friend of sinners dies

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.

come, saints, and drop a tear or two
for him who groaned beneath your load:
he shed a thousand drops for you,
a thousand drops of richer blood.

here’s love and grief beyond degree:
the lord of glory dies for men!
but lo! what sudden joys we see,
jesus, the dead, revives again!

the rising god forsakes the tomb;
the tomb in vain forbids his rise;
cherubic legions guard him home,
and shout him welcome to the skies.

break off your fears, ye saints, and tell
how high your great deliv’rer 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 vict’ry, boasting grave?”