I have a baptism to undergo, and how it consumes Me until it is finished!
Luke 12:50
Words: William Cowper, Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779), Book 2, number 55. Jesus hasting to suffer.
Music: York. Melody from the Scottish Psalter, 1615. Harmony by John Milton, Sr. (1562–1647) (🔊 pdf nwc).
The Savior, what a noble flame
Was kindled in His breast:
When hasting to Jerusalem
He marched before the rest!
Good-will to men and zeal to God,
His every thought engross;
He longs to be baptized with blood,
He pants to reach the cross.
With all His sufferings full in view,
And woes, to us, unknown,
Forth to the task His Spirit flew,
’Twas love that urged Him on.
Lord, we return Thee what we can!
Our hearts shall sound abroad
Salvation, to the dying Man,
And to the rising God!
And while Thy bleeding glories here
Engage our wondering eyes;
We learn our lighter cross to bear,
And hasten to the skies.