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Words: Samuel Wesley, Sr., 1700. The manuscript for this hymn barely escaped the flames when the Epworth rectory burned on February 9, 1709. Samuel’s son John was also rescued that day, as a “brand plucked out of the burning.” John later published this hymn in A Collection of Psalms and Hymns, titled “On the Crucifixion.” Music: “Martyrdom,” Hugh Wilson, 1800; arranged by Ralph E. Hudson, circa 1885
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Behold the Savior of mankind
Nailed to the shameful tree!
How vast the love that Him inclined
To bleed and die for thee!
Hark, how He groans, while nature shakes,
And earth’s strong pillars bend;
The temple’s veil in sunder breaks,
The solid marbles rend.
“’Tis done!” The precious ransom’s paid,
“Receive My soul,” He cries!
See where He bows His sacred head!
He bows His head, and dies!
But soon He’ll break death’s envious chain,
And in full glory shine:
O Lamb of God! was ever pain,
Was ever love, like Thine?
