Methinks I See An Heavenly Host (Shiloh)
A vigorous early American Christmas anthem with a rustic, unbuttoned flair and an equally rustically-beautiful and powerful text. Absolutely captivating, with alterations between duple and 6/8 meter. The tune Shiloh by Billings. SATB a cappella with an optional keyboard reduction. This version does *not* contain all of Billings' text.
Methinks I see an heav'nly host
Of angels on the wing;
Methinks I hear their cheerful notes
So merrily they sing.
Let all your fears be banish'd hence,
Glad tidings I proclaim;
For there's a Savior born today,
And Jesus is his name.
Lay down your crooks, and quit your flocks,
to Bethlehem repair;
And let your wand'ring steps be squar'd
By yonder shining star.
Seek not in courts or palaces,
Nor royal curtains draw;
But search the stable, see your God
Extended on the straw.
Then suddenly a heav'nly host
Around the shepherds throng,
Exulting in the threefold God
And thus address their song.
to God the Father, Christ the Son,
And Holy Ghost ador'd;
The first and last, the last and first,
Eternal praise afford.