October 30, 2016 (Sunday)
The wonderful hymn, “Beneath the Cross of Jesus,” was one of the first songs I ever sang at church. I was a teenager, and I sang bass in a mixed quartet of young people. The writer of the words was Elizabeth Clephane, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1830. Orphaned as a child, she was never really well, but she was cheerful. The words of this hymn touch a chord in the hearts of those who seek comfort, shelter and a place of rest. Jesus’ cross is our home within the wilderness, our rest upon the way. The song has blessed us for nearly 150 years.
Words: Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1868 Music: Frederick C. Maker, 1881 Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand, The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land; A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way, From the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day. Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me; And from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess; The wonders of His glorious love and my own worthlessness. I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place; I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face; Content to let the world go by to know no gain or loss, My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross. |