Hymn 83

The passion and exaltation of Christ.

Thus saith the Ruler of the skies:
"Awake, my dreadful sword;
Awake, my wrath, and smite the man,
My fellow," saith the Lord.

Vengeance received the dread command,
And armed, down she flies;
Jesus submits t' his Father's hand,
And bows his head and dies.

But O! the wisdom and the grace
That join with vengeance now!
He dies to save our guilty race,
And yet he rises too.

A person so divine was he
Who yielded to be slain,
That he could give his soul away,
And take his life again.

Live, glorious Lord, and reign on high,
Let every nation sing;
And angels sound with endless joy
The Savior and the King.