Behold what grace appears
Behold what grace appears
Words by Isaac Watts, from Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1707-9. Encountered in the oral tradition with a variety of settings.
At Padstow in Cornwall the words are sung to a version of "Cranbrook" by Thomas Clark.
There is a setting in Ralph Dunstan, The Cornish Song Book, 1929: "Communicated by Mrs. E. Jewell, Holsworthy, Devon (formerly of Stratton, Cornwall.)"
sheet music
midi file (to come)
The song was also collected by Cecil Sharp in Shropshire, and - with the title Back Lane - it is in the repertoire of the carol singers at the Royal Hotel, Dungworth in Yorkshire.
- Behold, the grace appears!
The promise is fulfilled;
Mary, the wondrous virgin, bears,
And Jesus is the Child. - The Lord, the highest God,
Calls Him His only Son;
He bids Him rule the lands abroad,
And gives Him David’s throne. - O’er Jacob shall He reign
With a peculiar sway;
The nations shall His grace obtain,
His kingdom ne’er decay. - To bring the glorious news
A heav’nly form appears;
He tells the shepherds of their joys,
And banishes their fears. - “Go, humble swains,” said he,
“To David’s city fly;
The promised Infant born today
Doth in a manger lie.” - “With looks and hearts serene,
Go visit Christ your King;
And straight a flaming troop was seen:
The shepherds heard them sing: - “Glory to God on high!
And heav’nly peace on earth;
Goodwill to men, to angels joy,
At the Redeemer’s birth!” - In worship so divine,
Let saints employ their tongues;
With the celestial hosts we join,
And loud repeat their songs: - “Glory to God on high!
And heav’nly peace on earth;
Goodwill to men, to angels joy,
At our Redeemer’s birth!”