1 Plung'd in a gulph of dark despair We wretched sinners lay, Without one cheerful beam of hope, Or spark of glimmering day.
2 With pitying eyes, the Prince of Grace Beheld our helpless grief, He saw, and (O amazing love!) He ran to our relief.
3 Down from the shining seats above With joyful haste he fled, Enter'd the grave in mortal flesh, And dwelt among the dead.
4 He spoil'd the Powers of darkness thus, And brake our iron chains; Jesus has freed our captive souls From everlasting pains.
5 [In vain the baffled prince of hell His cursed projects tries, We that were doom'd his endless slaves, Are rais'd above the skies.]
6 O for this love, let rocks and hills Their lasting silence break, And all harmonious human tongues The Saviour's praises speak.
7 [Yes, we will praise thee, dearest Lord, Our souls are all on flame, Hosanna round the spacious earth To thine adored Name.
8 Angels, assist our mighty joys, Strike all your harps of gold; But when you raise your highest notes His love can ne'er be told.]