92－O dearest Lord, what law hast Thou e'er

PRAISE OF THE LORD － His Suffering

92

	1.	O dearest Lord, what law hast Thou e'er
		broken
		That such sharp sentence should on Thee be
		spoken?
		Of what misdeed hast Thou to make
		confession-
		What dark transgression?
	2.	They crown Thy head with thorns, they smite,
		they scourge Thee;
		With cruel mockings to the cross they urge
		Thee;
		They give Thee gall to drink, they still decry
		Thee;
		They crucify Thee.
	3.	What punishment so strange is suffered
		yonder?
		The shepherd dies for sheep that loved to
		wander;
		The Master pays the debt His servants owe
		Him,
		Who would not know Him.
	4.	The sinless Son of God must die in sadness;
		The sinful child of man may live in gladness;
		Man forfeited His life and is acquitted-
		God is committed.
	5.	O mighty King, no time can dim Thy glory!
		How shall I spread abroad Thy wondrous
		story?
		How shall I find some worthy gift to proffer?
		What dare I offer?
	6.	I'll think upon Thy mercy without ceasing;
		That earth's vain joys no more to me be
		pleasing;
		To do Thy will shall be my sole endeavor
		Henceforth forever.