People that long in darkness walked

2 People that long in darkness walk'd
Now see a great and wondrous light;
On them who dwelt in shades of death
The light hath shin'd exceeding bright.
3 The nations thou hast multiply'd,
And now their joys increased are;
As in the harvest they rejoice,
Like conqu'rers when the spoil they share.

4 For Thou the burthen of their yoke,
The staff which on their shoulders lay,
And their oppressors rod hast broke,
As once they were in Midian's day.
5 For all the warriours battles were
Throughout the earth from times of old,
With noise confus'd of shouts and groans,
In reeking blood their garments roll'd.

But now this great, decisive blow,
Whereby thy people will be free,
Shall be by all devouring FIRE,
Wherein their foes shall fuel be.
6 For lo! the virgin's child is born,
To us thine only Son id giv'n;
Upon his shoulders shall be laid
The government of earth and heav'n.

His name is called Wonderful,
The Councellor, the mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace,
Peace over all the earth abroad.
7 Hos government shall ever grow,
And far and wide o'er all extend;
And universal peace, the fruit
Of his just reign, shall know no end.

O'er David's kingdom and his throne
To rule, and them establish sure,
With judgment right and justice clear,
His reign for ever shall endure.


Source: The Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs of the Old and New Testament, faithfully translated into English Metre: being the New-England Psalm-Book, revised and improved... (2nd ed.) #I.IX