When first my precious Saviour in His love
Lifted these earth-bound eyes to Him above,
I saw those wounds, and thought His love to prove,
He died for me!
But can it be, when I His love had spurned,
That He, to win my love, had ceaseless yearned?
’Tis true! And now my soul this truth has learned:
He died for me!
It thrilled my soul, it filled my tongue to know
That my once-stubborn heart, now white as snow
With rapture filled, can sing while here below,
He died for me!
The years roll by; there come to claim my heart
Earth’s varied pleasures. Shall I take a part
And grieve my Lord, or from His side depart,
Who died for me?
I must decide. What shall my answer be?
The world allures and beckons harmlessly;
The Saviour stoops and whispers lovingly,
“I died for thee!”
The choice is made. My heart must not divide,
Part for the world and part for Him who died;
Henceforth may I be found close to His side
Who died for me!
His heart of love I know will never fail;
Though friends may come and go, though fears prevail,
These four sweet words can blessed peace avail:
He died for me!
I hasten on, casting on Him each care;
His love delights my joys and pains to share,
And soon at home, this note shall fill the air,
He died for me!
A. C. Hayhoe