Emanuel - Billings, William

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⌛ Period → Classical ◈ Genre → Carols ♬ Voicing → SATB ¶ Language → English

Parts 4

Instruments A cappella

CPDL # 1685

Editor Christopher R. Baker

Posted 2000-11-27

¶Lyrics / Text

1. As shepherds in darkness were guarding their sheep, Promiscuously seated estranged from sleep; An angel from heaven presented to view, And thus he accosted the trembling few. Dispel all your sorrows, and banish your fears; For Jesus your savior this day does appear. Dispel all your sorrows, and banish your fears; for Jesus your savior this day does appear. 2. Tho' Adam the first in rebellion was found, Forbidden to tarry on hallowed ground; Yet Adam the second appears to retrieve, The loss you sustained by the Devil & Eve. Then shepherds b e tranquil this instant a rise, Go visit your Savior & see where He lies. Then shepherds be tranquil this instant arise, Go visit your Savior & see where He lies. 3. A token I leave you where by you may find, This heavenly stranger this friend to mankind; A manger's His cradle a stall his abode, The oxen are near him and blow on your God. Then shepherds be humble, be meek and lie low For Jesus, your Savior's abundantly so. Then shepherds be humble, be meek and like low For Jesus your Savior's abundantly so. 4. This wonderous story fierce cool'd on the Ear, When thousands of angels in glory appear; They join in the concert & this was the theme All glory to God & good will towards men. Then shepherd strike injoin your voice to the choir And catch a few sparks of celes tial fire. Then shepherd strike injoin your voice to the choir And catch a few sparks of cecles tial fire. 5. Hosanna! The angels in ecstasy cry. Hosanna! The wonde ring shepherds reply; Salvation, redemption are centered in one, All glory to God for the birth of his Son. Then shepherds adieu we commend you to God, Go visit the Son in his humble abode. Then shepherds adieu we commend you to God, Go visit the Son in his humble abode. 6. To Bethlehem city the shepherds repaired. For full confirmation of what they had heard; They enter'd the stable with aspect so mild, And there they beheld the Mother & Child. Then make proclamation divulge it a broad, That gentle