1 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 our infant Redeemer is laid.

2 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,

Chosen of God, the Redeemer of all.

3 Say shall we yield him, in costly devotion,
Odors of Edom, and offerings divine?
Gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?

4 Vainly we offer each ample oblation;

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

Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

HEBER.

HEROLD. 8s & 7s.

HEROLD.

9:24

64

9

374. Song of the Angels of Bethlehem. CAWOOD. 2 Israel's strength and consolation,

1 HARK! what mean those holy voices,
Sweetly sounding through the skies?
Lo! the angelic host rejoices;
Heavenly hallelujahs rise.

2 Listen to the wondrous story

Hope of all the earth thou art.
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

3 Born thy people to deliver,
Born a child, and yet a King;
Born to reign in us for ever,
Now thy precious kingdom bring.

ASHFORD. L.M.

3 He dies; the heavens in mourning stood: | 4 Decay, then, tenements of dust;