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HYMN VI.

[Join, all ye joyful nations]

1

Join, all ye joyful nations,
The' acclaiming host of heaven!
This happy morn
A Child is born,
To us a Son is given:
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The messenger and token
Of God's eternal favour,
God hath sent down
To us His Son,
An universal Saviour!

2

The wonderful Messias,
The Joy of every nation,
Jesus His name,
With God the same,
The Lord of all creation:
The Counsellor of sinners,
Almighty to deliver,
The Prince of Peace
Whose love's increase
Shall reign in man for ever.

3

Go see the King of Glory,
Discern the heavenly Stranger,
So poor and mean,
His court an inn,
His cradle is a manger:
Who from His Father's bosom,
But now for us descended,
Who built the skies,
On earth He lies,
With only beasts attended.

4

Whom all the angels worship
Lies hid in human nature;
Incarnate see
The Deity,
The infinite Creator:
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See the stupendous blessing
Which God to us hath given,
A child of man,
In length a span,
Who fills both earth and heaven.

5

Gaze on that helpless Object
Of endless adoration!
Those infant hands
Shall burst our bands,
And work out our salvation:
Strangle the crooked serpent,
Destroy his works for ever,
And open set
The heavenly gate
To every true believer.

6

Till then, Thou holy Jesus,
We humbly bow before Thee,
Our treasures bring
To serve our King,
And joyfully adore Thee:
To Thee we gladly render
Whate'er Thy grace hath given,
Till Thou appear
In glory here,
And take us up to heaven.
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