The race that long in darkness pined,
have seen a glorious light;
The people dwell in day, who dwelt
in death’s surrounding night.

To hail thy rise, thou better Sun!
the gath’ring nations came,
Joyous, as when the reapers bear
the harvest treasures home.

For thou our burden hast remov’d,
and quelled th’ oppressor’s sway,
Quick as the slaughtered squadrons fell
in Midian’s evil day.

To us a Child of hope is barn;
to us a Son is giv’n;
Him shall the tribes of earth obey,
him all the hosts of heav’n.

His name shall be the Prince of Peace,
for evermore adored,
The Wonderful, the Counsellor,
the great and mighty Lord.

His pow’r increasing still shall spread,
his reign no end shall know;
Justice shall guard his throne above,
and peace abound below.

Scottish Psalter and Paraphrases, 1650