For poor sinners’ redemption, to the world here He came.

The mighty Jehovah, by the prophets foretold,

That the sweet Babe of Heaven mortal eyes should behold;

Both King, Prince, and Prophet, nay, our Saviour beside,

Now, when Joseph and Mary was espoused, we find,

Having seen her condition, he was grieved in mind;

Aye, and thought to dismiss her, whom he loved so dear,

But an angel from Heaven did her innocence clear.

He declared in a vision, that a Son she should have,

By the Father appointed, fallen mortals to save;

And the same should be called blessed Jesus by name,

From the high court of Heaven this Ambassador came.

Then the righteous man, Joseph, believed the news,

And the sweet Virgin Mary he did no wise refuse;

Thus the blest amongst women, did bear and bring forth

A sweet Prince of Salvation, both in Heaven and Earth.

When the days of her travail did begin to draw nigh,

Righteous Joseph and Mary went immediately

To the city of David, to be taxed indeed,

E’en as CÆsar Augustus had firmly decreed.

Being come to the city, entertainment they crave,

But the inns were so filled they no lodging could have,

For the birth of our Saviour, though he was Prince of all,

He could have there no place but a poor oxes stall.

Now the proud may come hither, and perfectly see,

The most excellent pattern of humility;

For, instead of a cradle, deckt with ornaments gay,

As the shepherds were feeding their flocks in the field,

The sweet birth of our Saviour unto them was revealed,

By blest angels of glory, who those tidings did bring,

And directed the shepherds to their heavenly King.

When the wise men discover’d the bright heavenly star,

Then with gold and rich spices, straight they came from afar,

In obedience to worship with a heavenly mind,

Knowing that He was born for the good of mankind.

Let us learn of those sages, who were wise, to obey;

Nay, we find through all ages they have honoured this day,

Ever since our Redeemer’s bless’d nativity,

Who was born of a virgin to set sinners free.