Scripture Verse

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Introduction

Words: Ben­ja­min Bed­dome (1717–1795). Pub­lished post­hu­mous­ly in Hymns Adapt­ed to Pub­lic Wor­ship (Lon­don: Bu­rton & Briggs, 1818), num­ber 54. In­car­na­tion and Suf­fer­ings.

Music: Green­wood (Sweet­ser) Jo­seph E. Sweet­ser, A Col­lect­ion of Church Mu­sic (New York: John Wi­ley, 1849), num­ber 161 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Bed­dome or Sweet­ser (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

Stupendous was the love
Of God’s eter­nal Son,
Who left the bliss­ful scenes above,
And His im­pe­ri­al throne.

He wad­ed through a sea
Of ov­er­whelm­ing wrath,
That wretch­ed sin­ners, such as we,
Might be re­deemed from death.

Expiring on the cross,
He Sa­tan’s em­pire broke;
Surprise and hor­ror seized His foes,
And hell’s foun­da­tion shook.

From Him we grace re­ceive,
In Him all good pos­sess;
And those who on His word be­lieve,
Shall reign with Him in bliss.

Hosanna to His name,
Let heav’n­ly hosts adore;
But saints, with pure se­raph­ic flame,
Should love and praise Him more.