Behold, the great creator makes

Representative Text

1 Behold, the great Creator makes
Himself a house of clay,
a robe of virgin flesh He takes
which He will wear for aye.

2 Hark, hark, the wise eternal Word
like a weak infant cries!
In form of servant is the Lord,
and God in cradle lies.

3 This wonder struck the world amazed,
it shook the starry frame;
squadrons of spirits stood and gazed,
then down in troops they came.

4 Glad shepherds ran to view this sight;
a choir of angels sings,
and eastern sages with delight
adore this King of kings.

5 Join then, all hearts that are not stone,
and all our voices prove,
to celebrate this holy One,
the God of peace and love.

Source: Psalms and Hymns to the Living God #251

Author: Thomas Pestel

Pestel, Thomas, one of the chaplains to King Charles I., was Rector of Packington, Leics., until he was sequestrated from it by the Westminster Assembly in 1646. His hymns appeared in his Sermons and Devotions old and new. Revived and published as an obligation of gratitude to all such of the nobility, gentry and clergy as retain the noble conscience of having ministered to the weak condition of the Author, now aged 13 .... by Thomas Pestel, the meanest among his late Majesties Chaplains in Ordinary , London, 1659 (B. M. copy is 4452. am.). He seems to have died soon after the publication of this work. The Sermons are of 1638 and other years. Of the poetical pieces two have come into use:— 1. Fairest of Morning Lights appear.… Go to person page >

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The Cyber Hymnal #445
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Instances

Instances (1 - 14 of 14)

Anglican Hymns Old and New (Rev. and Enl.) #71

Text

Church Hymnary (4th ed.) #308

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Common Praise #46a

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Common Praise #46b

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Complete Anglican Hymns Old and New #62

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CPWI Hymnal #71

Hymns Ancient and Modern, New Standard Edition #44

Hymns for Today's Church (2nd ed.) #50

Text

Hymns of Glory, Songs of Praise #308

Hymns Old and New #58

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Hymns to the Living God #137

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Psalms and Hymns to the Living God #251

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The Cyber Hymnal #445

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The New English Hymnal #23

Include 8 pre-1979 instances
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