Wesley Corpus

Hymn for the Epiphany Source: Hymns and Sacred Poems (1739), Part II Author: Charles Wesley (attributed) --- 1 Sons of men, behold from far,70 Hail the long-expected star! Jacob’s star that gilds the night, Guides bewilder’d nature right. 2 Fear not hence that ill should flow, Wars or pestilence below, Wars it bids and tumults cease, Ushering in the Prince of Peace. 3 Mild he shines on all beneath, Piercing thro’ the shade of death, Scatt’ring error’s wide-spread night, Kindling darkness into light. 68“Inner” changed to “heav’nly” in 4th edn. (1743) and 5th edn. (1756). 69Charles included a manuscript copy of this hymn in MS Richmond Tracts, 21. 70Reads “behold him far” in HSP (1747). 4 Nations all, far off and near, Haste to see your God appear! Haste, for him your hearts prepare, Meet him manifested there! 5 There behold the Day-Spring rise, Pouring eye-sight on your eyes, God in his own light survey, Shining to the perfect day. 6 Sing, ye morning stars again, God descends on earth to reign, Deigns for man his life t’ employ; Shout, ye sons of God, for joy!