The Shepherds.

WHILE shepherds watched their flocks by night, Near little Beth'lem town; The angel of the Lord came down, And glory shone around.

"Fear not," said he (for mighty dread Had seiz'd their troubled mind); "Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind.

"To you, in David's town this day, Is born of David's line, A Savior who is Christ the Lord, And this shall be the sign. "The heav'nly babe ye there shall find, To human view display'd There meanly wrapt in swathing bands, And in a manger laid."

Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith Appear' d a shining throng Of angels praising God, and thus Addressed their heav'nly song:

"All glory be to God on high; And on the earth be peace, Good will henceforth from heav'n to man, Begin and never cease."