Today’s hymn comes from Anne Cousin (1824-1906). Anne was the daugh­ter of a doc­tor, and wife of Will­iam Cou­sin, pas­tor of the Free Church of Mel­rose, Scot­land. She con­trib­ut­ed ma­ny po­ems to va­ri­ous pe­ri­od­i­cals and four of her hymns were in­clud­ed in the 1876 Scot­tish Pres­by­te­ri­an Hym­nal. Gospel singer Ira Sankey shared this story regarding this hymn: “A young of­fi­cer in the Brit­ish ar­my turned away in hor­ror from the doc­trine of this hymn. His pride re­volt­ed, his self right­eous­ness rose in re­bell­ion, and he said: He would be a cow­ard in­deed who would go to heav­en at the cost of an­oth­er! As the years rolled away, this man rose to dis­tinc­tion and high rank in the ar­my, and he al­so learned wis­dom. In his last hours, as he lay on his death­bed, he re­peat­ed­ly begged those near him to sing O Christ, what burd­ens bowed Thy head, call­ing it, My hymn, my hymn!”¹ Enjoy!

O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head!
Our load was laid on Thee;
Thou stoodest in the sinner’s stead,
Didst bear all ill for me;
A Victim led, Thy blood was shed,
Now there’s no load for me.
A Victim led, Thy blood was shed,
Now there’s no load for me.

The curse of death was in our cup:
The cup was full for Thee;
But Thou hast drained the last dark drop,
And emptied it for me.
That bitter cup, love drank it up;
There is no curse for me.
That bitter cup, love drank it up;
There is no curse for me.

Jehovah raised the rod to smite;
The blow returned on Thee;
Upon Thy form did it alight,
And passed away from me;
Thy soul so white did wrath affright,
There is no wrath for me.
Thy soul so white did wrath affright,
There is no wrath for me.

The tempest’s awful voice was heard,
Its thunders broke on Thee!
Thy open bosom was my ward,
And it protected me;
Thy body scarred, Thy visage marred,
There is no storm for me.
Thy body scarred, Thy visage marred,
There is no storm for me.

For us, Lord Jesus, hast Thou died,
That we might die in Thee;
But Thou art raised and glorified,
And livest now in me;
Hell’s host defied! heav’n open wide!
There is no death for me.
Hell’s host defied! heav’n open wide!
There is no death for me

¹hymntime.com/tch/htm/o/c/w/b/ocwbubth.htm#:~:text=As%20the%20years%20rolled%20away,%2C%20My%20hymn%2C%20my%20hymn!

Today’s hymn was written by Evangelist George Bennard 1873–1958. In his own words he wrote of thIs hymn: “in the year 1913, Rev. George Bennard, then living at Albion, Michigan, and making a special study of the Cross in God’s plan of redemption, seemed strangely moved to compose this song. Soon after he began to write it he went to New York state to conduct some special evangelistic services, and after getting settled continued to work on it, but seemed to make but little headway, so for the time-being laid it aside. He returned to Michigan to conduct another series of meetings and it was during this time that he was called to pass through a rather trying experience at which time he caught a new vision of the Cross and began to see its deeper meaning. As he visualized the Saviour of men going outside the City he loved so well, bearing the Cross on which He was to give His matchless life on the skull-shaped hill for a sin-cursed and ruined world, he was able to finish the song¹. Enjoy!

On a hill far away
stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross
where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross,
so despised by the world,
has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God
left his glory above
to bear it to dark Calvary.

Refrain

In that old rugged cross,
stained with blood so divine,
a wondrous beauty I see,
for ’twas on that old cross
Jesus suffered and died,
to pardon and sanctify me.

Refrain

To that old rugged cross
I will ever be true,
its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then he’ll call me some day
to my home far away,
where his glory forever I’ll share.

Refrain

¹hymnologyarchive.com/the-old-rugged-cross#:~:text=In%20his%20own%20Story%20of,moved%20to%20compose%20this%20song.

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“I am Thine, O Lord” is one of many hymns written by Fanny Crosby, a prolific American hymn writer. The melody was composed by William Howard Doane. The former was talking with the latter one night about the proximity of God and penned the words before retiring for the night. It has also been reported that Fanny Crosby, though blind, had a sunset described to her in words before writing the lyrics. Hebrews 10:22 is reported as being a source of inspiration for the hymn¹. Enjoy!

I am Thine, O Lord,
I have heard Thy voice
And it told Thy love to me
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee

Consecrate me now to Thy service Lord,
By the power of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with steadfast hope
And my will be lost in Thine.

Refrain
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord
To the cross where Thou hast died
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord
To Thy precious, bleeding side

There are depths of love that I cannot know
Just a measure of your grace;
There are heights of joy that I yet may reach
Til I see you face to face.

Refrain

¹en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_am_Thine,_O_Lord

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This song by Sovereign Grace can be described as a lament or confession of sin. The eerie notes and the words of mourning are rightly magnifying what Christ has done on the cross for us: taking the punishment that we deserve, so that in Him we have peace with God and are free from the debt and slavery of sin. Some people suggest listening to up-beat, happy songs before getting ready for church. Perhaps what you need is something that draws you to the suffering of Christ’s sacrifice, and pardon of sin you have because of it. If so, this one is for you. Listen to this to prepare your heart to worship with God’s people. Enjoy!

Come, O sinner, come and see
Christ, the Lord upon a tree
See the crown of thorns, adorn the King
Who labours to breathe in agony
Come, O sinner, come and see
What our God became to set us free

Come, O sinner, come and mourn
For He calls your sin, His own
Do you feel the weight of justice served?
He suffers the wrath that you deserve
Come, O sinner, come and mourn
For He bears the curse for all you’ve done

Refrain
Oh, the wonder of this awesome scene
Where our Saviour bleeds
Oh, the power of the love of God
Come and stand in awe

Come, O sinner, come rejoice
Mercy fills this place of scorn
For He dies to save His enemies
That all who draw near may know His peace
Come, O sinner, come rejoice
Through the death of Christ, death is destroyed

Refrain

In 1869, Fanny Crosby was shown a tune by William Doane, for which she wrote this text. The text and tune were published together in Bright Jewels for the Sunday School in 1869. The first line of each stanza contains the phrase “near the cross,” emphasizing the value of Christ’s redeeming work there. Each stanza has a slightly different aspect of the main theme. The first stanza describes redemption through Jesus’ blood, and the second, the need of humanity for salvation. The third stanza is a prayer that the Christian would always remember God’s love as shown on the cross, and the fourth looks forward to heaven¹. Enjoy

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain;
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.

Refrain
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed His beams around me.

Refrain

Near the cross! O lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadow o’er me.

Refrain

Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever;
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.

Refrain

¹hymnary.org/text/jesus_keep_me_near_the_cross

“Boldly I approach my Father, clothed in Jesus’ righteousness; there is no more guilt to carry, it was finished upon that cross.” This is one of my favourite stanzas in CityAlight’s song from their newest album. It tells us of the benefits we have because of what Jesus has done on the cross for us. The upbeat melody is also a great accompaniment to fill your heart with joy for all our Saviour Jesus Christ has done; enjoy!

How I love the voice of Jesus,
On the cross of Calvary;
He declares His work is finished,
He has spoken this hope to me.

Though the sun had ceased its shining,
Though the war appeared as lost;
Christ had triumphed over evil;
It was finished upon that cross.

Now the curse it has been broken,
Jesus paid the price for me;
Full, the pardon He has offered;
Great, the welcome that I receive.

Boldly I approach my Father,
Clothed in Jesus’ righteousness;
There is no more guilt to carry,
It was finished upon that cross.

Death was once my great opponent,
Fear once had a hold on me;
But the Son who died to save us,
Rose that we would be free indeed!

Free from every plan of darkness,
Free to live and free to love;
Death is dead and Christ is risen!
It was finished upon that cross.

Onward to eternal glory,
To my Saviour and my God;
I rejoice in Jesus’ victory,
It was finished upon that cross.

Sir John Bowring (1792-1872) was a distinguished scholar, ranked by some as one of the great minds of his day in the English-speaking world. Among his gifts was his ability as a linguist, publishing translations of poetry from such varied languages as Russian, Batavian, Spanish, Polish, Serbian, Bohemian, Magyar, Czech and Hungarian. Bowring also was twice a member of Parliament, a consul at Canton (in charge of trade in China) and a governor of Hong Kong. Despite a demanding political and diplomatic career, Bowring maintained an active avocation as a translator of poetry, composer of original poems and writer of essays on political and religious themes. “In the cross of Christ I glory” (1825) was composed while the author was in his early thirties. Appearing in Hymns by John Bowring (1825), the theme and language suggests a much more mature poet. Late 19th-century hymnologist John Julian suggests that Galatians 6:14 provides the basis for this hymn: “Far be it for me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (KJV).

In the cross of Christ I glory,
towering o’er the wrecks of time;
all the light of sacred story
gathers round its head sublime.

When the woes of life o’ertake me,
hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
never shall the cross forsake me.
Lo! it glows with peace and joy.

When the sun of bliss is beaming
light and love upon my way,
from the cross the radiance streaming
adds more luster to the day.

Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
by the cross are sanctified;
peace is there that knows no measure,
joys that through all time abide.

In the cross of Christ I glory,
towering o’er the wrecks of time;
all the light of sacred story
gathers round its head sublime.

Isaac Watts wrote “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” in preparation for a communion service in 1707. Originally, the hymn was named “Crucifixion to the World by the Cross of Christ,” following the practice of the day to summarise a hymn’s theme in the title. It was first published in 1707 in Watt’s collection Hymns and Spiritual Songs. This hymn is considered one of the finest hymns ever written. It’s the first known hymn to be written in the first person, introducing expressing personal religious devotion rather than limiting itself to only doctrine¹.

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 through 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.

¹songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/when-i-survey-the-wondrous-cross

I was reminded of this hymn after listening to an episode of Ask Pastor John where John Piper explains that the words alone, without the wonderful accompanying music, is a beautiful poem. This was written by Samuel Crossman (1624-1683) who became Dean of Bristol Cathedral. He received a Bachelor of Divinity at Pembroke College, Cambridge. He then served both an Anglican parish at All Saints, Sudbury, and a Puritan congregation. This poignant meditation of the Passion of Christ was published just before Crossman’s ordination, in The Young Man’s Meditation (1664). This short book of poems was reprinted in 1683, and the poem appeared for the first time as a hymn in the Anglican Hymn Book in 1686, just two years after the author’s death¹.

My song is love unknown,
my Saviour’s love to me,
love to the loveless shown
that they might lovely be.
Oh, who am I,
that for my sake
my Lord should take
frail flesh and die?

He came from his blest throne
salvation to bestow,
but such disdain! So few
the longed-for Christ would know!
But oh, my friend,
my friend indeed,
who at my need
his life did spend!

Sometimes they crowd his way
and his sweet praises sing,
resounding all the day
hosannas to their King.
Then “Crucify!”
is all their breath,
and for his death
they thirst and cry.

Why? What has my Lord done?
What makes this rage and spite?
He made the lame to run,
he gave the blind their sight.
Sweet injuries!
Yet they at these
themselves displease
and ‘gainst him rise.

They rise and needs will have
my dear Lord made away.
A murderer they save,
the Prince of life they slay.
Yet cheerful he
to suff’ring goes
that he his foes
from death might free.

In life, no house, no home
my Lord on earth might have;
in death, no friendly tomb,
but what a stranger gave.
What may I say?
Heav’n was his home
but mine the tomb
wherein he lay.

Here might I stay and sing;
no story so divine,
never was love, dear King,
never was grief like thine.
This is my friend,
in whose sweet praise
I all my days
could gladly spend!

¹anglicanfocus.org.au/2019/04/08/my-song-is-love-unknown/

Genevieve Mary Irons, daughter of Dr. W. J. Irons, and granddaughter of J. Irons, was born at Brompton, Dec. 28, 1855. This hymn, “Drawn to the Cross which Thou hast blessed” (Consecration of Self to Christ) was written in 1880, and printed the same year in the Sunday Magazine. It was afterwards included in her Corpus Christi, 1884. Alluding to this hymn (which was included in the Primitive Methodist Hymnal, 1881) after converting to Catholicism, Miss Irons has written “I always feel that hymn is part of me … I am interested and gratified in knowing that the hymn speaks to the hearts of many who would probably differ from me on most points of doctrine.”¹ Enjoy the words as a prayer below, and a piano piece to accompany 🙂

Drawn to the Cross which Thou hast blest,
With healing gifts for souls distressed,
To find in Thee my Life, my Rest,
Christ crucified, I come.

Stained with the sins which I have wrought
In word and deed and secret thought;
For pardon which Thy Blood hath bought,
Christ crucified, I come.

Weary of selfishness and pride,
False pleasures gone, vain hopes denied,
Deep in Thy wounds my shame to hide,
Christ crucified, I come.

Thou knowest all my griefs and fears,
Thy grace abused, my misspent years;
Yet now to Thee, for cleansing tears,
Christ crucified, I come.

I would not, if I could, conceal
The ills which only Thou canst heal;
So to the Cross, where sinners kneel,
Christ crucified, I come.

Wash me, and take away each stain,
Let nothing of my sin remain;
For cleansing, though it be through pain,
Christ crucified, I come.

To share with Thee Thy life divine,
Thy very likeness to be mine,
Since Thou hast made my nature Thine,
Christ crucified, I come.

To be what Thou wouldst have me be,
Accepted, sanctified in Thee,
Through what Thy grace shall work in me,
Christ crucified, I come.

¹hymnary.org/text/drawn_to_the_cross_which_thou_hast_blest