The Cross

Mysterious Symbol of a Love
Too high, too deep, for man to know,
Till God came down on thee to prove
Its meaning to the world below.

Accursed tree! planted in strife!
Yet blest to those who round thee kneel,
Through mighty Love the Tree of Life!
Whose leaves the dying nations heal;

Whose Fruit — the Bread of Heav'n — depends
For all who seek the Life Divine;
Whose branch its living arms extends
Rich with the clusters of The Vine:

Whose shadow is the rest of God
Till Heav'n its cloudless day restore,
Marking the weary path-way trod,
Telling of light that's on before.

My wearied soul beneath thee laid,
Finds light where others shadow see,
Wond'ring, if such be Love's soft Shade,
What must its glorious sunshine be!

Wond'ring, yet sighing all the while,
"My gain, alas! my Saviour's loss!
But for my sins Love's gentle smile
Had cast no shadow of the Cross."

Yet joy comes whisp'ring through my moan,
"That shadow seeks the souls that stray!"
And through griefs tender undertone
This brighter theme will force its way:

"To Him whose law thy death requires,
To Him whose love thy suff'ring bore,
To Him whose life all life inspires,
Be glory now and evermore!"