Hymn XXIX. For Twelfe-day, or the Epiphanie.
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This day is celebrated in remembrance of the admirable
manifestation of our Saviours birth; and we
therefore called the Epiphanie, or Manifestation.
It was first discovered from Heaven by Angels,
and an heavenly Hoast. To the Gentiles, by a Star
in the East: He was afterward manifested by the
Vision of the Holy-Ghost descending on him
like a Dove, and by a voice from Heaven. He was
also manifested by his Doctrine and Miracles.
Sing this as the Lords Prayer.
[1]
The first which brought the blessed News,
That CHRIST, on him, our nature took,
Were certain Shepherds of the Jewes,
Which did, by night attend their Flock.
That they might verifi'd behold
What by their Prophets was foretold.
2
The second means, whereby oh CHRIST!
The World, of thee inform'd became,
Was by a Star, which in the East
Inform'd the Gentiles of the same;
That Heathen-men might learn to see,
The Book of Creatures, shews them Thee.
3
A Voice, and Vision from above,
And many wonders wrought below,
This wondrous Newes did further prove,
And have to all confirm'd it so,
That, faithlesse, if we now appear,
We, worse then Jewes and Ethnicks are.
4
Lord! let thy Pastors, and thy Grace,
Our Guiders, and Directors be,
As Angels, and a Star once was
To aid, in manifesting Thee.
And, let us, Thee confesse oh CHRIST!
Our King, our Prophet, and our Priest.
[5]
With Bethlem-Shepherds, let us feast
Our Souls, with Joy, that found thou art.
And with the Wise-men of the East
Let us expresse a Joyfull heart.
The Song of Angels, let us sing;
And Presents of Thanksgiving bring.
6
Teares, which from true Repentance drop,
In stead of Myrrh, from us receive.
For Incense, which they offred up,
Vnfained Praises, let us give.
And, bring for Gold, each pious-Deed,
Which doth from saving-Faith proceed.
7
And, as the Wise-men, never went
To visit wicked Herod more,
So (finding Thee) let us repent
The Course, we follow'd heretofore;
And, let us homeward learn to go
That way, which thou shalt please to show
