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Robert Cottrill

About Robert Cottrill

http://wordwisebiblestudies.com

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Today in 1863 – Frederick Faber Died

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Frederick William Faber was a Roman Catholic clergyman who sought to create hymns for Catholics to sing similar to those of the Protestants. He produced several volumes of them. His best known, Faith of Our Fathers, was first published in his book Jesus and Mary–Or Catholic Hymns for Singing and Reading, in 1849. The original had a strong Catholic flavour, stating,

Faith of our fathers, Mary’s prayers
Shall win our country back to Thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
England shall then indeed be free.

Editors subsequently removed this Romish and strictly national sentiment. The stanza has been amended as follows,  providing us with a hymn that can have a much wider usefulness.

Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto Thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
Mankind shall then be truly free.

Another hymn of his is Hark, Hark, My Soul. In spite of the fact that one English clergyman opined, “We inquire in vain into the meaning of Pilgrims of the Night [Faber’s original title],” the hymn seems clear enough, and encouraging. It is describing in flowery poetical terms the anticipation of heaven.

Hark! hark, my soul! angelic songs are swelling,
O’er earth’s green fields and ocean’s wave-beat shore:
How sweet the truth those blessèd strains are telling
Of that new life when sin shall be no more.

Angels of Jesus, angels of light,
Singing to welcome the pilgrims of the night!

Far, far away, like bells at evening pealing,
The voice of Jesus sounds o’er land and sea;
And laden souls, by thousands meekly stealing,
Kind Shepherd, turn their weary steps to Thee.

Onward we go, for still we hear them singing,
“Come, weary souls, for Jesus bids you come”;
And through the dark, its echoes sweetly ringing,
The music of the gospel leads us home.

Rest comes at length: though life be long and dreary,
The day must dawn, and darksome night be past;
Faith’s journeys end in welcome to the weary,
And heaven, the heart’s true home, will come at last.

Here is the hymn sung at the Presbyterian’s beautiful Evangelical Cathedral, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The hymn, I think, is sung in Portuguese. And notice the song leader at the front. He may be doing a fine job, but no one (except perhaps the choir members) seems to be watching or heeding him. If you’re going to lead, lead. And teach and encourage folks to follow you.

(2) Cast Thy Bread Upon the Waters (Data Missing)

There is a song of the same name written by Phebe Hanaford, but the one I have in mind is found in Ira Sankey’s Sacred Songs and Solos (#771). The authorship of the words is unknown; Sankey himself supplied the tune. The song is based upon Ecclesiastes 11:1, “Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days.”

Most often this has been taken to mean that if we are generous, we will one day be rewarded. (“Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later,” NLT.) However, I’ve often wondered at the wisdom of throwing bread into the sea. It would either simply feed the fishes, or wash up on shore as soggy bread!

The NET Bible suggests a reasonable interpretation. That the proverb has more to do with trade and commerce: “Send your grain overseas, for after many days you will get a return” (NET). Even if the latter is correct, the principle remains, that our labours will be rewarded, and we know God has promised that.

“Cast thy bread upon the waters,”
Ye who have but scant supply;
Angel eyes will watch above it,
You shall find it by and by.
He who in His righteous balance
Doth each human action weigh,
Will your sacrifice remember,
Will your loving deeds repay.

“Cast thy bread upon the waters,”
You who have abundant store;
It may float on many a billow,
It may strand on many a shore.
You may think it lost forever;
But, as sure as God is true,
In this life, or in the other,
It will yet return to you.

Today in 1827 – Emma Bevan Born

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Emma Frances Shuttleworth was the daughter of Philip Shuttleworth, warden of New College, Oxford, and later bishop of Chichester. In 1856 she married Robert Cooper Lee Bevan, a banker. She published several books of hymns translated from German.

The most familiar of these songs is Christ Receiveth Sinful Men, written by Erdmann Neumeister in 1718. He wrote it to accompany a sermon on Lk. 15:2, “The Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, ‘This Man [Christ] receives sinners and eats with them.’” Coupled with James McGranahan’s tune, it has the feel of a nineteenth century gospel song, and some might be surprised that it is over 300 years old!

Sinners Jesus will receive;
Sound this word of grace to all
Who the heavenly pathway leave,
All who linger, all who fall.

Sing it o’er and o’er again;
Christ receiveth sinful men;
Make the message clear and plain:
Christ receiveth sinful men.

Now my heart condemns me not,
Pure before the law I stand;
He who cleansed me from all spot,
Satisfied its last demand.

(2) Today in 1866 – Cleland McAfee Born

Cleland Boyd McAfee is known for one hymn only (my mother’s favourite hymn). Most of his ministry led him in other directions. McAfee taught on the faculty of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, directed the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, and served as moderator of the Presbyterian Church of America. At the time of writing his hymn, he was the chairman of the Christian Philosophy department, college chaplain, and choir director, at Park College, Parkville, Missouri, a position he held for almost 20 years.

Mr. McAfee wrote the hymn Near to the Heart of God in 1903, after two daughters of his brother Howard died of diphtheria within 24 hours of each other. The choir of Park College went to Howard McAfee’s quarantined house and sang it outside the window to encourage the grieving family.

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee
Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where we our Saviour meet,
Near to the heart of God.

(3) Today in 1918 – William Pitts Died

Though the song that made William Savage Pitts famous is little more than a sentimental ballad, there is a fascinating story behind it. It was written before the existence of the church it describes–a visionary lyric that even includes the colour of the paint that would one day be used! Dr. Pitts says,

One bright afternoon of a day in June, 1857, I first set foot in old Bradford, Iowa, coming by stage from McGregor. My home was in Wisconsin. The place where the little brown church now stands was a setting of rare beauty. There was no church then but the spot was there, waiting for it. When back in my home, I wrote the song The Little Brown Church in the Vale [or The Church in the Wildwood]. Then, I put the manuscript away.

In the years of 1859 and 1860, the good people of Bradford were determined to build a church [pictured here]. By the early winter of 1864 the building was ready for dedication. While I was holding a singing school [nearby], the class went one evening to the church. I had brought with me from Wisconsin my manuscript of the song. It had never been sung before by anyone but myself. I sang it there.

It gained speedy recognition locally, and with the years won its way into the hearts of the people of the world. Soon after its publication the church at Bradford, which had been painted brown (for want of money to buy better paint, some say), became known as ‘The Little Brown Church in the Vale.’ My hope is that it will stand for a thousand years.

The doctor’s wish seemed in jeopardy during the late 1800s. The community served by the church began to decline when the railroad was routed to a nearby town. Services were discontinued and the building abandoned. Then, in 1900 an organization was created to keep the church in repair as a historic site. In 1914, regular services commenced once more, and in 1934 a full-time pastor was called. Because of the song, it has become a tourist attraction, and a favourite site for weddings. At one point, well over a hundred weddings a month were being conducted in the little brown church!

There’s a church in the valley by the wildwood,
No lovelier spot in the dale;
No place is so dear to my childhood
As the little brown church in the vale.

From the church in the valley by the wildwood,
When day fades away into night,
I would fain from this spot of my childhood
Wing my way to the mansions of light.

The Carter Family, that sang and recorded their own unique brand of mountain gospel music in the 1920s and 30s, was influential in the later development of the bluegrass, country, and southern gospel genres. The next generation continued to have an impact when June Carter married Johnny Cash and the pair became widely known through recordings, as well as television and concert appearances. Here from 1932 is the original Carter Family singing Dr. Pitts’ song.

Today in 1904 – William Sleeper Died

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William True Sleeper was an American Congregational clergyman. He had pastorates in Massachusetts and Maine, pastoring the Summer Street Congregational Church in Worcester, Massachusetts, for over 30 years. There are two gospel songs by Pastor Sleeper that are still in use: Ye Must Be Born Again (1877), and Jesus I Come (1887).

The former was written when an evangelist, assisted by musician George Stebbins, was holding meetings in Worcester. The man preached on Jesus’ discussion with Nicodemus about the necessity of the new birth (cf. Jn. 1:12-13; 3:3). Just as we needed a physical birth to enter the physical world as a child of our parents, so we need a spiritual birth to enter the family of God and have Him as our Father. Stebbins says:

I spoke to Reverend…Sleeper, one of the pastors of the city who sometimes wrote hymns, of my impression [of the message] and asked him if he would write me some verses on the subject. He acted at once on my suggestion and soon after came to me with the hymn…Before the meetings closed a musical setting was made.

A ruler once came to Jesus by night
To ask Him the way of salvation and light;
The Master made answer in words true and plain,
“Ye must be born again.”

“Ye must be born again,
Ye must be born again,
I verily, verily, say unto thee,
Ye must be born again.”

O ye who would enter that glorious rest,
And sing with the ransomed the song of the blest,
The life everlasting if ye would obtain,
“Ye must be born again.”

Another perceptive gospel song by William True Sleeper is Jesus, I Come. As well as being a fine song, it’s a skilful piece of poetry. In succeeding verses he deals with various aspects of our spiritual need, and looks to Christ for the answer. Here is the entire text.

Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of my sickness, into Thy health,
Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,
Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
Out of distress to jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy blessèd will to abide,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into the joy and light of Thy throne,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of the depths of ruin untold,
Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

(2) Christian, Walk Carefully (Data Missing)

As far as I know, Sankey’s Sacred Songs and Solos (#617) is the only book that contains this interesting song. The source of the words is unknown, but gospel musician George Stebbins provided the tune. I’ve termed it an interesting song because of the way the stanzas are set out to highlight key characteristics of our Christian walk. Successively, the hymn exhorts: “Christian, walk carefully…walk cheerfully…walk prayerfully…walk hopefully.”

Christian, walk carefully: dangers are near!
On in thy journey with trembling and fear;
Snares from without and temptations within,
Seek to entice thee once more into sin.

Christian, walk cheerfully through the fierce storm,
Dark though the sky with its threats of alarm;
Soon will the clouds and the tempest be o’er.
Then with thy Saviour thou’lt rest evermore.

Christian, walk prayerfully: oft wilt thou fall,
If thou forget on thy Saviour to call;
Safe thou shalt walk through each trial and care,
If thou art clad in the armour of prayer.

Christian, walk hopefully: sorrow and pain
Cease when the haven of rest thou shalt gain;
Then from the lips of the Judge, thy reward:
“Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Today in 1739 – How Rich Thy Bounty written

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A lovely hymn about the wonder of God’s grace comes from the pen of Philip Doddridge. (You can see and hear the full hymn on the Cyber Hymnal.) The Bible speaks of “the riches of His grace,” and “the exceeding riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7; 2:7). We enjoy eternal treasures through His unmerited favour! Doddridge wrote this hymn for use in his own church. (In passing, what a blessing it would have been to attend the churches of such men as Doddridge and Newton, and Watts, and have a frequent spiritual feast from their writings!)

How rich Thy bounty, King of kings!
Thy favours, how divine!
The blessings which Thy gospel brings,
How splendidly they shine!

Gold is but dross, and gems but toys,
Should gold and gems compare;
How mean, when set against those joys
Thy poorest servants share!

(2) Today in 1897 – Frances Cox Died

Frances Elizabeth Cox was a nineteenth century English hymnist, known for her translations of many German hymns. She published two volumes of them. For example, there is Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above, written in 1675 by Johann Schutz. In its original publication, it was called Hymn of Thanksgiving, and it was based on Deut. 32:3, “I proclaim the name of the LORD: Ascribe greatness to our God.” It says in part:

Sing praise to God who reigns above, the God of all creation,
The God of power, the God of love, the God of our salvation.
With healing balm my soul is filled and every faithless murmur stilled:
To God all praise and glory.

The Lord is never far away, but through all grief distressing,
An ever present help and stay, our peace and joy and blessing.
As with a mother’s tender hand, God gently leads the chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.

Today in 1858 – Clara Williams Born

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Clara Williams

Miss Clara Tear served as the pastor of Wesleyan Methodist churches in the United States. She also worked as a circuit-riding preacher, visiting small and remote communities (a most unusual ministry for a woman in those days). She married a Reverend Williams in 1895 and continued to work as an evangelist and a co-pastor with her husband until 1920. George Beverley Shea speaks of meeting her when he was a small boy.

Only a single hymn from Clara Tear Williams remains in common use. It is Satisfied, written in 1875. Mrs Williams says,

I was helping in meetings in Troy, Ohio, where Professor R. E. Hudson conducted the singing. Just before retiring one night, he asked me to write a song for a book he was preparing to publish. Before sleeping, I wrote Satisfied. In the morning, he composed the music.

All my life long I had panted
For a draught from some clear spring,
That I hoped would quench the burning
Of the thirst I felt within.

Hallelujah! I have found Him
Whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings,
Through His blood I now am saved.

Feeding on the husks around me,
Till my strength was almost gone,
Longed my soul for something better,
Only still to hunger on.

(2) Today in 1871 – Charlotte Elliot Died

The English poetess and hymn writer lived to the age of 82, but she had been a virtual invalid from around the age of 30. About her condition she wrote:

My heavenly Father knows, and He alone, what it is, day after day, and hour after hour, to fight against bodily feelings of almost overpowering weakness and languor and exhaustion. To resolve, as He enables me to do, not to yield to the slothfulness, the depression, the irritability, such as a body causes me to long to indulge, but to rise every morning determined on taking this for my motto: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me” [Lk. 9:23].

For about 40 years, Charlotte Elliot carried on a correspondence about the Christian life with Henri Cesar Malan, a Swiss Bible teacher, evangelist, and hymn writer.

Billy Graham preaching

Elliot herself wrote about 150 hymns. Several are still in use, but one is known far above all the rest. Hymn historian Robert Guy McCutchan says Just As I Am “undoubtedly ranks with the finest hymns in the English language.” The song has been fixed in the public mind through being the standard invitation hymn used for some 60 years by the Billy Graham organization.

It was actually a comment of Cesar Malan’s that led to the writing of it. Miss Elliot was visiting some friends when she first met him. She was filled with bitterness toward God because of her illness, and subject to angry outbursts. At the supper table, when she showed some temper, Henri Malan pointedly said he hoped she was a Christian. Elliot took offense at his questioning of her spiritual condition, but his words stuck in her mind.

When they met again, three weeks later, she told him she wanted to know how she could be saved. She said she was ready to become a Christian, but supposed she would first have to make herself worthy of coming to Christ. But Mr. Malan replied, “You must come just as you are, a sinner, to the Lamb of God, with your fightings, fears, hates, quick temper and pride, and He will give you His great love in their place.”

Charlotte Elliot trusted Christ as her Saviour that day, coming to Him just as she was. It was out of that new understanding of grace that she wrote her famous hymn shortly after. The original was headed by the text, Jn. 6:37, “The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” Though it has a major application to sinners seeking the Saviour, much of it applies to Christians as well. We too are to come to Him in our need, without pretense, just as we are.

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Another hymn from Charlotte Elliot’s pen is Thy Will Be Done (not to be confused with Jennie Hussey’s song of the same name). Miss Elliot’s song appears in Ira Sankey’s Sacred Songs and Solos (#718), set to a tune by James McGranahan. It says in part:

My God, my Father, while I stray
Far from my home, on life’s rough way,
O teach me from my heart to say,
“Thy will be done.”

What though in lonely grief I sigh
For friends beloved, no longer nigh,
Submissive still would I reply,
“Thy will be done.”

Renew my will from day to day:
Blend it with Thine; and take away
All that now makes it hard to say,
“Thy will be done.”

Today in 1935 – James Gray Died

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James Martin Gray was born in New York City in 1851, and he put his faith in Christ as Saviour at the age of 22. In 1879 he became rector of the First Reformed Episcopal Church, in Boston, where he served for 14 years. He taught at the summer sessions of Moody Bible Institute, and in 1904 became dean of the Institute, and later served as its president. He was a man of vision, and the school grew under his able administration. He helped to make it an effective missionary training institution. (My own father was a music major at Moody, in Dr. Gray’s time.)

A conservative theologian, Gray was one of the seven editors of the popular Scofield Reference Bible. He was a fine scholar and an excellent Bible teacher, but his interests moved far beyond mere academics. He promoted the Sunday School, and took an interest in civic affairs and patriot causes. He backed efforts at social betterment, and was a supporter of Prohibition.

James Gray wrote a number of gospel songs, several of which are still in use. Nor Silver Nor Gold, What Did He Do? and Only a Sinner are examples.  The latter song emphasizes that salvation is totally God’s gift, to be received by faith. As Eph. 2:8-9 clearly explains, it cannot be earned by any efforts on our part. It is not our good works, or our church rituals, or our family connections that save us. It is Christ. Through simple faith in Him, our sins are forgiven, and we receive the gift of eternal life (Jn. 3:16; 14:6; Acts 16:30-31; Eph. 1:7).

Naught have I gotten but what I received;
Grace hath bestowed it since I have believed;
Boasting excluded, pride I abase;
I’m only a sinner, saved by grace!

Only a sinner, saved by grace!
Only a sinner, saved by grace!
This is my story, to God be the glory–
I’m only a sinner, saved by grace!

Once I was foolish, and sin ruled my heart,
Causing my footsteps from God to depart;
Jesus hath found me, happy my case;
I now am a sinner, saved by grace!

(2) Remember Me, O Mighty One! (Data Missing)

This little song appears in a number of hymn books, including Ira Sankey’s Sacred Songs and Solos (#555). I can recall singing it with a male choir, back in the early 1960s. The second stanza recalls the experience of Peter (Matt. 14:22-33). In the above volume, the tune is attributed to Johanna Kinkel (1810-1858), a gifted German composer. It is possible she originated the original German text of the hymn too–though Sankey designates it as Anonymous.

Many great saints in Bible times, as they faced painful or dangerous circumstances, or a crisis situation, called upon the Lord in their extremity to remember them–that is, to give attention to their need, and show them mercy. It would make an interesting Bible study to examine the circumstances of each of the following, and consider what lessons can be learned there. Among those who prayed this prayer are: Samson (Jud. 16:28); Hannah (I Sam. 1:11); Nehemiah (Neh. 13:14, 23, 31); Job (Job 14:13); David (Ps. 25:7); Jeremiah (Jer. 15:15), and, of course, the dying thief on the cross (Lk. 23:42).

When storms around are sweeping,
When lone my watch I’m keeping,
‘Mid fires of evil falling,
‘Mid tempters’ voices calling,
Remember me, O Mighty One!
Remember me, O Mighty One!

When walking on life’s ocean,
Control its raging motion;
When from its dangers shrinking,
When in its dread deeps sinking,
Remember me, O Mighty One!
Remember me, O Mighty One!

When weight of sin oppresses,
When dark despair distresses,
All through the life that’s mortal,
And when I pass death’s portal,
Remember me, O Mighty One!
Remember me, O Mighty One!

Sounds like the quartet in the following clip sang together in years gone by, and have reunited for this occasion. They have a sweet blend singing Remember Me. (And you get a bonus: a verse of the old barbershop number Sweet Adeline!)

Today in 1908 – Walter Smith Died

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Walter Chalmers Smith was born in Scotland and was educated in Edinburgh. He became a clergyman in the Scottish Church, and eventually identified himself with the Free Church of Scotland. He pastored several churches, and eventually was appointed moderator of the Free Church in 1893. He wrote a number of hymns, but only one is in common use today.

Smith wrote a majestic hymn of worship based on I Tim. 1:17, “To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.” The hymn, called Immortal, Invisible, says in part:

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessèd, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All praise we would render–O help us to see
‘Tis only the splendour of light hideth Thee!

(2) Today in 1921 – William Kirkpatrick Died

American musician William James Kirkpatrick was a prolific composer of gospel song tunes. A couple of hymn books I pulled off the shelf contain 16 of his tunes, combined with the words of more than a dozen authors, including Fanny Crosby, Eliza Hewitt, and Thomas Chisholm. (The Cyber Hymnal currently lists 237 of his melodies.)

From 1890 comes his collaboration with Fanny Crosby in the lovely He Hideth My Soul.

A wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord,
A wonderful Saviour to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
Where rivers of pleasure I see.

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life with the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.

A wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord,
He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day.

With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
And filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God
For such a Redeemer as mine!

When clothed in His brightness, transported I rise
To meet Him in clouds of the sky,
His perfect salvation, His wonderful love
I’ll shout with the millions on high.

William Kirkpatrick also supplied the tune for Fanny Crosby’s Meet Me There. It was a brief comment by Mr. Kirkpatrick as he was leaving Fanny’s home that inspired the song. She said, “Oh dear, it’s no­thing but meet­ing and part­ing in this world, isn’t it?” To which Kirkpatrick replied, “Well, I will not say, as [hymn writer Philip] Bliss did, ‘Meet me at the fount­ain,’ but I will say, ‘Where the tree of life is bloom­ing, meet me there.’” That comment led to the writing of:

On the happy, golden shore, where the faithful part no more,
When the storms of life are over, meet me there;
Where the night dissolves away into pure and perfect day,
I am going home to stay—meet me there.

Meet me there, meet me there,
Where the tree of life is blooming,
Meet me there;
When the storms of life are o’er,
On the happy golden shore,
Where the faithful part no more,
Meet me there.

Where the harps of angels ring, and the blest forever sing,
In the palace of the King, meet me there;
Where in sweet communion blend heart with heart and friend with friend,
In a world that ne’er shall end, meet me there.

(3) Today in 2006 – John Peterson Died

John Willard Peterson was one of the outstanding gospel music composers of the latter part of the twentieth century. He put his faith in Christ at the age of 12, and displayed a gift for making music early on. (He wrote his first song while still in high school.) In the Second World War, he served in the American Army Air Corps, flying the Himalayan supply route to China (“over the Hump”). In the army, he got the nickname “Deacon” for his habit of unashamedly having his morning devotions wherever he was. After the war, he attended Moody Bible Institute and the American Conservatory of Music.

Mr. Peterson either composed the music, or wrote words and music, for well over 1,000 songs, such as: It Took a Miracle, Springs of Living Water, Heaven Came Down, Jesus Is Coming Again and Surely Goodness and Mercy.  In addition, he wrote 35 cantatas and musicals. Approximately 10 million copies of these have been published and sold. He was admitted to the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1986.

The hymn title, It Took a Miracle, was adapted for use with his autobiography, The Miracle Goes On, which was also made into a film about his life.

It took a miracle to put the stars in place,
It took a miracle to hang the world in space;
But when He saved my soul,
Cleansed and made me whole,
It took a miracle of love and grace.

In a fine little hymn, All Things Work Out for Good, published in 1961, Peterson explores the meaning of a familiar text, Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” It is an encouraging thing to know that we will not depart this life until we have fulfilled God’s sovereign purpose.

All things work out for good, we know–
Such is God’s great design;
He orders all our steps below
For purposes divine.

So now the future holds no fear,
God guards the work begun;
And mortals are immortal here
Until their work is done.

Today in 1900 – Clarence Walworth Died

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Clarence Alphonsus Walworth graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York. His early intention was to become a lawyer, but in the end he chose the Roman Catholic priesthood instead. He is known in hymnody only for his translation of the hymn Holy God, We Praise Thy Name.

The original of this hymn is attributed to hymnologist and compiler Ignaz Franz, and dates from 1774, with Walworth’s translation coming nearly two centuries later. It is a great Trinitarian hymn of praise, which says in part:

Holy God, we praise Thy name;
Lord of all, we bow before Thee!
All on earth Thy sceptre claim,
All in heaven above adore Thee;
Infinite Thy vast domain,
Everlasting is Thy reign.

Hark! the loud celestial hymn
Angel choirs above are raising,
Cherubim and seraphim,
In unceasing chorus praising;
Fill the heavens with sweet accord:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord.

Holy Father, Holy Son,
Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee;
While in essence only One,
Undivided God we claim Thee;
And adoring bend the knee,
While we sing our praise to Thee.

(2) Today in 1954 – John Arkwright Died

John Stanhope Arkwright published an Armistice Day hymn in 1919, at the end of the First World War. (This date, November 11th, has since been set aside to honour the military. It is called Remembrance Day in Canada, and Veteran’s Day in the United States.)  Arkwright was a barrister, a member of Parliament, and the Chief Steward of the city of Hereford in England. He was knighted in 1934. His hymn appeared in a book of poems he entitled The Supreme Sacrifice and Other Poems in Time of War, and it is called O Valiant Hearts.

O valiant hearts who to your glory came
Through dust of conflict and through battle flame;
Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved,
Your memory hallowed in the land you loved.

Proudly you gathered, rank on rank, to war
As who had heard God’s message from afar;
All you had hoped for, all you had, you gave,
To save mankind—yourselves you scorned to save.

Splendid you passed, the great surrender made;
Into the light that nevermore shall fade;
Deep your contentment in that blest abode,
Who wait the last clear trumpet call of God.

Long years ago, as earth lay dark and still,
Rose a loud cry upon a lonely hill,
While in the frailty of our human clay,
Christ, our Redeemer, passed the self same way.

Still stands His cross from that dread hour to this,
Like some bright star above the dark abyss;
Still, through the veil, the Victor’s pitying eyes
Look down to bless our lesser Calvaries.

These were His servants, in His steps they trod,
Following through death the martyred Son of God:
Victor, He rose; victorious too shall rise
They who have drunk His cup of sacrifice.

O risen Lord, O Shepherd of our dead,
Whose cross has bought them and whose staff has led,
In glorious hope their proud and sorrowing land
Commits her children to Thy gracious hand.

It is beyond the scope of this blog to discuss when a war is just, and when it is not. Sufficient to say here that it is fitting to honour, as this selection does, those who willingly laid their lives on the line to defend principles they believed in. Having said that, it is far too bold to draw a parallel between all such human conflicts and the work of Christ on Calvary, as the hymn tries to do (let alone its erroneous implication that all soldiers go to heaven when they die!). However, I appreciate the sentiment, focusing as it does on the principle of self-sacrifice. The words on the following video are sometimes difficult to pick up, so I have included the entire text above.

Today in 821 – Theodulph of Orleans Died

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Theodulph was born into the Italian nobility, but chose a life of religious service. In 781, Charlemagne appointed him Bishop of Orleans, France. Theodulf was a theologian, and an able administrator. He deplored the ignorance of many of the clergy, and sought to educate them. But his work came to an abrupt end when he was accused of complicity in a conspiracy with King Bernard of Italy. Theodulph was deposed, exiled and imprisoned. There, for several years, his faith apparently sustained him. He may have died in prison, though some records suggest he was exonerated and released, but died before he could be reinstated.

Theodulph was also a skilled poet, producing six volumes of verse. (He even wrote many letters in poetic form!) The one hymn for which he is known today is the Palm Sunday hymn, All Glory, Laud and Honour, written about a year before he died. It says:

All glory, laud and honour,
To Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel,
Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s name comest,
The King and blessèd One.

The company of angels
Are praising Thee on high,
And mortal men and all things
Created make reply.
The people of the Hebrews
With palms before Thee went;
Our prayer and praise and anthems
Before Thee we present.

Strong Words About Music: Over the years, many statements have been made about music that are worth thinking about–even when we may have some reservations about them. Check out some “strong words about music.”

(2) Today in 1857 – Christian Burke Born

Christian Caroline Anna Burke was an English poetess who lived in London. In 1903 she wrote a poem she called A Mother’s Prayer. The next year it became the hymn Lord of Life and King of Glory. If you are looking for a meaningful hymn to use with a Mother’s Day service, you might consider this one.

Lord of life and King of glory,
Who didst deign a child to be,
Cradled on a mother’s bosom,
Throned upon a mother’s knee:
For the children Thou hast given
We must answer unto Thee!

Grant us, then, pure hearts and patient,
That in all we do or say
Little souls our deeds may copy,
And be never led astray;
Little feet our steps may follow
In a safe and narrow way.

Today in 1973 – Mary Edgar Died

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nature scene

Mary Susanne Edgar was a Canadian poet and hymn writer, and a member of the Anglican Church. She received her education at Havergal College and the University of Toronto, and graduated from the training institute of the Y.W.C.A. in New York City. The great love of her life was camping. A list of some of her writings reflects this: Once There Was a Camper, Wood-Fire and Candle-Light, and Under Open Skies. In 1922, Mary Edgar established Glen Bernard Camp for Girls in Northern Ontario. It has become a leader in environmental education

Though she wrote a number of hymn poems, only a couple are in common use. And Edgar’s life-long affection for the outdoors is evidenced even here. One is her national hymn, O God of All the Many Lands. It begins:

O God of all the many lands,
We lift our hearts to Thee,
For this fair land our Canada,
A country wide and free;
For mountain heights and northern lights,
For prayer, lake and sea,
For lavishness in all the gifts
That find their source in Thee.

At the beginning of earth’s history we read, “God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good” (Gen. 1:31). And the psalmist declares, “O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions” (Ps. 104:24). We can draw many parallels and spiritual lessons from nature. Mary Edgar understood that. In her hymn God, Who Touchest Earth with Beauty, a nature theme again comes to the fore. It says, in part:

God who touchest earth with beauty,
Make my heart anew;
With Thy Spirit recreate me
Pure, and strong and true.

Like the birds that soar while singing,
Give my heart a song;
May the music of thanksgiving
Echo clear and strong.

(2) Life at Best Is Very Brief (Data Missing)

This gospel song is found in Ira Sankey’s Sacred Songs and Solos hymnal (#437). The tune, by William Kirkpatrick, is the same one used for Fanny Crosby’s Meet Me There. (You can hear the tune on the Cyber Hymnal.)

To some, the message of Life at Best Is Very Brief may seem a bit morbid. But it is intended as a warning to sinners to respond to the gospel of grace before it is too late. There is a notion that it is wrong to “scare people into heaven” by telling them about coming judgment. But the Lord Jesus certainly did not hesitate to warn of judgment to come (Matt. 13:40-43; 25:41; Jn. 3:17-18; cf. II Thess 1:7-10).

It is certainly possible to be overbalanced in the other direction, to preach fiery judgment and fail to present the wonderful grace of God. But it is important to warn people that our destiny depends on what we do with Jesus (Jn. 3:36).

Life at best is very brief,
Like the falling of a leaf,
Like the binding of a sheaf:
Be in time!
Fleeting days are telling fast
That the die will soon be cast,
And the fatal line be passed:
Be in time!

Be in time! Be in time!
While the voice of Jesus calls you,
Be in time!
If in sin you longer wait,
You may find no open gate,
And your cry be just too late:
Be in time!

Time is gliding swiftly by,
Death and judgment draweth nigh,
To the arms of Jesus fly:
Be in time!
Oh, I pray you count the cost,
Ere the fatal line be crossed,
And your soul in hell be lost:
Be in time!

Sinner, heed the warning voice,
Make the Lord your final choice,
Then all heaven will rejoice:
Be in time!
Come from darkness into light;
Come, let Jesus make you right;
Come, and start for heav’n tonight:
Be in time!

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