Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand -
The shadow of a mighty rock
Within a weary land;
A home within a wilderness,
A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat
And the burden of the day.

O safe and happy shelter,
O refuge tried and sweet,
O trysting-place where heaven's love
And heaven's justice meet!
As to the holy patriarch
That wondrous dream was given,
So seems my Saviour's cross to me
A ladder up to heaven.

I take, O cross, thy shadow,
For my abiding place!
I ask no other sunshine than
The sunshine of his face;
Content to let the world go by,
To know no gain nor loss -
My sinful self my only shame,
My glory all - the cross.


Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane (1830-69)