Tune: Holton Holgate
(\'Firmly I believe and truly\')
Matthew 27 v.57-66 & 28 v.1-6
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Joseph of Arimathea
See him at Passion scene here
Boldly of Pilate, does request
That he grant him his behest
That he may take Jesus\' body
Prepare for burial, see
Laid it in his own new tomb, too
Other witnesses did view
There two Marys, they observing
What did happen, everything
Then Passover* day the next day
Chief priests, Pharisees did say
Did say to Pilate, Please command
That there be no sleight of hand
That Jesus\' disciples at night
Move His body out of sight
Guard granted, sealed the tomb-stone sure
It was as the entrance door
But on the first day of the week**
Marys to the tomb did seek
Then great earthquake, and an angel
Rolled stone away, and did tell
Marys that the tomb was empty
And that Jesus risen be
Awesome, countenance as lightning
Fear, dread to the guard did bring
The angel, and raiment snow-white
Messenger of heavenly light
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* Passover = Saturday in that particular year
(more accurately, Friday dusk ot Saturday dusk)
** First day of the week = Sunday
(more accurately, Saturday dusk to Sunday dusk)