XXX.
NOW when Joseph and Mary
Were to Bethlehem bound,
They with travelling were weary,
Yet no lodging they found
In the city of David,
Tho’ they sought o’er all;
They, alas! could not have it,
But in an oxes stall.
The place was no braver
But as mean as might be,
Our Redeemer and Saviour,
Then the sweet Babe of Heaven
Was born there we find,
Whose sweet life was once given
For the sins of mankind.
Whilst the shepherds were feeding
Of their flocks in the fields,
The birth of our Saviour
Unto them was revealed;
Many angels assembling,
In their glory appeared,
Whilst the shepherds were trembling,
Being smitten with fear.
O forbear to be fearful,
We have reason to sing;
Then rejoice and be chearful,
We glad tidings do bring:
There is born in the city
Of David, therefore,
Such a Saviour of pity,
Whom we all do adore.
He’s the Prince of Salvation,
Then be not afraid,
And with this salutation
To the shepherds they said,
Be no longer a stranger,
For in mean swadling clothes
He is laid in a manger;
Being resolved together
They to Bethlehem go,
And when they came thither
They found it was so;
They with duty adore him,
Coming where he was laid—
Strait they fell down before him,
This obedience they made.
Nay, the wise men, whose prudence
Had discovered the star,
Came to pay their obedience
When they travell’d from far;
Bringing with them the choicest
That their land did afford,
Of gold, myrrh, and spices,
To present to the Lord.
Their example engages
Every Christian to be,
Ever since in all ages,
Both noble and free;
Then rejoice and be merry,
In a moderate way,
Never, never be weary,
To honour this day.
Which afforded a blessing
To the race of mankind,
Far beyond all expressing
Whilst on earth he was dwelling,
He was still doing good,
Nay, his love more excelling,
For he shed his own blood.
To redeem us and save us
From the guilt of our sins,
For His love he would have us
A new life to begin;
Then remember the season,
Be you kind to the poor,
It’s no more than is reason,
We have blessings in store.