Experience the vibrant and restorative spirit of “Down at the Cross” (also widely known as Glory to His Name) in this peaceful instrumental arrangement. This rendition is crafted to provide a worshipful atmosphere for reflection, centering on the moment of cleansing and the beauty of a soul made complete in Christ.
The Scriptural Foundation
This beloved hymn is a melodic response to the call of Psalm 29:2:
“Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”
The lyrics capture the profound personal exchange that happens “at the cross”—moving from a cry for cleansing to a life where “Jesus so sweetly abides within.” It celebrates the “glory due” to the Savior who saves and keeps us clean.
The Story Behind the Hymn
Written in 1878 by Elisha A. Hoffman, “Down at the Cross” was inspired by a moment of deep meditation on the sacrifice of Christ. Hoffman, a Presbyterian minister who wrote over 2,000 hymns, wanted to capture the sheer joy of the “blood applied” to the heart.
Set to a spirited tune by John H. Stockton, the hymn became a cornerstone of revival music. Its enduring popularity lies in its invitation to “plunge in today”—offering a message of immediate hope and total transformation. From the quiet country pews to the soaring voices of urban cathedrals, this song remains a universal anthem of gratitude.
Hymn Lyrics (Part I)
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!
Refrain
Glory to His Name, glory to His Name;
There to my heart was the blood applied;
Glory to His Name!
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!
Hymn Lyrics (Part II)
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!
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!
Refrain
Glory to His Name, glory to His Name;
There to my heart was the blood applied;
Glory to His Name!
Ways to Use This Instrumental
Daily Thanksgiving: Use the refrain “Glory to His Name” as a breath prayer throughout your day.
Preparation for Communion: Reflect on the “cleansing” and the “fountain” while preparing your heart for the Lord’s Table.
Seeking Peace: Allow the melody to wash over you when you feel “incomplete,” remembering that He makes you “complete.”
Deepen Your Connection
If this melody touched your heart, explore our collection of traditional hymns and scriptural deep-dives designed to foster a life of holiness and praise.
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