All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6
Words: Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book 1, 1707, number 142. The humiliation and exaltation of Christ.
Music: Pentonville Francis Linley, circa 1800 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Linley (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Like sheep we went astray,
And broke the fold of God,
Each wandering in a different way,
But all the downward road.
How dreadful was the hour
When God our wanderings laid
And did at once His vengeance pour,
Upon the Shepherd’s head!
How glorious was the grace
When Christ sustained the stroke!
His life and blood the Shepherd pays
A ransom for the flock.
His honor and His breath
Were taken quite away,
Joined with the wicked in His death,
And made as vile as they.
But God shall raise His head
O’er all the sons of men,
And make Him see a numerous seed,
To recompense His pain.
I’ll give Him,
saith the Lord,
A portion with the strong;
He shall possess a large reward;
And hold His honors long.