Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
818Resource Type:
Keys included:
F
About this Hymn
Here we have one of the most important hymns in history. It was radical at the time because many churches were still restricted to singing only the Psalms; being able to offer a bold depiction of the cross as a congregational song helped to brand Isaac Watts as a pioneering hymn writer. Verse 2 is inspired by Galatians 6:14: "Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my Lord. All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood."
Lyrics
Verse 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.
Verse 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.
Verse 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?
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.
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.
Verse 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.
Verse 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?
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.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: Isaac Watts, 1707, rev. 1709
Music: Novello's Evening Service, 1822; adapt., harm. Lowell Mason, 1825, rev. 1835
Music: Novello's Evening Service, 1822; adapt., harm. Lowell Mason, 1825, rev. 1835