Hugh Wilson arranged a tune of anonymous origin, MARTYRDOM, as a setting for Isaac Watts’ words Alas, and did my Savior bleed, and then added a refrain. It’s a hymn that is important to many Christians at Easter.
Alas! and did my Savior bleed / And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head / For sinners such as I?
[originally, For such a worm as I?]
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!
Was it for crimes that I had done / He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown! / And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide / And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died / For man the creature’s sin.
But drops of grief can ne’er repay / The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away / ’Tis all that I can do.
Church Calendar: Holy Week, Good Friday, Easter
Hymn Tune: MARTYRDOM
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Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment/instrumental score(s), if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
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