WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS

Isaac Watts was frequently referred to as the father of English hymnody.  WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS was written to be used at a communion service Watts was conducting.  It was written in 1707.

At the time of Isaac’s birth in July, 1674, his father was in prison for his non-conformist beliefs.  Isaac showed an unusual aptitude for study early.  Starting at age five, he learned Latin, Greek, French and Hebrew by age 13!  He began to write verses of good quality when he was very young.

Watts had concerns about the deplorable state to which congregational singing had degenerated to.  After one service, he was lamenting about this to his father.  His father exclaimed, “Well then, why don’t you give us something better, young man!”

He set about to do just that.  He decided firstly to write many of the messages in the Psalms with the similar teaching in the New Testament.  The result was hymns such as ‘Jesus Shall Reign’, ‘O God our Help in Ages Past’ and ‘I Sing the Mighty Power of God’.  ‘Joy To The World’ is another of his hymns. 

Although it was controversial at the time, he also wrote some hymns based solely on personal feelings…as was his hymn, WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDEROUS CROSS.    All in all, it is recorded that Isaac Watts wrote 600 hymns over his lifetime.

The words of WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDEROUS CROSS, reflect Isaac Watts' personal testimony in a very profound way.  Consider your testimony of God’s grace and mercy as you sing, WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS.