Christ's dying, rising, and reigning. Luke 23:27,29,44-46; Mt.27:50,57; 28:6ff.

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 our great Deliv'rer reigns;

Sing how he spoiled the hosts of hell,

And led the monster Death in chains.

Say, |Live for ever, 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?|