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BETHLEHEM EPHRATAH. 7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7.
14.
WHILE shepherds watch'd their flocks
All seated on the ground, [by night,
The Angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.
"Fear not," said he,-for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind,"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,
A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign:
"The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view display'd,
All meanly wrapt in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid."
Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
Appear'd a shining throng
Of Angels praising God, who thus
Address'd their joyful song:
"All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace:
Good will, henceforth, from heaven to men,
Begin and never cease."
Ascribed to ST. AMBROSE.
About 360.
15.
BRIGHT and joyful is the morn,
For to us a Child is born;
From the highest realms of heaven
Unto us a Son is given.
On His shoulder He shall bear
Power and majesty, and wear
On His vesture and His thigh
Names most awful, names most high.
Wonderful in counsel He,
The incarnate Deity;
Sire of ages ne'er to cease,
King of kings and Prince of peace.
Come and worship at His feet,
Yield to Christ the homage meet,
From His manger to His throne,
Homage due to God alone.
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