I Saw One Hanging on a Tree

I saw One hanging on a tree,
   In agonies and blood,
Who fixed His eyes of love on me
   As near His cross I stood.
That look of love and sorrow said:
   "My life for thee I give;
This blood is for thy ransom paid;
   I die that thou mayest live!"

O never till my latest breath
   Can I forget that look;
It seemed to charge me with His death,
   Though not a word He spoke.
That look of love and sorrow said:
   "My life for thee I give;
This blood is for thy ransom paid;
   I died that thou mayest live!"

My conscience felt and owned the guilt,
   And plunged me in despair;
I saw my sins His blood had spilt,
   And helped to nail Him there.
Again He looked in love, which said:
   "I freely all forgive;
This blood is for thy ransom paid;
   I die that thou mayest live!"

Then I who, trembling, learned to see
   That I my Lord had slain,
Was filled with peace, because for me
   He bore that grief and pain.
Thus, while His death my sin displays
   In all its blackest hue,
Such is the mystery of grace,
   It seals my pardon too.

—John Newton

A Tree of Agate

Over a deep gorge in Arizona lies a great tree, forming a natural bridge. Ages ago it fell, in its prime, apparently a failure. Yet, gradually changed, it is now a tree of solid agate. It has become of noble use and great value, being used by countless human feet to cross the chasm. Christ Himself seemed a failure in the eyes of man, yet He is the Way from earth to heaven by which His redeemed may pass over. Once rejected - now honored!

—J.R.M.