The Cyber Hymnal ‎#1615

1615. The Friend of Sinners Dies

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. 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.

5. 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!

6. 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?

Text Information

• First Line: He dies! the friend of sinners dies
• Title: The Friend of Sinners Dies
• Author: Isaac Watts (1709)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Source: Horæ Lyricæ, second edition, 1709
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tune: SALEM (HARMONIA), composer unknown, probably 19th Century

Tune Information

• Name: STORRS
• Composer: Timothy Richard Matthews, 1826-1910
• Meter: LM
• Incipit: 33321 17122 23554
• Key: E♭ Major
• Copyright: Public Domain