University of Virginia Library

1950.

[Submissive to Thy Father's will]

Therefore doth My Father love Me, because, &c. —x. 17, 18.

Submissive to Thy Father's will,
Jesus Thou didst Thy life lay down,
Didst of Thine own accord fulfil
The strange design of love unknown;
Obedient to His love's decree
Thou didst the general ransom pay:
Thy deed was absolute and free,
And yet Thou couldst not disobey.
Love only did my Lord constrain
Thy life so freely to resign,

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A sacrifice for guilty man,
A grateful sacrifice Divine:
Love would not let my Saviour rest,
Sole cause of the stupendous deed,
It drew Thee from Thy Father's breast,
It made the Man of sorrows bleed.
Deserving in Thy proper right
Thou hence obtain'st Thy Father's love,
And raised by Thy own Spirit's might,
Appear'st our Advocate above;
Great Patron of the ransom'd race,
Well-pleased He always is with Thee:
And Thou hast merited His grace,
And Thou hast bought His love for me.