God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you.
Acts 3:26
Words: Thomas Davis, Hymns Old and New (London: Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts & Green, 1864), number 45.
Music: Alcester Samuel S. Wesley, in A Selection of Psalms and Hymns, by Charles Kemble (London: John F. Shaw, 1864), number 35 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Davis (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Born to bless us, born to save!
Praise His name with joyful breath!
Sing through life, nor fear the grave!
Jesus lives to conquer death!
Every birth is changed from hence;
Each may take a pathway bright;
Reaching soon the tomb, but thence
Issuing in unfading light.
Humblest cradles now shall show,
Clearly show to loving eyes,
Oft while tears of rapture flow,
Flowerets born for Paradise.
Parents now shall sink to rest,
Hoping soon to clasp in Heaven,
Lovely as a seraph blest,
Every child whom God hath given.
Parents, children, young and old,
If but strong in faith and love,
Shall, with gratitude untold,
Oft foretaste the joys above.
Lowly Babe of Bethlehem!
Glorious Lord of life and light!
Humble branch of Jesse’s stem!
God! Thy grace is infinite.