He Dies: He Lives!

He dies! the Friend of sinners dies!
Lo! Salem’s daughters weep around;
A solemn darkness veils the skies,
A sudden trembling shakes the gournd.
Come, saints, and drop a tear or two
For Him who groan’d 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 man!
But lo! what sudden joys we see;
Jesus, the dead, revives again.
The rising God forsakes the tomb;
(In vain the tomb forbids His rise);
Cherubic legions guard Him Home,
And shout Him welcome to the skies.

Break off your tears, ye saints, and tell
How high your great Deliv’rer reigns;
Sing how He spoil’d 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?

Old Methodist Hymn