God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
Words: Frank Sewall (1837–1915).
Music: William W. Gilchrist, from his cantata Easter Idyll, 1907 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know when this hymn was written,
O wonder amazing! At earth’s midnight hour
The ages are gazing in awe at its power;
The great secret telling, how anguish is stilled,
The evil dispelling: The Word is fulfilled.
O hearts that have carried your sorrows untold,
The Helper that tarried come here and behold!
What prophets have spoken the trial ensures,
By tortures unbroken ’tis love that endures.
O love, ceasing never, from thee what can part?
What height or depth sever from thy bleeding heart?
Now opens the portal, O blest Jesu mine!
Of mansions immortal, of mercy divine.