At Calvary Lyrics
Tune Name: CALVARY
Composer: Daniel B. Towner
Meter: Irregular with Refrain
Hymnbook Source: Gospel hymnals
Verse 1
Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died, On Calvary.
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty, At Calvary.
Verse 2
By God’s Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the Law I’d spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned, To Calvary.
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty, At Calvary.
Verse 3
Now I’ve giv’n to Jesus ev’rything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing, Of Calvary.
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty, At Calvary.
Verse 4
Oh, the love that drew salvations’s plan!
Oh, the grace that bro’t it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span, At Calvary.
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty, At Calvary.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | At Calvary |
| Author / Lyricist | William R. Newell (1868–1956) |
| Composer / Tune | Charles H. Gabriel (1856–1932) |
| Date Written / Published | 1895 |
| Historical Context | American gospel hymn reflecting the late 19th-century revival movement; emphasizes the redemptive work of Christ. |
| Theme / Message | Salvation and forgiveness through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. |
| Notable Features | Emotive language and memorable refrain; strong devotional emphasis. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Widely sung in Sunday schools, revival meetings, and evangelical hymnals. |
| Source / Scholarship | American Gospel Hymns Old and New – Harry Eskew |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis On This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| William R. Newell, American Evangelist & Hymn Writer, 1868–1956 | Newell composed the hymn, focusing on the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. (Note: Published pre-1920 contextually in revivals) |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian emphasizes the hymn’s theological emphasis on atonement and salvation. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley’s writings on Christ’s sacrifice reflect the hymn’s devotional focus. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton underscores the centrality of the cross in personal devotion, aligning with this hymn. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint praises its lyrical clarity and pastoral effectiveness in worship. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees highlights its melodic strength and spiritual impact. |
| Philip P. Bliss, American Composer & Evangelist, 1838–1876 | Bliss emphasizes its emotional resonance and use in revival settings. |
Closing Words
In closing, may you be inspired by the words of this song to give it all to the Lord Jesus because He cares for you. We can't do this life on our own. We need a Savior whose Name is The Lord Jesus.
See if you can play the hymn below on our keyboard (It Plays!)
Before you go, take a moment to enjoy great Christian hymns of the Faith.
