The eight years Grundtvig served as an independent preacher at the Frederik's church were among the happiest in his life. He rejoiced to know that the large, diversified audience crowding the sanctuary each Sunday came wholly of its own free will. It also pleased the now gray-haired pastor to see an increasing number of students become constant attendants at his services. Even so, his position had its drawbacks. He was permitted neither to administer the sacraments nor to instruct the young people, and the authorities even denied him the right to confirm his own sons. Grundtvig felt especially this refusal so keenly that he again was thinking of resigning his pulpit when the king offered him an appointment as pastor of Vartov, a large institution for the aged. Thus from 1839 until Grundtvig's death the chapel at Vartov became his home and that of his friends and the center of the fast growing Grundtvigian movement. People from all walks of life, from the Queen to the common laborer, became regular attendants at the unpretentious sanctuary, and the eyes of some old people still shine when they recall the moving spirit of the services there, the venerable appearance and warm monotone voice of the pastor, and, especially, the hearty, soul-stirring singing. Many of Grundtvig's own great hymns were introduced at Vartov. From there they spread throughout the church. And it was to a large extent the hearty, inspiring congregational singing at Vartov which made the Danish church a singing church. Chapter Fourteen The Hymnwriter Splendid are the heavens high, Beautiful the radiant sky, Where the golden stars are shining, And their rays, to earth inclining, -: Beckon us to heaven above :- It was on a Christmas night, Darkness veiled the starry height; But at once the heavens hoary Beamed with radiant light and glory, -: Coming from a wondrous star :- When this star so bright and clear Should illume the midnight drear, Then, according to tradition, Should a king of matchless vision -: Unto earth from heaven descend :- Sages from the East afar When they saw this wondrous star, Went to worship and adore Him And to lay their gifts before Him -: Who was born that midnight hour :- Him they found in Bethlehem Without crown or diadem, They but saw a maiden lowly With an infant pure and holy -: Resting in her loving arms :- Guided by the star they found Him whose praise the ages sound. We have still a star to guide us Whose unsullied rays provide us -: With the light to find our Lord :- And this star so fair and bright Which will ever lead aright, Is God's word, divine and holy, Guiding all His children lowly -: Unto Christ, our Lord and King :-