LENT 143 O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken Luke 23: 20–24 11. 11. 11. 5. Herzliebster Jesu Johann Heermann, 1630 Tr., Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt. Herzliebster Jesu Johann Crüger, 1640 That der! guish? With The It yon an scourge bro fered tal they thou ken Thee; sharp el Shep is cru such herd my ish these Thy est pun come crown dear Je ment sor head 2 They 1 O Whence 4 What 3 is this they law smite, suf mor hast so rows, with sus, strange whence thorns, what crime pays gall wrath, the ter Of The Yea, They great Thee Mas all give what the the to hast sen mock sins dies sheep which to Lord, cross should that Thou, the on Thee for for ings loved der; guish; Thee; ken? tence to must they be wan lan urge spo ants in fes cry her owe What They This Who sion— Thee; it, Him, Thou drink, woe, make still dost serv con debt de to they Thou His men. Thee. it. Him. A sion? do trans ci not dark cru I would know gres fy mer 5 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. 6 There was no spot in me by sin untainted; Sick with sin’s poison, all my heart had fainted; My heavy guilt to hell had well-nigh brought me, Such woe it wrought me. 7 O wondrous love, whose depth no heart hath sounded, That brought Thee here, by foes and thieves surrounded! All worldly pleasures, heedless, I was trying While Thou wert dying. 8 O mighty King, no time can dim Thy glory! How shall I spread abroad Thy wondrous story? How shall I find some worthy gifts to proffer? What dare I offer? 9 For vainly doth our human wisdom ponder— Thy woes, Thy mercy, still transcend our wonder. Oh, how should I do aught that could delight Thee! Can I requite Thee? 10 Yet unrequited, Lord, I would not leave Thee; I will renounce whate’er doth vex or grieve Thee And quench with thoughts of Thee and prayers most lowly All fires unholy. 11 But since my strength will nevermore suffice me To crucify desires that still entice me, To all good deeds, oh, let Thy Spirit win me And reign within me! 12 I’ll think upon Thy mercy without ceasing, That earth’s vain joys to me no more be pleasing; To do Thy will shall be my sole endeavor Henceforth forever. 13 Whate’er of earthly good this life may grant me, I’ll risk for Thee; no shame, no cross, shall daunt me; I shall not fear what man can do to harm me Nor death alarm me. 14 But worthless is my sacrifice, I own it; Yet, Lord, for love’s sake Thou wilt not disown it; Thou wilt accept my gift in Thy great meekness Nor shame my weakness. 15 And when, dear Lord, before Thy throne in heaven To me the crown of joy at last is given, Where sweetest hymns Thy saints forever raise Thee, I, too, shall praise Thee.