When I survey the wondrous Cross

This is my 39th entry in the Lenten Hymn-of-the-Day project.

Today's hymn is yet another quintessential Anglican "passion hymn."

The words are by the great Isaac Watts (1674-1748) and the tune, "Rockingham" was adapted by Edward Miller (1731-1807), with the harmony coming chiefly from "Webbe's Collection of Psalm-Tunes", which was published in 1820.

As I recall, the "original" version of the melody is slightly more elaborate, but this version is the one most commonly sung. I have played this very simply, with no altered harmonies, and one FULL VERSE for the INTRODUCTION.

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?

His dying crimson like a robe,
Spreads o'er his body on the Tree;
Then am I dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.