O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head!

O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head! Our load was laid on Thee; Thou stoodest in the sinner's stead, Bear'st all my ill for me. A victim led, Thy blood was shed; Now there's no load for me.

Death and the curse were in our cup, O Christ, 'twas full for Thee! But Thou has drained the last dark drop, ' Tis empty now for me. That bitter cup, love drank it up; Now blessings' draught for me.

The tempest's awful voice was heard; O Christ, it broke on Thee! Thy open bosom was my ward; It braved the storm for me. Thy form was scarred, Thy visage marred; Now cloudless peace for me.

Jehovah bade His sword awake; O Christ, it woke' gainst Thee! Thy blood the flaming blade must slake, Thy heart its sheath must be; All for my sake my peace to make, Now sleeps that sword for me.

The Holy One did hide His face; O Christ, 'twas hid from Thee! Dumb darkness wrapt Thy soul a space, The darkness due to me. But now that face of radiant grace Shines forth in light on me.

For me, Lord Jesus, Thou hast died, And I have died in Thee; Thou'rt risen; my bands are all untied, And now Thou liv'st in me. When Thou dost come to take Thy Bride, Thy glory then for me.