That every rising doubt control; 5 Great prophet, Saviour, worthy thou HYMN CLII. C. M. The mission of Christ. 1 This is the day the Lord hath made; 2 This day arose our glorious head, This day the saints his triumph spread, 3 Bless'd be the Lord, who comes to men, With messages of grace; Who comes, in God his Father's name, To save our sinful race! 4 Hosanna! in the highest strains The church on earth can raise ; The highest heavens in which he reigns, Appearance of angels to the shepherds. 1 While shepherds watch'd their flocks by night, All seated on the ground, The angel of the Lord came down, 2 Fear not,' said he, (for mighty dread 3 'To you, in David's town, this day The Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, 4 The heavenly babe you there shall find, To human view display'd, All meanly wrapt in swaddling bands, And in a manger laid.' 5 Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith Of angels, praising God, and thus 6 All glory be to God on high, Good will henceforth, from heaven to men, HYMN CLIV. H.M. Nativity of Christ. 1 Hark! what celestial notes, The tuneful shell And vocal choir The golden lyre The concert swell. 2 Th' angelic hosts descend, With harmony divine; See how from heaven they bend, And in full chorus join. Fear not, say they, Jesus, your king, Great joy we bring ; 3 He comes, from error's night This glorious morn, (Let all attend!) 4 Glory to God on high! Ye mortals, spread the sound, And let your raptures fly To earth's remotest bound. For peace on earth, From God in heaven, To man is given, At Jesus' birth. HYMN CLV. P. M. Annunciation of Christ's birth. 1 No war nor battle's sound, In which the Prince of light In social circle sat; while all around Or cropp'd the flow'ry food, Sweet music, offspring of no mortal hand; Divinely-warbled voice, Answ'ring the stringed noise, With blissful rapture charm'd the list'ning band. 4 They saw a glorious light Burst on their wond'ring sight, Harping in solemn choir, in robes array'd, The helmed cherubim And sworded seraphim Are seen in glitt'ring ranks, with wings display'd. 5 Sounds of so sweet a tone Before were never known, But when of old the sons of morning sung, While God dispos'd in air Each constellation fair, And the well-balanc'd world on hinges hung 6 Hail! hail! auspicious morn! The Saviour Christ is born;" (Such was the immortal seraphs' song sublime,) 'Glory to God in heaven! To man sweet peace be given, Sweet peace and friendship to the end of time!" HYMN CLVI. Six Line C. M. Design of Christ's mission. 10 let your mingling voices rise, |