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WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS

Words

1 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.

2 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.

3 See from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingling down:
did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

4 Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an off’ring far too small;
love so amazing, do divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

Background Information

The words were written by Isaac Watts (1674 - 1748), as an exposition of Galatians 6 v 14 (where St Paul writes about never boasting except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to him, and him to the world). The reference to the whole realm of nature’ reflects the language of the philosophical debates of the time.

The hymn as originally written had another verse (placed fourth), which is rarely published or sung.

His dying crimson like a robe,
spreads o’er his body on the tree;
then I am dead to all the globe,
and all the globe is dead to me.

Traditionally this hymn is sung to the tune Rockingham, to which it was first set in 1833. (The tune was named after the Marquis of Rockingham). However, in Liturgical Hymns Old and New it is also presented to the tune O Waly Waly (a traditional English folk tune) and this is a very effective setting.