The Cross of Jesus

I saw the cross of Jesus,
When burdened with my sin;
I sought the cross of Jesus
To give me peace within;
I brought my sins to Jesus,
He cleansed me by His blood;
And in the cross of Jesus
I found my peace with God.

I love the cross of Jesus,
It tells me what I am—
A vile and guilty creature
Saved only thro’ the Lamb;
No righteousness or merit,
No beauty can I plead;
Yet in the cross of Jesus
My title there I read.

I clasp the cross of Jesus
In every trying hour,
My sure and certain refuge,
My never failing tower;
In every fear and conflict,
I more than conqu’ror am;
Living, I’m safe—or dying—
Thro’ Christ the risen Lamb.

Author: Elizabeth C. Clephane

Year: 1872

Commonly attributed to Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane (1830–1869); the hymn first appeared in print shortly after her death. Some sources list it as anonymous or under the pseudonym 'E. C. C.', but Clephane is the accepted author of the text.