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Hymn Almanac February

Today in 1691 – John Byrom Born

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John Byrom’s father worked as a linen draper in Manchester, England. But Byrom followed a more academic pursuit. He graduated with a Masters degree from Cambridge, and earned a living by teaching shorthand, using a system of his own invention. A Christian layman, he was a friend of John and Charles Wesley, and both men made use of his shorthand technique, John for writing his famous Journals, and Charles for writing his hymns. Byrom also wrote a number of hymns himself.

Christians Awake (original)


Late in 1749, Mr. Byrom asked his young daughter Dolly, his favourite of the children,  what she would like for Christmas that year. In reply, she said, “Please write me a poem.” Coming down on Christmas morning Dolly found a neatly folded paper on the breakfast table. On it, under the heading, “Christmas Day, For Dolly,” were found the stirring lines of a carol now known as Christians Awake. (The original is pictured here.)

John Wainwright, the church organist and choir leader of the church the family attended, set the poem to music. A year later came a wonderful surprise. The family was awakened to hear Wainwright’s choir of men and boys at their front door singing, for the first time:

Christians, awake, salute the happy morn
Whereon the Saviour of the world was born.
Rise to adore the mystery of love
Which hosts of angels chanted from above,
With them the joyful tidings first begun
Of God incarnate and the virgin’s Son.

Then to the watchful shepherds it was told,
Who heard th’angelic herald’s voice, “Behold,
I bring good tidings of a Saviour’s birth
To you and all the nations of the earth;
This day hath God fulfilled His promised Word;
This day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord.”

(2) Today in 1960 – Thomas Chisholm Died

Thomas Obediah Chisholm was educated in a small country school–where he became the teacher at the age of 16! For a time he edited a publication called the Pentecostal Herald. Later, he was ordained as a Methodist pastor, but he only served a church in Kentucky for a short time before poor health required him to resign. He became an insurance salesman, but he had a wider ministry than he could have imagined through the poetry he wrote.

Of his 1200 poems, quite a number were set to music. He has given us fine songs such as: Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Living for Jesus, O to Be Like Thee, He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions, and Trust in the Lord. (For a bit more about Mr. Chisholm and his songs, see Today in 1886.) Based on the familiar words of Isaiah 53, He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions says:

He was wounded for our transgressions,
He bore our sins in His body on the tree;
For our guilt He gave us peace,
From our bondage gave release,
And with His stripes, and with His stripes,
And with His stripes our souls are healed.

Living for Jesus, a song about the Christian life, has been translated into many languages.

Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.

O Jesus, Lord and Saviour, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.

Today in 1778 – Friedrich Flemming Born

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Friedrich Ferdinand Flemming studied medicine and served as a physician in Berlin until his death. In music, he is chiefly remembered for an 1811 male chorus setting of Horace’s ode Integer Vitae. His one hymn tune, an excellent one now known as Flemming, is adapted from that work. It is used for Elizabeth Charles’s Trinitarian hymn, Praise Ye the Triune God.

Praise ye the Father for His lovingkindness;
Tenderly cares He for His erring children;
Praise Him, ye angels, praise Him in the heavens,
Praise ye Jehovah!

Praise ye the Saviour—great is His compassion;
Graciously cares He for His chosen people;
Young men and maidens, older folks and children,
Praise ye the Saviour!

Praise ye the Spirit, Comforter of Israel,
Sent of the Father and the Son to bless us;
Praise ye the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Praise ye the Triune God!

(2) Today in 1929 – William Edwards Died

Welshman William Edwards is known in hymnody for one contribution only: he has given us an English translation of the insightful Welsh hymn Here Is Love. Edwards was an influential scholar and Baptist layman, and a tutor teaching the Greek language. He translated the New Testament into the Welsh tongue from the original Greek. In politics, he was known as a passionate orator. His voice is stilled on earth now, but consider the powerful ministry he may yet have to those who sing the hymn he has given us.

Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Lovingkindness as the flood,
When the Prince of Life, our ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten,
Throughout heav’n’s eternal days.

On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.

Let me all Thy love accepting,
Love Thee, ever all my days;
Let me seek Thy kingdom only
And my life be to Thy praise;
Thou alone shalt be my glory,
Nothing in the world I see.
Thou hast cleansed and sanctified me,
Thou Thyself hast set me free.

(3) (Data Missing) – The Old Book and the Old Faith

This rousing gospel song was written by George H. Carr and published in 1914. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any more data available on either Mr. Carr or his hymn. But it has a message for our time. In a day when various ones are questioning the truths expressed in the Word of God, it is encouraging to know there are still many who stand upon God’s Word and preach “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3).

’Mid the storms of doubt and unbelief, we fear,
Stands a Book eternal that the saints hold dear;
Through the restless ages it remains the same—
’Tis the Book of God, and the Bible is its name!

The old Book and the old faith
Are the Rock on which I stand!
The old Book and the old faith
Are the bulwark of the land!
Through storm and stress they stand the test
In every clime and nation blessed;
The old Book and the old faith
Are the hope of every land!

’Tis the Book that tells us of the Father’s love,
When He sent His Son to us from heav’n above,
Who by richest promise creates hope within,
For ’tis through His blood we are saved from every sin!

Oh, the grand old Book and the dear old faith
Are the Rock on which I stand!
Oh, the grand old Book and the dear old faith
Are the hope of every land!

Today in 1807 – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Born

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Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was the most popular American poet of his time. He wrote a number of well known poems such as Paul Revere’s Ride, The Village Blacksmith, The Song of Hiawatha, and Evangeline. He also spent several years doing a translation of Dante’s Divine Comedy.

Graphic Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry was the older brother of Unitarian pastor and hymn writer, Samuel Longfellow, but he himself is not considered a hymn writer. However, Henry Longfellow was inspired to write the Christmas carol I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day when his own son went off to join the Union forces during the Civil War.

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

(2) Today in 1838 – William Kirkpatrick Born

William James Kirkpatrick was born in Ireland, but came to America with his parents, at an early age. As a prominent gospel musician, he provided the tunes for some of our familiar hymns such as Lead Me to Calvary, ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus, Jesus Saves, and many more. He also edited and published many books of sacred  music.

Rarely has a hymn been written specifically for the benefit of one person. But that happened with one by William Kirkpatrick. It happened when he was assisting as song leader in camp meetings held in Rawlinsville, Pennsylvania. The guest soloist possessed a wonderful voice, and sang with great expression. However, Kirkpatrick noticed he never remained in the service after he did his part. He left before the preaching of the Word.

William Kirkpatrick began to doubt whether the man was a born again believer. He returned to his tent after a morning meeting and prayed for guidance. He wanted somehow to impress upon the other musician his need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And he got an idea. He would write a song for the other man to sing, a song that would call him to put his faith in the Saviour. It was not often Mr. Kirkpatrick wrote both words and music. Usually, his contribution was a musical one. But the urgency of the case prompted him to do both, and the hymn was soon finished.

He gave it to the soloist, asking if he would sing it in the evening meeting. The man did so, and was clearly convicted by the hymn’s message. That night, the singer did stay for the sermon. And when it ended he came forward to indicate his desire to get right with God. The song that ministered to that singer was Lord, I’m Coming Home.

I’ve wandered far away from God,
Now I’m coming home;
The paths of sin too long I’ve trod,
Lord, I’m coming home.

Coming home, coming home,
Nevermore to roam,
Open wide Thine arms of love,
Lord, I’m coming home.

I’ve wasted many precious years,
Now I’m coming home;
I now repent with bitter tears,
Lord, I’m coming home.

The choir’s rendering of this hymn in the video is a little ragged at times. (They don’t always start and stop together.) But the video is interesting. It provides quite an amazing collection of paintings interpreting the parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk. 15:11-24), at the point when he returns home to his father.

There is a touching story about William Kirkpatrick’s death, at the age of 83. Mrs. Kirkpatrick found her husband sitting in his favourite chair at about four in the morning on September 29, 1921. But, as she checked on him, she soon realized he had passed away. Lying at his feet was the beginning of a text for the last hymn he wrote. It provides a fitting ending to this godly man’s fruitful life:

Just as Thou wilt, Lord, this is my cry:
Just as Thou wilt, to live or die.
I am Thy servant; Thou knowest best;
Just as Thou wilt to labour or rest.

Just as Thou wilt, Lord–which shall it be,
Life everlasting waiting for me,
Or shall I tarry here at Thy feet?
Just as Thou wilt, Lord, whate’er is meet.

Today in 1773 – John Burton Sr. Born

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Graphic Open Bible

John Burton Sr. lived in Nottingham, England, for the first 40 years of his life, then moved to Leicester. He is described as a dedicated Baptist layman, who wrote his early hymns for the children in his Sunday School. He helped compile the Sunday School Union Hymn Book of 1810, that went through 20 editions over the following half century.

There is only one of Mr. Burton’s hymns in common use now, Holy Bible, Book Divine. He first published the words in 1803, in a book he wrote–with a long title, often typical of those times: Youth’s Monitor in Verse, a Series of Little Tales, Emblems, Poems and Songs. The hymn is valuable because it lists many of the important uses of God’s Word.

Holy Bible, Book divine,
Precious treasure, thou art mine;
Mine to tell me whence I came;
Mine to teach me what I am.

Mine to chide me when I rove;
Mine to show a Saviour’s love;
Mine thou art to guide and guard;
Mine to punish or reward.

Mine to comfort in distress;
Suffering in this wilderness;
Mine to show, by living faith,
Man can triumph over death.

Mine to tell of joys to come,
And the rebel sinner’s doom;
O thou holy Book divine,
Precious treasure, thou art mine.

(2) Today in 1846 – George Stebbins Born

George Coles Stebbins was one of the preeminent gospel tunesmiths of the nineteenth century. And since he lived until 1945, dying at the age of 99, he provides an important bridge back to the sacred music of those earlier times. Stebbins knew and worked with many of the important figures in the evangelistic world, Dwight Moody, Ira Sankey, Fanny Crosby, and many more. His book, Reminiscences and Gospel Hymn Stories gives us a colourful personal look at many of these men and women, with anecdotes relating to hymn history.

For example, here is Stebbins account of making a recording of My Redeemer, Philip Bliss’s last-known hymn, back in the 1800’s, when Thomas Edison’s invention was new. Mr. Stebbins is reported to have had a wonderful tenor voice, but keep in mind that until this time, nobody had actually been able to hear himself or herself sing!

I had been singing it [Bliss’s hymn] a great deal in New England, and near the close of our meetings in one city, an Edison phonograph–the most startling invention of that age–was being exhibited….I was accordingly invited to “make a record,” as it is now called, which I did.

The record was made on a cylinder wrapped in tinfoil, which was turned by hand both in recording and reproducing…and when it was made I stepped aside and heard myself sing. I remember as if it were but yesterday the novel experience, as I had never seen a phonograph before, and the hearing of my own voice, and every word with striking distinctness enunciated, and even my characteristic manner of singing, modulation of voice and phrasing, produced a unique sensation.

In common with other gospel musicians of the time, such as Philip Bliss, George Stebbins not only wrote music, he was also an evangelist. Around the year 1900, he spent a year preaching in India, Egypt, Italy, Palestine, France and England, touring these countries with his wife Elma. But it was in music that Stebbins made his own distinctive mark.

Among the many tunes he composed are a host of melodies for texts by Fanny Crosby, plus: Green Hill, for There Is a Green Hill Far Way; and tunes for Ye Must Be Born Again; Have Thine Own Way, Lord; Must I Go, and Empty Handed; Take Time to Be Holy; and, in 1878, the tune Evening Prayer, for Saviour, Breathe an Evening Blessing.

Saviour, breathe an evening blessing
Ere repose our spirits seal;
Sin and want we come confessing:
Thou canst save, and Thou canst heal.

Though the night be dark and dreary,
Darkness cannot hide from Thee;
Thou art He who, never weary,
Watchest where Thy people be.

Father, to Thy holy keeping
Humbly we ourselves resign;
Saviour, who hast slept our sleeping,
Make our slumbers pure as Thine.

Here is an organ rendition of Mr. Stebbins’s tune. The organist (quite unnecessarily, I think) apologizes to the one doing the recording for an almost unnoticeable slip in one stanza. To be fair to her, this was not a public event, and she felt free to chat with the unseen recorder. But it’s perhaps a good place to talk about mistakes made in actual services of the church.

Most of us are not professional musicians. I’ve made slips playing the organ or piano, and also singing solos. (And even professionals can make mistakes!) In Christian ministry, often the best thing to do is ignore them and move on.  As much as possible, let’s keep the focus on the song, not on us. The less that is made of the flub, the less likely it is to be remembered. We are trying to convey a message and honour the Lord, not show how skilled we are (cf. Jn. 3:30; I Cor. 2:1-5).

Today in 1852 – Thomas Moore Died

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Son of John Moore, a Dublin tradesman, Thomas received his education at a private school, and at Trinity College, Dublin. He pursued a legal profession, and held a post in the Bermuda government for a time. He was also a well-known poet and an Irish nationalist. He wrote 32 hymns, but one in particular has continued to be used. Come, Ye Disconsolate was originally called Relief in Prayer. Thomas Hastings revised it about two decades later. Gone is a stanza that, while true, is not as suited to public worship. The omitted stanza says:

Go, ask the infidel what boon he brings us,
What charm for aching hearts he can reveal,
Sweet as that heavenly promise Hope sings us–
Earth hath no sorrow God cannot heal.

Remaining, after Hastings’ amendments is a hymn of encouragement that says in part:

Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye languish,
Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish;
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

Joy of the desolate, light of the straying,
Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure!
Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,
“Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure.”

(2) Today in 1873 – Enrico Caruso Born

The year 1907 was early days for the Salvation Army in Canada. Art Smith and his wife were serving as probationary captains in Coburg, Ontario. Down the street they marched one Sunday afternoon, “Blood and Fire” flag unfurled, to hold an open air meeting. They stopped in front of a fashionable hotel, where American tourists lounged carelessly on a broad veranda.

Graphic Enrico Caruso

After the Smiths had sung and prayed, a short, stocky man came down the steps to ask if he might join in the singing. And, “Could we sing the old hymn, Lead, Kindly Light?” They did so. And the stranger’s soaring tenor voice electrified listeners. Conversation ceased until the hymn was done. The same thing happened when, at his request, they sang Abide With Me. The gathering crowd strained to hear each glorious note. Something unusual was happening.

Then, as was the custom, Mrs. Smith went around with her tambourine, taking a collection to help with their work. It was filled to overflowing, providing the largest amount ever received by the couple. Not until afterward did they learn from the hotel manager the identity of their volunteer soloist. It was none other than Enrico Caruso (pictured here), the legendary tenor with the Metropolitan Opera Company.

Certainly the most esteemed singer of his day, and one of the greatest ever, that very year Caruso had made the first million-selling recording in history. Thus he is significant in establishing the whole recording industry–which has meant much to the ministry of the gospel over the years. Caruso was never completely at home working in English. The recordings he made in our language had to be learned phonetically, and his heavy accent often gets in the way of enjoying the songs. But here he is on more familiar territory, with the Italian song O Sole Mio, recorded in 1916. The tune was later used for an excellent gospel song, Down from His Glory.

His golden voice made Enrico Caruso (1873-1921) rich and famous. Even those who don’t know much about opera recognize his name. But there is more to life than earthly fame. Eternity alone will tell the impact of the Smiths’ humble ministry, and of the funds collected that day.

Today in 1886 – Samuel Wolcott Died

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Graphic World Map

Born in Connecticut, Samuel Wolcott went to Syria as a missionary, but was forced to return to America because of ill health. He was ordained as a Congregational minister, and served a number of churches in the northeastern United States. He later became secretary of the Ohio Home Missionary Society. Though he produced no hymns in the early years, he wrote more than 200 in the last couple of decades of his life.

The YMCA held their Ohio State Convention in Cleveland, in 1869. Samuel Wolcott was in attendance, and he was impressed by a decoration over the platform. Evergreen boughs were used to spell out the words, “Christ for the World, and the World for Christ.” On the way home from the meeting, as he walked along, Wolcott created in his mind the words of his hymn Christ for the World We Sing.

Christ for the world we sing,
The world to Christ we bring, with loving zeal,
The poor and them that mourn, the faint and overborne,
Sin sick and sorrow worn, whom Christ doth heal.

Christ for the world we sing,
The world to Christ we bring, with fervent prayer;
The wayward and the lost, by restless passions tossed,
Redeemed at countless cost, from dark despair.

(2) Today in 1941 – Tom Fettke Born

Contemporary musician Tom Fettke holds degrees from Oakland City College and California State University at Hayward. For a number of years he taught vocal music in California’s public schools, and was a church choir director and minister of music for over 30 years. These days he is in demand as a guest conductor and workshop leader.

Mr. Fettke has composed and arranged hundreds of works, and made many recordings. He was the senior editor for the Hymnal for Worship and Celebration, and the later Celebration Hymnal. Many of the optional choral endings added to hymns in the latter book are from his pen. And he wrote the music for worship songs such as The Majesty and Glory of Your Name, and Adoration, as well as for the hymn Be Strong in the Lord.

Be strong in the Lord, and be of good courage;
Your mighty Defender is always the same.
Mount up with wings, as the eagles ascending;
Vict’ry is sure when you call on His name.

Today in 1685 – George Handel Born

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Graphic George Handel

George Frederick Handel was a German composer, born in Prussia–though he spent 50 years of his life in England, and became a British citizen. In his early years, his father pushed him toward a career in law, and discouraged his interest in music. But it is difficult to ignore true genius. Finally, his father accepted his son’s love of music, and Handel devoted himself to a lifelong study of the subject.

By the time George was 9 years old, he was writing cantatas, and sonatas. By the age of 12 he had mastered the organ to the extent that he sometimes substituted for his own teacher! He was also a skilled performer on the violin, the oboe, and the harpsichord. He spent 3 years in Italy, writing operas, then made England his permanent home in 1712. Handel was blind for the last 6 years of his life, but he continued to write. He died in 1759, and is buried in Westminster Abbey.

Handel was far from perfect. A temperamental musician with a short fuse, he was reputed to  swear at performers in several languages when they were not up to his high standard. But he was also quick admit his failing and apologize. And, in spite of his weaknesses, George Handel was a committed Christian, and a member of the Lutheran church. He was a man of prayer, who sought to serve the Lord with his sacred music. When someone commented that people found Messiah excellent “entertainment,” he replied, “I should be sorry if I only entertain them. I wish to make them better!”

It struck me, on reading about the latter conversation, that Handel’s words strike to the heart of a conflict regarding sacred music in the churches of today. Some insist on being entertained, but the words of Colossians 3:16 alert us to quite another purpose: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing [exhorting] one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

George Frederick Handel’s output was enormous: about 24 oratorios, more than 40 operas, 40 concertos, plus many sonatas, cantatas, chamber duets, and other pieces of church music. Quite a few hymn tunes are credited to him, most being adapted from his compositions. For example: the tune Antioch, is used with Joy to the World, and Christmas, with While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night. Here’s a spirited rendition of Joy to the World.

The incomparable oratorio Messiah was written in 1741, in the astoundingly short period of 24 days. Handel ate little, and rarely left his room, as he composed. At one point, a servant entered with some food, as Handel was just completing the well-known Hallelujah Chorus. He turned to the servant with tears streaming down his face and exclaimed, “I did think I did see all heaven before me, and the great God Himself!” When the king of England attended a performance of Messiah, he rose to his feet during the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus. In adherence to protocol, the entire audience stood too. Standing for this exalted exclamation of worship is a worthy custom that has endured for over 250 years.

Here are two selections from Handel’s  masterpiece, performed by two different choirs: And the Glory of the Lord, and the familiar Hallelujah Chorus.

To my mind, this masterpiece may be the greatest piece of music ever written. If you have never taken the opportunity to attend a live performance with a large choir and full orchestra, I recommend this as a life-changing experience. (Or purchase a good recording, and listen over and over–the next best thing). Handel takes us through the life of Christ, and on into eternity, using a careful arrangement of the Scriptures. For your interest, here are the Scriptures quoted:

  • PROMISE AND FULFILMENT–prophecies of the Messiah’s incarnation, the story of His birth, His earthly life and ministry: Isa. 40:1-5; Hag. 2:6-7; Mal. 3:1-3; Isa. 7:14; Isa. 40:9; Isa. 60:1-3; Isa. 9:2, 6; Lk. 2:8-11; Zech. 9:9-10; Isa. 35:5-6; Isa. 40:11; Matt. 11:28-30.
  • REJECTION AND REDEMPTION–Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension to the Father’s right hand: Jn. 1:29; Isa. 53:3; Isa. 50:6; Isa. 53:4-6; Ps. 22:7-8; Ps. 69:20; Lam. 1:12; Isa. 53:8; Ps. 16:10; Ps. 24:7-10; Heb. 1:5-6; Ps. 68:18.
  • PROCLAMATION AND CONSUMMATION–the preaching of the gospel, the resurrection of the saints, Christ’s coming reign, with some concluding words of worship and encouragement: Ps. 68:11; Isa. 52:7; (Rom. 10:15); Rom. 10:18; Ps. 2:1-4, 9; Rev. 19:6; Rev. 19:16; Job 19:25-26; I Cor. 15:20-22, 55-57; Rom. 8:31, 33-34; Rev. 5:12-13.

I have often wondered whether it would be possible to create a series of Bible studies, built on these texts, studies that would include listening to appropriate sections of the oratorio.

(2) Today in 1816 – John Bode Born

John Ernest Bode was an English clergyman and scholar. The time came when his daughter and two sons were facing confirmation, a public testimony to their faith, in accordance with the practice of the Church of England. It was for them that he penned the words of the hymn, O Jesus, I Have Promised. (His original version read, “O Jesus, we have promised…”) He told them, “I have written a hymn containing all the important truths I want you to remember.” And whether or not our churches have an official ceremony of confirmation, there is value in John Bode’s poetic advice.

O Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle if Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my Guide.

O let me feel Thee near me! The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me, around me and within;
But Jesus, draw Thou nearer, and shield my soul from sin.

O let me hear Thee speaking in accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self will.
O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen, Thou Guardian of my soul.

O Jesus, Thou hast promised to all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory there shall Thy servant be.
And Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow, my Master and my Friend.

Today in 1805 – Sarah Adams Born

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Sarah Fuller Flower was the daughter of British journalist and politician Benjamin Flower. She married an inventor and civil engineer named John Adams, working as a actress for a time, and receiving popular acclaim for her portrayal of Lady Macbeth in 1837. She is described in accounts of the day as being “tall and singularly beautiful.” But her stage career was cut short by ill health, and she turned to writing. She died in 1848 of tuberculosis.

In 1841, Sarah Adams published Vivia Perpetua, a dramatic poem about an early Christian martyr. (Perpetua’s courage and nobility in the face of death are powerfully described in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.) Mrs. Adams also wrote magazine articles and a number of hymns. One of her devotional poems says in part:

He sendeth sun, He sendeth shower,
Alike they’re needful for the flower:
And joys and tears alike are sent
To give the soul fit nourishment.
As comes to me or cloud or sun,
Father! Thy will, not mine, be done!
Can loving children e’er reprove
With murmurs whom they trust and love?
Creator! I would ever be
A trusting, loving child to Thee.

Sarah Flower Adams was a lifelong Unitarian. But her most famous hymn, Nearer, My God, to Thee, is found in orthodox and evangelical hymnals throughout the English speaking world. Mrs. Adams wrote it at the request of her pastor to go with a message he planned on Jacob’s encounter with God recorded in Genesis 28:10-16.

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

When you sing this hymn, I encourage you to add the stanza written by Edward Bickersteth. It gives the song a stronger finish, reflecting our hope in Christ as it does.

There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,
There in my Saviour’s love, perfectly blest;
Age after age to be, nearer my God to Thee.
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee.

(2) Today in 1822 – George Heath Died

English clergyman George Heath was born in 1745. He was apparently Unitarian in his beliefs (They deny the deity of Christ.). Yet he somehow became the pastor of a Presbyterian church! He was later “proven unworthy,” and was dismissed “for cause.” One would expect that it was a doctrinal issue. Mr. Heath, has, however, given the world an excellent hymn, a challenge to the Christian soldier entitled, My Soul, Be on Thy Guard.

My soul, be on thy guard;
Ten thousand foes arise;
The hosts of sin are pressing hard
To draw thee from the skies.

O watch, and fight, and pray;
The battle ne’er give o’er;
Renew it boldly every day,
And help divine implore.

Ne’er think the victory won,
Nor lay thine armour down;
The work of faith will not be done,
Till thou obtain the crown.

Today in 1801 – John Newman Born

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During a time of illness and great discouragement, John Henry Newman penned the words of the hymn Lead, Kindly Light. (It was written on June 16th, 1833.) The author’s disappointment with the Church of England of his day eventually turned him toward the Church of Rome, where he became Cardinal Newman, later in life.

Hymn historian Robert Guy McCutchan says of Newman’s song, “No more beautiful hymn, nor one more dignified, has been written in English.” That seems a rather overstated position, but it is a lovely hymn and not without merit.

McCutchan classes “with the morn those angel faces smile” as one of the “exquisite phrases” in the poetry. That is ironic, since, when Newman was asked years later what the phrase meant, he responded that he had no idea! This reminds us of the need for our hymns to be true to Scripture, and speak clearly. We can admire well-written poetry–and Newman’s contribution certainly is that–but we need more.

Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom, lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home; lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on.
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till the night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!

(2) Today in 1950 – Charles Naylor Died

Charles Wesley Naylor served as a pastor with the Church of God for 13 years before a serious accident–a large tent pole falling on his back–made him an invalid for the last 40 years of his life. He wrote many hymns and gospel songs, but they are not in common use today. One of his selections is O Praise the Lord! a song based in part on the shortest Psalm in the Bible, Ps. 117, which says:

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles [the KJV has “nations”]! Laud Him, all you peoples! For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!

As Pastor Naylor’s hymn puts it:

O praise the Lord, all ye nations!
Praise Him, all ye people!
For His merciful kindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord endureth forever:
Praise ye the Lord!

Praise Him, praise Him!
Praise ye the Lord!
Praise Him, praise Him!
Praise ye the Lord!

O praise the Lord, all ye nations!
Praise Him for His goodness!
For He saveth His people from all their sins,
And preserveth the souls of all who will trust Him:
Praise ye the Lord!

(3) Data Missing – When I Walk Up the Streets of Gold

There are a number of songs for which we have little information, and I want to include a few of them from time to time. The author of the lyrics for this gospel song is unknown. We do know that the tune was composed by Homer Morris (1875-1955), which likely gives us a clue as to the time frame when the words were created. Mr. Morris was an American composer and music editor. He also conducted hundreds of singing schools.

When I Walk Up the Streets of Gold is a reminder to us that the things that burden and fret believers here will be left behind when we go to be with the Lord.

The burdens of life may be many,
The frowns of the world may be cold;
To me it will matter but little,
When I walk up the streets of gold.

When I walk up the streets of gold,
When I walk up the streets of gold;
How my heart will rejoice in that morning,
When I walk up the streets of gold.

With joy I shall enter that city,
The face of my Saviour behold;
And I shall be changed and be like Him,
When I walk up the streets of gold.

For ages and ages I’ll praise Him,
And never grow weary or old;
Love-crowned I’ll abide in His presence,
When I walk up the streets of gold.

Today in 1867 – Barney Warren Born

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Barney Elliot Warren was converted in 1884 at revival meetings near Bangor, Michigan. Two years later he joined an evangelistic singing group as a bass singer. Warren also served as a Church of God pastor, producing song books and hymnals for the Gospel Trumpet Company. He is credited with writing some 7,000 songs, though few are used today.

One song that is still found in some books is Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory, based on I Pet. 1:8 (KJV), where the apostle speaks of the Lord Jesus, “whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”

Though the blessings of God are often beyond description, it’s in praising Him for what we are able to comprehend that our souls are strengthened and encouraged. That seems to be the meaning of Nehemiah’s words, when he told the people of Israel, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10).

I have found His grace is all complete,
He supplieth ev’ry need;
While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet,
I am free, yes, free indeed.

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
Full of glory, full of glory,
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
Oh, the half has never yet been told.

I have found that hope so bright and clear,
Living in the realm of grace;
Oh, the Saviour’s presence is so near,
I can see His smiling face.

(2) Today in 1953 – Frederick Lehman Died

Frederick Martin Lehman’s family came to America from Germany in 1868, settling in a one-room log cabin in Iowa. Lehman put his faith in Christ at the age of 11. He studied for the ministry at Northwestern College in Naperville, Illinois, and went on to pastor churches in Iowa, Indiana, and Missouri. But much of his ministry involved writing gospel songs. He produced hundreds of them, also compiling 5 song books. In 1911 he helped to found the Nazarene Publishing House.

His best known song is The Love of God, but consider some of the text for There’s No Disappointment in Heaven. Lehman was struggling with a letdown on a Monday morning, after what he describes as “a particularly disappointing Sunday” at the church he where he was then the pastor. He says, “Satan helped me count my disappointments!” But suddenly the Lord reminded him of the eternal prospect of the child of God. He says, “I saw beyond the disappointments in this vale of tears.” Taking up a pencil, he wrote:

There’s no disappointment in heaven,
No weariness, sorrow or pain;
No hearts that are bleeding and broken,
No song with a minor refrain.
The clouds of our earthly horizon
Will never appear in the sky,
For all will be sunshine and gladness,
With never a sob or a sigh.

I’m bound for that beautiful city,
My Lord has prepared for His own;
Where all the redeemed of all ages
Sing “Glory!” around the white throne;
Sometimes I grow homesick for heaven,
And the glories I there shall behold;
What a joy that will be when my Saviour I see,
In that beautiful city of gold.

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