Blithely From The Moated Churchyard

Words: J. E. B.

Music: Rev. R. F. Smith
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Source: Carol #19, Rev. Charles Lewis Hutchins, Carols Old and Carols New (Boston: Parish Choir, 1916)

1. Blithely from the moated churchyard
Ring the clear-voiced bells this morn;
While across the wavy landscape,
Far away the mists are borne.
Pass away, ye clouds of sadness, 
Ev'ry selfish care depart;
Grateful tho'ts, and tho'ts of gladness,
Ring from ev'ry Christian heart.

2. Brightly in the holy chancel
Leafy circles intertwine
Gelling how in Blessed Jesus
Life and strength and joy combine.
As beneath the arch we enter
Welcome words our coming bless,
For in Thee our hopes we centre,
Christ, "The Lord our Righteousness."

3. In the nave each space is speaking
Of the light which Jesus brought,
Of the freedom and the glory,
Which for all the world He wrought.
Wherefore, O ye congregation,
Should your hearts be cold and dumb,
While the walls proclaim Salvation,
And, "Arise, thy Light is come."

4. Listen to the old-new message,
At the Holy Table kneel;
Grudge not, when ye leave the Temple,
To diffuse the warmth ye feel.
Life has time enough for sadness,
Clouds too seldom pass away;
Only love and peace and gladness,
Should be named on Christmas Day. 

Sheet Music by Rev. R. F. Smith from Rev. Charles L. Hutchins, Carols Old and Carols New (Boston: Parish Choir, 1916), Carol #19

Sheet Music by Rev. R. F. Smith from Rev. Richard R. Chope, Carols For Use In Church (London: William Clowes & Sons, 1894), Carol #14

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