O dearest Lord
what law hast Thou e’er broken
That such sharp sentence should on Thee be spoken?
Of what misdeed hast Thou to make confession—
What dark transgression?
They crown Thy head with thorns
they smite
they scourge Thee;
With cruel mockings to the cross they urge Thee;
They give Thee gall to drink
they still decry Thee;
They crucify Thee.
What punishment so strange is suffered yonder?
The shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander;
The Master pays the debt His servants owe Him
Who would not know Him.
The sinless Son of God must die in sadness;
The sinful child of man may live in gladness;
Man forfeited his life and is acquitted—
God is committed.
O mighty King
no time can dim Thy glory!
How shall I spread abroad Thy wondrous story?
How shall I find some worthy gift to proffer?
What dare I offer?
I’ll think upon Thy mercy without ceasing;
That earth’s vain joys no more to me be pleasing;
To do Thy will shall be my sole endeavor
Henceforth forever.
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