The Black Decree

Alternate Title: Let Christians All With One Accord Rejoice

Version 3

For Epiphany.

Words and Music: Traditional
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Roud Number: 2429

#45 on Hone's List of 89 Carols Printed

Source: Rev. Richard R. Chope, Carols For Use In Church (London: William Clowes & Sons, 1894), Carol #131, pages 244-245.

1. Let Christians all with one accord rejoice,
And praises sing aloud with heart and voice
To God on high, for great things He has done,
In sending us His well-beloved Son.

Chorus:
Then, one and all, our voices let us raise,
For sweet it is, Blest Mary's Son to praise.

2. That Blessed Babe and Holy Child of Love
Came down from Heaven that we may reign above:
The happy news was brought on Angels' wings,
Of our Redemption by the King of kings.
    Then, one and all, &c.

3. An earthly wonder not to be denied
Born of a Virgin, yet a Heaven-made Bride!
Not like an earthly prince in pomp and state,
But poor and mean to make us Heavenly great.
    Then, one and all, &c.

4. The night before that happy day of Grace
The Blessed Virgin had no resting place;
But in a manger He, the Lord of Life,
Was nourished by His Mother, Maid, and Wife.
    Then, one and all, &c.

5. Three Wise Men by a Star were thither brought,
And found the Blessed Babe they long had sought
Where, best of spices, and rich costly things
They humbly offered to the King of kings.
    Then, one and all, &c.

6. With them we worship Christ, come from above,
The Angels' King, our God, Redeemer, Love –
At His blest Altar find the Pearl of Price, –
The Holy Church's Wondrous Sacrifice.
    Then, one and all, &c.

Sheet Music by Mr. A. H. Brown from from Rev. Richard R. Chope, Carols For Use In Church (London: William Clowes & Sons, 1894), Carol #131, pages 244-245.

Sheet Music from Arthur Henry Brown, ed., In Excelsis Gloria-Carols for Christmastide (London: Thomas Bosworth & Co., 1885), Carol #13, pp. 26-27.

Notes:

Compared to the 23 verses in Bramley and Stainer, this version has verses 1-4, 7, and an entirely new, last verse, with a chorus.

Versions on this web site:

• The Black Decree - Version 1 - Bramley and Stainer, ca. 1878, with Notes. For the Feast of the Holy Infants. [This file]

• The Black Decree - Version 2 - Walters, A Good Christmas Box, 1847. For the Feast of the Holy Infants.

• The Black Decree - Version 3 - Chope, 1894. 6 verses, with chorus. For Epiphany.

• The Black Decree - Version 4 - Rodda, 1870. 3 verses, with chorus. For Christmas.

• The Black Decree - Version 5 - Broadside Harding B 16(341a), ca. 1820-1830s. For the Feast of the Holy Infants. 18 Verses.

• The Black Decree - Version 6 - Broadside Douce adds. 137(31), between 1821 and 1827. For the Feast of the Holy Infants. 20 Verses.

• The Black Decree - Version 7. Broadside Harding B 7(58), between 1813 and 1838, and Broadside  Harding B 7(78), between 1859 and 1899. For Christmas. Five verses, no chorus.

• The Black Decree - Version 8 - A Shropshire Version.

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