Scripture Verse

O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where thy victory? 1 Corinthians 15:55

Introduction

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Isaac Watts
1674–1748

Words: Is­aac Watts, Ho­ræ Ly­ri­cæ, se­cond ed­i­tion, 1709, alt. Also see He Dies! The Heav’nly Lover Dies!

Music: Storrs Ti­mo­thy R. Mat­thews, 1883 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

  • Orwell, Lo­well Ma­son (1792–1872) (🔊 pdf nwc)
  • Rockaway, har­mo­nized by D. S. Ar­nold in The Wes­ley­an Me­tho­dist Hym­nal (Sy­ra­cuse, New York: Wes­ley­an Me­tho­dist Pub­lish­ing As­so­ci­a­tion, 1910), num­ber 86 (🔊 pdf nwc)
  • Salem (Har­mon­ia), com­pos­er unk­nown, prob­ab­ly 19th Cen­tu­ry (🔊 pdf nwc)
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Timothy R. Matthews
1826–1910

Lyrics

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 men!
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 spoiled 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 victory, boasting grave?