And on the bloody tree expires 3 Transgressors, of the deepest stain, His blood removes the foulest guilt, 4 Our Jesus saves from sin and hell, 5 O, let these tidings be receiv'd And let the highest songs of praise 6 Glory to God! who gave his Son Hence peace on earth, and grace to man HYMN 379. C. M. METHINKS I see an heav'nly host Of angels on the wing; 2 "Let all your fears be banish'd hence, Glad tidings I proclaim; For there's a Saviour born to-day, And Jesus is his name. 3 Lay down your crooks, and quit your flocks, To Bethlehem repair; And let your wandering steps be squar'd By yonder shining star." 4 Then suddenly a heav'nly host Around the shepherds throng, Exulting in the threefold God, And thus address their song : 5 "To God the Father, Christ the Son, The first and last, the last and first, HYMN 380. P. M. TRUEST Lover of thy people, Thy bless'd word, and kind behaviour, Still assure me, O my Saviour, That thou art my Lord, my God! 2 From thee I can never wander In that bleeding Fountain yonder, This is heav'n when once believ'd, HYMN 381. P. M. S shepherds in Jewry were guarding their sheep, Promisc'ously seated, estranged from sleep, An angel from heaven presented to view, And thus he accosted the trembling few : "Dispel all your sorrows, and banish your fears, For Jesus, your Saviour, in Jewry appears. 2 Though Adam the first in rebellion was found, Forbidden to tarry on hallowed ground; Yet Adam the second appears to retrieve The loss you sustain'd by the devil and Eve. Then shepherds be tranquil, this instant arise, Go visit your Saviour, and see where he lies. 3 A token I leave you, whereby you may find This heav'nly Stranger, this Friend to mankind; A manger's his cradle, a stall his abode, The oxen are near him and gaze on your God. Then shepherds be humble, be meek, and lie low, For Jesus your Saviour's abundantly so." 4 This wonderous story scarce cool'd on the ear When thousands of angels in glory appear; They join in concert, and this was the theme, "All glory to God and good-will towards men." Then shepherds strike in, join your voice to the choir And catch a few sparks of celestial fire. 5 Hosanna! the angels in ecstacy cry; Hosanna! the wondering shepherds reply; "Salvation, redemption, are center'd in one! All glory to God for the birth of his Son; Then shepherds adieu, we commend you to God, Go visit the Son in his humble abode." 6 To Bethlehem city the shepherds repair'd, For full confirmation of what they had heard ; They enter'd the stable with aspect so mild, And there they beheld both the mother and child. Then make proclamation, divulge it abroad, That gentle and simple may hear of the Lord. HYMN 382. P. M. JESUS, thy name we praise ! Witness thy sacrifice, torment and shame ! 2 When we were lost in sin, Unholy and unclean, Unmeet for God! Wond'rous redemption ! Glorious exemption Now and for ever from hell by thy blood ! 8 Thou wast made man, with all Faithful to God; Greatly enduring All the out-pouring Of infinite punishment, suff'ring to blood.. 4 Humbling thyself to death, Thou didst resign thy breath, Tortur'd with pain : God hath declared Man once ensnared Surely should die the death; this was sin's gain.. 5 Here was our sin destroy'd, Sin was condemned and slain in his side. PAUSE. When the third morn was come, Then Jesus left the tomb; Ceas'd all thy woes ; Bravely victorious, Heav'nly glorious, Openly triumphing over thy foes. 7 Lo! hence our joys begin, Holy and bright; Perfect salvation, Thy resurrection for man brought to light. 8 'Twas then the Father spake, His awful silence brake, "Thou art my Son, Holy for ever, Worthy my favour, Only begotten, come sit on my throne." 9 Hail! Son of Mary, hail ! Our songs shall never fail Whilst grace Deep adoration doth shine; Thy congregation Ever shall pay thee, thou Saviour divine ! |