JESUS CHRIST >> SUFFERINGS & DEATH
SDAH 154
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.
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For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (4/4)
Isaac Watts called this “Crucifixion to the World by the Cross of Christ.” Set in HAMBURG’s stately rhythm, it invites solemn meditation on the love revealed at Calvary. The line, “Love so amazing, so divine,” captures the overwhelming grace of the cross. This hymn has moved hearts for centuries, prompting humility and gratitude in response to Christ’s sacrifice. As we sing, may our boast be only in the cross—and our lives a living sacrifice.
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Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
The cross reminds us of the selfless sacrifice of Jesus and His wondrous love. It reminds us that nothing we gain in this world can can pay the debts of sin as much as the blood of Christ. (Lesson 12, 1st Quarter 2021 -Sunday, The Effects of Sin, 3/14/2021)
This, “the finest hymn in the English language,” according to Matthew Arnold, and many others, appears in Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1707, by Isaac Watts (1674-1748; see Biographies). It is entitled “Crucifixion to the World, by the Cross of Christ,” and it was intended specially for Good Friday.
Great praise for this hymn came from Charles Wesley, who said that he would gladly exchange all the hymns he had written in return for this matchless one. Strangely enough, a similar tribute was paid in reverse by Watts to Wesley concerning the latter’s “Come, O Thou Traveller Unknown.”
The tune HAMBURG was arranged in 1824 by Lowell Mason（1792-1872; see Biographies) from a gregorian chant, but the name has no associative significance.
Stanza:
1 – Philippians 3:8
2 – Galatians 6:14
3 – Mark 15:17
4 – Matthew 22:37
Text
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 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.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Phil 3:8 )b) Gal 6:14 (c) Mark 15:17 (d) Matt 22:37
Author
Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Year Published
1707
Hymn Tune
HAMBURG
Metrical Number
L.M.
Arranged
Lowell Mason (1792-1872)
Tune Source
From a Gregorian chant
Theme
SUFFERINGS & DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST
