HYMN 58. L. M.

‘Twas on that Dark, that solemn Night

Isaac Watts 1674–1748


1

’Twas on that dark, that solemn night,
When pow’rs of earth and hell arose,
Against the Son, e’en God’s delight,
And friends betray’d him to his foes:

2

Before the mournful scene began,
He took the bread, and bles’d, and brake—
What love through all his actions ran!
What wondrous words of grace he spake!

3

“This is my body broke for sin; “Receive and eat the living food.”

Then took the cup, and bless’d the wine,

“’Tis the new cov’nant in my blood

4

For us his flesh with nails was torn,
He bore the scourge, he felt the thorn;
And justice pour’d upon his head
Its heavy vengeance, in our stead.

5

For us his precious blood was spilt,
To purchase pardon for our guilt:
When for our sins, he suff’ring dies
And gave his life a sacrifice.

6

“Do this”, he cried, “till time shall end,

“In mem’ry of your dying friend;

“Meet at my table, and record

“The love of your departed Lord

7

Jesus, thy feast we celebrate;
We show thy death, we sing thy name,
Till thou return, and we shall eat
The marriage supper of the Lamb.