EMANUEL
     Words by William Billings.
     Music by William Billings, in The Psalm-Singers Amusement, 1781.

 As Shepherds in Jewry were guarding their Sheep,
 Promisc'usly 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 Saviour in Jewry appears.

 Tho' Adam the First in Rebellion was found,
 Forbidden to tarry on hallowed Ground;
 Yet Adam the Second appears to retrieve
 The Loss you sustain'd by the Devil and Eve.
    Then Shepherds, be tranquil, this Instant arise,
    Go visit your Saviour and see where he lies.

 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 Saviour's abundantly so.

 This wonderous Story scarce cool'd on the Ear,
 When Thousands of Angels in Glory appear;
 They join in the Concert, and this was the Theme:
 "All Glory to God and good Will towards Men."
    Then Shepherds strike in, join your Voice to the Choir,
    And catch a few Sparks of Celestial Fire.

 Hosanna! The Angels in Extacy cry,
 Hosanna! The wondering 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.

 To Bethlehem City the Shepherds repair'd,
 For full Confirmation of what they had heard;
 They enter'd the Stable with Aspect so mild,
 And there they beheld both the Mother and Child.
    Then make Proclamation, divulge it abroad,
    That Gentle and Simple may hear of the Lord.