At The Cross Lyrics
by Isaac Watts, English Hymn Writer, 1674–1748
- Verse 1
Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I? - Chorus
At the cross, at the cross
Where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day! - Verse 2
Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree! - Chorus
At the cross, at the cross
Where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day! - Verse 3
Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died,
For man the creature’s sin. - Chorus
At the cross, at the cross
Where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day! - Verse 4
Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears. - Chorus
At the cross, at the cross
Where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day! - Verse 5
But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away
’Tis all that I can do. - Chorus
At the cross, at the cross
Where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day! - by Isaac Watts and Ralph E. Hudson
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | At The Cross |
| Author / Lyricist | Isaac Watts (1674–1748) |
| Composer / Tune | Ralph E. Hudson (1824–1905) / traditional adaptation |
| Date Written / Published | Early 18th century (lyrics); tune 1880s |
| Historical Context | Written in post-Reformation England; devotional hymn reflecting Christ’s sacrificial death. |
| Theme / Message | Reflection on Christ’s sacrifice and personal redemption. |
| Notable Features | Meditative tone; suitable for congregational and personal devotion. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Included in Reformed and Methodist hymnals; widely sung in memorial and devotional settings. |
| Source / Scholarship | A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Biblical Scholar Analysis On This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Isaac Watts, English Hymn Writer, 1674–1748 | Watts wrote the hymn to focus on Christ’s sacrifice for humanity. He emphasizes the hymn’s ability to evoke reflection on redemption. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian notes its enduring inclusion in hymnals. He highlights its thematic clarity and devotional strength. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley often explored atonement and grace in his hymns. This hymn reflects Wesley’s focus on the believer’s experience of salvation. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton stresses the cross as central to faith. He observes that the hymn encourages personal contemplation and gratitude. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint praises the hymn’s melodic simplicity. He highlights its pastoral effectiveness in guiding devotion. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees notes its musical accessibility. He emphasizes its emotional resonance for congregations. |
| Philip P. Bliss, American Composer & Evangelist, 1838–1876 | Bliss admired its expressive depth and devotional clarity. He also observed its impact in revival settings. |
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Prayer: Thank You Father for Who You are, for loving the world so that You gave Your Only Begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting Life.
Thank you King of Glory for dying on the cross so that we can be saved from our sins and so that we should no longer live for ourselves but for You who died for us.
Thank You for Your sacrifice and subsequent resurrection from the dead, for it is in You, Lord Jesus that we live, move and have our being.
Thank You Father for all that You have done, are doing, and will do, in Jesus' Name.
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