BETHLEHEM EPHRATAH. (By permission of Messrs. Novello, Ewer & Co.)

When eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, His

name was called JESUS.

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When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.'

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AS with gladness men of old

Did the guiding star behold,
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright,-
So, most gracious Lord, may we
Evermore be led to Thee.

2 As with joyful steps they sped,
Saviour, to Thy lowly bed,

There to bend the knee before

Thee, whom heaven and earth adore,-
So may we with willing feet

Ever seek the mercy-seat.

m 3 As they offered gifts most rare
At Thy cradle rude and bare,-
So may we with holy joy,

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Pure, and free from sin's alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.

mp 4 Holy Jesus, every day

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Keep us in the narrow way;

And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy glory hide.
f5 In the heavenly country bright
Need they no created light;
Thou its light, its joy, its crown,
Thou its sun which goes not down;
There for ever may we sing
Hallelujahs to our King.

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'We have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.'

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BRIGHT

Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;

Star of the east, the horizon adorning,

Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

2 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.
m 3 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?

4 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.

f 5 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.

'There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be

mf Laud and honour let us pay,

O the name of our Salvation

Which for many a generation

Hid in God's foreknowledge lay,

But with holy exultation

We may sing aloud to-day.

saved.'