GOOD FRIDAY
MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES
Friday, March 21, 2008
Nolan Williams, Jr., Lectionary Team Liturgist
Lection Scripture - Luke 22:7-65 (New International Version)
In the Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed section,
information concerning use of songs by soloists, tenors, choirs, handbell ensembles, and the recording
of specific versions of songs, etc., has been provided. This information will not appear in most
worship units.
Worship Planning Notes
The Good Friday Worship Experience
The Observance of Good Friday is a solemn occasion, purposed to draw people into the experience of Christ’s agony.
The Apostle Paul declares in Romans 8:17 (NIV); “Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God
and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." While the temptation may be for the tone and tempo of the Good Friday observance to mirror our normal worship
experiences, we have on this occasion a wonderful opportunity to break out of the norm. Here are the questions
that can guide us: How do we lead people to a real understanding of Christ’s suffering? How do we help people to
personalize Christ’s supreme sacrifice to own their debt of gratitude and to better commit their lives to
the Savior who died for them?
These questions should guide worship planning and can help the worship experience move the congregation
towards deep introspection and meditation. While praise has become a hallmark of most of our worship
gatherings, we all need to share in the suffering of Christ—to journey with him along the
Via Dolorosa, “the path of suffering!” Paraphrasing Romans 8:17, if we cannot share in his
SUFFERING on Good Friday, how can we share in his GLORY on Resurrection Sunday?
The Seven Last Words
The delivery of the Seven Last Words has become a great tradition in many churches.
Generally, seven preachers are invited, with each one addressing one of the last sayings
of Christ from the cross. In the spirit of the observance, there is a wonderful opportunity
to help persons share in the suffering of Christ. Here are some helpful instructions:
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Set and regulate time parameters for each preacher.
- Limit introductory remarks. They distract from the purpose and mood of the occasion.
- Do not create an atmosphere of competitiveness. Having multiple preachers on the
same platform may create an atmosphere of competition. Make every effort to avoid this occurring.
- Establish clear goals for the worship experience. It is critical that the pastor
set clear goals for the worship experience—especially with regard to its tenor—and
communicate these goals clearly to those who will preach, sing, or play an instrument.
- Plan for seamless transitions. It is important that movement from one word
to the next be seamless, taking into account also the intervening musical presentation(s).
- Emphasize the given assignment.
Make sure that each preacher is clear on his or her given assignment. Encourage them
to explore their presentation and to recognize their place in the broader storyline.
The Cross
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Leader: | I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
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Congregation: | The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have
set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
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Leader: | He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with
infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised and we held him of no account.
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Congregation: | Surely he has borne our infirmities, and carried our diseases; yet we
accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.
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Leader: | But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon
him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
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Congregation: | He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
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Leader: | I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
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ALL: | As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your
prisoners free from the waterless pit.
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2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) At the Cross. By Isaac Watts
(b) I Am Thine. By Fanny J. Crosby. Tune by William Doane
(c) Lead Me to Calvary. By Jennie E. Hursey. Tune, (DUNCANNON), by
William Kirkpatrick
(d) Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone. By Thomas Shepherd. Tune, (MAITLAND), by George Allen
(e) Oh Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go. By George Matheson.
Tune, (ST. MARGARET), by Albert L. Peace
(f) The Old Rugged Cross. By George Bennard 
Selections listed below can be ministered by the choir, congregation,
praise team, solo/duo/small ensemble, handbell ensemble, orchestra or band,
liturgical dance team or mime ministry.
3. First Word – “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”—Luke 23:34
(a) First Word. By Théodore Dubois
(b) Calvary. By Richard Smallwood
(c) Lamb of God. By Twila Paris
(d) Room at the Cross (There’s Room at the Cross for You). By Ira Stamphill
4. Second Word – “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”—Luke 23:43
(a) Second Word. By Théodore Dubois
(b) Before the Throne of Grace. By Tony Krippayne (for trio, quartet, or small ensemble).
(c) Draw Me Close/I Am Thine Oh Lord (Draw Me Nearer). By Donnie McClurkin
(d) Even Me. Traditional
(e) I Asked the Lord. By Johnny Range and Jimmy Duncan (for soloist)
(f) I Need Thee Every Hour. By Annie S. Hawkes. Tune by Robert Lowry
(g) I'll Trade a Lifetime (for Just One Day in Paradise). By Milton Brunson
(h) I’ve Decided to Make Jesus My Choice. By Harris Johnson
(i) If Not for Your Grace. By Israel & New Breed
(j) Oh, Lord Have Mercy. Traditional
5. Third Word – “Woman, behold thy son! Behold thy mother!”—John 19:26-27
(a) Third Word. By Théodore Dubois
(b) The Blood Song. By Kirk Franklin
(c) Jesus, Lover of My Soul. By Charles Wesley. Tune, (MARTYN), by Simeon Marsh
(d) Lord, I Have Seen Thy Salvation. By John D. Cooper
(e) Satisfy My Soul. By Donnie McClurkin
6. Fourth Word – “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?”—Matthew 27:46
(a) Fourth Word. By Théodore Dubois (for chorus, baritone, solo)
(b) Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone. By Thomas Shepherd. Tune by George Allen
(c) My Father Knows. By Maurice Carter
(d) What Price. By Kevin Bond (for soloist)
(e) Your Voice. By Keith Williams
7. Fifth Word – “I Thirst” —John 19:28
(a) Fifth Word. By Théodore Dubois (for chorus, baritone, solo)
(b) As the Deer. By Marth Nystrom
(c) Fill My Cup Lord. By Richard Blanchard
(d) Lord, I Thirst for You. By Gary Sadler
(e) Quench My Thirst. By Melvin Bryant, Jr.
(f) Thirsty. By Jason Nelson, Jr.
(g) Wounded For Me. Traditional
8. Sixth Word – “It Is Finished!” —John 19:30
(a) *Seventh Word. By Théodore Dubois (for chorus, baritone solo, and tenor solo)
*In this oratorio, the sixth & seventh Words have been alternated.
(b) Balm in Gilead. Spiritual. Arr. by Susan Berry (for handbells)
(c) Be Still My Soul/What a Friend We Have in Jesus. By Katharina von Schlagel and Joseph A. Scriven
(d) Just for Me. By Kenneth Louis
(e) Were You There?. Spiritual. Arr. by Barbara Baltzer Kinyon (for handbells)
9. Seventh Word – “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”—Luke 23:46
(a) *Sixth Word. By Théodore Dubois (for chorus and tenor solo)
*In this oratorio, the sixth & seventh Words have been alternated.
(b) As Your Word Says It. By David B. Smith
(c) Beams of Heaven. By Charles A. Tindley (for soloist)
(d) In the Garden. By C. Austin Miles
(e) So We Lift. By Israel Houghton
(f) When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. By Isaac Watts. Tune, (HAMBURG), by Lowell Mason
10. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) I Love the Lord. Arr. by Richard Smallwood
(b) It Is Well with My Soul. By Horatio G. Spafford. Tune, (VILLE DU HAVRE), by Philip Bliss
(c) Saviour, More Than Life to Me. By Fanny J. Crosby. Tune by William Doane
11. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) I’ll Trust You. By Richard Smallwood
(b) I Gave My Life for Thee. By Frances R. Havergal. Tune, (KENOSIS), by Philip Bliss
12. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Before the Throne of Grace. By Tony Krippayne
(b) One Word. By Kurt Carr
(c) Two Thieves and a Lamb. By Nolan Williams, Jr.
(d) Via Dolorosa. By Roland Gresham
13. Benediction Song or Instrumental
No Benediction until Resurrection Sunday!
14. Audio Visual Suggestions
(a) Images of the cross for screens
(b) If communion is a part of this service, include images of foot washing, bread, and wine
15. Other Recommendations
(a) Music Scores for Seven Last Words: Seven Last Words of Christ. For SATB.
(b) Readings in lieu of preaching: In some cases, churches may not have the resources to bring in guest preachers.
They may elect to have a combination of preaching, readings, and music; or readings in place of preaching.
A wonderful resource of readings is Echoes from Calvary:
Meditations on Franz Joseph Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Christ.
This book offers more than sixty written meditations on the seven final
utterances of Jesus by many well known religious figures. Below is a sample by Addie Wyatt:
Meditation on First Word
(“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”)
Here is this amazing magnanimous Jesus! He hangs there on the Cross between two thieves.
Notice, he doesn’t curse or swear at those who were responsible for putting him there,
as some of us might have done. He simply prays: “Father, forgive them, for
they know not what they do.”
This is true agape love, demonstrated at its best. A love that does not focus on
self or circumstances. A love that does not hold grudges or seek revenge, but rather redeems.
*No wonder the hymn writer could pen the words:
Ere since by Faith
I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply…
Redeeming Love has been my theme,
And shall be ‘til I die!
“There Is a Fountain” by William Cowper
How about you? Does Jesus Christ’s example truly make the difference in the way you treat
those who hurt, ridicule, or abuse you? Does his example truly make the difference in the
way you face life, and the way you must ultimately face death?
If Easter is to have any real meaning for you, then why not experience the power of Christ’s
forgiving love as you too pray the prayer for your enemies: “Father, forgive them, for
they know not what they do.”
Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed
1. Invocation or Litany—The Cross, used with permission.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #8
2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) At the Cross. By Isaac Watts
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #264
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. Nashville, TN:
The African Methodist Episcopal Church, (2000) sixth printing 2004. #139
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. Charlotte, NC: A.M.E. Zion Publishing House, 1996. #164
The New National Baptist Hymnal. 21st Century Edition. Nashville, TN: Triad Publications, 2005. #137
Church of God in Christ. Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. Memphis, TN: Church of God in Christ Pub. Board in association with the Benson Co., 1982. #104
(b) I Am Thine. By Fanny J. Crosby. Tune by William Doane
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #387
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #283
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #433
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #202
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #380
(c) Lead Me to Calvary. By Jennie E. Hursey. Tune, (DUNCANNON), by William Kirkpatrick
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #253
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #228
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #317
(d) Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone. By Thomas Shepherd. Tune, (MAITLAND), by George Allen
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #554
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #512
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #221
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #368
(e) Oh Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go. By George Matheson. Tune, (ST. MARGARET), by Albert L. Peace
Location:
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #279
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #210
(f) The Old Rugged Cross. By George Bennard
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #244
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #157
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #37
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #105
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #246
** Selections listed below can be ministered by the choir, congregation, praise team,
solo/duo/small ensemble, handbell ensemble, orchestra or band, liturgical dance team or mime ministry.
3. First Word – “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”—Luke 23:34
(a) First Word. By Théodore Dubois
Location:
(b) Calvary. By Richard Smallwood
Location:
Persuaded Live in D.C. New York, NY: Verity, 2001.
(c) Lamb of God. By Twila Paris
Location:
Take Six. Feels Good. Take 6 Records, 2006.
(d) Room at the Cross (There’s Room at the Cross for You). By Ira Stamphill
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #245
4. Second Word – “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”— Luke 23:43
(a) Second Word. By Théodore Dubois
Location:
Exultate Festival Chorus. The Seven Last Words of Christ.
(b) Before the Throne of Grace. By Tony Krippayne (for trio, quartet, or small ensemble)
Location:
Point of Grace. How You Live. New York, NY: Word Entertainment, 2007.
(c) Draw Me Close/I Am Thine Oh Lord (Draw Me Nearer). By Donnie McClurkin
Location:
Psalms, Hymns, & Spiritual Songs. New York, NY: Verity, 2005.
(d) Even Me. Traditional
Location:
Lundy, Patrick. Standin'. Jacksonville, FL: Allen & Allen Music Group, 2003.
(e) I Asked the Lord. By Johnny Range and Jimmy Duncan (for soloist)
Location:
Jackson, Mahalia. Mahalia Jackson Sings! Vol. 1. New York, NY: Synergy Entertainment,
re-released 2007.
(f) I Need Thee Every Hour. By Annie S. Hawkes. Tune by Robert Lowry
Location:
Stampley, Micah. The Songbook of Micah. Brentwood, TN: EMI Gospel, 2005.
African American Heritage Hymnal. #451
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #327
(g) I'll Trade a Lifetime (for Just One Day in Paradise). By Milton Brunson
Location:
I'll Trade a Lifetime. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: HOB Records, 1992.
(h) I’ve Decided to Make Jesus My Choice. By Harris Johnson
Location:
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #112
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #225
Yes Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #484
(i) If Not for Your Grace. By Israel Houghton, Israel, T-Bone, Chris Tomlin, YPJ, Darlene Zschech, and Jonny Lang
Location:
Israel and New Breed. A
Deeper Level Live. New York, NY: Integrity/Columbia, 2007.
(j) Oh, Lord Have Mercy. Traditional
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #448
5. Third Word – “Woman, behold thy son! Behold thy mother!”—John 19:26-27
(a) Third Word. By Théodore Dubois (for chorus, tenor and soprano solo)
Location:
Exultate Festival Chorus. The Seven Last Words of Christ. Minneapolis, MN: Exultate, 2005.
(b) The Blood Song. By Kirk Franklin
Location:
The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin. Inglewood, CA: Gospocentric, 2002.
(c) Jesus, Lover of My Soul. By Charles Wesley. Tune, (MARTYN), by Simeon Marsh
Location:
Smallwood, Richard. Memorable Moments. Brentwood, TN:
EMI Christian Music Group, 1999.
(d) Lord, I Have Seen Thy Salvation. By John D. Cooper
Location:
Abbington, James. 46 More Hidden Treasures from the African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2007.
African American Heritage Hymnal. #679
(e) Satisfy My Soul. By Donnie McClurkin
Location:
Rosario, Joann. “Satisfy My Soul.” Donnie McClurkin. Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs. New York, NY: Verity, 2005.
6. Fourth Word – “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?”—Matthew 27:46
(a) Fourth Word. By Théodore Dubois (for chorus, baritone, solo)
Location:
Exultate Festival Chorus. The Seven Last Words of Christ. Minneapolis, MN: Exultate, 2005.
(b) Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone. By Thomas Shepherd. Tune by George Allen
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #554
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #512
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #221
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #368
Online location for lyrics: www.higherpraise.com
(c) My Father Knows. By Maurice Carter
Location:
Whitman, Walt and Soul Children of Chicago. Generation X Celebration. Downers Grove, IL: CGI Platinum, 1999.
(d) What Price. By Kevin Bond (for soloist)
Location:
Adams, Oleta. Come Walk with Me. New York, NY: Harmony, 1997.
(e) Your Voice. By Keith Williams
Location:
And Again I Say Rejoice. Bowie, MD: Prazkeez Productions, LLC, 2005.
7. Fifth Word –“I Thirst” —John 19:28
(a) Fifth Word. By Théodore Dubois (for chorus, baritone, solo)
Location:
Exultate Festival Chorus. The Seven Last Words of Christ. Minneapolis, MN: Exultate, 2005.
(b) As the Deer. By Marth Nystrom
Location:
Salvador. Worship Live. Nashville, TN: Curb/Word Entertainment, 2003.
(c) Fill My Cup Lord. By Richard Blanchard
Location:
Nelson, Jonathan. Right Now Praise. New York, NY: Integrity/Columbia, 2008.
African American Heritage Hymnal. #447
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #340
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21 Century Edition. #377
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #359
(d) Lord I Thirst for You. By Gary Sadler
Location:
Staten, Keith. Worship in the House. New York, NY: Word/Epic, 1996.
(e) Quench My Thirst. By Melvin Bryant, Jr.
Location:
Melvin Bryant, Jr., & Agape Love. Melvin Bryant, Jr. & Agape Love. 2003.
(f) Thirsty. By Jason Nelson, Jr.
Location:
Sapp, Marvin. Thirsty. New York, NY: Zomba Recording, 2007.
(g) Wounded For Me. Traditional
Location:
Walker, Albertina, James Cleveland, and John McNeil.
Please Be Patient with Me. Jackson, MS: Savoy, 1979.
8. Sixth Word – “It Is Finished!” —John 19:30
(a) *Seventh Word. By Théodore Dubois (for chorus, baritone solo, and tenor solo)
*In this oratorio, the sixth & seventh Words have been alternated.
Location:
Exultate Festival Chorus. The Seven Last Words of Christ. Minneapolis, MN: Exultate, 2005.
(b) Balm in Gilead. Spiritual. Arr. by Susan Berry (for handbells)
Location:
(c) Be Still My Soul/What a Friend We Have in Jesus. By Katharina von Schlagel and Joseph A. Scriven
Location:
Walker, Albertina, James Cleveland, and John McNeil. Please Be Patient with Me. Jackson, MS: Savoy, 1979.
(d) Just for Me. By Kenneth Louis
Location:
McClurkin, Donnie. Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs. New York, NY: Verity, 2005.
(e) Were You There? Spiritual. Arr. by Barbara Baltzer Kinyon (for handbells)
Location:
Hope Publishing Company
380 S Main Place
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Phone: 1-800-323-1049
Online location: www.hopepublishing.com
9. Seventh Word – “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”—Luke 23:46
(a) Sixth Word. By Théodore Dubois (for chorus and tenor solo)
*In this oratorio, the sixth & seventh Words have been alternated.
Location:
Exultate Festival Chorus. The Seven Last Words of Christ.
(b) As Your Word Says It. By David B. Smith
Location:
Christie-McAllister, Judith. In His Presence Live! Franklin, TN: Judah Music, 2006.
(c) Beams of Heaven. By Charles A. Tindley (for soloist)
Location:
Adams, Oleta. Come Walk with Me. New York, NY: Harmony, 1997.
(d) In the Garden. By C. Austin Miles
Location:
Sapp, Marvin. Thirsty. New York, NY: Zomba Recording, 2007.
(e) So We Lift. By Israel Houghton
Location:
Alessi, Mary. More. Miami, FL: Miami Life Sounds, 2004.
(f) When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. By Isaac Watts. Tune, (HAMBURG), by Lowell Mason
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #243
African American Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #160
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #113
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #255
Online location: Lyrics at: Theodore Presser Co.: www.presser.com
10. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) I Love the Lord. Arr. by Richard Smallwood
Location:
Richard Smallwood. Brentwood, TN: EMI Gospel, 2007.
(b) It Is Well with My Soul. By Horatio Spafford. Tune, (VILLE DU HAVRE), by Philip Bliss
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #377
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #448
Online location: African American Church Music Series: www.giamusic.com
(c) Saviour, More Than Life to Me. By Fanny J. Crosby. Tune by William Doane
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #475
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #289
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #304
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #324
11. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) I’ll Trust You. By Richard Smallwood
Location:
Smallwood, Richard, Kim Burrell, Janice Chandler-Eteme, Kelly Price, and Chaka Khan. Journey Live in New York.
New York, NY: Verity/Zomba, 2007.
(b) I Gave My Life for Thee. By Frances R. Havergal. Tune, (KENOSIS), by Philip Bliss
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #233
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #135
12. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Before the Throne of Grace. By Tony Krippayne
Location:
Point of Grace. How You Live. New York, NY: Word Entertainment, 2007.
(b) One Word. By Kurt Carr
Location:
Kurt Carr Project. One Church. New York, NY: Gospocentric, 2005.
(c) Two Thieves and a Lamb. By Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
Online location: Mp3 and Performance tracks at: NEWorks www.newinspiration.us
Phone: 877-293-9734
(d) Via Dolorosa. By Roland Gresham
Location:
Scores and Scriptures. Surrey, United Kingdom: Jubal Records, 2001.
13. Benediction Song or Instrumental
No Benediction until Resurrection Sunday!
14. Audio Visual Suggestions (See above at #14.)
15. Other Recommendations
(a) Seven Last Words of Christ. For SATB
Location:
Published by G. Schirmer, Inc.
(b) Young, Richard, Ed. Echoes from Calvary:
Meditations on Franz Joseph Haydn's The Seven Last Words of Christ. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2005.
*These lines are from song "There Is a Fountain" by William Cowper.
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