Verse 1

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

Verse 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.

Verse 3

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

Verse 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:

Verse 5

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