119. As with gladness men of old

1. 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
to that lowly manger-bed;
there to bend the knee before
him whom heaven and earth adore;
so may we with willing feet
ever seek the mercy-seat.

3. As they offered gifts most rare
at that manger rude and bare;
so may we with holy joy,
pure and free from sin's alloy,
all our costliest treasures bring,
Christ! to thee, our heavenly King.

4. Holy Jesus! every day
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.

5. 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
alleluias to our King.

Text Information
First Line: As with gladness men of old
Author: William Chatterton Dix, 1837-1898
Meter: 77. 77. 77
Language: English
Publication Date: 1985
Topic: Epiphany
Tune Information
Name: DIX
Composer (melody): Conrad Kocher, 1786-1872
Arranger: William Henry Monk, 1823-1889
Meter: 77. 77. 77
Key: G Major



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