John Milton ( 10 of 239 )
CHRISTMAS DAY ON THE MORNING OF CHRIST'S NATIVITY This the month, and this the happy morn, Wherein the Son read more
CHRISTMAS DAY ON THE MORNING OF CHRIST'S NATIVITY This the month, and this the happy morn, Wherein the Son of Heaven's Eternal King, Of wedded maid and virgin mother born, Our great redemption from above did bring; For so the holy sages once did sing, That he our deadly forfeit should release, And with his Father work us a perpetual peace. That glorious form, that light insufferable, And that far-beaming blaze majesty, Wherewith he wont at Heaven's high council-table To sit the midst of Trinal Unity He laid aside, and, here with us to be. Forsook the courts of everlasting day, And chose with us a darksome house of mortal clay. Say, Heavenly Muse, shall not thy sacred vein Afford a present to the Infant God? Hast thou no verse, no hymn, or solemn strain, To welcome him to this his new abode, Now while the heaven, by the Sun's team untrod, Hath took no print of the approaching light, And all the spangled host keep watch in squadrons bright? See how from far upon the eastern road The star-led wizards haste with odours sweet! Oh, run! present them with thy humble ode, And lay it lowly at his blessed feet; Have thou the honour first thy Lord to greet, And join thy voice unto the Angel Quire, From out his secret altar touched with hallowed fire.
Join voices, all ye living souls: ye birds,
That singing up to heaven-gate ascend,
Bear on your read more
Join voices, all ye living souls: ye birds,
That singing up to heaven-gate ascend,
Bear on your wings and in your notes his praise.
But his zeal
None seconded, as out of season judged,
Or singular and rash.
But his zeal
None seconded, as out of season judged,
Or singular and rash.
Let his tormentor conscience find him out.
Let his tormentor conscience find him out.
Ring out ye crystal spheres!
Once bless our human ears,
If ye have power to touch our read more
Ring out ye crystal spheres!
Once bless our human ears,
If ye have power to touch our senses so;
And let your silver chime
Move in melodious time,
And let the bass of Heaven's deep organ blow;
And with your ninefold harmony
Make up full consort to the angelic symphony.
That in such righteousness
To them by faith imputed they may find
Justification towards God, and peace
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That in such righteousness
To them by faith imputed they may find
Justification towards God, and peace
Of conscience.
Well observe
The rule of Not too much, by temperance taught
In what thou eat'st and drink'st.
Well observe
The rule of Not too much, by temperance taught
In what thou eat'st and drink'st.
He that has light within his own clear breast
May sit i' the centre, and enjoy bright day:
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He that has light within his own clear breast
May sit i' the centre, and enjoy bright day:
But he that hides a dark soul and foul thoughts
Benighted walks under the mid-day sun;
Himself his own dungeon.
O loss of sight, of thee I most complain!
Blind among enemies, O worse than chains,
Dungeon, read more
O loss of sight, of thee I most complain!
Blind among enemies, O worse than chains,
Dungeon, or beggary, or decrepit age!
Subdue
By force, who reason for their law refuse,
Right reason for their law.
Subdue
By force, who reason for their law refuse,
Right reason for their law.
