The Christian Graces

1 Let us learn the Christian graces,
As we walk the heavenly road,
Mark the pathway each one traces
Upward to the blest abode.
He who loves must learn forbearance,
He who gains must suffer loss;
Tribulation worketh patience,
PATIENCE meekly hears the cross.

Refrain:
For the love we owe to Jesus,
For the love He hath bestowed,
Let us learn the Christian graces,
As we walk the heavenly road.

2 Patience still the cross upbearing,
Lowly at its foot we bow,
Sinful, trembling, weeping, fearing;
FAITH has crown’d with flowers its brow.
Lo! its beauty now discerning.
VIRTUE adds another wreath;
And its growing glories learning,
KNOWLEDGE hangs some fruits beneath. [Refrain]

3 TEMPERANCE has brought her lilies,
Spotless white, to wind around:—
Patience with her burden smiling,
Plants its foot upon the ground.
Sweet EXPERIENCE now shall aid her
To sustain the lighter load,
While fond HOPE inspires new vigor,
Pointing to the blest abode. [Refrain]

4 Now in songs of loud hosannas,
Lift our voices heavenward.
Lo! what wondrous grace advances?
“Holiness unto the Lord!”
GODLINESS, her name—O hear it!—
Welcome, loveliest sister, here!—
Godliness in life and spirit,
Godliness in faith and prayer. [Refrain]

5 Hark! a voice is speaking kindly:
“Let us one another love.”
Hail! all hail! O how divinely!—
All our hearts thy words approve.
LOVE, dear CHRISTIAN LOVE, come near us,
While we join fond embrace;
All is joy, and heaven seems near us;
All our hearts are full of peace. [Refrain]

6 Yet again we give our greeting
To another bright and fair,
On whose brow with meekness meeting,
Love and pity mingle there.
Rise up, sister, not so lowly,
Gifts of charms we bring to thee;
We must fade before thy glory,
CHARITY, sweet CHARITY. [Refrain]

7 While around the cross we gather,
With our circle all complete,
We implore Thee, gracious Father!
That we all in heaven may meet.
Now we part, but there remaineth
FAITH, and HOPE, and CHARITY,
These abideth, but the greatest
Of the three is CHARITY. [Refrain]

Source: Fair as the Morning. Hymns and Tunes for Praise in the Sunday-School #186

• MIDI file from The Cyber Hymnal #12784
  
• MIDI file from Fair as the Morning. Hymns and Tunes for Praise in the Sunday-School #186