Behold What Grace Appears!

Words and Music: "English Traditional"
Communicated by Mrs. E. Jewell, Holsworthy, Devon (formerly of Stratton, Cornwall)

[Based on the Isaac Watts hymn Behold The Grace Appears]

Source: Ralph Dunstan, The Cornish Song Book (London: Reid Bros., Ltd., 1929), pp. 120-1.

1. Behold what Grace appears!
    The promise is fulfill'd:
Mary the blessed Virgin Bears,
    And Jesus is the Child.
O'er Jacob shall He reign
    With a peculiar sway;
The nations shall His Grace obtain,
    His Kingdom ne'er delay.

2. To bring this glorious news,
    A heavenly form appears;
He tells the shepherds of their joys,
    And banishes their fears.
"Go, humble swains," said he,
    "To David's city fly;
The promis'd Infant, born today,
    Doth in a manger lie.

3. "With looks and hearts serene,
    Go visit Christ your King."
And straight a flaming group was seen
    The shepherds heard them sing:
"Glory to God on High;
    Let there be Peace on Earth;
Goodwill to men, to Angels joy,
    At the Redeemer's Birth!"

4. In worship so divine
    Let saints employ their tongues;
With the Celestial Host we'll join,
    And loud repeat their songs:
"Glory to God on High;
    Let there be Peace on Earth;
Goodwill to men, to Angels joy,
    At the Redeemer's Birth!"

Sheet Music

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