"There Stood By The Cross Of Jesus" (John 19.25)

by J. Belton | Category: General | May 1985

Oh! that my heart did constant daily yearn,

To wait beneath Thy cross, and there to learn

What pain, what grief Thou didst endure for me,

That I, unworthy soul, might ransomed be.

There stood beside Thy cross on that sad day,

Those who derided, cast Thy love away:

Dear Lord, forbid that I should ever be

Found 'midst the throng who still dishonour Thee.

But there were some, a faithful few of Thine

(One of them in Thy bosom did recline)

Who watched the struggle, heard Thee cry:"

'Tis finished!" Saw Thee bow Thy head and die.

Whatever circumstance my lot shall be,

Grant Lord, I may in faith abide with Thee:

Through vale or desert, knowing gain or loss,

Oh may my refuge be close by Thy cross.

I need to bathe in that great tide of Love

That flowed from Thy blest spear-torn side, and prove

Its warmth and power, its never failing strength;

To search its height and depth, its breadth and length.

Close by Thy cross my heart with love Thou'lt fill:

Close by Thy cross I'll conquer ev'ry ill;

And thus refreshed, encouraged, strengthened, cheered,

I'll serve Thee better, by Thy love endeared.

And aye Lord may its warmth and cheering ray

My pathway brighten all the heav'nward way,

Until at length I see Thee face to face,

And praise Thy boundless, overwhelming grace!

J. Belton | May 1985
General

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