1 Oh! happy the day he was born,
When angels rejoiced in the skies;
The joy of that festival morn
By far ev'ry other out vies.
Oh! bright was the glory that shone
From mercy's broad banner unfurl'd,
When Gabriel came down from the throne
To publish the news to our world.
2 "Lo! tidings of gladness I bring
To you, and to all upon earth;
Rejoice at the birth of your King,
The Son of the Highest hath birth;
He comes, of the prophets foretold,
Whose kingdom shall ever increase;
The son of King David of old,
The Prince, and the Author of Peace."
3 Thus spake the archangel, and throngs
Of glorified spirits on high
Exulted in rapturous songs,
And fill'd with sweet music the sky.
All glory and honour be given,
To Father, and Spirit, and Son;
On earth is the kingdom of heaven,
The reign of Messiah, begun.
Source: The Minstrel of Zion: a book of religious songs, accompanied with appropriate music, chiefly original #110
Hunter, William, D.D, son of John Hunter, was born near Ballymoney, County Antrim, Ireland, May 26, 1811. He removed to America in 1817, and entered Madison College in 1830. For some time he edited the Conference Journal, and the Christian Advocate. In 1855 he was appointed Professor of Hebrew in Alleghany College: and subsequently Minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Alliance, Stark Country, Ohio. He died in 1877. He edited Minstrel of Zion, 1845; Select Melodies, 1851; and Songs of Devotion, 1859. His hymns, over 125 in all, appeared in these works. Some of these have been translated into various Indian languages. The best known are :—
1. A home in heaven; what a joyful thought. Heaven a Home. From his Minstrel of Zion, 1… Go to person page >
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