THAT SO Thy blessed birth, O Christ,
Might through the world be spread about,
Thy star appeared in the East,

Sweet Jesus, let that star of Thine,

Thy grace, which guides to find out Thee, Within our hearts for ever shine,

That Thou of us found out mayest be: And Thou shalt be our King therefore,

Our Priest, and Prophet evermore.

Tears that from true repentance drop,
Instead of myrrh present will we :
For incense, we will offer up

Our prayers and praises unto Thee;
And bring for gold each pious deed,
Which doth from saving faith proceed.

And as those wise men never went
To visit Herod any more,
So, finding Thee, we will repent

Our courses followed heretofore;

And that we homeward may retire,
Our way by Thee we will inquire.

George Wither.

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!

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,

Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all!

Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion,
Odours of Edom and offerings divine?

Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine?

Vainly we offer each ample oblation:

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

Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

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!

Reginald Heber.

SONS of men, behold from far,
Hail the long-expected Star!
Jacob's star that gilds the night,
Guides bewildered nature right.

Fear not hence that ill should flow,
Wars or pestilence below,

Wars it bids and tumults cease,
Ushering in the Prince of Peace.

Mild He shines on all beneath,
Piercing through the shade of death,
Scattering error's wide-spread night,

Kindling darkness into light.

Nations all, far off and near,

Haste to see your God appear!
Haste, for Him your hearts prepare;

Meet Him manifested there!

There behold the day-spring rise,
Pouring eye-sight on your eyes;
God in His own light survey,
Shining to the perfect day.

Sing, ye morning-stars, again,
God descends on earth to reign,
Deigns for man his life to employ ;
Shout, ye sons of God, for joy!

Wesley.