Poems (Elgee, 1907)/Hymn to the cross

by Jane Francesca Agnes Elgee

HYMN TO THE CROSS

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SAVONAROLA.
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ESUS, refuge of the weary,
 Object of the spirit's love,
Fountain in life's desert dreary,
 Saviour from the world above!

Oh, how oft Thine eyes, offended,
 Gazed upon the sinner's fall;
Yet, Thou on the Cross extended,
 Bore the penalty of all!

For our human sake enduring
 Tortures infinite in pain;
By Thy death our life assuring,
 Conquerors through Thee we reign.

Still we passed the Cross in scorn,
 Breathing no repentant vow,
Though from 'neath the circling thorn,
 Dropped the blood-sweat off Thy brow.

Yet, Thy sinless death hath brought us
 Life eternal, peace and rest;
What Thy grace alone hath taught us,
 Calms the sinner's stormy breast.

Jesus, would my heart were burning
 With more vivid love for Thee!
Would mine eyes were ever turning
 To Thy Cross of agony!

Would that on that Cross suspended
 I the martyr's palm might win—
Where the Lord, the heaven-descended,
 Sinless suffered for my sin!

Cross of torture! may'st thou rend me
 With thy fierce, unearthly dole;
Welcome be the pangs that lend me
 Strength to crush sin in my soul.

So, in pain and rapture blending,
 Might my fading eyes grow dim,
While the freed heart rose, ascending
 To the circling Seraphim.

Then in glory, parted never
 From the blessed Saviour's side,
Graven on my heart for ever
 Be the Cross, and Crucified!