121 Avon. C.M.

(281) Before the Cross.

Alas! and did my Savior bleed?

And did my Sovereign die?

Would he devote that sacred head

For such a worm as I?

2 Was it for crimes that I have done

He groaned upon the tree?

Amazing pity! grace unknown!

And love beyond degree!

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!

4 Thus might I hide my blushing face

While his dear cross appears;

Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,

And melt mine eyes to tears.

5 But drops of grief can ne'er repay

The debt of love I owe;

Here, Lord, I give myself away;

'Tis all that I can do.

Isaac Watts, 1709.

CHO.--Jesus died for you,

And Jesus died for me,

Yes, Jesus died for all mankind;

Bless God, salvation's free.

CHO.--Help me, dear Savior, thee to own,

And ever faithful be;

And when thou sittest on thy throne.

O Lord, remember me.