Stanza 1
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice
With exultation springing
And with united heart and voice
And holy rapture singing
Proclaim the wonders God hath done
How his right arm the victory won
Right dearly it hath cost him
Stanza 2
Fast bound in Satan's chains I lay
Death brooded darkly o'er me
Sin was my torment night and day
In sin my mother bore me
Yea, deep and deeper still I fell
Life had become a living hell
So firmly sin possessed me
Stanza 3
My own good works all came to naught
No grace or merit gaining
Free will against God's judgment fought
Dead to all good remaining
My fears increased till sheer despair
Left only death to be my share
The pangs of hell I suffered
Stanza 4
But God beheld my wretched state
Before the world's foundation
And mindful of his mercies great
He planned my soul's salvation
A father's heart he turned to me
Sought my redemption fervently
He gave his dearest treasure
Stanza 5
He spoke to his beloved Son
'Tis time to have compassion
Then go, bright jewel of my crown
And bring to man salvation
From sin and sorrow set him free
Slay bitter death for him that he
May live with thee forever
Stanza 6
The Son obeyed his Father's will
Was born of virgin mother
And God's good pleasure to fulfill
He came to be my brother
No garb of pomp or power he wore
A servant's form like mine he bore
To lead the devil captive
Stanza 7
To me he spake: hold fast to me
I am thy rock and castle
Thy ransom I myself will be
For thee I strive and wrestle
For I am thine, and thou art mine
And where I am thou mayst remain
The foe shall not divide us
Stanza 8
Though he will shed my precious blood
Me of my life bereaving
All this I suffer for thy good
Be steadfast and believing
Life shall from death the victory win
My innocence shall bear thy sin
So art thou blest forever
Stanza 9
Now to my Father I depart
From earth to heaven ascending
Thence heavenly wisdom to impart
The Holy Spirit sending
In trouble he will comfort thee
Teach thee to know and follow me
And in all truth will guide thee
Stanza 10
What I have done and taught, teach thou
My ways forsake thou never
So shall my kingdom flourish now
And God be praised forever
Beware lest foes with base alloy
The heavenly treasure should destroy
This counsel I bequeath thee