Hymns, #626

The Way of the Cross - Gain by Loss

Eng/Kor:626  Chin:458  Span:295  Rus:276  Tag:626  Fra:626  Por:320

Lyrics:Watchman Nee
Music:Stephen C. Foster
Meter:8.5.8.7.D. with chorus.

This hymn has a unique tune.

 
 1 

Olives that have known no pressure

No oil can bestow;

If the grapes escape the winepress,

Cheering wine can never flow;

Spikenard only through the crushing,

Fragrance can diffuse.

Shall I then, Lord, shrink from suff'ring

Which Thy love for me would choose?

 

Each blow I suffer

Is true gain to me.

In the place of what Thou takest

Thou dost give Thyself to me.

 
 2 

Do my heartstrings need Thy stretching,

Songs divine to prove?

Do I need for sweetest music

Cruel treatment of Thy love?

Lord, I fear no deprivation

If it draws to Thee;

I would yield in full surrender

All Thy heart of love to see.

 

Each blow I suffer

Is true gain to me.

In the place of what Thou takest

Thou dost give Thyself to me.

 
 3 

I'm ashamed, my Lord, for seeking

Self to guard alway;

Though Thy love has done its stripping,

Yet I've been compelled this way.

Lord, according to Thy pleasure

Fully work on me;

Heeding not my human feelings,

Only do what pleases Thee.

 

Each blow I suffer

Is true gain to me.

In the place of what Thou takest

Thou dost give Thyself to me.

 
 4 

If Thy mind and mine should differ,

Still pursue Thy way;

If Thy pleasure means my sorrow,

Still my heart shall answer, "Yea!"

'Tis my deep desire to please Thee,

Though I suffer loss;

E'en though Thy delight and glory

Mean that I endure the cross.

 

Each blow I suffer

Is true gain to me.

In the place of what Thou takest

Thou dost give Thyself to me.

 
 5 

Oh, I'll praise Thee, e'en if weeping

Mingle with my song.

Thine increasing sweetness calls forth

Grateful praises all day long.

Thou hast made Thyself more precious

Than all else to me:

Thou increase and I decrease, Lord —

This is now my only plea.

 

Each blow I suffer

Is true gain to me.

In the place of what Thou takest

Thou dost give Thyself to me.

 
Hymn #626