471 We sing the praise of him who died

1 We sing the praise of him who died, of him who died upon the cross; the sinner's hope let sin deride; for this we count the world but loss.

2 Inscribed upon the cross we see in shining letters, God is love: he bears our sins upon the tree: he brings us mercy from above.

3 The cross: it takes our guilt away; and holds the fainting spirit up; it cheers with hope the gloomy day, and sweetens every bitter cup.

4 It makes the coward spirit brave, and nerves the feeble arm for fight; it takes its terror from the grave, and gilds the bed of death with light.

5 The balm of life, the cure of woe, the measure and the pledge of love, the sinner's refuge here below, the angels' theme in heaven above.