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Robert Cottrill

About Robert Cottrill

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Today in 1888 – Horatio Spafford Died

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Graphic Chicago Water Works

Some years ago, I walked the streets of Chicago, looking for remnants of times gone by. Few remain. The reason is that a great fire swept through the city back in 1871, incinerating hundreds of wooden structures on street after street. Only the stone edifice of the city’s water works (seen here in a picture I took) still stands from before that time. Everything else had to be rebuilt.

For one man, that city-wide blaze proved to be just one in a painful series of tragedies. As a Christian layman, Horatio Gates Spafford was a strong supporter of the work of evangelist Dwight L. Moody. He was also a successful lawyer and, in addition to his legal practice, Spafford owned considerable real estate in the city of Chicago. With the fire, his property was taken from him. And that financial setback came on the heels of the death of his only son. But the man’s faith in God remained strong.

Graphic Spafford Telegram

Some time later, when Moody and Sankey announced their intention of holding evangelistic meetings in Britain, Mr. Spafford offered to go along to help. He proposed to take his wife and four daughters as well. It seemed a good opportunity to get them out of the devastated city for awhile. But as things turned out, the lawyer was detained on urgent business. So he sent his wife and daughters on ahead, saying he would join them later. It was not to be. Their ship collided with another in mid-Atlantic, sinking in only twelve minutes. Spafford’s daughters, Tanetta, Maggie, Annie, and Bessie were among the 226 who drowned. Only his wife was rescued. From Cardiff, Wales, she wired her husband, “Saved alone. What shall I do?”

Setting out to join his grieving partner, Spafford stood hour after hour on the rolling deck of the ship, thinking of the precious family God had given them, and then taken again. Many would have spurned such a God. But like Job, long ago, the sorrowing father had learned that God Himself is enough. He is the believer’s present hope and future joy. With Job, Mr. Spafford could say, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). And out of his weeping heart there arose a hymn that has blessed the people of God for well over a hundred years.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

This is Mr. Spafford’s only hymn. And before we leave it, I would like to record two stanzas that are rarely printed in today’s hymn books. In the original version, before the triumphant final stanza, come these two:

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

Here is a fine choral arrangement of the hymn, along with some interesting pictures of the whole Spafford family. (The choir belongs to a “smallish” Baptist church in Georgia.)

(2) More from Fanny Crosby

In 1882 Fanny Crosby published a fine gospel song called A Few More Marchings Weary, about the anticipation of heaven. The tune was composed by William H. Doane.

A few more marchings weary, then we’ll gather home!
A few more storm clouds dreary, then we’ll gather home!
A few more days the cross to bear,
And then with Christ a crown to wear;
A few more marchings weary, then we’ll gather home!

O’er time’s rapid river,
Soon we’ll rest forever;
No more marchings weary
When we gather home!

A few more nights of weeping, then we’ll gather home!
A few more watches keeping, then we’ll gather home!
A few more vict’ries over sin,
A few more sheaves to gather in,
A few more marchings weary, then we’ll gather home!

A few more sweet links broken, then we’ll gather home!
A few more kind words spoken, then we’ll gather home!
A few more partings on the strand,
And then away to Canaan’s land:
A few more marchings weary, then we’ll gather home!

Then there is her lovely hymn of worship, Blessed Redeemer (not to be confused with the song of the same name by Avis Christiansen). In this case, Ira Sankey provided the melody. It’s a song that deserves to be reprinted and used today. You can hear it on the Cyber Hymnal.

Blessèd Redeemer, full of compassion,
Great is Thy mercy, boundless and free;
Now in my weakness, seeking Thy favour,
Lord, I am coming closer to Thee.

Blessèd Redeemer, wonderful Saviour,
Fountain of wisdom, Ancient of Days,
Hope of the faithful, Light of all ages,
Jesus my Saviour, Thee will I praise.

Blessèd Redeemer, Thou art my Refuge,
Under Thy watch-care, safe I shall be;
Gladly adoring, joyfully trusting,
Still I am coming closer to Thee.

Blessèd Redeemer, gracious and tender,
Now and forever dwell Thou in me;
Thou, my Protector, Shield and Defender,
Draw me and keep me closer to Thee.

Today in 1838 – Gerard Cobb Born

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Gerard Francis Cobb, an English musician, was a spiritually minded man. At one point he considered entering pastoral ministry, but chose instead a musical career. He worked in the music program at Cambridge University, and wrote a number of hymns and anthems.

Mr. Cobb wrote a tune (called Cobb) for the hymn Zion to Thy Saviour Singing. This is a translation of Lauda Sion Salvatorem, written by Thomas Aquinas around 1260. It is one of the relatively few English hymns whose titles begin with the letter “Z.” However, it would be more accurate biblically to change the word “Zion” to “Christian,” as many have done with the hymn O Zion Haste.

Zion, to thy Saviour singing,
To thy Prince and Shepherd bringing,
Sweetest hymns of love and praise,
Thou wilt never reach the measure
Of His worth, by all the treasure
Of thy most ecstatic lays.

Fill thy lips to overflowing
With sweet praise, His mercy showing
Who this heav’nly table spread:
On this day so glad and holy,
To each longing spirit lowly
Giveth He the living Bread.

Here the King hath spread His table,
Whereon eyes of faith are able
Christ our Passover to trace:
Shadows of the law are going,
Light and life and truth inflowing,
Night to day is giving place.

O Good Shepherd, Bread life giving,
Us, Thy grace and life receiving,
Feed and shelter evermore;
Thou on earth our weakness guiding,
We in heav’n with Thee abiding,
With all saints will Thee adore.

(2) Today in 1864 – Onward Christian Soldiers published

Sabine Baring-Gould was an English clergyman and author in the nineteenth century. The many books he wrote cover an astonishing range of subjects–religion and theology, travel, folklore and mythology, history, fiction, and collected sermons. In addition, he edited a quarterly publication on ecclesiastical art and literature. He is also recognized in Grove’s Dictionary for his work in collecting English folk songs. Baring-Gould is described by contemporary James Moffatt as “a man of extraordinary range of interests, and of inexhaustible versatility and industry.” He lived to the age of 90.

Sabine Baring-Gould is known in hymnody mainly for two hymns still in common use: Now the Day Is Over, and Onward, Christian Soldiers. Concerning the latter, there is an interesting footnote. The author’s third stanza says:

We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

But Baring-Gould was well aware of the many divisions in the church. At the time, he was writing the song for the children in his own little congregation–a group which may well have enjoyed harmonious fellowship. But in the greater body of Christ that’s not always the case.

The author later revised the stanza to read: “Though divisions harass, all one body we.” His edited version never caught on, and perhaps it is just as well. His original words give us something to aim for. God’s Word says we are to “endeavour…to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). In that spirit, let us go onward for Christ.

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

The following rendition is a little too fast for congregational singing (or for soldiers marching), but otherwise fine.

Today in 1814 – The Star-Spangled Banner written

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While assisting in negotiations for the release of a prisoner in the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key overheard the British plan to attack and capture the port at Baltimore. Out of fear that he would warn the Americans, Key was detained until the attack took place. Sixteen ships were sent to bombard Fort McHenry which guarded the port. For 25 hours, by day and on through the night, the shelling continued. Key watched it all apprehensively from the deck of a British vessel but, with the sunrise, came the dawn of hope. Through the mist and smoke of exploding shells, Francis Scott Key saw the huge 42-foot American flag flying over Fort McHenry and knew the attack had failed.

Still on board ship, Key wrote a poem entitled “Defence of Fort McHenry.” It is that poem that was later adapted to become a popular national song, The Star-Spangled Banner–though its official recognition as the National Anthem of the United States of America did not come until 1931. Less known is the last stanza, a strong spiritual aspiration which says:

Oh! thus be it ever, when free men shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Harry Ironside

(2) Today in 1876 – Harry Ironside Born

Renowned Bible teacher Henry Allan Ironside, born in Toronto, authored 60 books, and served as pastor of Moody Church for 18 years. Affectionately dubbed the Archbishop of Fundamentalism, he was the best-known Christian leader of his era, other than Billy Sunday (whose funeral sermon he preached). Harry Ironside’s commentaries on Bible books are still purchased and studied more than half a century after his death. Their simplicity and warmth of feeling make them a valuable addition to any library.

We do not normally think of Dr. Ironside as a hymn writer, but he did give us one. It is perhaps more of a solo number than a congregational hymn, but its message is strong and compelling, and the story of how it came to be is rather unusual.

Gospel musician George Schuler was sitting at the piano one day, playing nothing in particular, just a random series of notes and chords. His mind rambled over the varied experiences of his life, and how the Lord had protected and blessed him. After a while, a distinct melody seemed to take shape under his talented fingers. The notes seemed to say to him, “I’m overshadowed by His mighty love,” but he could make little more of them.

Finally, the thought came, “Why not call Dr. Ironside, and ask him to write some words to fit the tune?” His phone call found the Bible teacher at work in his study.  Ironside protested that he was not a poet, but said he would do his best. Schuler expected a result in a few days, but actually a whole year went by. Then, as Mr. Schuler was going over some of his unpublished compositions, he came across the melody once again. Certain that the song lyrics were completed long ago, and that Ironside had simply forgotten to tell him, he phoned again.

Harry Ironside was out, but his secretary took the message that George Schuler would drop by the next day to pick up the song. When Ironside heard that, he was stunned. He’d totally forgotten the commission! Digging in a pile of papers he found the manuscript, sat down at his desk, and in less than half an hour he completed the song Overshadowed.

How desolate my life would be,
How dark and drear my nights and days,
If Jesus’ face I did not see
To brighten all earth’s weary ways.

I’m overshadowed by His mighty love,
Love eternal, changeless, pure,
Overshadowed by His mighty love,
Rest is mine, serene, secure;
He died to ransom me from sin,
He lives to keep me day by day.
I’m overshadowed by His might love,
Love that brightens all my way.

Now judgment fears no more alarm,
I dread not death, nor Satan’s pow’r;
The world for me has lost its charm,
God’s grace sustains me ev’ry hour.

Today in 1834 – In the Hour of Trial written

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James Montgomery wrote this hymn with Luke 22:31-32 in mind, and the words of Jesus to Peter: “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” the song begins:

In the hour of trial, Jesus, plead for me,
Lest by base denial I depart from Thee.
When Thou seest me waver, with a look recall,
Nor for fear or favor suffer me to fall.

Should Thy mercy send me sorrow, toil, and woe;
Or should pain attend me on my path below;
Grant that I may never fail Thy hand to see;
Grant that I may ever cast my care on Thee.

We know that the Lord Jesus prayed much while on earth. The Gospels show us that. But does He pray for us now? Even James Montgomery seems to have been uncertain about that. A year later, he rewrote the opening line as: “In the hour of trial, / Jesus, stand by me.” The Holy Spirit prays for us (Rom. 8:26-27). But Christ’s advocacy with the Father on our behalf seems more related to the eternal effectiveness of His payment for our sins (I Jn. 2:1-2). And it is the Spirit of God who strengthens us in trials (Eph. 3:16). Even so, there is much to recommend at least the sentiment of this hymn.

The following piano rendition is interesting–and probably brilliant. But the sprightly jazz stylings seem completely at odds with the text of this sober hymn. As I have pointed out numerous times, the text of our hymns is their most important element. It should be both biblical and clear. Then, think of the words as a great painting, and the music as the frame. The frame should help to draw our attention to the painting, and enhance its meaning, not be distracting, or carrying a complete different message. Skilled as this performance is, it utterly fails in that regard.

(2) Today in 1877 – Who Is on the Lord’s Side? written

Written by Frances Ridley Havergal, the original title of this hymn was Home Missions. Miss Havergal took her inspiration from the declaration of loyalty by a member of David’s army. “Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the captains, and he said: ‘We are yours, O David; We are on your side, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, And peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.’” (I Chron. 12:18). She thought of it as applying to Christians working and warring under their Commander, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord’s side? Who for Him will go?
By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Saviour, we are Thine!

Not for weight of glory, nor for crown and palm,
Enter we the army, raise the warrior psalm;
But for love that claimeth lives for whom He died:
He whom Jesus nameth must be on His side.
By Thy love constraining, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side—Saviour, we are Thine!

Today in 1843 – Bourne Draper Died

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Bourne Hall Draper’s parents hoped he would enter Christian ministry. However, funds were lacking for his education. He became a printer’s apprentice for a time, but eventually was able to take training and become a pastor in England, in 1804. He also wrote three dozen books, several of which were for children. The one hymn for which he is known today is Ye Christian Heralds, Go Proclaim.

Ye Christian heralds, go proclaim
Salvation through Emmanuel’s Name;
To distant climes the tidings bear,
And plant the Rose of Sharon there.

God shield you with a wall of fire,
With flaming zeal your breasts inspire,
Bid raging winds their fury cease,
And hush the tumult into peace.

(2) Today in 1882 – Jean Pigott Died

Little is known today of Irish poetess and hymn writer Jean Sophia Pigott. We know her brother Thomas was a missionary in China, and that he was killed in the Boxer Rebellion in 1901. Jean Pigott wrote a number of hymns, but only one is still in common use, the beautiful Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting.

Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.

O, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea!
O, how marvellous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Belovèd,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.

(3) Today in 1895 – Cecil Alexander Died

If you came across the name Cecil Alexander in a hymn book, you might conclude the person referred to was a man. However, Cecil Frances Humphreys Alexander (1818-1895) was born in Ireland, the daughter of Major Humphreys of the Royal Marines.

Perhaps the Major had hoped for a boy that could follow in his footsteps and join the military. But Cecil sought a career in quite another direction. She became a pastor’s wife, and a noted hymn writer–especially of songs for children. Practically all of the 400 poems she wrote were for the young, and were meant to put profound truths in simple terms for them. Among her hymns still in use are: All Things Bright and Beautiful, Jesus Calls Us, Once in Royal David’s City, and There Is a Green Hill Far Away.

Regarding the last of these, whenever she took a carriage into Derry to shop, Mrs. Alexander had to pass a small grassy hill, near to the wall surrounding the old Irish city. It had always reminded her of Calvary. Actually, we do not know for certain that the original Calvary was a hill. It was “outside the gate” of the city of Jerusalem (Heb. 13:12). But the exact location is uncertain, since the city wall has shifted a number of times over the centuries.

Graphic Gordons Calvary

The place was called “Calvary” in Greek (Lk. 23:33), “Golgotha” in Hebrew (Jn. 19:17), both meaning a skull. But whether this is because it was a place of execution, or because some indentations in the ground gave the area a skull-like appearance, we do not know for sure. Over a century ago, Charles Gordon researched the biblical record and believed he had found the site. The rocky prominence seen here, now known as Gordon’s Calvary, does have indentations that give it something of the appearance of a skull.

There is a green hill far away,
Outside a city wall,
Where the dear Lord was crucified,
Who died to save us all.

O dearly, dearly, has He loved,
And we must love Him, too,
And trust in His redeeming blood,
And try His works to do.

Another of Mrs. Alexander’s hymns for children dealt with that part of the Apostles’ Creed that describes God as the “Maker of heaven and earth.” It is a little unusual in that the hymn is to begin with the refrain (“All things bright and beautiful…”), as well as including it after each stanza.

The sixth stanza of the song is usually omitted, so that it will not seem to rule out city children–who may never even have seen a “meadow,” and play their games on asphalt and concrete! It says:

The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
To gather every day.

Without these lines, the song provides a fine hymn that reminds children (and all of us) of the beauty of God’s creation.

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful:
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.

The purple headed mountains,
The river running by,
The sunset and the morning
That brightens up the sky.

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

Today in 1895 – Avis Christiansen Born

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Avis Marguerite Burgeson was a lifelong Chicago resident who attended the great Moody Church, pastored for many years by Dr. Harry Ironside. In 1917, Avis Burgeson married Ernest Christiansen who became a vice president of Moody Bible Institute. A modest and retiring woman, Mrs. Christiansen sometimes used pen names–Avis Burgesson, Christian B. Anson and Constance B. Ried. She began writing poems in childhood, and before her death in 1985 had written thousands of them–many of which were turned into insightful and singable gospel songs. Here are a few that she has given us.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
Blessed Calvary
Blessed Redeemer
Come, Come, Ye Saints*
Fill All My Vision
How Can It Be?
It Is Glory Just to Walk with Him
Jesus Has Lifted Me
Love Found a Way
Only One Life to Offer

*This is a much revised version of a Mormon hymn, rendering it more in keeping with orthodox Christianity.

One Sunday evening at Moody Church, Avis Christiansen heard a message by Paul Rader on John 3:16. He emphasized the love of God that provided for our salvation in the cross of Christ, and said, “Love found a way.” Musician Harry Dixon Loes was struck by the words, and quickly jotted down a few phrases. He gave them to his friend Avis, and the ideas later became her song,

Wonderful love that rescued me, sunk deep in sin,
Guilty and vile as I could be—no hope within;
When every ray of light had fled, O glorious day!
Raising my soul from out the dead, love found a way.

Love found a way, to redeem my soul,
Love found a way, that could make me whole.
Love sent my Lord to the cross of shame,
Love found a way, O praise His holy Name!

Space won’t permit a discussion of many of Christiansen’s fine songs, but consider Blessed Calvary for a moment. The words are Avis’s. The tune was supplied by Lance Brenton Latham. Latham was an accomplished concert pianist. (I was privileged to hear him when he was in his eighties, and his playing even then was amazing!) He was also a pastor. But his most recognized accomplishment was his founding of a children’s club that eventually became the worldwide Awana Youth Association. The Christiansen and Latham hymn says:

I look at the cross upon Calvary,
And O what a wonder divine!
To think of the wealth it holds for me–
The riches of heaven are mine.

Blessed Calvary, precious Calvary!
‘Neath thy shadow I’ll ever abide;
Blessed Calvary, precious Calvary!
‘Twas there Jesus suffered and died.

The cross is my hope for eternity–
No merit have I of my own;
The shed blood of Christ my only plea–
My trust is in Jesus alone.

(2) How Blest Was That Life (Data Missing)

Both the author of the words and the composer of the tune are unknown for this little song. (You can hear the tune played on the Cyber Hymnal.)

How Blest Was That Life reflects on how wonderful it would have been to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His teaching, during His days here upon earth. But it reminds us as well that we serve a living Saviour, who continues to be accessible to us, and whom we will one day see.

How blest was that life once lived upon earth,
The life of the Saviour of men!
What joy was their part who learned at His feet,
Who loved and who worshipped Him then!

I know that He liveth, Redeemer and Friend,
To bless and to comfort our way;
I know the glad song of the heavenly throng—
He liveth, He liveth today!

The Friend of our need, the Hope of the world,
Abides with us still as of old;
When wandering far in sorrow and sin,
He leadeth us home to the fold.

Thou art not afar, in regions unknown:
Our faith reacheth up unto Thee;
And still, through the mists of ages long past,
The Saviour of sinners doth see.

Today in 1841 – William Ogden Born

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William Augustine Ogden showed a talent for making music early on. He began studying the subject at the age of 8, and was reading music with some facility in two years. Not long after, it was discovered he was able to write down the music notation of a melody after hearing it played or sung. In adulthood, with the outbreak of the American Civil War, he enlisted, organizing a male choir that became well known throughout the Army of the Cumberland.

After the war, Ogden resumed his study of music. Hymn writers Lowell Mason and Thomas Hastings were among his teachers. He published numerous songbooks of his compositions, and taught music at many schools in the United States and Canada. In 1887, he because Superintendent of Music in the public schools of Toledo, Ohio.

A number of William Ogden’s gospel songs, or ones for which he provided the melody, are still in use. Among them are:

Bring Them In
He Is Able to Deliver Thee
Look and Live
Seeking the Lost

Ogden has given us songs of invitation, calling sinners to look to Christ for salvation, as well as songs of exhortation to carry the gospel to those who need to hear it.

Look and Live speaks of the perceptive look of faith. It draws upon an incident in the Old Testament (Num. 21:5-9, especially vs. 9), which the Lord Jesus later used as a picture of Himself (Jn. 3:14-15). That same “look” of faith for salvation is also reflected in a text that was the means of bringing Charles Haddon Spurgeon to Christ: “Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth!” (Isa. 45:22).

I’ve a message from the Lord, Hallelujah!
The message unto you I’ll give;
’Tis recorded in His Word, Hallelujah!
It is only that you “look and live.”

Look and live, my brother, live,
Look to Jesus now and live;
’Tis recorded in His Word, Hallelujah!
It is only that you look and live.

Life is offered unto you, Hallelujah!
Eternal life your soul shall have,
If you only look to Him, Hallelujah!
Look to Jesus Who alone can save.

Seeking the Lost finds its inspiration in the parable of the Lost Sheep (Lk. 15:3-7). I can remember singing this song with a male choir 50 years ago. (There is a nice melody section for the basses in the chorus.)

Seeking the lost, yes, kindly entreating
Wanderers on the mountain astray;
“Come unto Me,” His message repeating,
Words of the Master speaking today.

Going afar upon the mountain,
Bringing the wanderer back again,
Into the fold of my Redeemer
Jesus the Lamb for sinners slain.

Thus would I go on missions of mercy,
Following Christ from day unto day,
Cheering the faint and raising the fallen,
Pointing the lost to Jesus, the Way.

(2) Today in 1958 – George Bennard Died

George Bennard’s name will be forever linked to his gospel song, The Old Rugged Cross. That hymn became almost an instant favourite after its publication around 1915. It has remained so, ever since.

Bennard was born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1873. When he was young, he trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, in a Salvation Army meeting. He and his wife later worked with the Salvation Army for a number of years. Then he entered evangelistic work on his own, holding meetings in the United States and Canada. Hymn writer Al Smith speaks of meeting him in a drugstore, in his latter years, and describes him as “an elderly man with flowing snow white hair and very thick glasses.”

We are indebted to Mr. Bennard for other songs in addition to his best-known one. One that you will find in some songbooks is the challenge to evangelism and missions, Speak, My Lord. It is based on the vision of Isaiah in Isa. 6:1-8. There, when God sought for a messenger, the prophet responded, “Here am I! Send me.” May we be as ready to do the Father’s will.

Hear the Lord of harvest sweetly calling,
“Who will go and work for Me today?
Who will bring to Me the lost and dying?
Who will point them to the narrow way?”

Speak, my Lord, speak, my Lord,
Speak, and I’ll be quick to answer Thee;
Speak, my Lord, speak, my Lord,
Speak, and I will answer, “Lord, send me.”

Soon the time for reaping will be over;
Soon we’ll gather for the harvest home;
May the Lord of harvest smile upon us,
May we hear His blessèd, “Child, well done.”

(3) More from James Montgomery

The son of a clergyman, born in Ayrshire, Scotland, for many years he turned his back on his early upbringing, and abandoned the church of his youth. But the Lord kept seeking the prodigal, and eventually he repented of his backslidden ways, and recommitted himself to Christ. Desiring restoration to church fellowship as well, he wrote:

People of the living God,
I have sought the world around,
Paths of sin and sorrow trod,
Peace and comfort nowhere found.
Now to you my spirit turns–
Turns a fugitive unblessed:
Brethren, where your altar burns,
O receive me into rest.

By God’s grace, James Montgomery became one of the great hymnists of the evangelical church. In his Christian Psalmist, published in 1825, he included a beautiful hymn for the Lord’s Supper. Called According to Thy Gracious Word, It was inspired by the words of the Lord Jesus in Lk. 22:19, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

According to Thy gracious word,
In meek humility,
This will I do, my dying Lord,
I will remember Thee.

Thy body, broken for my sake,
My bread from heaven shall be;
The testamental cup I take,
And thus remember Thee.

When to the cross I turn mine eyes,
And rest on Calvary,
O Lamb of God, my sacrifice,
I must remember Thee;

Remember Thee, and all Thy pains
And all Thy love to me;
Yea, while a breath, a pulse remains,
Will I remember Thee.

Today in 1958 – Margaret Simpson Died

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Margaret Mae Simpson was the daughter of Albert Simpson, the founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. Delicate as an infant, she nonetheless lived until the age of 80.

Margaret wrote the tune for her father’s missionary hymn, The Regions Beyond, published in 1904. The phrase is taken from II Cor. 10:16, where Paul expresses his purpose “to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you [i.e. areas beyond Corinth].”

To the regions beyond I must go, I must go
Where the story has never been told;
To the millions that never have heard of His love,
I must tell the sweet story of old.

To the regions beyond
I must go, I must go,
Till the world, all the world,
His salvation shall know.

To the hardest of places He calls me to go,
Never thinking of comfort or ease;
The world may pronounce me a dreamer, a fool,
Enough if the Master I please.

(2) More from John Newton

An encouraging–though little known–hymn of John Newton’s, that he entitled The Lord Will Provide, was published in his hymn book, Olney Hymns, in 1779.

Though troubles assail us and dangers affright,
Though friends should all fail us and foes all unite,
Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide,
The promise assures us, “The Lord will provide.”

The birds, without garner or storehouse, are fed;
From them let us learn to trust God for our bread.
His saints what is fitting shall ne’er be denied
So long as ’tis written, “The Lord will provide.”

No strength of our own and no goodness we claim;
Yet, since we have known of the Saviour’s great name,
In this our strong tower for safety we hide:
The Lord is our power, “The Lord will provide.”

Today in 1865 – Hugh Stowell Died

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Hugh Stowell, born in 1799, on the Isle of Man, was an Anglican clergyman who served his denomination in a number of positions. He was also a great man of prayer. His son wrote, “My father’s last utterances abundantly showed his love of and delight in prayer. Almost every word was prayer…The morning of his death the only articulate words that we could catch, uttered two or three hours before his decease, were ‘Amen! Amen!’”

His passion to commune with God is indicated by the only hymn of his that is still in common use, From Every Stormy Wind That Blows. Because it uses the imagery of the Old Testament “mercy seat,” let’s take a moment to look at the Scripture regarding that.

The context is God’s instruction to Israel for building a worship centre called the tabernacle. The most sacred item in the tabernacle, kept by itself in an inner sanctuary called the holy of holies, was the ark of the covenant. In the ark, among some other things were to be placed the stone tables inscribed with the Ten Commandments. The lid of the ark, made of solid gold, was called the mercy seat. (Note: the “cubit” [kewbit] is about 18 inches.)

The High Priest and the Ark of the Covenant

You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold; two and a half cubits shall be its length and a cubit and a half its width. And you shall make two cherubim [angelic beings] of gold; of hammered work you shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat….And the cherubim shall stretch out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and they shall face one another; the faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat….And there I [the Lord] will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat.

Exod. 25:17-22
Graphic Mercy Seat Diagram

In between the two golden cherubim, Jehovah God manifested His presence in the form of a glorious light that the Jews called the shekinah. Picture the arrangement, referring to this simplified drawing. Above, was the revealed presence of a holy God. Below, his righteous and holy Law, broken many times by the people. How could such a holy One meet and have fellowship with a sinful people? The answer: The only way was for the shed blood of a substitute to intervene. This was symbolized in an annual ceremony under the Law of Israel.

Once a year, the high priest entered the holy of holies and applied the blood of a sacrifice to the mercy seat. This portrayed the way that the shed blood of a substitute came between a holy God and His broken Law. And this symbolism was finally fulfilled in reality at the cross of Calvary. “Christ died for our sins” (I Cor. 15:3). We are able to have our sins forgiven, and find acceptance with God, through faith in the sacrifice of Christ.

Hugh Stowell pictured his fellowship with God as an approach to the mercy seat, where the justice of a holy God was satisfied through Christ. Through the blood of Christ shed on the cross, he was able to have access to God.

From every stormy wind that blows,
From every swelling tide of woes,
There is a calm, a sure retreat;
’Tis found beneath the mercy seat.

There is a place where Jesus sheds
The oil of gladness on our heads;
A place than all besides more sweet;
It is the blood bought mercy seat.

There, there, on eagles’ wings we soar,
And time and sense seem all no more;
And heaven comes down, our souls to greet,
And glory crowns the mercy seat.

(2) More from Isaac Watts – Jesus Shall Reign

Isaac Watts was both a brilliant man and a very significant hymn writer. For good reason he has been called “the Father of English Hymnody.”  His Jesus Shall Reign, a paraphrase of Psalm 72, pictures the coming reign of Christ. But nearly two centuries ago there was a remarkable illustration of the transforming power of the gospel that foreshadows the blessings of the Messiah’s coming kingdom

By 1821, missionary work had already been taking place on the Pacific island of Fiji. Many had come to Christ. Then, one day, the people there were terrified to see a Tonga war canoe appear on the horizon. No wonder they were fearful. The Tonga warriors were ferocious head-hunters and cannibals. But incredibly they had not come that day to kill. They wanted to buy a Bible. Somehow they had heard about Christ, and wanted to know more.

Even more remarkable, this was their second attempt to reach Fiji. A canoe had been sent out some time before, only to vanish without a trace. Now, a second boat had made the perilous journey across 250 miles of open ocean on the same urgent quest. They had not even realized that a Bible would be completely useless to them. Not one of them could read! But a solution was proposed.

Seeing in their earnestness the call of God, a missionary named John Thomas agreed to return with them to teach the Word of God. Over the next twenty years, on Tonga and the neighbouring islands, that ministry was visited with such blessing that thousands put their faith in the Saviour. Then, on Whit-Sunday (Pentecost) of 1862, an amazing worship service was held.

Under the spreading umbrella of a banyan tree, some 5,000 native Christians assembled. The meeting was led by “King George,” a local ruler who had himself been a cannibal in his younger years. He too was now a dedicated follower of Christ. Around him sat a coterie of old chiefs, warriors who had fought many a grisly battle in days gone by.

All rejoiced in God’s gracious salvation, and their faces radiated with sublime joy. King George announced that the islands would now be governed according to Christian principles. Formerly bound by wicked cruelty and dark superstition, they now bowed the knee to Christ.

One hymn chosen to be sung that day was Jesus Shall Reign. Picture the scene in 1862. As the sunlight beamed down on that South Sea island, dancing and sparkling on the incoming waves, 5,000 native believers lifted their voices and sang, in their own tongue, “Jesus shall reign where’er the sun doth his successive journeys run.” Delivered from heathen darkness by the power of Christ, they were the living embodiment of the words.

Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Doth his successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

From north to south the princes meet
To pay their homage at His feet;
While western empires own their Lord,
And savage tribes attend His Word.

To Him shall endless prayer be made,
And praises throng to crown His head;
His name like sweet perfume shall rise
With every morning sacrifice.

Peoples and realms of every tongue
Dwell on His love with sweetest song;
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their early blessings on His name.

Blessings abound where’er He reigns;
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains;
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blessed.

Today in 1810 – Henry Alford Born

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Henry Alford was an Anglican clergyman, born in London. At the age of 16, he wrote in his Bible: “I do this day, in the presence of God and my own soul, renew my covenant with God, and solemnly determine henceforth to become His, and to do His work, as far as in me lies.” He became an eloquent preacher in Victorian England. In addition, he wrote a scholarly four-volume commentary on the Greek New Testament, translated a number of hymns, and wrote some of his own. Before his death, Alford specified what he wanted on his tombstone. In English translation the Latin inscription reads: “The inn of a traveller on his way to Jerusalem.”

Dean Henry Alford has given us two fine hymns that are still in use: Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand, and Come, Ye Thankful People, Come. The former hymn, a thrilling depiction of the saints triumphant in the heavenly kingdom, was sung at the author’s own funeral.

Ten thousand times ten thousand in sparkling raiment bright,
The armies of the ransomed saints throng up the steeps of light;
’Tis finished, all is finished, their fight with death and sin;
Fling open wide the golden gates, and let the victors in.

Bring near Thy great salvation, Thou Lamb for sinners slain;
Fill up the roll of Thine elect, then take Thy power, and reign;
Appear, Desire of nations, Thine exiles long for home;
Show in the heaven Thy promised sign; Thou Prince and Saviour, come.

The second hymn appears, in the beginning, to be a thanksgiving hymn, a harvest hymn. But Dean Alford saw the prophetic application of the words, based on the Parable of the Tares (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43).

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field, fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day all offenses purge away,
Giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store in His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified, in Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.

Graphic Thanksgiving (1)

(2) Today in 1835 – Folliot Pierpont Born

Folliot Sandford Pierpont was a distinguished classical scholar in England. He taught for a number of years, and published some poems, but he is known in hymnody for one song only, the hymn of thanksgiving, For the Beauty of the Earth.

In the song he lists many of the blessings for which we should be grateful to God. And of course we need more than an annual Thanksgiving Day for this. Each day of the Christian’s life should be thanksgiving day (I Thess. 5:18).

For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild.

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