HYMN XV.

Lo! the star which they saw in the east went before them. Mat. ii. 9.

BRIGHTEST and best of the sons of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid; Star of the east, the horizon adorning,

Guide where the infant Redeemer is laid.

Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining, Low lies his head with the beasts of the stall; Angels adore him in slumber reclining,

Maker, and Monarch, and Saviour, of all.

Say, shall we yield him in costly devotion, Odours of Eden, and off'rings divineGems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean, Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?

Vainly we offer each ample oblation;

Vainly with gifts would his favours secure ; Richer, by far, is the heart's adoration,

Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor. Epiphany.

HYMN XVI.

He shall give you another Comforter. John xiv. 16.

COME, Holy Ghost! our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire;

Thou the anointing spirit art,
Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart ;
Thy blessed unction from above,
Is comfort, life, and fire of love.

Illumine with perpetual light
The dulness of our blinded sight;
Anoint our heart, and cheer our face,
With the abundance of thy grace;
Keep far our foes, give peace at home,
Where thou art guide no ill can come.

Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And thee of both to be but one;
That through the ages all along,
This theme may be our endless song;
Praise to thine eternal merit,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

HYMN XVII.

Praying in the Holy Ghost. Jude v. 20.

CREATOR Spirit, by whose aid

The world's foundations first were laid;

Come visit ev'ry humble mind,

And pour thy joys on human kind;
From sin and sorrow set us free,
And make us temples worthy thee.

Thrice holy fount! thrice holy fire!
Our hearts with heavenly love inspire;
Come, and thy sacred unction bring,
To sanctify us while we sing;
Give us thyself, that we may see
The Father, and the Son, by thee.

Immortal honour, endless fame,
Attend th' Almighty Father's name;
The Saviour Son be glorified,
Who for lost man's redemption died;
And equal adoration be,

Eternal Comforter, to thee,

HYMN XVIII.

I heard the voice of many angels. Rev. v. 11.

COME, let us join our cheerful songs

With angels round the throne; Ten thousand thousand are their tongues, But all their joys are one.

"Worthy the Lamb that died," they cry, "To be exalted thus: "

Worthy the Lamb! our lips reply,
For he was slain for us.

Jesus is worthy to receive

Honour and power divine;

And blessings, more than we can give,
Be Lord, for ever thine.

Let all creation join in one,

To bless the sacred name

Of him that sits upon the throne,
And to adore the Lamb.

HYMN XIX.

The desire of all nations. Hag. ii. 7.

COME thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set thy 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;

Blest desire of ev'ry nation,
Joy of ev'ry contrite 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 spirit,

Rule in all our hearts alone;

By thine all sufficient merit,

Raise us to thy glorious throne.

D