How great was that love

1 How great was that love,
That brought Christ from above,
And nail'd him to that shameful tree;
What not I alone,
But my species are known
To be all drest in arms against thee.

2 How Satan doth rage,
And most fiercely engage;
Out of prison he comes forth to reign;
Will you serve a base slave,
Whose bounty's the grave,
And whose wages must be endless pain?

3 Come friends don't delay,
For lo! now is your day,
Let reason all doubtings decide;
Come let conscience speak,
It is right we should seek,
And should love him who made and provides.

4 Yea more, vastly more,
I have treasur'd in store,
Which affection would urge me to speak;
Shall God the Most High,
Become human and die,
And we never his favor once seek.

5 But if you refuse,
This bless'd lover who sues,
And reject all the offers he brings;
Then his wrathful ire,
It will burn you like fire,
For Christ will be known as your king.

6 Yes Christ is my king,
'Twas himself that did bring,
My soul out of darkness to light;
He form'd me again,
With himself I shall reign,
And overcome death through his might.

7 Come saints we will sing,
Unto Christ who did bring
Salvation from heav'n to earth;
It was publish'd above
In the regions of love,
And was sung at Immanuel's birth.

Divine Hymns of Spiritual Songs, 1802