For the Nativity of our blessed Lord and Saviour Luke ii. 8-15. WHILE shepherds watch their flocks by nighty 2 "Fear not," said he, for mighty dread 3To you, in David's town, this day, The SAVIOUR, who is CHRIST the LORD; "The Heavenly Babe you there shall find, "All meanly wrapp'd in swathing bands, Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith "All glory be to God on high, "And to the earth be peace; "Good will, henceforth, from heaven to men, "Begin, and ever cease." The Work and Contention of Heaven, BY ERSKINE. 1 IN heavenly choirs a question rose, Owes highest praise to sov'reign grace? What praising harp should lead the van; $ ""Tis 1," said one, ""bove all my race, 8 "Stop," said a fifth, "these notes forbear, "Lo! I'm the greatest wonder here; "For I, of all the race that fell "Deserv'd the lowest place in hell. 9 A soul that higher yet aspir'd, With equal love to Jesus fir'd, ""Tis mine to sing the highest notes, "To love, that wash'd the foulest blots." 10 "Ho!" cry'd a mate, " 'tis mine I'll prove "Who sinn'd in spite of light and love, "To sound his praise with loudest bell, "That sav'd me from the lowest hell." 11 "Come, come," said one, "I'll hold thy plea "That highest praise is due by me; “For mine, of all the sav'd by grace, "Was the most dreadful, desp'rate case." 12 Another rising at his side, As fond to praise, and free of pride, Cry'd, "pray give place, for I defy "That you should own more praise than I 13 "I'll yield to none in this debate; "I'm ruu so deep in grace's debt; "That sure I am, I boldly can "Compare with all the heavenly clan." 14 Quick o'er their head a trump awoke, "Your songs my very heart have spoke "But ev'ry note you here propale, Belongs to me above you all." 15 The list'ning millions round about With sweet resentment loudly shout"What voice is this, comparing notes, "That to their song chief place allots ? 16"We can't allow of such a sound, "That you alone have highest ground, "To sing the royalties of grace; We claim the same adoring place. 17 What! will no rival singer yield That lov'd and wash'd them in his blood. 20 Free grace was sov'reign empress crown'd, In pomp with joyous shouts around; Assisting angels clapp'd their wings, And sounded grace on all their strings. 21 The emulation round the throne Made prostrate hosts, (who ev'ry, one Made ev'ry glorious warbling throat 23 Thus in sweet, holy, humble strife, THE END. |