The Cyber Hymnal ‎#9664

9664. What Law, Beloved Jesu

1 What law, belovèd Jesu, hast Thou broken?
Why have Thy foes such cruel judgment spoken?
What is Thy crime? for what do they disdain Thee?
Why thus arraign Thee?

2 What laid on Thee the griefs Thy soul endurèd?
Ah! Lord, my guilt Thy stripes and wounds procurèd;
My sad desert, whose sins my God have grievèd,
Thou has receivèd.

3 How great, how wonderful is this correction,
The Shepherd’s death becomes His sheep’s protection!
The servant’s sin to Heav’n for vengeance crieth;
His good Lord dieth!

4 To reach Thy grace in vain all thought ascendeth;
Above my praise Thy mercy far exendeth!
Thy deeds of love surpass our utmost measure
Of work and treasure.

Text Information

• First Line: What law, beloved Jesu, hast Thou broken?
• Title: What Law, Beloved Jesu
• German Title: Herzliebster Jesu
• Author: Johann Heerman
• Translator: Arthur T. Russell
• Meter: 11.11.11.5
• Language: English
• Source: Devoti Musica Cordis, 1630; Tr.: Psalms and Hymns (Cambridge, England: John Deigthon, 1851)

Tune Information

• Name: HERZLIEBSTER JESU
• Composer: Johann Crüger (1640)
• Meter: 11.11.11.5
• Key: g minor
• Source: Newes volkömiches Gesangbuch Augsburgischer Confession (Berlin: 1640)
• Copyright: Public Domain