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) wrote these words in 1707. The music was written by Lowell Mason in 1824, and first appeared in The Boston Handel and Haydn Society of Collection of Church Music, third edition. (1825) Legend has it Charles Wesley, famously known for his hymns, said he would give up all of his other hymns to have written this one.
The extravagant outpouring of God’s grace and love toward mankind, presented in this image, and captured in this hymn… demands my soul, my life, my all.
There’s really nothing left to say… except, maybe… “have you?”
Will you?
As I was saying... 