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.

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 mingled 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 a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so Divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

A great literary critic (Matthew Arnold) thought this the finest hymn in the English language. It was written by Dr. Isaac Watts, a prominent Independent clergyman of England; born 1674, died 1748. Dr. Watts set himself to improve the character of the hymns used in dissenting churches. In 1707-09 he published a book containing 365 of his hymns, of which this is one; and in 1719 another volume of free versions or" Imitations" of the Psalms. They became very popular, and for a long time no other hymns than those of Dr. Watts were sung in a great many churches in England and this country. He is often called "the Father of English Hymnody."

This hymn is founded on the text in Galatians referred to in its title. The thought in both hymn and text is that " worldliness dies in my heart when I look on the world's Maker dead for me on the cross." There were five verses in the hymn as Dr. Watts published it, one of which is generally omitted.