Alas! And did my Savior bleed?

1. Alas! And did my Savior bleed? And did my Sovereign die? Would He devote that sacred head for sinners such as I? [originally, for such a worm as I?] Refrain: At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!

2. Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, thine - And bathed in its own blood - while the firm mark of wrath divine, his soul in anguish stood. Refrain: At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!

3. Was it for crimes that I had done he groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity! Grace unknown! And love beyond degree! Refrain: At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!

4. Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut his glories in, when Christ, the mighty Maker died, for man the creature’s sin. Refrain: At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!

5. Thus might I hide my blushing face while his dear cross appears, dissolve my heart in thankfulness, and melt my eyes to tears. Refrain: At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!

6. But drops of grief (tears) can ne’er repay the debt of love I owe: Here, Lord, I give my self away ’tis all that I can do. Refrain: At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!

Text: Isaac Watts, 1707 - Ralph E. Hudson wrote the refrain in 1885.

Melody: Hugh Wilson, 1800 - Ralph E. Hudson wrote the refrain in 1885.

New tune by Dwight Gustafson.

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Alas! And did my Savior bleed?