The common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it. It serves… to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection [and] opens the door to foreign influence and corruption….

— George Washington

Christmas Carols in Prose #1: Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her king! Let every heart make room for him and let saints and angels sing.

Rejoice! Rejoice when Jesus reigns and saints sing; while fields, floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the joy that’s sounding.

Sin and sorrow won’t grow anymore. Nor will thorns infest the ground. He’ll come and make the blessings flow as far as the curse was found.

Rejoice! Rejoice in the Most High while Israel spreads abroad like stars glittering in the sky. And always worship God.

[Original Text: Isaac Watts, with alterations by William W. Phelps]


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