O dearest Lord, what law hast Thou e'er broken

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.