O CHRIST, WHAT BURDENS BOWED THY HEAD!

O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head!
Our load was laid on Thee;
Thou stoodest in the sinner's stead,
Bear'st all my ill for me.
A victim led, Thy blood was shed;
Now there's no load for me.

Death and the curse were in our cup,
O Christ, 'twas full for Thee!
But Thou has drained the last dark drop,
'Tis empty now for me.
That bitter cup, love drank it up;
Now blessings' draught for me.

The tempest's awful voice was heard;
O Christ, it broke on Thee!
Thy open bosom was my ward;
It braved the storm for me.
Thy form was scarred, Thy visage marred;
Now cloudless peace for me.

Jehovah bade His sword awake;
O Christ, it woke' gainst Thee!
Thy blood the flaming blade must slake,
Thy heart its sheath must be;
All for my sake my peace to make,
Now sleeps that sword for me.

The Holy One did hide His face;
O Christ, 'twas hid from Thee!
Dumb darkness wrapt Thy soul a space,
The darkness due to me.
But now that face of radiant grace
Shines forth in light on me.

For me, Lord Jesus, Thou hast died,
And I have died in Thee;
Thou'rt risen; my bands are all untied,
And now Thou liv'st in me.
When Thou dost come to take Thy Bride,
Thy glory then for me.