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