REDEMPTION. 129
Repeat the anthem, which the shepherds heard. Celestial harmony subdues their sense, And awe and holy fear melt into love. That sacred fire which his sweet Name incites, High heav'n inflames, and all heav'n's sanctities Inebriates, with ravishing delights, Invades the Magi, seals their lips, but glows In chrystal drops, suffusing every cheek. Prostrate before him, now with unseal'd lips, The Magi fall, and humbly thus adore :
"0 Thou, before whom we, unworthy, bow, Before whose Majesty adorable, The trembling earth and heavens flee away, What shall we in thy presence but adore In most profound abasement of our souls ? Thee, do we' adore, just God, and render praise, Before whose greatness every knee doth bend. Compared with thee, earth's mightiest is but weak, Her proud prosperity an empty dream, And all her brightness but a glimm'ring ray. Eternal King of ages, great Supreme, To thee alone, all honor appertains, Glory, and honor, benediction, praise; To thee, eternal Son of God most high, Who now descending from thy heav'nly throne, Dost deign to clothe thyself with human flesh, And woo our glad acceptance of thy love. Celestial source of truth, of hope, and joy, God, our supreme, all-wise, almighty King, Thee we have fervent sought, and seeking, find, Thee now desire to know, to understand, To love, and walk in all thy hallow'd ways.
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