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Today in 1832 – Lina Sandell Born

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Karolina Wilhelmina Sandell-Berg (Lina Sandell) was born in Sweden, the daughter of Lutheran pastor Jonas Sandell. Not physically strong as a child, she often stayed inside in her father’s study, while friends were out playing. A poetic gift appeared early on. Lina published her first book of poems when she was only 15.

When she was 26, Lina and her father were crossing Lake Vattern on a boat trip. Suddenly, the boat pitched, and he fell overboard and was drowned before her eyes. This tragedy deeply affected her. God used it to turn her toward a ministry of writing hymns. Over succeeding years she wrote about 650 of them, becoming known as the “Fanny Crosby of Sweden.” Her deeply devotional songs played an important part in the revival that took place in her home country in the nineteenth century. Carolina Sandell married a Stockholm merchant, C. O. Berg, at the age of 35, but she continued to initial her hymns L. S.

Legendary soprano, Jenny Lind, “the Swedish Nightingale,” was well known for her classical concerts on both sides of the Atlantic. But as a woman of faith she used to visit the common working men as they laboured, singing for them many of Lina Sandell’s hymns. Jenny Lind helped to get Lina Sandell’s hymns published.

Swan on a nest

Two songs Lina Sandell wrote are still in common use: Day by Day, and Children of the Heavenly Father (Tryggare Kan Ingen Vara meaning, literally, Safer Can Nothing [Be]). Though some historians date the latter song from 1858, shortly after the death of Sandell’s father, she likely wrote it when in her mid-teens. It was, however, sung at her father’s funeral, and that may account for the confusion. The second of the stanzas printed below has a poignant appropriateness to her loss.

Children of the heavenly Father
Safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given.

What He takes or what He gives us
Shows the Father’s love so precious;
We may trust His purpose wholly–
‘Tis His children’s welfare solely.

Note: Sometimes the hymn is entitled More Secure Is No one Ever, and is begun with the last stanza of Sandell’s poem:

More secure is no one ever
Than the loved ones of the Saviour
Not yon star on high abiding
Nor the bird in home-nest hiding.

Another of this author’s hymns voices a commitment to depend on and follow the Lord, day by day. You can see the full hymn, and hear the tune, on the Cyber Hymnal.

I with Thee would begin, O my Savior so dear,
On the way that I still must pursue;
I with Thee would begin every day granted here,
As my earnest resolve I renew
To be and remain Thine forever.

Let Thy Word all divine be my lamp in whose light
I may constantly keep to Thy way;
And each day wouldst Thou cleanse me anew, make me white
In the blood shed for me on that day
The cross Thou didst suffer, Lord Jesus.

(2) The Wise May Bring Their Learning (Data Missing)

This fine children’s hymn appeared in 1881, but we know nothing of the authorship. It expresses clearly many of the ways a child can honour and serve the Lord. The tune was written by Edward Hopkins.

The wise may bring their learning, the rich may bring their wealth,
And some may bring their greatness, and some bring strength and health;
We, too, would bring our treasures to offer to the King;
We have no wealth or learning; what shall we children bring?

We’ll bring Him hearts that love Him; we’ll bring Him thankful praise,
And young souls meekly striving to walk in holy ways;
And these shall be the treasures we offer to the King,
And these are gifts that even the poorest child may bring.

We’ll bring the little duties we have to do each day;
We’ll try our best to please Him, at home, at school, at play;
And better are these treasures to offer to our King;
Than richest gifts without them—yet these a child may bring.

Today in 1808 – Allen Chatfield Born

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Allen William Chatfield was an Anglican clergyman, and a scholar who graduated from Cambridge winning first class in classical honours. He wrote Songs and Hymns of Earliest Greek Christian Poets in 1876, and several of the ancient hymns he translated were published and used. Among them is Lord Jesus, Think on Me, written in Greek by Synesius of Cyrene, around 430 AD. It says in part:

Lord Jesus, think on me
And purge away my sin;
From earthborn passions set me free
And make me pure within.

Lord Jesus, think on me,
With many a care oppressed;
Let me Thy loving servant be
And taste Thy promised rest.

Lord Jesus, think on me
Nor let me go astray;
Through darkness and perplexity
Point Thou the heavenly way.

(2) Today in 1918 – Donald Hustad Born

Donald Paul Hustad has had a long and varied career in Christian music, extending over more than six decades. An outstanding organist and choral director, a music historian, an editor with Hope Publishing Company, and a composer of sacred music, Hustad has received many honours over his time of ministry. He was associated with the Billy Graham Evangelist Association for years as a crusade organist, and with Moody Bible Institute. In later years, he served as Professor of Church Music at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

During Mr. Hustad’s time at Moody, he was a guest organist in my home church in Hamilton, Ontario. My father, our regular organist was a little intimidated by this, being self-taught, but he asked Hustad’s advice about various things, and played a bit for him. Graciously, Don Hustad said, “Don’t change a thing. You’re doing very well.” High praise from a man who has since become an associate of the American Guild of Organists, and a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists in London!

Don Hustad arranged an old Irish folk tune and it became the hymn tune Slane, to which we sing Be Thou My Vision. The name comes from the fact that it was on Slane Hill, around 433 AD, that Patrick defied a royal edict of pagan King Logaire. He earned the king’s respect by his courage, and was allowed to continue his missionary work in Ireland.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Mr. Hustad wrote a number of  books on church music, including the useful Dictionary-Hand­book to Hymns for the Liv­ing Church, and composed several hymn tunes himself, such as Highlands, to fit Grant Colfax Tullar’s I’ve Heard the King. Tullar’s original poem was created during the Second World War. He had just listened to a broadcast of Britain’s King George VI over the radio, and compared the Christians supreme privilege of communicating with the King of Kings.

 I’ve heard the King! The King of heaven!
Nor can I e’er forget the music of His voice.
I’ve heard the King! His call I’ve answered.
I’ve made the King of heav’n my everlasting choice.

He came to me, and with Him came a blessing.
He spoke to me, and glory filled my soul;
His voice I heard, so charming and so wondrous.
I’ve heard the King, and hearing am made whole.

Today in 1807 – Roswell Park Born

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Born in Connecticutt, Mr. Park was trained at Union College and West Point Military Academy, serving for a time in the United States Engineer Corps. He was also professor of chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania. Later, he studied theology, and began service as a clergyman in the Protestant Episcopal Church. In 1852, he became the president of Racine College, in Wisconsin. In 1863 he founded a school in Chicago, where he remained until his death in 1869.

The hymn Jesus Spreads His Banner O’er Us is taken from a book of poems Dr. Park published in 1836. Originally entitled simply The Communion, it is a hymn intended for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. In the Song of Solomon, the bride extols her husband saying, “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love” (2:4). Mr. Park takes this as a picture of the church’s praise of Christ.

Jesus spreads his banner o’er us,
Cheers our famished souls with food;
He the banquet spreads before us,
Of His mystic flesh and blood.
Precious banquet, bread of heaven,
Wine of gladness, flowing free;
May we taste it, kindly given,
In remembrance, Lord, of Thee.

In Thy holy incarnation,
When the angels sang Thy birth;
In Thy fasting and temptation,
In Thy labors on the earth,
In Thy trial and rejection,
In Thy sufferings on the tree,
In Thy glorious resurrection,
May we, Lord, remember Thee.

These two stanzas are usually all that are used. But Roswell Park included an opening stanza which relates to the practice of some congregations to close the service and dismiss the congregation before the Lord’s Supper. The idea is that non-Christians, or backslidden believers are unfit to partake at the Lord’s Table, so they should leave! (“The sons of earth [all those sinners]” need to be “retiring” now, so we, the chosen few, can continue.)

I’ve always been uncomfortable with this. For one thing, it can tend to feed the pride of those who remain. And I believe little is gained–and much can be lost–by forcing those who choose not to participate (for whatever reason) to publicly humiliate themselves. It’s surely sufficient to explain that the Communion is for Christians, and leaving individuals to decide whether to partake of the elements or pass them by when they are distributed. Anyway, that is the background of the following stanza of the hymn:

While the sons of earth retiring,
From the sacred temple roam;
Lord, Thy light and love desiring,
To Thine altar fain we come.
Children of our heavenly Father,
Friends and brethren we would be;
While we round Thy table gather,
May our hearts be one in Thee.

Historial Issues: Over the centuries, there have been various points of debate regarding sacred music. Whatever personal convictions we have, these differences have affected the music we use to this day. Here are five historical issues to consider.

(2) Today in 1942 – George Webster Died

George Orlia Webster was the son of a Baptist minister, and he became a pastor himself. But we was more ecumenical than his father. In over 50 years of ministry he most often served in non-denominational settings, or in churches that combined congregations from several denominations. He wrote several hundred hymns and other songs, but few survive today.

One that does grew out of his conviction that Christians needed to get together more, instead of remaining hostile to one another, crouched behind denominational walls. He said he was sitting on the porch of his cottage one afternoon, thinking how foolish it was for Christians to be unhappily divided. “After all,” he said to himself, “we all need Jesus.” And looking into his own heart he confessed, “I need Jesus.” It was then the song was born.

We might not entirely agree with Pastor Webster’s ecumenical views. It is especially bad when churches compromise ethical standards or key biblical doctrines, just for the sake of some kind of organizational togetherness. But we can certainly espouse the sentiment of his hymn, admitting our own need of Christ. When many deserted the Lord Jesus, He asked His disciples, “Do you also want to go away?” Peter’s insightful response was, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:67-68). Christ alone is the answer to our soul’s deepest need. As Webster’s hymn says:

I need Jesus, my need I now confess;
No friend like Him, in times of deep distress;
I need Jesus, the need I gladly own;
Though some may bear their load alone
Yet, I need Jesus.

I need Jesus, I need Him to the end;
No one like Him–He is the sinner’s Friend;
I need Jesus, no other friend will do;
So constant, kind, so strong, and true–
Yes, I need Jesus.

Today in 1852 – Charles Stanford Born

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Irishman Charles Villers Stanford was the son of a lawyer. He became the organist at Trinity College, and composed for, and conducted concerts for, musical societies in the nineteenth century. In 1883, he became the first professor of composition and orchestra at the Royal College of music, and was later conductor of the London Bach Choir. In the early part of the twentieth century he taught at Cambridge University, where he had been a student many years before. He was knighted in 1902.

Stanford wrote the hymn tune St. Patrick (also called Stanford) for Cecil Frances Alexander’s version of St. Patrick’s Breastplate. The hymn says in part:

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

(2) Today in 1902 – John Vernon Died

We know relatively little of Anglican clergyman John Richard Vernon, other than that he served churches in England in the nineteenth century. Only one obscure hymn of his is in use. There’s Peace and Rest in Paradise sounds like it is a hymn about heaven, but it is so only indirectly. Vernon expresses the longing of the believer, in the heat of the battle, for his heavenly home. But he challenges us to return to the fight, while the Lord gives us the time, and strength, and opportunity to do so.

There’s peace and rest in paradise,
In weary hours we say;
And oh that we had wings like doves
That we might flee away!

For here so strong the evil seems,
So weak appears the good,
Our standard wavers in the rush
Of evil, like a flood.

Then for the quiet land we long,
And the abode of peace;
And for the word, “Come, weary soul,
From war and vigil cease!”

But in our stronger hours we grasp
The warrior’s sword again,
And burn the good fight yet to fight,
The faithful watch maintain.

The Lord Himself hath need of us;
On! till the fight be won;
And the King’s words shall thrill the heart:
“Servant of God, well done!”

(3) Another Song from Emily Wilson – I Will Pilot Thee

I can recall, years ago, singing with the Ambassador Male Chorus, the beautiful hymn, I Will Pilot Thee. Emily Divine Wilson (1865-1942) wrote both words and music for it. The refrain is somewhat unusual, in that it quotes Christ speaking encouragement to the struggling saint.

Somtimes, when my faith would falter
And no sunlight I can see;
I just lift mine eyes to Jesus
And I whisper, “Pilot me.”

“Fear thou not, for I’ll be with thee,
I will still thy pilot be;
Never mind the tossing billows,
Take My hand, and trust in Me.”

Often, when my soul is weary,
And the days seem, oh, so long,
I just look up to my Pilot
And I hear this blessed song:

When I come to Jordan’s river
And its troubled waters see,
On the brink I’ll see my Saviour
And I know He’ll pilot me.

Mr. Byrd’s vocal style is not particularly to my taste, but he does all right with the song. I just can’t get out of my mind what a men’s choir of twenty or so voices did with it, prayerfully quiet with the stanzas, and a firmly assured crescendo in the refrain. (Wish we’d recorded it so I could share it with you!)

Today in 1903 – Redd Harper Born

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cowboy

Redd Harper, known as Mr. Texas, spent his early years in the saddle, immersed in the cowboy lifestyle. He was religious to a point, in those early years, but inwardly mocked those who declared themselves to be followers of Christ.

After some training in journalism, and a stint as a newspaper reporter, Redd’s life took another turn. He was a natural on the guitar, and learned to play the trumpet as well. Harper developed an interest in music as a possible career. He joined a dance band and played the western-swing music popular at the time. He went to Hollywood to find work, but the Great Depression, and the Second World War interrupted his plans. He spent three years in the Coast Guard.

Picking up his career after the war, Redd Harper became acquainted with many Hollywood personalities, including Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, and Stuart Hamblen, becoming a frequent drinking buddy of the latter. He met and interviewed many other show business celebrities on his successful radio program, Redd Harper’s Hollywood Roundup.

Then, suddenly, the news flashed around the Hollywood community that Stuart Hamblen had “got religion” at a Billy Graham rally. Harper was derisive. “I laughed and said to myself that the big phony was just putting that on.” But shortly after he was invited to a Christian meeting where Hamblen gave his testimony. Redd was stunned, realizing this was a changed man from the one he used to drink with. Through continued contact with Christians, Redd Harper was eventually led to trust the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour.

Then came the idea of using music to express his faith. “God made a songwriter out of me!” he said.  In the 1950s Harper travelled extensively with the Billy Graham team, and starred in three gospel films. Then he launched out on his own evangelistic ministry in many countries of the world. Redd Harper died on February 16, 1992. To the end he remained a trophy of God’s amazing grace. His best known songs are likely Lord, Keep Your Precious Hand on Me, and Each Step Of The Way.

I’m following Jesus, one step at a time.
I live for the moment in His love divine;
Why think of tomorrow? Just live for today!
I’m following Jesus each step of the way.

(2) Today in 1839 – The Hour Glass sung

John Quincy Adams was the 6th president of the United States. He professed to be a Christian, and for many years he was vice-president of the American Bible Society. He wrote, “Great is my veneration of the Bible, and so strong is my belief that, when duly read and meditated on it is, of all books in the world, that which contributes most to making men good, wise, and happy.” Adams’ religious beliefs are sometimes difficult to pin down. He opposed both liberal Unitarianism and harshly dogmatic Calvinism. He is generally considered a Unitarian, yet he stoutly defended the doctrine of the Trinity.

John Quincy Adams wrote metrical versions of the Psalms, as well as several hymns. He wrote The Hour Glass, a meditation on the mysteries of passing time, for the 200th anniversary, on this date, of the First Congregational Church in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Alas! how swift the moments fly!
How flash the years along!
Scarce here, yet gone already by,
The burden of a song.
See childhood, youth, and manhood pass,
And age, with furrowed brow;
Time was–time shall be–drain the glass–
But where in time is now?

Time is the measure but of change;
No present hour is found;
The past, the future, fill the range
Of time’s unceasing round.
Where, then is now? In realms above,
With God’s atoning Lamb,
In regions of eternal love,
Where sits enthroned I AM.

Today in 1859 – Karl Spitta Died

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Karl Johann Philipp Spitta, the son of a bookkeeper and French teacher, was originally apprenticed to a watchmaker, but, disliking the occupation, he dropped out. After a deep spiritual experience in his twenties, he dedicated his life to the Lord, studied theology, and was eventually ordained to the Lutheran ministry. He served as a pastor and a prison chaplain.

Even in his youth Spitta showed an aptitude for writing, and during his life he wrote over a hundred hymns. One especially remains in common use today, O Happy Home. It would be suitable for services on either Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.

O happy home, where Thou art loved the dearest,
Thou loving Friend and Saviour of our race,
And where among the guests there never cometh
One who can hold such high and honoured place!

O happy home, whose little ones are given
Early to Thee, in humble faith and prayer,
To Thee, their Friend, who from the heights of heaven
Guides them, and guards with more than mother’s care!

O happy home, where each one serves Thee, lowly,
Whatever his appointed work may be,
Till every common task seems great and holy,
When it is done, O Lord, as unto Thee!

(2) None But Christ Can Satisfy (Data Missing)

This fine gospel song is found in Sankey’s Sacred Songs and Solos (#853). The tune was written by James McGranahan, whom we know. But the words are cryptically attributed to “B. E. alt.” (Hymnary.org has identified the author as Emma Frances Shuttleworth Bevan, who hardly ever put her name to any of her hymns. They offer no evidence for this.) You can see the full text and hear the tune on the Cyber Hymnal.

This testimony song seems to draw its inspiration from the words of the prophet Jeremiah to backslidden Israel. He quotes the Lord as saying, “My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns–broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jer. 2:13).

O Christ, in Thee my soul hath found,
And found in Thee alone,
The peace, the joy I sought so long,
The bliss till now unknown.

Now none but Christ can satisfy,
None other name for me,
There’s love, and life, and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in Thee.

I tried the broken cisterns, Lord,
But ah! the waters failed!
E’en as I stooped to drink they’d fled,
And mocked me as I wailed.

The pleasures lost I sadly mourned,
But never wept for Thee,
Till grace the sightless eyes received,
Thy loveliness to see.

Today in 1735 – Robert Robinson Born

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Robert Robinson is the author of two fine hymns still in use: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, and Mighty God, While Angels Bless Thee. His story is dealt with elsewhere in the blog, here. He refers in the former hymn of his proneness to wander, and the lyric surely speaks to the spiritual weakness in each of us.

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

(2) Today in 1805 – George Muller Born

After living a wild and undisciplined youth, Muller came to Christ around the age of 20. Later, in the mid-nineteenth century he became well known for the orphanages he established, and for his policy of supporting them entirely by faith in God, through prayer. In the latter years of his life he made evangelistic trips to America, India, Japan and Australia. We do not usually think of him as a hymn writer, but there is a hymn attributed to him called The Cross of Jesus. (You can hear the tune on the Cyber Hymnal.)

I saw the cross of Jesus,
When burdened with my sin;
I sought the cross of Jesus
To give me peace within;
I brought my sins to Jesus,
He cleansed me by His blood;
And in the cross of Jesus
I found my peace with God.

I love the cross of Jesus,
It tells me what I am–
A vile and guilty creature
Saved only through the Lamb;
No righteousness or merit,
No beauty can I plead;
Yet in the cross of Jesus
My title there I read.

(3) Today in 1872 – Bentley Ackley Born

Bentley DeForest Ackley’s father was a gifted and trained musician, and the son showed his musical talent early on. As a boy he was able to play the piano, coronet, clarinet, piccolo, and melodeon (a small reed organ). After moving to New York City in 1888, he played the organ in several churches. In 1907, he joined the Billy Sunday evangelistic team as secretary and pianist, travelling with them for 8 years. In his lifetime he composed over 3,000 gospel tunes.

Bentley Ackley was the brother of Alfred Henry Ackley, author of the gospel song He Lives! and many other lyrics. Both men were associated for years with the Rodeheaver Publishing Company. Bentley wrote the tune for Oswald Smith’s 1930 song Joy in Serving Jesus, the first of a number of collaborations with Dr. Smith.

There is joy in serving Jesus,
As I journey on my way,
Joy that fills the heart with praises,
Every hour and every day.

Below is an instrumental duet (violin and keyboard) that incorporates several songs about serving the Lord such as: Joy in Serving Jesus, In the Service of the King, Channels Only, and Give of Thy Best to the Master. Nicely done. Don’t know if they did so, but it would be helpful to have the text of the songs projected, so that those unfamiliar with any of them could get the message while they listened.

And speaking of listening–a pet peeve: If you’re going to sit up front, don’t be chatting–as three pairs of men do here, or thumbing through your Bible. Listen! Focus! Behave yourself! I realize there may be occasional times when it may be necessary to say something to another participant. But keep it brief. Do your planning and preparation before. You set a bad example otherwise. How can we expect members of the congregation to pay attention when we don’t?

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

,

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.”

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