ransomed Sinners proclaim,
Your Jesu's unspeakable praise
And publish to ALL, his bless'd Name,
Throughout your remainder of Days.

Sources

• Hymns peculiarly adapted for the prayer and class meetings, among the people called Methodists, by A. Orchard, pp 24-5, 1786.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus

HYMN CXVI.-----For Christmas.

COME, Thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set the People free,
From our Fears and Sins release us,
Let us find our Rest in Thee
Israel's Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the Earth Thou art,
Dear Desire of every Nation,
Joy of every longing Heart.

Born thy People to deliver,
Born a Child, and yet a King,
Born to reign in us for ever,
Now thy gracious Kingdom bring;
By thine own eternal Sprit,
Rule in all our Hearts alone,
By thine all-sufficient Merit
Raise us to thy glorious Throne.

Sources

• The Collection of Hymns, sung in the Countess of Huntingdon’s chapel, pp 160-1, 1770.
• A collection of psalms and hymns, extracted from various authors, and published by the Reverend Mr. Madan, 9th ed, 1779.
• Carmina evangelica; or hymns, chiefly collected from various authors, by William Maurice, 1792.

Come, ye Sinners, highly favoured

XIV. A Christmas Hymn.

[1] COME, ye Sinners, highly favoured
Join to sing IMMANUEL's Praise;
The Nativity of JESUS
Claims your loudest, sweetest Lays:
Hail Messiah, Hail Messiah, Hail Messiah.
JESUS full of Truth and Grace.

[2] Nations long by Guilt oppressed.
Sighed, O CHRIST, and looked for Thee
Kings, and righteous Men, desired
Thine auspicious Day to see
Welcome JESUS, &c.
Saviour great, our Saviour be.

[3] Lo! to humble Shepherds gazing,
Tidings glad the Angel sings;
Strait a grand celestial Concert
Sweep the sweetly-sounding Strings
Hallelujah, &c.
All the heav'nly Concave rings.

[4] JESUS, promis'd Seed of Woman,
Once in DAVID's City giv'n,
See our grateful Souls adore Thee,
Heir of all the Realms of Heav'n:
Great IMMANUEL, &c.
Sinners are by Thee forgiven.

[5] To JEHOVAH highest Glory,
In the Earth celestial Peace,
To Mankind Good-will descending,
Shews to Saints a full Release:
Best of Tidings, &c.
Sound them thro' the Universe.

Sources

• A collection of hymns, intended as a supplement for congregations who sing Dr. Watts’s hymns, pp 13-4, 1787.

For ever shall my song record

HYMN 92.----FOR CHRISTMAS.

[1] FOR ever shall my song record,
The truth and mercy of the Lord;
Mercy and truth for ever stand
Like heav'n, establish'd by his hand.

[2] Thus to his Son he sware, and said,
"With thee my cov'nant first is made;
"In thee shall dying sinners live,
"Glory and grace are thine to give.

[3] "Be thou my prophet, thou my priest;
"Thy children shall be ever blest!
"Thou are my chosen King; Thy throne
"Shall stand eternal like my own.

[4] "There's none of all my sons above
"So much my image or my love;
"Celestial pow'rs thy subjects are,
"Then what can earth to thee compare?

[5] "David, my servant, whom I chose
"To guard my flock, to crush my foes;
"And rais'd him to the Jewish throne,
"Was but a shadow of my Son."

[6] Now let the church rejoice and sing,
Jesus her Saviour, and her King:
Angels his heav'nly wonders shew,
And saints declare his works below.

Sources:

• A collection of psalms and hymns, used in the church of St. Mary, in Hull, p 70, 1787.
• The book of Psalms, as translated, paraphrased, or imitated by some of the most eminent English poets, 1781.
• The Psalms of David imitated in the language of the New Testament, by I. Watts, D.D., fifteenth edition, 1748.

Give Thanks to God most high

HYMN CLXV.

CHRISTMAS-DAY.

I.

GIVE Thanks to GOD most high,
The universal LORD,
The sov'reign King of Kings,
And be his Grace ador'd:
His Power and Grace
Are still the same,
And let his Name
Have endless Praise.

II.

How mighty is his Hand,
What Wonders hath he done!
He form'd the Earth and Seas,
And spread the Heav'ns alone:
Thy Mercy, LORD,
Shall still endure,
And ever sure
Abides thy Word.

III.

He saw the Nations lie,
All perishing in Sin,
And pity'd the sad State
The ruin'd World was in:
Thy Mercy, LORD,
Shall still endure,
And ever sure
Abides thy Word.

IV.

He sent his only SON
To save us from our Woe,
From Satan, Sin, and Death,
And ev'ry hurtful Foe:
His Pow'r and Grace
Are still the same,
And let his Name
Have endless Praise.

Sources:

• A collection of psalms and hymns, extracted from various authors, and published by the Reverend Mr. Madan, 9th ed, pp 163-4, 1779.
• A collection of hymns and psalms for public worship, 1790.
• The Psalms of David. Imitated in the language of the New Testament, and applied to the Christian state and worship. By I. Watts, D.D, new edition, corrected, 1799.

Glory be to God on high

HYMN FOR CHRISTMAS-DAY.

Glory be to God on high,
God who reigns above the sky;
Peace on earth to man forgiv'n,
Man the well belov'd of Heav'n.

Sov'reign Father, heavenly King,
Thee we now presume to sing;
Glad Thine attributes confess,
Glorious all, and numberless.

Joyful all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace,
Hail the sun of Righteousness.

Christ in highest Heav'n ador'd,
Christ the everlasting Lord,
Condescends with man t'appear,
Jesu our Immanuel here.

Sources:

• The Psalm tunes and hymns used, and taught by the editor, in Bedford chapel, pp 61-2, 1791.

Glory to Christ our Saviour king

HYMN XCV.

[1] GLORY to Christ our Saviour king,
(Let all his people say)
Let ev'ry loyal subject sing,
And hail the King's birth-day!
Proclaim thro' all the earth abroad,
In sweet and lofty strain,
"The tabernacle of our GOD,
"Is now set up with MEN."

[2] The mystery so long conceal'd,
Which angels pry to know,
Is clearly now to man reveal'd,
GOD manifest below!
T'accomplish what his grace design'd
He took our flesh and blood!
The manhood, to the God-head join'd,
To make us NIGH to GOD.

[3] Let ev'ry waste and desert place,
Make his salvation known,
The heathen land his eye surveys,
And claims them for his own!
Turning to Zion we rejoice,
Poor aliens are brought nigh;
And shouting join, with heart and voice,
"Glory to GOD on high."

[4] While angels left their feats above,
To sing redeeming grace,
"Glory to GOD, the GOD of LOVE,
"Good will to men, and peace,
Let us in emulation sweet,
Our voice with angels raise;
'Till we, with them, in glory meet,
To shout IMMANUEL's praise.

Sources:

• Hymns and spiritual songs, by Andrew Kessell, pp 157-8, 1787.

Hail Progeny divine

HYMN LXXXIX. Peculiar Measure.

The Nativity.

Luke 2. 10--12.

HAIL Progeny divine;
Hail Virgin's wonderous Son!
Who for that humble Shrime
Didst quit th'Almighty's Throne:
The Infant Lord
Our Voices sing,
And be the King
Of Grace ador'd.

Ye Princes, disappear,
And boast your Crowns no more;
Lay down your Sceptres here,
And in the Dust adore:
Where Jesus dwells,
The Manger bare,
In Lustre far
Your Pomp excels.

With Bethlem's Shepherds mild,
The Angels bow their Head;
And, round the sacred Child,
Their guardian Wings they spread:
They knew, that where
Their Sovereign lies,
In low Disguise,
Heaven's Court is there.

Thither, my Soul, repair,
And humble Homage pay,
To thy Redeemer fair,
As on His natal Day:
I kiss Thy Feet,
And, Lord, would be
A Child like Thee,
Whom thus I greet.

D.

Sources:

• A collection of hymns adapted to public worship, The third edition, pp 93-4, 1778.

Hark! hark! what news the angels bring (1)

HYMN 26.

For Christmas Day.

[1] HARK! hark! what news the angels bring,
Glad tidings of a new-born King;
Born of a virgin chaste and pure;
Born without sin, from guilt secure.

[2] Hail, mighty Prince, eternal King,
Let heav'n and earth rejoice and sing;
Angels and men, with one accord,
Break forth in songs to praise the Lord.

[3] Behold, he comes, and leaves the skies!
Awake, ye slumb'ring mortals rise!
Awake to joy, and hail the morn
The Saviour of the world was born.

[4] With endless love he comes to dwell
On earth, to save mankind from hell:
In chorus then with joy and mirth,
We'll celebrate our Saviour's birth.

[5] Echo shall wast the strains around,
Till list'ning angels hear the sound;
And all the heav'nly host above
Shall join to sing redeeming love.

Sources:

• A collection of hymns, for the use of St. Paul’s Chapel, Manchester, pp 31-2, 1791.

1. Hark, Hark! what news the Angels bring
Glad tidings of a new-born King,
Who is the Saviour of mankind,
In whom we may salvation find.

2. This is the day, the blessed morn,
The Saviour of mankind was born,
Born of a maid, a Virgin pure,
Born without sin, from guilt secure.

3. Hail, blessed Virgin, full of grace!
Blessed above all mortal race,
Whose blessed womb brought forth in one,
A God, A Saviour, and a Son.

4. A perfect God, a perfect man,
A mystery which no man can
Attain to, tho' he's e'er so wise,
Till he ascend above the skies.

5. Arise, my soul, and then, my voice,
In hymns of praise early rejoice,
His fame extol and magnify,
Upon those errands Angels fly.

6. As Angels sung at Jesus' birth,¹
Sure we have greater cause for mirth,
For why, it was for our sake²
Christ did our human nature take.

7. Dear Christ, thou didst thyself debase,
Thus to descent to human race,
And leave thy Father's throne above:
Lord, what could move thee to this love?

8. Man that was made out of the dust,
He found a paradise at first;
But see the God of Heaven and earth
Laid in a manger at his birth.

9. Surely the manger where he lies
Doth figure out his sacrifice,
And by his birth all men may see
A pattern of humility.

10. Stupendous Babe! my God and King,
Thy praises I will ever sing,
In joyful accents raise my voice,
And in my praise of God rejoice.

11. My soul, learn by thy Saviour's birth
For to debase thyself on earth,
That I may be exalted high,
To live with him eternally.

12. I am resolved whilst here I live,
As I'm in duty bound, to give
All glory to the Deity,
One God alone in persons three.

Sources:

•  William Sandys, Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern (London: Richard Beckley, 1833), pp. 145-7.
   

• Sheet Music Sources:

  • Davies Gilbert, Some Ancient Christmas Carols. London: John Nichols And Son, Second Edition, 1823, #5.

  • William Sandys, Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern (London: Richard Beckley, 1833)

  • Richard R. Terry, Gilbert and Sandys' Christmas Carols (London: Burns, Oates & Washbourne, Ltd., 1931) "Words and melody from Gilbert's 'Christmas Carols,' 1822"

  • Ralph Dunstan, The Cornish Song Book (London: Reid Bros., Ltd., 1929), p. 92. "From Some Ancient Carols, with the Tunes to which they were formerly sung in the west of England. Collected by Davies Gilbert, FRS., F.S.A., etc., 1822"

  • Ralph Dunstan, The Cornish Song Book (London: Reid Bros., Ltd., 1929), p. 93. "Traditional in Cornwall." 17th Century. Dr. Dunstan also notes "This is the setting generally sung in the Redruth-Camborne district."

  • Ralph Dunstan, The Cornish Song Book (London: Reid Bros., Ltd., 1929), p. 94.

This carol originated in the 17th or 18th century, and occurred frequently in 18th century collections. It remains popular in South Yorkshire. Three musical settings are reprinted in The New Oxford Book of Carols (Carol 75). Two additional settings are found in Erik Routley's University Carol Book (Carols 38 & 39, based on that appearing in Sandys).

See Hugh Keyte and Andrew Parrott, eds., The New Oxford Book of Carols. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992.

Hark, Hark! what news the Angels bring (3)
Alternative title:   (Clowes)

1. Hark! Hark! what News the Angels bring,
Glad Tidings of the New-born King,
    The New-born King,
Born of a Maiden undefiled,
Meet Mother of the Heavenly Child,
    The Heavenly Child.

2. Hail! Blessed Virgin, full of Grace,
Most favoured of our mortal race;
    Our mortal race;
Whose sacred womb brought forth in one,
A Saviour, God, and Holy Son!
    And Holy Son!

3. Man that was made from dust by God,
Had Paradise for his above!
    For his above!
But in a Manger at His Birth,
Lies God Who made the Heav'n and earth.
    The Heav'n and earth.

4. Lo, in that Manger where He lies
Our faith discerns a Sacrifice;
    a Sacrifice
And by His Birth may all men see
The pattern of humility.
    Humility.

5. Therefore, My God, my Saviour, King,
Thy praises I will ever sing,
    Will ever sing,
In joyful Carols raise my voice,
And in the Praise of God rejoice,
    Of God rejoice.

Source:

• Rev. Richard R. Chope, Carols For Use In Church (London: William Clowes & Sons, Complete Edition, 1894), Carol #18

Hark! all around the welkin rings

HYMN ON CHRISTMAS-DAY.

HARK! all around the welkin rings,
Bright seraphs hail the morn
That ushers in the King of kings,
That sees a Saviour born.
Ye people on earth, your voices now raise
To Christ your Redeemer, with carols of praise.
Hallelujah, praise the Lord. Hallelujah.

The shining heralds from on high,
The joyful tidings bear,
With acclamations down the sky,
And humble shepherds hear.
Ye people &c.

Glory to God, and peace to men,
The heav'nly chorus sing;
Let earth repeat the sound again,
And hail the new-born King.
Ye people, &c.

Live, Jesus; let thy kingdom spread
Thro' all the earth below;
Let land to land thy wonders read,
And thy salvation know.
Ye people, &c.

Hosannah! let all the earth and heaven,
Unite this happy morn:
To-day the promis'd Child is given,
And God himself is born.
Ye people, &c.

Sources:

• A collection of psalms, hymns, &c. &c. intended for the use of Helston Church, pp21-2, 1799.

Hark! how all the Welkin rings

HYMN XXI.

FOR CHRISTMAS DAY.

I.

HARK! how all the Welkin rings
Halleluiah.
Glory to the King of Kings!
Halleluiah.
Peace on Earth, and Mercy mild!
Halleluiah.
God and Sinners reconcil'd!
Halleluiah.

II.

Joyful all ye Nations rise,
Halleluiah.
Join the Triumph of the Skies.
Halleluiah.
Universal Nature say,
Halleluiah.
CHRIST THE LORD is born to Day.
Halleluiah.

III.

CHRIST, by highest Heav'n ador'd.
Halleluiah.
CHRIST, the everlasting LORD.
Halleluiah.
Late in Time behold Him come!
Halleluiah.
Offspring of a Virgin's Womb!
Halleluiah.

IV.

Mild, He lays his Glory by.
Halleluiah.
Born, that Man no more may die.
Halleluiah.
Born, to raise the Sons of Earth.
Halleluiah.
Born, to give them second Birth.
Halleluiah.

V.

Now display thy saving Pow'r.
Halleluiah.
Ruin'd Nature now restore.
Halleluiah.
Now in mystic Union join
Halleluiah.
Thine to our's, and our's to Thine.
Halleluiah.

VI.

Let us Thee, tho' loft, regain:
Halleluiah.
Thee the Life, the heav'nly Man.
Halleluiah.
O! to all Thyself impart,
Halleluiah.
Form'd in each believing Heart.
Halleluiah.

VII.

Come, Desire of Nations, come,
Halleluiah.
Fix in us thy humble Home.
Halleluiah.
Rise, the Woman's conqu'ring Seed,
Halleluiah.
Bruise in us the Serpent's Head.
Halleluiah.

Sources:

• Hymns and psalms for the service of Fitz-roy chapel, London., pp32-5, 1778.

Hark how the Seraph sweetly sings

HYMN II.

To the 100 Pslam Tune, or any other of eight Syllables in each Line.

HARK how the Seraph sweetly sings,
'Give Glory to the King of Kings;
'Peace be on Earth, and Mercy mild,
For God and Men are reconcil'd.

'Let universal Nature say
'The Saviour Christ is born to day.
'Christ----by the highest Heav'n ador'd;
'Christ----the eternal gracious Lord.

Hail then, the Heav'n-born Prince of Peace;
Hail ye the Sun of Righteousness;
Both Light and Life to all he brings
With Healing in his Wings for Sins.

Mildly he lays his Glory by;
Born----that Mankind no more may die:
Born----for to raise the Sons of Earth,
Born----for to give them second Birth.

Come then Desire of Nations, come,
And fix in us thy humble Home:
First Adam's Likeness, Lord, efface,
And stamp thy Image in its Place.

Blest second Adam from above,
O reinstate us in thy Love:
Let us tho' loft, thee once regain,
Thee Christ, our Light, the Inner Man.

Sources:

• Hymns for the festivals, and on other solemn occasions, pp4-5, 1748.

Hark how the Seraph sweetly sings

HYMN XCIII. Common Measure.

The Advent of Christ.

Luke 4. 18, 19.

HARK, the glad Sound! the Saviour comes,
The Saviour promis'd long!
Let every Heart prepare a Throne,
And every Voice a Song.

On Him, the Spirit, largely pour'd,
Exerts its sacred Fire;
Wisdom and Might, and Zeal and Love
His holy Breast inspire.

He comes the Prisoners to release,
In Satan's Bondage held:
The Gates of Brass before Him burst,
The Iron Fetters yield.

He comes from thickest Films of Vice
To clear the mental Ray;
And on the Eyes, oppress'd with Night,
To pour celestial Day.

He comes the broken Heart to bind,
The bleeding Soul to cure;
And, with the Treasures of His Grace,
T'enrich the humble Poor.

Our glad Hosannas, Prince of Peace,
Thy Welcome shall proclaim;
And Heaven's eternal Arches ring
With Thy beloved Name.

D.

Sources:

• A Collection of Hymns adapted to Public Worship, The third edition, pp97-8, 1778.

Hark, the herald Angels sing

HYMN XCVIII. Peculiar Measure.

For Christmas-Day.

HARK, the herald Angels sing,
"Glory to the new-born King;
"Peace on Earth, and Mercy mild,
"God and Sinners reconcil'd."

Joyful, all ye Nations rise,
Join the Triumph of the Skies;
Universal Nature, say,
Christ, the LORD, is born to Day!

Christ, by highest Heaven ador'd,
Christ, the everlasting LORD,
Late in Time behold Him come,
Offspring of the Virgin's Womb.

Hail the Heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and Life to all He brings,
Risen with Healing in His Wings.

Mild He lays His Glory by,
Born, that Man no more may die;
Born, to raise the Sons of Earth,
Born, to give them second Birth.

Come, Desire of Nations, come,
Fix in us Thy humble Home;
Rise, the Woman's promis'd Seed,
Bruise in us the Serpent's Head.

Glory to the new-born King,
Let us all the Anthem Sing,
"Peace on Earth, and Mercy mild,
"God and Sinners reconcil'd!"

C.J.W.

Sources:

• A collection of hymns adapted to public worship, The third edition, pp101-2, 1778.
• Select portions of Psalms and hymns, for the use of the congregation of St. Philip’s, in Birmingham, c1800.

Hark! to the glorious band!

HYMN XCIV.

[1] HARK! to the glorious band!
Who with an herald stand"
Shouting aloud!
'Tis an angelic throng!
Gabriel begins the song,
Join ev'ry human tongue,
"Glory to GOD."

[2] "Tidings of joy we bring,
"To you is born a King,
"Your flesh and blood!
"On this thrice happy morn
"The HOLY CHILD is born;
"Mortals, your praise return,
"Glory to GOD."

[3] "Thro' YOUR IMMANUEL,
"Your foes of earth and hell,
"All are subdu'd!
"Yet, we cannot explain
"What the sweet words contain,
"Peace and good-will to men,
"Glory to GOD."

[4] O ye angelic quire,
Our heav'n-born souls aspire
To your abode:
Warm'd by the sacred flame
Of our IMMANUEL's name,
We join our happy theme;
Glory to GOD.

[5] JESUS, our hope and friend,
Will all our steps attend,
This narrow road:
Then shall the ransom'd throng,
Sweet as an angel-tongue,
Shout, in the joyful song;
"Glory to GOD."

Sources:

• Hymns and spiritual songs, by Andrew Kessell, pp155-6, 1787.

Hear what the Lord in vision said

HYMN 93.----FOR CHRISTMAS.

[1] HEAR what the Lord in vision said,
And made his mercy known;
"Sinners, behold your help is laid,
"On my almighty Son."

[2] Behold the man my wisdom chose
Among your mortal race;
His head my holy oil o'erflows,
The spirit of my grace.

[3] High shall be reign on David's throne,
My people's better King;
My arm shall beat his rivals down,
And still new subjects bring.

[4] My truth shall guard him in his way
With mercy by his side:
While in my name thro' earth and sea,
He shall in triumph ride.

[5] Me for his Father and his God,
He shall for ever own,
Call me his rock, his high abode,
And I'll support my Son.

[6] My first-born Son arrey'd in grace,
At my right-hand shall sit;
Beneath him angels know their place,
And monarchs at his feet.

[7] My cov'nant stands for ever fast,
My promises are strong;
Firm as the heav'ns his throne shall last,
His feed endure as long.

Sources:

• A collection of psalms and hymns, used in the church of St. Mary, in Hull, p71, 1787.

He comes! he comes! the judge severe!

HYMN XIII.

FOR ADVENT SUNDAY.

HE comes! he comes! the judge severe!
The seventh trumpet speaks him near!
His light'nings flash, his thunders roll,
He's welcome to the faithful soul.

Descending on his azure throne,
He claims the kingdoms for his own'
The kingdoms all obey his word,
And hail him their triumphant LORD.

The Father praise, the Son adore,
The spirit bless for evermore,
Salvation's glorious work is done,
We welcome thee great Three in One!

Sources:

• Select portions of psalms and hymns, for the use of Berkeley Chapel, John-Street, Berkeley-Square. London, p127, 1800.

High let us swell our tuneful notes

HYMN XXIX.

For CHRISTMAS DAY.

HIGH let us swell our tuneful notes,
And join th' angelic throng;
For angels no such love have known,
T' awake a chearful song.

Good-will to sinful men is shewn,
And peace on earth is giv'n;
For lo! th'incarnate Saviour comes,
With messages from heav'n.

Justice and grace with sweet accord,
His rising beams adorn:
Let heaven and earth in concert join:
Now such a child is born!

Glory to God in highest strains,
In highest worlds be paid;
His glory by our lips proclaim'd,
And by our lives display'd.

When shall we reach those blissful realms,
Where Christ exalted reigns;
And learn of the celestial choir,
Their own immortal strains.

Sources

• A collection of hymns as sung by the children of All Saints School, by Charles Avison, Second edition, p29, 1784.
• A collection of hymns adapted to public worship. 1778
• A collection of hymns, for the use of St. Paul’s Chapel, Manchester. 1791
• Hymns selected from different authors for the use of the Magdalen-Chapel, c.1790.
• Select portions of Psalms and hymns, for the use of the congregation of St. Philip’s, in Birmingham, c1800.

How beauteous are their feet

HYMN XV.

FOR CHRISTMAS DAY.

How beauteous are their feet,
Who stand on Sion's hill!
Who speak salvation to the world,
And news of peace reveal!

Happy the man whose ear
Receives the joyful sound,
Which kings and prophets sought with care,
But seeking never found.

Lift up your eyes on high!
Behold this heav'nly light!
Prophets and kings desir'd to see,
But dy'd without the sight.

The LORD makes known his grace
Through all the earth abroad:
Let ev'ry nation now behold
Their Saviour and their GOD.

Sources:

• Select portions of psalms and hymns, for the use of Berkeley Chapel, John-Street, Berkeley-Square. London, p130, 1800.

How Beautiful Upon the Mountains  -  C 65

How beautiful upon the mountains!

How beautiful upon the mountains!

How beautiful upon the mountains!

Are the feet of Him that bringeth good tidings!

How beautiful upon the mountains!

How beautiful upon the mountains!

How beautiful upon the mountains!

Are the feet of Him that bringeth good tidings!

That publisheth peace, that publisheth peace,

That bringeth good tidings, good tidings of joy,

That publisheth salvation, that saith unto Zion,

Thy God reigneth, thy God reigneth.

Break forth into joy. sing together, sing together,

Ye waste places of Jerusalem,

For the Lord hath comforteth his people,

He hath redeemed Jerusalem.

Hallelujah! hallelujah!

Praise ye the Lord!

Hallelujah! hallelujah!

Praise ye the Lord!

Sources:

• Words from Isaiah Ch. 52 vv 7-9.
• Music by Robert Archibald Smith, 1780-1829. Born Reading, died in Edinburgh. Music published in 1827.
• Jack Goodison's Collection of Local and Traditional Carols, Fourth Edition, Ilkestone, Dergyshire, 2005.

Jesus, all Praise is due to Thee

HYMN CXII.-----For Christmas.

JESUS, all Praise is due to Thee,
That Thou wast pleas'd a Man to be!
A Virgin's Womb Thou didst not scorn,
And Angels shout to see Thee born. Hallelujah.

The blessed Father's only Son
Chuseth a Manger for his Throne;
And tho' the high and mighty GOD,
Assumes our feeble Flesh and Blood. Hallelujah.

Whom Earth could not contain nor Skies,
See! on a Woman's Lap He lies;
And who the World's Foundation laid,
Is now a little Infant made. Hallelujah.

The Father's Brightness comes in Sight,
Gives to the World it's saving Ligth,
And drives the Clouds of Sin away,
To make us Children of the Day. Hallelujah.

The Son the Almighty GOD confess'd,
In his own World became a Guest,
And open'd through Himself, the Way,
A Passage to eternal Day. Hallelujah.

And therefore poor on Earth He came,
That we might all his Riches claim;
To make us Heirs of endless Bliss,
With all those darling Saints of his. Hallelujah.

For us these Wonders he hath wrought,
To shew his Love, surpassing Thought!
Then let us all unite to sing
Praise to our loving GOD and King. Hallelujah.

Sources:

• The collection of hymns, sung in the Countess of Huntingdon’s chapel, pp153-5, 1770.

Join all ye joyful Nations

HYMN CXV.-----For Christmas.

JOIN all ye joyful Nations
Th' acclaiming Hosts of Heaven,
This happy Morn A Child is born,
To us a Son is given:
The wonderful Messias,
The Joy of every Nation,
Jesus his Name, With GOD the same,
The LORD of all Creation:

Go see the King of Glory,
Discern the heavenly Stranger,
So poor and mean His Court an Inn,
His Cradle is a Manger.
Whom all the Angels worship,
Lies hid in human Nature;
Incarnate see The Deity,
The infinite Creator.

Gaze on the helpless Object
Of endless Adoration!
Those infant Hands Shall burst our Bands,
And work out our Salvation.
Strangle the crooked Serpent,
Destroy his Works for ever,
And open set The heavenly Gate
To every true Believer.

Sources:

• The collection of hymns, sung in the Countess of Huntingdon’s chapel, pp158-60, 1770.
• Select hymns, odes, poems, and other choice pieces, proper to be sung in public worship, 1800.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come,

A CHRISTMAS HYMN.

JOY to the world, the Lord is come,
Let the earth receive her king;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heav'n and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns,
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hill, and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.

Our father ate forbidden fruit,
And from his glory fell,
And we, his children, thus were brought
To death, and near to hell.

Blest be the Lord who sent his Son
To take our flesh and blood,
He for our lives gave up his own,
To make our peace with God.

He honour'd all his Father's laws,
Which we have disobey'd;
He bore our sins upon the cross,
And our full ransom paid.

Behold him rising from the grave;
Behold him rais'd on high:
He pleads his merit there, to save
Transgressors, doom'd to die.

Soon shall the Lord to judgement come,
And with a sovereign voice
Shall call, and break up every tomb,
And bid his saints rejoice.

O may I then with joy appear
Before the Judge's face,
And with the bless'd assembly there
Sing his redeeming grace.

Sources:

• Cheap repository tracts for Sunday reading, pp.169-70, 1798.
• Select portions of Psalms and hymns, for the use of the congregation of St. Philip’s, in Birmingham, c1800.

Let an anthem of praise and a carol of joy
Each tongue and each heart in sweet concert employ
This day sprung at Bethlehem a plant of renown
And Christ to redeem us abandoned a crown.

Conceived of a virgin how humble his birth
Not graced with the pomp nor the grandeur of earth
But laid in a manger with beasts at an inn
No room for the saviour of Israel within.

The shepherds with pleasure saluted the morn
When Jesus the Shepherd of Judah was born
The sages with wonder acknowledged his star
And brought him their homage and gifts from afar

Great Saviour the tribute of honour we pay
And celebrate gladly the festival day
We triumph in Britain thy glory to see
Not sages nor shepherds more happy than we.

Sources:

• Words possibly 16th century, English
• Setting by Caleb Ashworth of Daventry in his publication A Collection of Tunes, ii, London 1762.

Let Earth and Heav'n agree

HYMN XCI.

CHRISTMAS.

Phil. Ch ii. vv. 9-11.

I.

LET Earth and Heav'n agree,
Angels and Men be join'd
To celebrate with me
The SAVIOUR of Mankind:
T' adore the all-atoning LAMB,
And bless the Sound of JESU's Name.

II.

JESUS! transporting Sound;
The Joy of Earth and Heav'n,
No other Help is found,
No other Name is giv'n #
By which we can Salvation have--
But JESUS came the World to save.

III.

JESUS! harmonious Name!
It charms the Hosts above!
They evermore proclaim,
And wonder at his Love!
'Tis all their Happiness to gaze,
'Tis Heaven to see our JESU's Face. *

IV.

His Name the Sinner hears,
And is from Sin set free;
'Tis Music in his Ears,
'Tis Life and Victory:
New Songs do now his Lips employ, †
And dances his glad Heart for Joy!

 # Acts, iv. 12.
* 1 Cor. xiii. 12.
† Ps. xl. 3.

Sources:

• A collection of psalms and hymns, extracted from various authors, and published by the Reverend Mr. Madan, 9th ed, pp92-3, 1779.

Let peace her olive-wand extend

A HYMN FOR CHRISTMAS-DAY

LET peace her olive-wand extend,
Let white-rob'd innocence descend;
Fly swift ye years, and rise the morn,
O spring to light, blest Babe be born.

See nature hastes her wreaths to bring,
With all the incense of the spring;
Hark! a glad voice the desert cheers,
Prepare the way, a God appears.

A God! a God! the groves reply,
The rocks proclaim the Deity;
Lo earth receives him from the skies,
Bow down ye hills! ye valleys rise!

The Saviour comes, by seers foretold,
Hear him ye deaf, ye blind behold!
The lame shall leap, the dumb shall sing,
And hail the coming of their King.

No sigh, no groan, the world shall hear,
From every face he wipes the tear;
Death shall in iron chains be bound,
And hell's grim tyrant feel the wound.

Arise, imperial Salem rise!
Exalt thine head, and lift thine eyes;
His word is fix'd, his power remains,
Thy realm still lasts, Messiah reigns.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Sources:

• A hymn for Christmas-Day, Stockport, c1800.
• Hymns for the festivals, and on other solemn occasions, 1748.
  Here credited to Mr. Pope's Messiah, and for the tune they recommend Chichester, or any other of six lines and eight syllables, which presumably implied the repeat of the last two lines of words.
• Hymns, proper for Christian worship, 1797.
• A select set of psalms and hymns,... in the parish of Grantham, 3rd edition, 1792.

Let us all unite to bring

HYMN XXXIX.

A CHRISTMAS HYMN.

They shall call his name Immanuel, which being interpreted, is God with us. MATT. i. 23.

I.

LET us all unite to bring
Praises to our new born King;
Of his love and mercy tell,
Who is our Immanuel.

II.

He was born, that we might know,
God with us, the sons of woe;
God with us, the Lord we sing,
Poor by birth, yet born a King.

III.

Hail, Immanuel, all divine,
Songs of loudest praise be thine;
Babes themselves shal hail thy birth,
Who for them didst dwell on earth.

IV.

Offspring of a virgin's womb,
Thou didst once a child become!
Meekly in a manger lie,
Laying all thy glories by.

V.

Ah! was that the best abode
Cruel jews could give their God!
How could angels bear to see
Brutal creatures lodg'd with thee!

VI.

Hail! thou dearest, sweetest guest!
God the Saviour, ever blest:
Sun, the shews the only way
To a bright eternal day.

VII.

All the poor, the halt, the blind,
In thine arms compassion find;
By a smile of thine restor'd,
Rise the dead, and praise the Lord.

Sources:

• Divine hymns attempted in easy language for the use of children. Designed as an appendix to Dr. Watts’s Divine Songs. By Rowland Hill, Second edition, pp56-7, 1794.

Lift up your heads in joyful hope

HYMN 39.-----CHRISTMAS.

[1] LIFT up your heads in joyful hope,
Salute the happy morn;
Each heav'nly pow'r,
Proclaims the glad hour,
Lo! Jesus the Saviour is born.

[2] All glory be to God on high,
To him all praise is due;
The promise is seal'd,
The Saviour's reveal'd,
And proves that the record is true.

[3] Let joy around like rivers flow.
Flow on, and still increase;
Spread o'er the glad earth
At Jesus his birth,
For heav'n and earth are at peace.

[4] Now the good-will of heaven is shewn,
T'wards Adam's helpless race,
Messiah is come,
To ransom his own,
To save them by infinite grace.

[5] The let us join the heavens above,
Where hymning Seraphs sing,
Join all the glad pow'rs,
For their Lord is ours,
Our prophet, our Priest, and our King.

Sources:

• A collection of psalms and hymns, used in the church of St. Mary, in Hull, p31, 1787.
• A collection of psalms and hymns, extracted from various authors, and published by the Reverend Mr. Madan, 9th ed, 1779.

Lo! he comes in clouds descending

HYMN I.

FOR ADVENT.

LO! he comes in clouds descending,
Once for favour'd sinners slain!
Thousand, thousand saints attending,
Swell the triumph of his train.
Hallelujah, Amen.

Ev'ry eye shall now behold him,
Rob'd in dreadful majesty;
Those who set at nough and sold him,
Pierc'd and nail'd him to the tree.
Hallelujah, Amen.

Now redemption long expected,
See in solemn pomps appear!
All his saints by man rejected,
Now shall join him in the air.
Hallelujah, Amen.

Yea, Amen, let all adore thee,
High on thine eternal throne!
Saviour take the pow'r and glory,
Take the kingdom for thine own.
Hallelujah, Amen.

Sources:

• An appendix to the Psalms and hymns, used at the parish church of St. Botolph without Aldersgate, p30, 1795.

Long had Earth's numerous Nations sought

HYMN XCII. Common Measure.

The Saviour's Advent.

LONG had Earth's numerous Nations sought
Salvation to obtain,
Pardon and Peace, and endless Life,
And Happiness in vain.

Israel, through every Land dispers'd,
Sprung forth with eager Wish,
In their Messiah to embrace
The long expected Bliss.

And lo! He comes, the Saviour comes,
The promis'd Seed appears;
He, in Whom center'd all the Hopes
Of past and future Years.

He comes, from an Abyss of Woes,
To raise our ruin'd Race;
He bleeds, He dies, that we might share
The Blessings of His Grace.

Wondrous Event, more wondrous Love
Of our incarnate God!
Should we be mute, sure Rocks would wake
To spread His Praise abroad.

Dear Lord, these Wonders of Thy Grace
Our flinty Bosoms fire;
Our Hearts, subdu'd, now pant for Thee
With fix'd and pure Desire.

Here by Thy Throne for ever fix'd,
And this Thy lasting Rest;
And be our Souls, beneath Thy Smiles,
Through endless Ages blest.

S.

Sources:

• A collection of hymns adapted to public worship, The third edition, pp96-7, 1778.

Lord, at Thy Temple we appear

HYMN XCV. Common Measure.

The Song of Simeon. Luke 2. 27. &c.

LORD, at Thy Temple we appear,
As happy Simeon came,
And hope to meet our Saviour here;
O make our Joys the same!

With what divine, and vast Delight
The good old Man was fill'd,
When, fondly in his wither'd Arms,
He clasp'd the hold Child!

"Now I can leave this World, he cry'd;
"Behold Thy Servant dies!
"I've seen Thy great Salvation, Lord,
"And close my peaceful Eyes."

Jesus! The Vision of Thy Face
Hath overpowering Charms!
Scarce shall we feel Death's cold Embrace,
If Christ be in our Arms.

W.

Sources:

• A collection of hymns adapted to public worship, The third edition, p99, 1778.

Lully lulla, thou little tiny child
By by lully, lulla
Thou little tiny child
By by lully, lulla

Oh sisters too, how may we do
For to preserve this day
This poor youngling, for whom we do sing
"By by lully, lulla"

Herod the king, in his raging
Charged he hath this day
His men of might, in his own sight
All children young to slay.

The woe is me, poor child for thee
And ever mourn and say
For thy parting neither say nor sing
"By by lully, lulla".

Sources:

• Sel

O All ye nations of the earth

HYMN for Christmas Day.--Part the First.

1.

O ALL ye nations of the earth,
With joy your voices raise,
And join in hymns of gratitude
To God's eternal praise!
What day hath dawn'd so blest as this,
E'er since the world began?
O! happy, happy, happy day,
To miserable man!

2.

Subdu'd perdition from her throne,
This day th' Almighty hurl'd:
And in his boundless mercy sent
The Saviour of the world:
Dear, blest Redeemer! let each tongue
Thy wond'rous love proclaim,
And every vocal hill and dale,
Resound thy sacred name!

3.

Sing all ye chorists of the grove,
His praises to enhance;
And let the conscious trees around,
Rejoice in social dance:
Let savage beasts that range the woods,
Their sportive tribute yield,
And let a general joy appear,
In ev'ry blissful field!

4.

Let spacious ocean's finny tribe,
Their sov'reign Maker bless,
And by their gambols o'er the deep,
Their praise to Him express.
Let all creation's ample round
In choral praise be join'd;
To gratulate His birth, which brought
Salvation to mankind.

Sources:

• Select portions of Psalms and hymns, for the use of the congregation of St. Philip’s, in Birmingham, pp83-4, c1800.

O All ye nations of the earth

HYMN XII.--Part the Second.

For Christmas Day.

1.

O ALL ye nations of the earth,
With joy your voices raise,
And join in hymns of gratitude
To God's eternal praise!
What day hath dawn'd so blest as this,
E'er since the world began?
O! happy, happy, happy day,
To miserable man!

2.

Oh! what a world of woe was this!
To wrath divine expos'd;
Distress and horror all around,
Our wretched state disclos'd.
The sons of men were ever lost,
Eternally undone;
Ere God compassionately sent
His ever blessed Son.

3.

Inevitably were we doom'd
In endless pains to dwell;
Oh! who for ever could endure
The agonies of hell?
And when whole ages we had spent
In darkness, fire, and chains;
It was not in the pow'r of time
To mitigate our pains.

4.

But this glad morn (blest change of state!
Whence joy extatic springs,)
The Son of Righteousness arose,
With healing on his wings;
He rose all glorious to dispense
His salutary grace;
And crown with everlasting life
The dying human race.

5.

O! God, to send thine only Son,
What love immense was this!
To free us from eternal woe,
And give us endless bliss!
All adoration, thanks and praise,
To Thee, blest God, be giv'n!
Good, tender Father of the earth,
Great glorious King of heav'n!

Sources:

• Select portions of Psalms and hymns, for the use of the congregation of St. Philip’s, in Birmingham, pp84-5, c1800.

Raise your triumphant songs

HYMN II.

FOR CHRISTMAS.

RAISE your triumphant songs,
To an immortal tune,
Let the wide earth resound the deeds,
Celestial grace has done.
Praise ye the Lord, Hallelujah!

Sing how eternal love,
Its chief belov'd chose,
And bid him raise our wretched race,
From their abyss of woes. Praise ye, &c.

His hand no thunder bears,
Nor terror clothes his brow;
No bolts to drive our guilty souls,
To fiercer flames below. Praise ye, &c.

Now let us dry our tears
Let hopeless sorrow cease;
Bow to the sceptre of his love,
And take the offer'd peace. Praise ye, &c.

Lord, we obey thy call,
We lay an humble claim
To the salvation thou has brought,
And love to praise thy name. Praise ye, &c.

Sources:

• An appendix to the Psalms and hymns, used at the parish church of St. Botolph without Aldersgate, p31, 1795.

Rejoice, the promis'd Saviour's come!

AN HYMN.

FOR CHRISTMAS-DAY.

Dr. Cook.

CHORUS.

REJOICE, the promis'd SAVIOUR's come!
Him shall the blind behold!
The deaf shall hear! and by the dumb
His wond'rous works be told!

SOLO.

The weary nations shall have rest,
The rage of war shall cease,
The earth with innocence be blest,
And plenty dwell with peace.

DUET.

Light from it's sacred source shall spread
O'er all it's saving beams;
In pastures fair shall all be fed,
All drink of Comfort's streams.

SOLO.

Sweet as the breeze on Carmel's brow,
The waste shall shed perfume:
There lilies spring, and violets grow,
And Sharon's rose shall bloom.

CHORUS.

Rejoice, the promis'd SAVIOUR's come!
Him shall the blind behold!
The deaf shall hear! and by the dumb
His wond'rous works be told!

Sources:

• Psalms, hymns, and anthems; sung in the chapel of the hospital, for the maintenance and education of exposed and deserted young children, pp168-9, 1797.

Rejoice, ye ransom'd race

For Christmas-Day.

HYMN XCI.

[1] REJOICE, ye ransom'd race,
Sing of your Saviour's love;
Our JESUS, full of truth, and grace,
Comes from above.
Abandon all your fears,
While of his love you tell;
Sing the auspicious name he bears,
IMMANUEL!

[2] The high and lofty one,
The mighty, MIGHTY GOD,
To our degenerate world came down,
And earthly clod!
Let ev'ry breast on earth
With pleasing rapture swell,
And shout at the Redeemer's birth,
IMMANUEL!

[3] Hark! from the lofty sky
They sing in rapt'rous strain!
"All glory be to GOD on high
"And peace to men;
"On this thrice happy morn
"The tidings we will tell,
"An ALL-SUFFICIENT SAVIOUR's born,
"IMMANUEL!"

[4] Let mortals catch the sound
And join the happy theme;
And over angel's praise abound
Of JESU's name:
"To you is born," they sing;
"To US IS GIV'N"--we feel!
And now adore our new-born King,
IMMANUEL!

[5] Shall GOD the father give
The choicest gift of heav'n,
And shall not MAN the gift receive,
So freely giv'n?
Yes, Lord, amaz'd we see,
The gift unspeakable!
With open arms we welcome thee,
IMMANUEL!

[6] Come then incarnate GOD,
Thy willing subjects save;
THOU PRICE OF PEACE, our flesh and blood,
In thee we have!
O make our hearts thy throne,
Amidst thy people dwell,
Now on thy head we place the crown
IMMANUEL!

Sources:

• Hymns and spiritual songs, by Andrew Kessell, pp149-51, 1787.

Remember O Thou Man

1. Remember, O thou Man, 
O thou Man, O thou Man, 
Remember, O thou Man, 
	Thy time is spent. 
Remember, O thou Man, 
How thou camest to me then, 
And I did what I can. 
	Therefore repent. 

2. Remember Adam's fall, 
O thou Man, O thou Man, 
Remember Adam's fall 
	From Heaven to Hell. 
Remember Adam's fall, 
How we were condemned all 
To Hell perpetual, 
	There for to dwell. 

3. Remember God's goodness, 
O thou Man, O thou Man, 
Remember God's goodness 
	And promise made. 
Remember God's goodness, 
How his only Son he sent 
Our sins for to redress. 
	Be not afraid. 

4. The Angels all did sing, 
O thou Man, O thou Man, 
The Angels all did sing 
	On Sion hill. 
The Angels all did sing 
Praises to our Heavenly King, 
And peace to man living, 
	With right good will. 

5. The Shepherds amazed was, 
O thou Man, O thou Man, 
The Shepherds amazed was 
	To hear the Angels sing. 
The Shepherds amazed was 
How this should come to pass. 
That Christ our Messias 
	Should be our King. 

6. To Bethlehem did they go, 
O thou Man, O thou Man, 
To Bethlehem did they go 
	This thing to see. 
To Bethlehem did they go 
To see whether it was so, 
Whether Christ was born or no, 
	To set us free. 

7. As the Angels before did say, 
O thou Man, O thou Man, 
As the Angels before did say. 
	So it came to pass. 
As the Angels before did say. 
They found him wrapt in hay 
In a manger where he lay. 
	So poor he was. 

8. In Bethlehem was he born, 
O thou Man, O thou Man, 
In Bethlehem was he born 
	For mankind dear. 
In Bethlehem was he born 
For us that were forlorn. 
And therefore took no scorn 
	Our sins to bear. 

9. In a manger laid he was, 
O thou Man, O thou Man, 
In a manger laid he was 
	At this time present. 
In a manger laid he was. 
Between an ox and an ass, 
And all for our trespass, 
	Therefore repent. 

10. Give thanks to God always, 
O thou Man, O thou Man, 
Give thanks to God always 
	With hearts most jolly. 
Give thanks to God always 
Upon this blessed day. 
Let all men sing and say, 
	Holy, Holy. 

Salvation is for ever nigh

HYMN 91.----FOR CHRISTMAS.

[1] SALVATION is for ever nigh,
The souls that fear and trust the Lord;
And grace, descending from on high,
Fresh hopes of glory shall afford.

[2] Mercy and truth on earth are met,
Since Christ the Lord came down from heav'n;
By his obedience so compleat,
Justice is pleas'd and peace is giv'n.

[3] Now truth and honour shall abound,
Religion dwell on earth again;
And heav'nly influence bless the ground,
In our Redeemer's gentle reign.

[4] His righteousness is gone before,
To give us free access to God;
Our wand'ring feet shall stray no more,
But mark his steps, and keep the road.

Sources:

• A collection of psalms and hymns, used in the church of St. Mary, in Hull, pp69-70, 1787.

Shepherds on their Flocks attending

HYMN CXIV.-----For Christmas.

SHEPHERDS on their Flocks attending,
Shepherds that in Night-tine watch'd,
Saw the Messendger descending,
From the Court of Heav'n dispatch'd.
Beams of Glory deck'd his Mission,
Bursting thro' the Veil of Night.
Fear possess'd them at the Vision:
Sinners tremble at the Light.

Dove-like Meekness grac'd his Visage;
Joy and Love shone round his Head.
Soon he chear'd them with his Message:
Comfort flow'd from all he said.
"Fear not, Fav'rites of th' Almighty,
"Joyful News to you I bring:
"You have now in David's City,
"Born, a Saviour, Christ the King.

"Go and find the Royal Stranger
"By these Signs. A Babe you'll see,
"Weak, and lying in a Manger,
"Wrapt and swaddled; that is He."
Strait a Host of Angels glorious
Round the heav'nly Hearld throng,
Utt'ring in harmonious Chorus,
Airs divine; and this the Song:

"Glory to our God be given
"By the radiant Hosts above;
"Peace on Earth to Men forgiven,
"Objects of redeeming Love."
Thus they sang with Rapture kindling
In the Shepherd's Hearts a Flame,
Joy and Wonder sweetly mingling:
All Believers feel the same.

Lo, sweet Babe! we fall before Thee,
Jesu! Thee we all adore.
Thine's the Kingdom, Pow'r, and Glory,
We'll proclaim it evermore.
"Glory to our God be given
"By the radiant Hosts above;
"Peace on Earth to Men forgiven,
"Objects of redeeming Love."

Sources:

• The collection of hymns, sung in the Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, pp156-8, 1770. Bath : printed by W. Gye; for T. Mills, and sold at his shop, Bristol. This hymn book is sold in Bath by W. Gye only, [1773?]. <collation>viii,[2],466,[18],16p. ; 16° 

Shepherds, rejoice, lift up your Eyes

HYMN XC. Common Measure.

The Nativity.

"SHEPHERDS, rejoice, lift up your Eyes,
"And send your fears away;
"News from the Regions of the Skies,
"Salvation born to Day.

"Jesus, the GOD Whom Angels fear,
"Comes down to dwell with you;
"To Day He makes His Entrance here,
"But not as Monarchs do.

"Go, Shepherds, where the Infant lies,
"And see His humble Throne;
"With Tears of Joy in all your Eyes,
"Go, Shepherds, kiss the Son."

Thus Gabriel sang, and strait around
The heavenly Armies throng,
They tune their Harps to lofty Sound,
And thus conclude the Song.

"Glory to God that reigns above,
"Let Peace surround the Earth;
"Mortals shall know their Maker's Love,
"At their Redeemer's Birth."

Lord, and shall Angels have their Songs,
And Men no Tunes to raise?
O may we lose our useless Tongues,
When they forget Thy Praise!

Glory to God that reigns above,
That pitied us forlorn;
We join to sing our Maker's Love,
For there's a Saviour born.

W.

Sources:

• A collection of hymns adapted to public worship, Third edition, pp 94-5, 1778.

Since Thy Mercies, oft of old

HYMN XCIV. Peculiar Measure.

The Song of Simeon.

SINCE Thy Mercies, oft of old,
By Thy chosen Seers foretold,
Faithful now, and steadfast prove,
God of Truth, and God of Love:

'Tis enough!----the Hour is come,
Now, within the silent Tomb,
Let this mortal Frame decay,
Mingled with its kindred Clay.

Son of Righteousness, to Thee,
Lo! The Nations bow the Knee;
And the Realms of distant Kings
Own the Healing of Thy Wings.

Those, whom Death had overspread
With its dark and dreary Shade,
Lift their Eyes, and, from afar,
Hail the Light of Jacob's Star.

Now the Beams, intensely shed,
Shine o'er Sion's favour'd Head;
Never may they hence remove,
God of Truth, and God of Love.

M.

Sources:

• A collection of hymns adapted to public worship, The third edition, pp98-9, 1778.

Sons of Men, behold Him far

HYMN LXXXVII. Peculiar Measure.

Christ Manifested.

SONS of Men, behold Him far,
Hail the long expected Star;
Jacob's Star that gilds the Night,
Guides bewildered Nature right.

Fear not hence, that I'll should flow,
Wars or Pestilence below;
Wars and Tumults now must cease,
Ushering in the Prince of Peace.

Nations all the Earth abroad,
Haste and own th' incarnate God,
Haste, for Him your Hearts prepare,
Meet Him manifested there!

There behold the Day Spring rise,
Pouring Light on blinded Eyes;
God in His Own Light survey,
Shining to the perfect Day.

Sing, ye Morning Stars, again,
God descends on Earth to reign!
Deigns for Man His Life t' employ!
Shout, ye Sons of God, for Joy.

C.J.W.

Sources:

• A collection of hymns adapted to public worship, The third edition, p91, 1778.

The heav'nly host descend to tell

CHRISTMAS HYMN.

[1] THE heav'nly host descend to tell,
The birth of our Immanuel;
Ye saints they cry to you they bring,
Glad tidings of a new-born King.

[2] Forsake your fleecy charge, and run
To worship God's eternal Son;
This is the long-expected morn,
For you the Prince of Life is born.

[3] Glory to God, aloud they cry,
Glory to God, let men reply;
Let saints below, and saints above,
Give glory to the God of love.

[4] The humble swains in raptures stand,
To hear the sweet angelic band;
Proclaim at our Redeemer's birth,
Glory to God, and peace on earth.

[5] Lo! heav'ns good-will to men appears,
Suspend your sighs, and wipe your tears;
Let ev'ry voice a tribute raise,
And ev'ry tongue repeat the praise.

Sources:

• Select hymns, odes, poems, and other choice pieces, proper to be sung in public worship, p10, 1800.

The Lord look'd down from heav'ns high tow'r

PSALM II.

I.

THE Lord look'd down from heav'ns high tow'r
and all the sons of men did view;
to see if any own'd his pow'r;
if any truth or justice knew:

II.

But all he saw were gone aside;
all were corrupted grown and base:
none took religion for their guide;
not one of all the sinful race.

III.

Man found that God had not desir'd
off'rings and sacrifice alone:
nor blood of guiltless beasts requir'd,
for mans transgression to atone.

IV.

He therefore came, came to fulfil
the oracles God's books impart;
'twas his delight to do God's will,
and save by grace the contrite heart.

Sources:

• A Selection of Psalms, from Tate and Brady’s version, second edition, by Alexander Cleeve, p58, 1793.

To lofty themes my thoughts aspire
Immanuel's Ground Carol No 164

CHRISTMAS HYMN.

[1] TO lofty themes my thoughts aspire,
Awake and tune the sacred lyre;
With joyful anthems hail the morn,
On which the Saviour Christ was born.

Chorus.
Glory to God our notes proclaim,
And peace thro' wide creation's frame;
Good-will to all the sons of men,
Then chant in chorus loud--Amen.

[2] A choir of seraphs plac'd on high,
With airs celestial fill the sky;
Those airs the vaulted roof returns,
And every breath with rapture burns.

[3] The shepherds hear with strange amaze,
And on that glorious vision gaze;
Anxious to know the mighty theme,
That animates their lofty hymn.

[4] Angels with shouts of rapture tell,
A God descends--descends to dwell
On earth amidst the human race,
And there makes known his richer grace.

[5] Ye mortals catch th' inspiring sound,
And joyful send its echo round,
Through ev'ry land, to ev'ry shore,
Till suns and moons shall set no more.

Sources

• Words first used by John Beaumont c. 1795 - 1800, as part of his "Proposal[s] to publish his later book: "The New Harmonic  Magazine", which eventually was published in 1801.  The 'Proposals' were contained in separate leaves of music, each individually priced, and may therefore have been printed at any time between 1795 and 1801. Beaumont set the words to music, and may well have written the words himself as well.  Priced at 4d.!
• Select hymns, odes, poems, and other choice pieces, proper to be sung in public worship, p9, 1800.

Unto us a Child is born

ANTHEM III. From Isaiah ix.

For Christmas.

[1] UNTO us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulders.---- -----Hallelujah.

[2] Unto us a Child is born: unto us a Son is given: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor,

(CHORUS.)

[3] The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.-------Hallelujah.

(SOLO.)

[4] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end:

(TENOR and BASS.)

[5] Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and justice, from henceforth, even for ever.

(TWO VOICES.)

[6] The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perfom this.

Note. Repeat the First Hallelujah; and end at the "Prince of Peace."

Sources:

• Select hymns and anthems, on religious subjects, taken from David’s psalms, and other passages of Holy Scripture; and sung at Tunbridge-Wells Chapel, fifth edition, pp66-7, c1790.

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Welcome, bless'd Morning, to our Eyes

HYMN XCVII. Common Measure.

For the Morning of Christmas-Day.

WELCOME, bless'd Morning, to our Eyes,
That brought th' incarnate Son,
The great Immanuel, from the Skies,
To save a World undone.

Angels, array'd in heavenly Light,
Shoot down th' ethereal Way,
On radiant Pinions, swift of Flight,
And hail the blissful Day.

Glory to God, they joyous sing,
Through all the Heights of Heaven,
Tidings of Love to Men we bring,
And Peace on Earth is given.

Glory to God, let all your Tongues,
In tuneful Notes reply;
While Jesus' Love inspires our Songs,
And sweetens every Joy.

D. T.

Sources:

• A collection of hymns adapted to public worship, The third edition, pp100-1, 1778.

What Star is This?

1   WHAT star is this, with beams so bright
     More beauteous than the noonday light? 
     It shines to herald forth the King,
     And Gentiles to his crib to bring.       

Sources:

What Words, what Voices can we bring

HYMN III.

To St. David's Tune, or any other of eight and six Syllables.

WHAT Words, what Voices can we bring,
Which Way our Accents raise,
To welcome the misterious King,
And sing a Saviour's Praise?
What earthly Harmony can reach
Up to a Theme so high?
When Angels ne'er cou'd soar that Pitch,
Who dwell above the Sky.
Lo! Heav'n this Day, descends to Earth,
Th'Immortal, Mortal grows;
Made Man, by this stupendious Birth,
To quell our deadly Foes.
In swadling Bands the God-head lies,
To human Flesh debas'd;
That we, his dearly-ransom'd Prize,
Might be to Glory rais'd.
Long let the universal Frame,
The great Redeemer sing;
And Men and Angels at the Name,
Bow to the mistick King.
Redemption be the gen'ral Sound;
This Day no Grief appear:
Who'll mourn, when Christ from ev'ry Face
Will wipe off ev'ry Tear?
O 'tis too little all we can
For this unbounded Love;
All that was ever writ by Man,
Or sung in Hymns above
But tho' we can't fit Language find,
We praise, believe, adore;
With joyful Hearts, and Souls resign'd,
And wish we could do more.

Whilst shepherds watch'd their flocks by night

CHRISTMAS HYMN.

St. Luke, Ch. ii. v. 8--15.

WHILST shepherds watch'd their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.

"Fear not, said he (for mighty dread
"Had seized their troubled minds)
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
"To you and all mankind.

"To you in David's town this day
"Is born of David's line,
"The savior, who is Christ the Lord:
"And this shall be the sign.

"The Heav'nly babe you there shall find,
"To human view display'd,
"All meanly wrap'd in swaddling bands,
"And in a manger laid."

Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
Appear'd a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, and thus
Address'd their joyful song:

"All glory be to God on high,
"And to the earth be peace;
"Good-will henceforth from Heav'n to men
"Begin and never cease."

Sources:

• The words are found in all the Old Metrical Versions of the Psalms, as this was one of the only 'non-sacred' texts allowed which did not come immediately from the Gospels.
  •  The word 'swaddling' has been used instead of the older 'swathing'.

Who can explore redeeming grace

HYMN XCIII.

[1] WHO can explore redeeming grace,
To fallen Adam's ruin'd race?
Explore they may, but cannot find
How GOD took on him human kind!

[2] This is the hidden mystery,
Into which the angels love to pry!
But, angels cannot comprehend,
How GOD e'en thus shou'd condescend!

[3] Yet angels bring the tidings down,
And usher in GOD's ONLY SON;
A SAVIOUR for the LOST proclaim!
And shout the great IMMANUEL's name!

[4] "Glory to GOD," their song we join,
When each can say, this "GOD is mine."
Then would we spread thro' earth abroad,
"Good will to MEN, glory to GOD."

[5] Be it to men, to angels known,
What JESUS, for his CHURCH hath done!
HE in our nature bore our curse"
And we enjoy him, "GOD WITH US!"

[6] The mighty GOD became a child!
That rebels might be reconcil'd.
In life and death the law obey'd!
And our enormous debt hath paid!

[7] Now JUSTICE can demand no more:
From OUR account, he blots the score!
Adorns us in his righteousness!
And takes us in his kind embrace!

[8] Ye angels! who came with delight
To earth; we cannot you requite;
But hope to join you 'bove the sky,
And shout, "glory to GOD on high."

Sources:

• Hymns and spiritual songs, by Andrew Kessell, pp154-5, 1787.

Who on earth can see a reason

HYMN XCII.

[1] WHO on earth can see a reason
Why the ransom'd shou'd not sing
To behold this happy season,
Giving birth to Christ our king:
Here, all human hopes depend;
This, the sinners' only friend.

[2] Hark! a voice comes down from heaven!
"Tidings, tidings, sweet and good!
"Unto YOU a child is given,
"Son of MAN, and MIGHTY GOD!
"We the myst'ry long to view,
"But the blessing comes to YOU.

[3] "YOU our GOD delights to favour!
"Comes in person you to bless!
"Comes an ALL-SUFFICIENT SAVIOUR:
"For the vilest, full of GRACE!
"Shout, thro' heav'n and earth abroad,
"PEACE to men, and PRAISE to GOD.

Part the Second.

[4] Lo! we echo back the praises,
To the songsters in the skies;
While they tidings bring of JESUS,
May our notes exalted rise.
With yon multitude we cry
"Glory be to GOD on high."

[5] Who can tell what we discover,
In IMMANUEL come down!
Angels' GOD, the sinners' Lover,
Is become our flesh and bone!
Join'd to Christ our living head,
We from Satan's bonds are freed!

[6] Yes, the firm, the mystic union,
(To a stupid world unknown)
Gives the faithful sweet communion
With the Father, and the Son!
While we in his name are met,
We in heav'nly places sit!

[7] HE hath in OUR flesh ascended,
Re-assum'd his sov'reign pow'r;
Soon the MEMBERS shall be landed
Where the HEAD is gone before!
There in heights of glorious bliss,
We shall see him as he is!

[8] JESUS, come, and reign victorious
In the kingdom of thy grace:
Make us thro' thy spirit glorious;
Then transport, to see thy face:
There ETERNITY to spend,
Praising thee world without end.

Sources:

• Hymns and spiritual songs, by Andrew Kessell, pp151-3, 1787.

Wrapt in the silence of the night

1. Wrapt in the silence of the night
Lay all the eastern world,
    Lay all the eastern world,
When bursting glorious heavenly light,
    When bursting glorious heavenly light,
The wondrous scene unfurled,
    The wondrous scene unfurled,
    The wondrous scene unfurled.

2. Arise, and see what glorious things
The Lord for us hath done:
His holy Angels tidings bring
Of His Beloved Son.

3. Behold, the Lamb of God is come,
To take our sins away:
God gave to us His only Son
Upon This blessed day.

4. With joy the chorus we'll repeat,
"Glory to God on high!"
Goodwill and peace are now complete,
For Christ is born today.

Sources:

• W. A. Pickard-Cambridge, A Collection of Dorset Carols (London: A. W. Ridley & Co., 1926), No. 36.
  • NB.  Pickard-Cambridge's version of the harmonies appear to vary greatly from the original, to be found in certain manuscripts in the south-western counties of England.

Ye simple Men of Heart sincere

HYMN CXIII.------For Christmas.

Ye simple Men of Heart sincere,
Shepherds who watch your Flocks by Night,
Start not to see an Angel near,
Nor tremble at this glorious Light.

An Herald from the Heavenly King
I come your every Fear to chace;
Good Tidings of great Joy I bring,
Great Joy to all the fallen Race!

To you is born on this glad Day,
A Saviour by our Host ador'd;
Our GOD in Bethlehem survey,
Make Haste to worship Christ the LORD.

By this the Saviour of Mankind,
The incarnate GOD shall be display'd,
The Babe ye wrap'd in Swaths shall find,
And humbly in a Manger laid

Sources:

• The collection of hymns, sung in the Countess of Huntingdon’s chapel, pp155-6, 1770.