When I survey the wondrous cross

General information

This is an hymn by Isaac Watts, his Hymn of Book 3, published 1709.

Settings by composers

• Christopher W. Hart S solo
• Thomas Jarman SATB

Other settings possibly not included in the manual list above

• James Leach — When I survey the wondrous cross
• Edward Miller — When I survey the wondrous Cross

Text and translations

English text 1  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. 2  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. 3  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?

4  His dying crimson, like a robe, Spreads o’er His body on the tree; Then I am dead to all the globe, And all the globe is dead to me. 5  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.