FULL CHORUS. This is He from Jesse sprung, Who is of a virgin born,* Who, the prophet hath foretold, Should with reverence be call'd WONDERFUL; WISE COUNSELLOR; Whose increasing sov'reign sway, Shall not fail nor pass away, But for ever stand secure, Though this world be known no more. DUET. This the Prince who was to come,‡ O'er the universe to reign, David's kingdom to restore, From his throne support his power, Justice, equity, and right, Make His laws and great delight. CHORUS. Wake! our souls! in fervent lays, Give, O give Him grateful praise ! * See Isaiah chap. ix.; also, the genealogies of Matthew and Luke. + See Isaiah chap, ix. Ibid ix. also Malachi. With seraphic hosts above, Praise, O Praise! this God of Love! JOHN.* This heavenly Word, among mankind display'd, Primevally united unto God, Was One with the Eternal, the Supreme,† He made the world, and nature caus'd to bloom; And still the objects of His guardian care; To them who will receive, and Him believe; Cause hope to centre in a saving God, And faith to search in heaven, for her abode, A resting place, eternal and secure, When this world's baubles pass and are no more. To serve his God that mercy may be shewn; * See chap. i. I am totally at a loss to know how the Anti-trinitarian, with the least shew of propriety, can confute this chapter of St. John's gospel. It certainly authorizes a firm belief in the divinity of the Messiah. See chap. i. To cause desire each duty to fulfil, SIMEON. Let me end my mortal race, Mighty God, the deed is Thine, Gentiles shall His radiance see; Till night's lost in endless day. ALL THE EVANGELISTS. As earthly princes send the quick despatch To tell dependants royalty's approach, * See Luke chap. ii. 29-32. |