The Converted Thief

1 As on the cross the Savior hung,
And wept, and bled, and died;
He poured salvation on a wretch
That languished at His side.
His crimes, with inward grief and shame,
The penitent confessed,
Then turned his dying eyes to Christ,
And thus his prayer addressed.

2 “Jesus Thou Son and heir of heav’n?
Thou spotless Lamb of God!
I see Thee bathed in sweat and tears,
And welt’ring in Thy blood.
“Yet quickly from these scenes of woe
In triumph Thou shalt rise,
Burst through the gloomy shades of death,
And shine above the skies.

3 “Amid the glories of that world,
Dear Savior, think on me,
And in the victories of Thy death
Let me a sharer be.”
His prayer the dying Jesus hears,
And instantly replies,
“Today thy parting soul shall be
With me in paradise.”

Source: The Sacred Harp: the best collection of sacred songs, hymns, odes, and anthems ever offered the singing public for general use (1991 rev.) #44

• Audio recording from The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion (New ed. thoroughly rev. and much enl.) #9
• MIDI file from The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion (New ed. thoroughly rev. and much enl.) #9