1 The world was dark with care and woe,
With brawl and pleasure wild,
When in the midst, His love to show,
God set a child.
2 The sages frowned, their beards they shook,
For pride their heart beguiled;
They said, each looking on his book,
"We want no child."
3 The merchants turned towards their scales,
Around their wealth lay piled;
Said they, "’Tis gold alone prevails;
We want no child."
4 The soldiers rose in noisy sport,
Disdainfully they smiled,
And said, "Can babes the shield support?
We want no child."
5 The merry sinners laughed or blushed,
Alas, and some reviled;
All cried, as to the dance they rushed,
"We want no child."
6 The old, th’afflicted, and the poor,
With voices harsh or mild,
Said, "Hope to us returns no more;
We want no child."
7 And men of grave and moral word,
With consciences defiled,
Said, "Let the old truth still be heard;
We want no child."
8 Then said the Lord, “O world of care
So blinded and beguiled,
Thou must become for thy repair
A holy child.
9 "And unto thee a Son is born,
Thy second hope has smiled;
Thou mayst, though sin and trouble worn,
Be made a child."
Source: The Cyber Hymnal #13172
Lynch, Thomas Toke, was born at Dunmow, Essex, July 5, 1818, and educated at a school at Islington, in which he was afterwards an usher. For a few months he was a student at the Highbury Independent College; but withdrew, partly on account of failing health, and partly because his spirit was too free to submit to the routine of College life. From 1847 to 1849 he was Minister of a small charge at Highgate, and from 1849 to 1852 of a congregation in Mortimer Street, which subsequently migrated to Grafton Street, Fitzroy Square. From 1856 to 1859 he was laid aside by illness. In 1860 he resumed his ministry with his old congregation, in a room in Gower Street, where he remained until the opening of his new place of worship, in 1862, (Morningto… Go to person page >
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