Chapter 15 | We Three Kings
Of Philippines Are
We three kings of orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, Moor and mountain, Following yonder star. –John Henry Hopkins, Jr., 1857. General Convention for the US Protestant Episcopal Church [265]
When he wrote “We Three Kings of Orient Are” in 1857, is it possible John Henry Hopkins, Jr. knew where they originated? Not only is it possible, but definitive as this was not the only song he composed on the topic. These next lyrics from another song written by Hopkins will enlighten. WHEN FROM THE EAST THE WISE MEN CAME 1 Led by the Star of Bethlehem, The gifts they bro’t to Jesus were Of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 2 Bright gold of Ophir, passing fine, Proclaims a King of royal line; [265]
Essentially, Hopkins knew that the Orient he was talking about was the Orient of the Far East, the true orient and not the modern creation which includes Babylon. Even the song above, “Epiphany,” identifies these as “eastern sages.” Hopkins knew that these Kings came from Ophir and we know that to be the Philippines. 229
