THE FRIEND OF SINNERS DIES
"O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?" 1
Corinthians 15:55
Words: Isaac Watts, Horæ Lyricæ, second edition, 1709; altered by
Martin Madan in Psalms and Hymns, 1760.
Music: "Storrs," Timothy Richard Matthews (1826-1910).
He dies! the Friend of sinners dies!
Lo! Salem's daughters weep around;
A solemn darkness veils the skies,
A sudden trembling shakes the ground.
Here's love and grief beyond degree:
The Lord of Glory dies for man!
But lo! what sudden joys we see,
Jesus, the dead, revives again!
The rising God forsakes the tomb;
In vain the tomb forbids His rise;
Cherubic legions guard Him home,
And shout Him welcome to the skies.
Break off your tears, ye saints, and tell
How high your great Deliverer reigns;
Sing how He spoiled the hosts of hell,
And led the monster death in chains!
Say, "Live forever, wondrous King!
Born to redeem, and strong to save;"
Then ask the monster, "Where's thy sting?"
And, "Where's thy victory, boasting grave?"