Hymn for Easter Day

National Cathedral - Washington, DC

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 man!
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 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?”

 The Methodist Pocket Hymn-Book. New York:   

J. Soule and T. Mason Publishing Co., 1818.