When I View The Cross

When I view the cruel cross Where my loving Saviour died, All the bitter pain and loss Borne to save his future bride, O! what language could express, O! what ministries can show, All my heart' s deep thankfulness, Love which in my heart doth glow?

How could I in earthly dross Find a satisfaction now? Sweeter far to share the cross And beneath its weight to bow; For communion sweet I find In this straight and narrow way, With his love and help so kind For my comfort, strength and stay.

Forward to the future joy All my longing hopes aspire, And for this world' s mean alloy I will not henceforth inquire. O! the joy of that blest hour When, in glory, Christ I' ll meet- Raised by him to queenly pow' r, In his righteousness complete.

Ev' ry painful circumstance, Ev' ry sorrow I may know, Will that glory but enhance- Heav' nly love the brighter glow. Love, so proved, is sweeter far Than the trophies won by pride; Naught this mutual love can mar; Through all ages ' twill abide.