Hymns Supplied Through the Gracious Generosity
of the Cyber Hymnal Website
Words: John Bowring, 1825. There is a story (probably apocryphal) about the inspiration for these words. The tradition is that Bowring was sailing past the coast of Macao, in China. On the shore were the remains of an old, fire gutted church. Above the ruins, he saw the spire still standing, topped by a cross. The title of this hymn was carved on Bowring's tombstone.
Music: "Rathbun," Ithamar D. Conkey, 1849
In the cross of Christ I glory,
Towering o'er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.
When the woes of life o'ertake me,
Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me,
Lo! it glows with peace and joy.
When the sun of bliss is beaming
Light and love upon my way,
From the cross the radiance streaming
Adds more luster to the day.
Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
By the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure,
Joys that through all time abide.
In the cross of Christ I glory,
Towering o'er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.
The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.
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