Hymn Story: In the Cross of Christ I Glory

“In the Cross of Christ I Glory” was written by Sir John Bowring. He was born in 1792 in Exeter, England and a gifted linguist mastering thirteen languages. In 1854, he was knighted by Queen Victoria.

He helped Great Britain develop relationships with a number of countries and served in Parliament for two terms. Even in retirement he remained highly esteemed. He died in 1872 in Exeter, England. On his tombstone are the words “In the cross of Christ I glory.”

He composed this hymn in 1825 when he was in his early thirties. The song appears in Hymns by John Bowring.

One hymnologists suggest the text comes from Galatians 6:14  “Far be it for me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (KJV).

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