1 We sing the praise of him who died, of him who died upon the cross; the sinner's hope let men deride, for this we count the world but loss. 2 Inscribed upon the cross we see in shining letters, 'God is love'; he bears our sins upon the tree; he brings us mercy from above. 3 The cross! It takes our guilt away: it holds the fainting spirit up; it cheers with hope the gloomy day, and sweetens every bitter cup. 4 It makes the coward spirit brave, and nerves the feeble arm for fight; it takes ...