When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

The story of this hymn

Isaac Watts wrote this for the Lord's Supper and published it in his Hymns and Spiritual Songs of 1707, at a time when English congregations sang little but metrical psalms. Its steady gaze at the cross — 'sorrow and love flow mingled down' — has made it one of the most treasured hymns in the language. In Britain and South Africa it is usually sung to Edward Miller's tune 'Rockingham', slow and unhurried, which is exactly the pace a funeral needs.

Where it sits in the service

Usually the middle hymn, after the tributes and before the message, where its quietness steadies the service; it also suits a communion or requiem setting. Sing it slowly. If the family wants the final verse — 'love so amazing, so divine' — repeated softly at the end, say so in the printed order of service, or the congregation will sit down too soon.

In the programme, list it in the order of service as “Hymn — When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” with the leader or choir named beside it.

How it is actually sung

Watts at his most restrained, and a hymn that suits a service where the family wants reflection rather than comfort. Four verses. Slow, quiet singing — this is not one to lift the room, and choosing it for that purpose disappoints. It belongs before the sermon rather than at the end.

Printing the words

Public domain. Print all four; the last verse is the one the hymn exists for and dropping it is a common error.

This is practical guidance rather than legal advice. Reproduction rights vary by territory, by hymnal edition and by the licence your church holds — the church office is the right place to ask, and they answer this question often.