Shiloh (William Billings)

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• CPDL #00041:  Finale 1998

Editor: Rafael Ornes (submitted 1999-08-31).   Score information: Letter, 2 pages, 51 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

General Information

Title: Shiloh
Composer: William Billings

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB

Genre: Sacred, Carols

Language: English
Instruments: a cappella
Published: This Old Testament Hebrew word used by Isaiah the prophet means "Messiah" and foretells the birth of Jesus 600 years before the event. As was customary in New England Psalm Singing, songs with similar words were given a variety of musical treatments. This song first appeared in The Suffolk Harmony in 1786.

Description:

External websites:

• Info on Billings, and a Midi file for Shiloh

Original text and translations

English text

1.

Me thinks I see an Heav'nly Host

of angels on the Wing;

me thinks I hear their cheerful notes,

so merrily they sing.

2.

Let all your fears be banished hence,

glad tidings I proclaim;

for there is a Saviour born today

and Jesus is his name.

3.

Lay down your crooks and quit your flocks,

to Bethlehem repair;

and let your wandering steps be squared

By yonder shining star.

4.

Seek not in Courts or Palaces;

Nor Royal curtains draw;

But search the Stable,

see your God extended on the straw,

5.

Then learn from hence, ye rural swains,

the meekness of your God,

who left the boundless realms of joy,

to ransom you with blood.

6.

The master of the inn refused

A more commodious place;

Ungen'rous soul of savage mould

And destitute of grace.

7.

Exult ye oxen, low for joy,

ye tenants of the stall;

Pay your obeisance;

on your knees unanimously fall.

8.

The Royal Guest you entertain

is not of common birth,

But second in the Great I Am,

The God of Heav'n and earth.

9.

Then suddenly a Heav'nly Host

around the shepherds throng,

exulting in the Three-fold God,

and thus addressed their song.

10.

To God the Father, Christ the Son,

And Holy Ghost accord

The first and last,

Eternal praise afford.

From Suffolk Harmony, 1786.