San Francisco Central Seventh-day Adventist Church

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154 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, #154, is one of the hymns of Isaac Watts, one of the greatest hymnwriters of all time. Matthew Arnold called it “the finest hymn in the English language.” It's original title, in 1707, was Crucifixion to the World, by the Cross of Christ. Charles Wesley said he would gladly exchange all the hymns he had ever written in return for this one.

Lowell Mason arranged a Gregorian chant to give us this tune. Why it is called HAMBURG is unknown.

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.

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.

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.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.