The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18
Words: Lucy M. Lewis, in Songs of the Evening Light, edited by Barney E. Warren & Andrew Byers (Anderson, Indiana: Gospel Trumpet, 1897), number 118.
Music: Andrew L. Byers (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Lewis’ full name, or where to get a good photo of her (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Oh, the cross! the precious cross!
’Twas there I counted all but loss;
’Twas there I gave my heart to God,
’Twas there He washed me in His blood,
And spake the words, Thy sins forgiv’n,
And filled my soul with peace from Heav’n.
Oh, the cross! the precious cross!
The only way for sinners lost,
The only way that we can gain
An entrance to this heav’nly plane.
’Twas there my night was turned to day,
’Twas there I found the heav’nly way.
Oh, the cross! the precious cross!
’Twas there I counted well the cost,
’Twas there my soul was sanctified,
’Tis there I ever will abide;
’Tis there we find the purest gold,
And joys that never can be told.
Oh, the cross! the precious cross!
To me this world is naught but dross.
I now am of the chosen ones
Who up the shining way do run.
When in that heav’nly land I’ll see
The One who bore the cross for me.