Christ My Song - 1188
The Cross! a theme of joy to some
(Thomas Kelly/Johannes Thomas Rüegg)
The Cross! a theme of joy to some.
"God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross."
(Galatians 6,14)
1. The Cross! a theme of joy to some,
to others of contempt indeed,
to me a pledge of joys to come,
the only one I ask or need. PDF - Midi
2. Take this away, and all is night,
a midnight gloom without a ray;
'tis worse than fancy can indite;
'tis night without the hope of day.
3. But sweet beyond expression is
the hope imparted by the Cross;
the world appears but loss to this,
a thousand worlds appear but loss.
4. And yet, how little do I know
the sweet attraction of his love,
who came from heav'n, and stooped so low,
to raise me to his joys above!
5. The Cross, though life and health to me,
to him was agony and death;
a conflict none could bear but he,
with all on earth, and all beneath.
6. What passed in that mysterious hour,
the victim only can unfold;
to sound its depth exceeds our pow'r,
but all we need to know, is told.
7. He bore our sin, he paid our debt;
and, suff'ring, magnified the law:
'twas here that "truth and mercy" met;
'twas this that angels wond'ring saw.
8. My soul, forget not what is due
to him whose suff'ring pardon brings;
nor cease to keep the Cross in view;
the Cross will teach thee wondrous things.
Thomas Kelly, Hymns on various passages of Scripture, ca. 1853, Hymn 601.