by John Newton (1725 - 1807)
Mary to her Saviour’s tomb
Language: English
Mary to her Saviour’s tomb Hasted at the early dawn; Spice she brought, and sweet perfume; But the Lord she lov'd was gone. For a while she weeping stood, Struck with sorrow and surprise, Shedding tears, a plenteous flood, For her heart supplied her eyes. Jesus, who is always near, Though too often unperceiv'd, Came, His drooping child to cheer, Kindly asking why she griev'd? Though at first she knew him not, When he call'd her by her name, Then her griefs were all forgot, For she found He was the same. Grief and sighing quickly fled, When she heard his welcome voice; Just before she thought him dead, Now he bids her heart rejoice. What a change his word can make, Turning darkness into day! You who weep for Jesus’ sake, He will wipe your tears away[.] He who came to comfort her, When she thought her all was lost, Will for your relief appear, Though you now are tempest-toss'd: On his word your burden cast, On His love your thoughts employ; Weeping for a while may last, But the morning brings the joy.
About the headline (FAQ)
Confirmed with John Newton, The Works of the Rev. John Newton, Etc., Edinburgh: Ross & Co., 1839, page 563.
Authorship:
- by John Newton (1725 - 1807), no title, London, W. Oliver, first published 1779 [author's text checked 1 time against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- [ None yet in the database ]
Settings in other languages, adaptations, or excerpts:
- Also set in English, [adaptation] ; composed by Charles Dennée.
Researcher for this page: Garrett Medlock [Guest Editor]
This text was added to the website: 2019-02-26
Line count: 32
Word count: 185