Twas on that dark, that doleful night

General information

This is an hymn by Isaac Watts, Hymn 1 of Book 3, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, entitled The Lord's supper instituted, based on 1 Corinthians 11:23 ff.

Settings by composers (automated)

• William Billings — Brookfield  English SATB
• James P. Carrell — Passover  English SATB
• Ananias Davisson — Solemnity  English SATB
• Elisha West — Mournful Song  English SATB

 

Text and translations

English text

'Twas on that dark, that doleful night,
When all the powers of hell rose
Against the Son of God's delight,
And friends betrayed him to his foes:

Before the mournful scene began,
He took the bread, and blessed, and brake:
What love through 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 blessed the wine,--
"'Tis the new covenant in my blood."

"Do this," he said, "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 show thy death, we sing thy name,
Till thou return, and we shall eat
The marriage supper of the Lamb.

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