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.