HYMN OF THE MONTH:
WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS
by Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
PART FIVE: ENGLISH HYMNS
Devotion and Wonder
Written by Isaac Watts in 1707, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross is considered by many to be the greatest hymn in the English language.
Charles Wesley, a prolific hymn writer himself, regarded this hymn as one of the greatest hymns ever written.
Isaac Watts' inspiration came from Galatians 6:14 which states, "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."
Even though he faced numerous health issues and personal setbacks, Watts was a deeply devoted Christian with a brilliant mind.
Dissatisfied with the rote paraphrasing of Scripture the church sang in His day, he took up the challenge to write hymns that expressed a wider range of emotions drawn from a believer's personal walk with the Lord.
Watts' first collection, which included When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, was a huge success. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross serves as a reminder to consider Christ's great love as shown through His sacrifice on the cross as well as the importance of full devotion to Christ and the emptiness of worldly possessions and pursuits.
As you sing this hymn, remember . . .
The Cross:
Gives us perspective (stanza 1).
Requires our reliance (stanza 2).
Inspires our wonder (stanza 3).
Demands our devotion (stanza 4).
Read & Relate
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
by Isaac Watts, 1707 (1674-1748)
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.
Gal. 6:14; 1 Cor. 1:18; 1 Cor 2:7-8; Phil. 3:8; Prov. 8:13
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 through His blood.
Ps. 34:2; Eph. 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Rev. 12:11; Luke 16:13
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?
Isa. 53:5; John 15:13; Rom. 5: 8-9; Matt. 22:37
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.
1 Sam. 12:24;1 Cor. 6:20; Rom. 12:1; 2 Cor. 5:15
Go Deeper
The Study Guide
Our latest Hymn Study Guide will help you and your family reflect through each stanza of our hymn and connect it more firmly in biblical truth.
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