1 We sing the praise of him who died,
     of him who died upon the cross;
   the sinner's hope let men deride,
     for this we count the world but loss.

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2 Inscribed upon the cross we see
     in shining letters, 'God is love';
   he bears our sins upon the tree;
     he brings us mercy from above.

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3 The cross! It takes our guilt away:
     it holds the fainting spirit up;
   it cheers with hope the gloomy day,
     and sweetens every bitter cup.

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4 It makes the coward spirit brave,
     and nerves the feeble arm for fight;
   it takes its terror from the grave,
     and gilds the bed of death with light:

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5 The balm of life, the cure of woe,
     the measure and the pledge of love,
   the sinner's refuge here below,
     the angels' theme in heaven above.