Hymn 3:1 [‘Twas On That Dark, That Doleful Night]
by
The Lord’s Supper instituted,
1 Corinthians 11:23 etc.
‘Twas on that dark, that doleful night
When powers of earth and hell arose
Against the Son of God’s delight,
And friends betray’d him to his foes;
Before the mournful scene began
He took the bread, and bless’d, and brake:
What love thro’ all his actions ran!
What wondrous words of grace he spake!
“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 covenant in my blood.”
[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.
For us his vital blood was spilt,
To buy the pardon of our guilt,
When for black crimes of biggest size
He gave his soul a sacrifice.]
“Do this, (he cry’d) till time shall end,
“In memory of your dying Friend;
“Meet at my table, and record
“The love of your departed Lord.”
[Jesus, thy feast we celebrate,
We shew thy death, we sing thy Name,
Till thou return, and we shall eat
The marriage-supper of the Lamb.]