4. What strangest punishment is suffered yonder? The Shepherd dies for sheep that love to wander; The Master pays the debt His servants owe Him, Who would not own Him. 5. The sinless Son of God must die in sadness; The sinful child of man may live in gladness; Man forfeited his life and is acquitted,— God is committed. 6. There was no spot in me by sin untainted; Sick with sin’s poison, all my heart had fainted; My heavy guilt to hell had well-nigh brought me, Such woe it wrought me. 7. O wondrous love, whose depth no heart hath sounded, That brought Thee here, by foes and thieves surrounded! All worldly pleasures, heedless, I was trying While Thou wert dying. 8. O mighty King, no time can dim Thy glory! How shall I spread abroad Thy wondrous story? How shall I find some worthy gifts to proffer? What dare I offer? 9. For vainly doth our human wisdom ponder Thy woes; Thy mercy still transcends our wonder. Oh, how should I do aught that could delight Thee! Can I requite Thee? 10. Yet unrequited, Lord, I would not leave Thee; I will renounce whate’er doth vex or grieve Thee And quench with thoughts of Thee and prayers most lowly All fires unholy. 11. But since my own strength never will suffice me To crucify desires that still entice me, To all good deeds, oh, let Thy Spirit win me And reign within me! 12. I think upon Thy mercy without ceasing, That earth’s vain joys to me no more be pleasing; To do Thy will shall be my sole endeavor Henceforth forever. 13. Whate’er of earthly good this life may grant me I’ll risk for Thee; no shame, no cross, shall daunt me; I shall not fear what man can do to harm me Nor death alarm me. 14. But, worthless is my sacrifice, I own it; Yet, Lord, for love’s sake Thou wilt not disown it; Thou wilt accept my gift in Thy great meekness Nor shame my weakness. 15. And when, dear Lord, before Thy throne in heaven To me the crown of joy at last is given, Where sweetest hymns Thy saints forever raise Thee, I, too, shall praise Thee. From the Latin of Anselm of Canterbury; J. Heermann, † 1647. C. Winkworth, tr., a. 199 7s 6 l Go to dark Gethsemane, Ye that feel the Tempter’s power; Your Redeemer’s conflict see, Watch with Him one bitter hour; Turn not from His griefs away, Learn of Jesus Christ to pray. 2. Follow to the judgment-hall, View the Lord of life arraigned; Oh, the wormwood and the gall! Oh, the pangs His soul sustained! Shun not suffering, shame, or loss; Learn of Him to bear the cross.