Christ and his cross is all our theme

This hymn first appeared as hymn 119 in Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book II. It is a common meter hymn with the heading “The different Success of the Gospel.” It has been set with many tunes, including St. Agnes by John B. Dykes.

1. Christ and his cross is all our theme;
The mysteries that we speak
Are scandal in the Jew’s esteem,
And folly to the Greek.

2. But souls enlightened from above
With joy receive the word;
They see what wisdom, power, and love
Shine in their dying Lord.

3. The vital savour of his name
Restores their fainting breath;
Believing, they rejoice in him,
The Antidote of death.

4. Till God diffuse his graces down,
Like showers of heavenly rain,
In vain Apollos sows the ground,
And Paul may plant in vain.

Isaac Watts
Gadsby’s Selection #165