On the Death of Thomas Beard, Hymn 5

Father of mercies, hear!
Who didst of old send down
An heavenly messenger,
With tidings of Thy Son:
Shepherds, who watch'd their flocks by night,
They first believed the word,
And sang, o'erwhelm'd with heavenly light,
The birth of Christ, the Lord.
To men of simple heart
The Saviour still reveal,
The welcome news impart
Of joy unspeakable;
To us, who here our stations keep,
To us a Child be given,
Who wait to find, while others sleep,
The Lord of earth and heaven.
With pure celestial day
Our ravish'd souls surround,
Or let the heavenly ray
Within our hearts be found:
Let all Thy ransom 'd sons of grace
The' angelic army join,
And chant in ceaseless songs of praise
The Majesty Divine.
Glory to God above
For His redeeming plan,
And peace on earth, and love
Benevolent to man:
We justly own the glory His,
With heaven's acclaiming powers;
For O! the benefit and bliss
Is all for ever ours!