William Billings — Shiloh

Methinks I see an heav'nly host Of angels on the wing Methinks I hear their cheerful notes So merrily they sing: Let all your fears be banish'd hence Glad tidings I proclaim For there's a Saviour born today And Jesus is his name Lay down your crooks and quit your flocks To Bethlehem repair; And let your wand'ring steps be squar'd By yonder shining star Seek not in courts or palaces Nor royal curtains draw; But search the stable, see your God Extended on the straw Then learn from hence, ye rural Swains The Meekness of your God Who left the boundless Realms of Joy To Ransom you with blood The Master of the Inn refus'd A more commodious Place; Ungenerous Soul of Savage Mould And destitute of Grace Exult ye oxen, low for joy Ye tenants of the stall Pay your obeisance, on your knees Unanimously fall The royal guest you entertain Is not of common birth But second to the great I Am; The God of heav'n and earth Then suddenly a heav'nly host Around the shepherds throng Exulting in the threefold God And thus address their song To God the Father, Christ the Son And Holy Ghost ador'd; The First and Last, the Last and First Eternal praise afford