From The Hallowed Belfry Tower

For Christmas

Words: Anonymous

Music: Rev. G. C. E. Ryley, Mus. Bac., Oxon.

Source: Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 5, p. 8.

1. From the hallow'd belfry tower
Hark! Resounds the midnight hour,
Seek who will the silent sleep,
We our yearly vigil keep,
And our solemn carol raise
Duly to the Saviour's praise;
Virgin born, Thy praise we sing,
Son of the Almighty King.

2. Hail the night, and hail the morn
Which beheld the Saviour born!
When in Bethlehem's wakeful fold
Tidings good the angels told;
Tidings full of joy and grace
To each child of Adam;'s race;
God in form of man arrayed,
God for man a servant made.

3. Virgin Born! Thy praise we sing,
Son of the Eternal King!
When in Thee the Angels' voice
Bade the shepherds' hearts rejoice,
Straight was heard the answering cry,
“Glory be to God on high.”
Echoed from the heavenly train,
“Peace on earth, good-will to men.”

4. Hark! We catch the heavenly song;
Hark! The cherubs' hymn prolong;
“Glory be to God on high!”
Who, enthroned above the sky,
Deigns to cast his eye below,
And to bless this world of woe,
Sent His Son our Flesh to take,
Humbled thus for sinners' sake.

5. Thus to hail Thy natal day,
Prompted by those angels' lay;'
Virgin born! Thy praise we sing,
Son of the Eternal King!
Grant us as we sing to live,
Grant us, day by day, to give
Glory first to God, and then
Peace on earth, good-will to men.
 

Sheet Music from Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 5, p. 8.