Christmas Carol for the Year 1780 by Michael Burrough

The author was mayor of Salisbury, whose attempts at verse remained unpublished.

The pure the holy spotless Lamb, on this auspicious day

From heaven’s glorious mansions come, to take our sins away.

This was amazing tenderness, this was stupendous love

Shown to a wretched sinful race, by God that reigns above.

For this with joy the earth it rings, with men’s loud song of praise

To God the mighty king of kings, and angels joyn the joys –

Yet oh, our praises are too weak, our tongues too feeble are

Such grace, such wondrous love to speak, such goodness to declare.

But oh, th’ eternal gratitude, that we are bound to pay

Commands our praises shold be shew’d, commands our thanks this day.

Hosanah to the Father be, hosanah to the Son,

Hosanah to the holy three, the blessed three in one.

Glory honour praise and power to the new God for ever

Jesus Christ is our redeemer, Halalujah praise the Lord.[i]

[i] WSA 473/381

~ Excerpt from A Wessex Nativity compiled by John Chandler https://www.hobnobpress.co.uk/books/p/a-wessex-nativity-celebrating-midwinter-in-somerset-dorset-and-wiltshire-compiled-by-john-chandler-1