"Near the Cross Was Mary Weeping"

 

The text of the hymn, "Near the Cross Was Mary Weeping" was written by Jacopone de Benedictis, a 13th century Franciscan lay brother in Italy, and was translated by Henry Mills (1786-1867), a Presbyterian minister.

I have been unable to find the source of the accompanying portrayals of Mary at Jesus's birth and after his death. Let me know where I should give credit.

Near the cross was Mary weeping,

There her mournful station keeping,

Gazing on her dying Son,

There with speechless grief oppressed,

Anguish-stricken, and distressed;

Through her soul the sword had gone.

Who upon that Suff'rer gazing,

Bowed in sorrow so amazing,

Would not with His mother mourn?

'Twas our sins brought Him from heaven;

These the cruel nails had driven;

All His griefs for us were borne.

When no eye its pity gave us,

When there was no arm to save us,

He His love and pow'r displayed;

By His stripes He wrought our healing;

By His death, our life revealing,

He for us the ransom paid.

Jesus, by Thy love constrain us

That from sin we may refrain us,

In Thy griefs may deeply grieve.

Thee our best affections giving,

To Thy glory ever living,

May we in Thy glory live.

Source: Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary #294 (copyright, Public Domain)