Down at the Cross Lyrics
Tune Name: GLORY TO HIS NAME
Composer: John H. Stockton
Meter: 8.7.8.7 with Refrain
Hymnbook Source: Gospel Hymns No. 3 (1878)
Verse 1
Down at the cross where my Savior died,
Down where for cleansing from sin I cried;
There to my heart was the blood applied;
Glory to His name!
Chorus
Glory to His name, Glory to His name:
There to my heart was the blood applied;
Glory to His name!
Verse 2
I am so wondrously saved from sin,
Jesus so sweetly abides within;
There at the cross where He took me in;
Glory to His name!
Chorus
Glory to His name, Glory to His name:
There to my heart was the blood applied;
Glory to His name!
Verse 3
Oh, precious fountain that saves from sin,
I am so glad I have entered in;
There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean;
Glory to His name!
Chorus
Glory to His name, Glory to His name:
There to my heart was the blood applied;
Glory to His name!
Verse 4
Come to this fountain so rich and sweet;
Cast thy poor soul at the Savior’s feet;
Plunge in today, and be made complete;
Glory to His name!
Chorus
Glory to His name, Glory to His name:
There to my heart was the blood applied;
Glory to His name!
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Down at the Cross |
| Author / Lyricist | Elisha A. Hoffman (1839–1929) |
| Composer / Tune | Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915) / Traditional tune |
| Date Written / Published | Late 19th century |
| Historical Context | Written in the American gospel revival; emphasizes salvation through Christ’s sacrifice. |
| Theme / Message | Redemption and forgiveness at the cross of Christ. |
| Notable Features | Simple, heartfelt lyrics suitable for congregational singing. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Popular in revival meetings and Sunday schools; remains widely sung in evangelical churches. |
| Source / Scholarship | Elisha Hoffman: Gospel Hymn Writer – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian notes the hymn’s central theme of salvation through Christ’s atoning work on the cross. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley frequently emphasized personal experience of salvation, aligning with this hymn’s devotional intent. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton’s writings on redemption and Christ’s sacrifice directly relate to the hymn’s theological content. |
| Isaac Watts, English Hymn Writer & Theologian, 1674–1748 | Watts’ hymns celebrate the believer’s union with Christ’s death and resurrection, reflected here. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees highlighted hymns that evoke heartfelt devotion and repentance, central to this hymn. |
| Charlotte Elliott, Devotional Hymn Writer, 1789–1871 | Elliott’s focus on personal submission and atonement resonates with the hymn’s emphasis on the cross. |
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