Sunday, January 15, 2006

My Favorite Hymn

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.


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:

Cheryl said...

I LOVE this hymn! Thank you for getting it stuck in my head. :)

cori said...

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!

Dionne said...

I looooooove this hymn too!!!!!

Gayle said...

Beautiful... thank you. I wasn't familiar with it.

Assorted Babble by Suzie said...

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.