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O dearest Lord, what law hast Thou e'er

1.O dearest Lord, what law hast Thou e'er
broken
That such sharp sentence should on Thee be
spoken?
Of what misdeed hast Thou to make
confession-
What dark transgression?
2.They crown Thy head with thorns, they smite,
they scourge Thee;
With cruel mockings to the cross they urge
Thee;
They give Thee gall to drink, they still decry
Thee;
They crucify Thee.
3.What punishment so strange is suffered
yonder?
The shepherd dies for sheep that loved to
wander;
The Master pays the debt His servants owe
Him,
Who would not know Him.
4.The sinless Son of God must die in sadness;
The sinful child of man may live in gladness;
Man forfeited His life and is acquitted-
God is committed.
5.O mighty King, no time can dim Thy glory!
How shall I spread abroad Thy wondrous
story?
How shall I find some worthy gift to proffer?
What dare I offer?
6.I'll think upon Thy mercy without ceasing;
That earth's vain joys no more to me be
pleasing;
To do Thy will shall be my sole endeavor
Henceforth forever.