When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to his blood.
See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small:
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to his blood.
See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small:
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Isaac Watts (1674-1748) was an English pastor, preacher, poet, and hymn writer. He wrote about 600 hymns including When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Am I a Soldier of the Cross, and Joy to the World. Considered the founder of English hymnody and children's hymnody. Published books of poetry, hymns, and three volumes of theological discourses.
5 comments:
I LOVE this hymn! Thank you for getting it stuck in my head. :)
I love your blog, JGF! Thank you for all you share. Especially your favorite hymns. I have to agree that this one is wonderful. But my favorite has to be "In Christ Alone". These old hymns are so powerful. I think it's because they focus more on Him and less on us!
I looooooove this hymn too!!!!!
Beautiful... thank you. I wasn't familiar with it.
Thank you for sharing this with me. I remember growing up us singing hymns..(not a singer here, believe me-smiling) Wish in my head I could remember the melody.
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