Today’s hymn isn’t the typical Palm Sunday theme, because I’ve been thinking about the cross lately and meant to post another hymn on the cross last Sunday. Isaac Watts on this favorite in 1707 as a communion hymn, and it’s become a beloved Easter hymn. The tune sung above was adapted from a Gregorian chant by prolific hymn tune writer Lowell Mason (1792-1872), “the father of American church music.”

“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14 ESV)

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.