Lucy Larcom

Beside the Cross

JESUS, in Thy death I see
What Thy life is unto me!
Now no longer is the Cross
Sign to me of shame and loss:
Joy it is, to share Thy pain;
All I lose is glorious gain.
Lord, to me this blessing give —
In Thy death to die — and live!
Jesus, from Thy wounded side
Flows through me a living tide;
Health and hope and righteousness;
Power to do, and will to bless.
Now am I no more mine own:
Now I live Thy life alone.
Self is slain without a sigh:
Life it is, with Thee to die!
Jesus, let Thy blood within
Cleanse my inmost thoughts from sin;
Purify my lingering stains;
Be the life-throb in my veins!
Be it mine Thy cross to bear,
And Thy sacrifice to share!
Be my food, my strength, my breath!
Be my Life, and conquer death!