Hail, Thou once despised Jesus!

166 Autumn. 8. 7. 8. 7. D.

1 Hail, Thou once despised Jesus!
   Hail, Thou Galilean king!
   Thou didst suffer to release us;
   Thou didst free salvation bring.
   Hail, Thou agonizing Savior,
   bearer of our sin and shame!
   By Thy merit we find favor;
   life is given through Thy name.

2 Paschal Lamb, by God appointed,
   all our sins on Thee were laid;
   by almighty Love anointed,
   Thou hast full atonement made:
   all Thy people are forgiven
   through the virtue of Thy blood;
   opened is the gate of heaven;
   peace is made 'twixt man and God.

3 Jesus, hail, enthroned in glory,
   there forever to abide!
   All the heav'nly host adore Thee,
   seated at Thy Father's side.
   There for sinners Thou art pleading;
   there Thou dost our place prepare;
   ever for us interceding,
   till in glory we appear.

4 Worship, honor, pow'r, and blessing
   Thou art worthy to receive;
   highest praises, without ceasing,
   meet it is for us to give.
   Help, ye bright angelic spirits,
   bring your sweetest, noblest lays;
   help to sing our Savior's merits;
   help to chant Immanuel's praise!
                         John Bakewell
                         The Methodist Hymnal 1939 edition