When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Isaac Watts if often referred to as "the father of English hymnody." He showed an unusual intelligence at a very young age. He learned Latin at the age of five, Greek at nine, French at eleven and Hebrew at thirteen. He began preaching at a young age and would write a hymn to close his sermon. This hymn was written for a communion service.
4 4 -4 5 -4 5 -5 5 -4 5
When I sur-vey th-e won-dr-ous cross
5 5 5 -5 5-4 4 -3 4 -4
On which the Prince o-f glo-ry died,
4 4 -4 5 -4 5 -5 5 -4 5
My rich-est gain I count bu-t loss,
5 5 5 -4 4 -4 5-4 4
And pour con-tempt on all m-y pride.
verse 2
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All he vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to His blood.
verse 3
See, from His head, His hand, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
verse 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.