Scripture Verse

Before Abraham was, I am. John 8:58

Introduction

Words: Will­iam C. Dix, 1864.

Music: St. Ma­ry, ar­ranged from Prys’ Welsh Psal­ter, 1621 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

If you know where to get a bet­ter pho­to of Dix,

portrait
William C. Dix (1837–1898)

Lyrics

O Thou, the eter­nal Son of God,
The Lamb, for sinners slain,
We worship, while Thy head is bowed
In agony and pain.

None tread with Thee the holy place;
Thou sufferest alone;
Thine is the perfect sacrifice
Which only can atone.

Thou great High Priest, Thy glo­ry robes
Today are set aside;
And human sorrows, Son of Man,
Thy Godhead seem to hide.

The cross is sharp, but in Thy woe
This is the lightest part;
Our sin it is which pierces Thee,
And breaks Thy sacred heart.

Who love Thee most, at Thy dear cross,
Will truest, Lord, abide;
Make Thou that cross our only hope,
O Je­sus cru­ci­fied.