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PLUNGED in a gulf of dark despair
   We helpless sinners lay,
Without one cheering beam of hope,
    Or spark of dawning day.
 
2  With pitying eyes, the Prince of Grace
    Beheld our helpless grief;
He saw, and, O amazing love,
    He came to our relief.
 
3  Down from His glorious courts above
    He came to earth, and bled,
Entered the grave in mortal flesh,
    And lay among the dead.
 
4  He spoiled the powers of darkness thus,
    And broke our bitter chains;
So Jesus freed our captive souls
    From everlasting pains.
 
5  O! for such love let rocks and hills
    Their lasting silence break;
And all the host of ransomed tongues
    The Saviour’s praises speak!
 
6  O, hosts above, assist our joys
    On heavenly harps of gold;
But even with angelic powers
    His love can ne’er be told.
 
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748