Classic Poem

HYMN VIII.

The great Redeemer we adore,
Who came the lost to seek and save;
Went humbly down from Jordan's shore,
To find a tomb beneath a wave.

" Thus it becomes us to fulfil
" All righteousness, he meekly said:
Why shou'd we then to do his will,
Or be asham'd, or be afraid?

With thee into thy watry tomb,
Lord, 'tis our glory to descend;
'Tis wondrous grace that gives us room
To lie inter'd by such a friend!

But a much more tempestuous flood
O'erwhelm'd thy body and thy soul:
That's plung'd in tears, and sweat, and blood,
And over this black terrors roll.

Yet as the yielding waves give way,
To let us see the light again:
So on thy resurrection-day
The bands of death prov'd weak and vain.

Thus when thou shalt again appear,
The gates of death shall open wide;
Our dust thy powerful voice shall hear,
Shall rise and triumph at thy side.

These now vile bodies then shall wear
A glorious form resembling thine:
To be dissolv'd no more shall fear,
But with immortal beauty shine.