When on the cross the Saviour hung, And that sore load that on Him weigh'd With bitter pangs his nature wrung, Seven words amid His pain He said: Oh let them well to heart be laid! | "Father, forgive these men;" He spake; "For lo! they know not what they do, Nor of my sufferings vengeance take!" And when we sin in error too, For us, dear Lord, this prayer renew! | He thought upon the thief, and said,-- "Thou shalt behold my Paradise With me, ere yet this day be fled." Lord, see us too with pitying eyes, And raise us from our miseries! | His mother stood beside Him there; "Behold thy son! Oh let her find A son, O John, in thy true care," Lord, care for those we leave behind, Nor let the world prove all unkind! | Once more He saith,--"I thirst, I thirst!" O Prince of Life! that we might be Rescued from death, Thou dar'st the worst. So dost Thou long to set us free! Not fruitless be that thirst in Thee! | Again, "My God, My God," He cried, Ah why dost Thou forsake me thus?" Thou art forsaken at this tide, To win acceptance, Lord, for us; Oh comfort deep and marvellous! | He saith,--"Lo! it is finish'd now!" Saviour, Thy perfect work is done! O make us faithful, Lord, as Thou, No trial and no cross to shun Till all Thou lay'st on us be done. | And last,--"My Father, to Thine hands My parting soul I now commend." Lord, when my spirit trembling stands Upon life's verge, this cry I send To Thee, and with Thy words I end. | Whoso shall ponder oft these words When long-past sins his soul alarm, Shall find the hope Thy cross accords, And in Thy grace a healing balm That brings the wounded conscience calm. | Lord Jesu Christ, who diedst for us, This one thing grant us evermore; To ponder o'er Thy passion thus, Till truer, deeper than before We learn to love Thee and adore! | |