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Today in 1751 – John Rippon Born

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John Rippon attended the Baptist College in Bristol, England, later becoming pastor of the Carter’s Lane Baptist Church in London–where he served for over 60 years! He also published an influential book called A Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors, Intended to Be an Appendix to Dr. Watts’ Psalms and Hymns. The volume was reprinted 27 times, and sold over 200,000 copies. John Rippon is considered the foremost authority on the hymns of Isaac Watts, who died 3 years before Rippon was born.

In Rippon’s book are found the hymns Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned, by Samuel Stennett, and How Firm a Foundation. The author of the latter is not named, but it is ascribed to “K” or “Kn.” It is possible that this is a reference to Robert Keene, the music director in Dr. Rippon’s church. The hymn was originally called Exceeding Great and Precious Promises. Each stanza but the first is a versified quotation of Scripture passages giving assurance to the believer.

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?

Some years ago, I attended a Pastors Conference at Moody Bible Institute, in Chicago. Joining twelve hundred men lifting their voices in song, during the general sessions, was a thrilling experience. At one meeting, we began with this great hymn. I was in the balcony, looking down on the platform and the lower part of the auditorium. As we sang, a few late-comers straggled in, making their way along the pews to empty seats. Suddenly, the song leader called a halt to the singing. He then said, “This is music to praise God with, not music to march in to! We’ll wait until you’re seated!”

Ouch! (I’m very glad I was on time!) But though I’ve never had the courage to be that blunt, I do recall the incident as I watch people who seem to be chronically late entering the house of God. There are exceptions and emergencies, of course. But, generally speaking, if we are not in our places some minutes before a service is to begin, we may be disturbing others in their  worship, or their time of preparation for what is to come. We could be dishonouring the Lord as well.

(2) Today in 1882 – John Darby Died

Born in London, John Nelson Darby got his middle name from family friend and famed navel hero Admiral Horatio Nelson. Darby attended Trinity College in Dublin, graduating at the age of 19 as a Classics medalist. He trained for a career in law, but abandoned his practice after only a year. He was later ordained as an Anglican clergyman, but became dissatisfied with the Church of England. Meetings with like minded Christians led to the formation of a prayer and Bible study group which came to be known as the Plymouth Brethren (because their meetings were held in Plymouth).

The movement grew, and Darby traveled to Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Holland, the West Indies, New Zealand, the United States and Canada on teaching tours. He emphasized truths that had been neglected by many, and we owe much to his influence. Darby also wrote 53 books, as well as authoring a few hymns. One of these is Ten Thousand Voices Crying, picturing the scene in heaven around the throne of God.

Hark! ten thousand voices crying,
“Lamb of God!” with one accord;
Thousand thousand saints replying,
Wake at once the echoing chord.

“Praise the Lamb,” the chorus waking,
All in heaven together throng;
Loud and far each tongue partaking
Rolls around the endless song.

Grateful incense this, ascending
Ever to the Father’s throne:
Every knee to Jesus bending,
All in mind in heaven is one.

All the Father’s counsels claiming
Equal honours to the Son,
All the Son’s effulgence beaming,
Makes the Father’s glory known.

By the Spirit all pervading,
Hosts unnumbered round the Lamb,
Crowned with light and joy unfading,
Hail Him as the great “I AM.”

Today in 1839 – Vernon Charlesworth Born

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Vernon John Charlesworth was born in Barking, Essex, England. He served as a co-pastor of the Surrey Chapel, and as headmaster of Charles Spurgeon’s Stockwell Orphanage for 40 years. He was also a ministering elder at Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Tabernacle. Mr. Charlesworth wrote quite a number of hymns, but only one remains in common use, A Shelter in the Time of Storm.

The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Here is a toe-tapping rendition of this gospel song by a men’s chorus.

 

(2) Today in 1872 – Lord, Speak to Me, written

Frances Ridley Havergal wrote a hymn-poem she entitled, A Worker’s Prayer. We know it as a hymn, by the opening words, Lord, Speak to Me. It is the kind of petition that should rise from the heart of each servant of Christ, because we can only speak as we are spoken to! Our authority comes not from ourselves, but from the Word of God. And our lives should support and confirm the message we convey. The song says:

Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou has sought, so let me seek
Thine erring children lost and lone.

O lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.

O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

In 1878, Frances Havergal wrote a wonderful hymn called Truehearted, Wholehearted. Many of its original nine stanzas are suited to general congregational use. But it was written to be the official YWCA Hymn. (This was back in the day when the Young Women’s Christian Association was overtly Christian, as was the YMCA!)

Truehearted, wholehearted, faithful and loyal,
King of our lives, by Thy grace we will be;
Under the standard exalted and royal,
Strong in Thy strength we will battle for Thee.

Peal out the watchword! Silence it never!
Song of our spirits, rejoicing and free;
Peal out the watchword! Loyal forever!
King of our lives, by Thy grace we will be.

Wholehearted! Saviour belovèd and glorious,
Take Thy great power and reign Thou alone,
Over our wills and affections victorious—
Freely surrendered and wholly Thine own.

Truehearted, wholehearted! Fullest allegiance
Yielding henceforth to our glorious King!
Valiant endeavor and loving obedience
Freely and joyously now would we bring.

Half-hearted? Master, shall any who know Thee
Grudge Thee their lives, who has laid down Thine own?
Nay! we would offer the hearts that we owe Thee,
Live for Thy love and Thy glory alone.

The following stanzas show Miss Havergal’s intention for it to be a dedication song especially for women.

Sisters, dear sisters, the call is resounding,
Will ye not echo the silver refrain,
Mighty and sweet, and in gladness abounding?–
“Truehearted, whole-hearted!” ringing again.

Jesus is with us, His rest is before us,
Brightly His standard is waving above!
Sisters, dear sisters, in gathering chorus,
Peal out the watchword of courage and love!

Today in 1824 – Anne Cousin Born

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Samuel Rutherford was born in the year 1600 in the south of Scotland. He possessed a keen intellect. At the young age of 23 he was appointed Professor of Latin, at Edinburgh University. But that was not to be his calling. After completing theological studies, Rutherford became the minister of a church in the little village of Anwoth.

He proved to be an outstanding pastor, much loved by his people. It was his custom to rise at three in the morning to read and pray–and he sat up late as well! The centre of Samuel Rutherford’s life was Christ, whom he loved with an overwhelming passion. He laboured and longed to see all in his parish come to faith in the Saviour. The work was fruitful, but never easy.

Over the years, his life was touched by multiplied sorrows. His wife and their two children died and were buried in the Anwoth churchyard. He faced another trial too. It was a time when the English crown tried to dominate the Scottish church, imposing the forms and rituals of the Church of England on it. Rutherford opposed this and wrote a potent volume arguing against the “divine right of kings.”

His book was burned, and Rutherford was arrested. After a trial, he was forbidden to preach, and was sent into exile. The separation from his beloved congregation was heartbreaking. He wrote many letters of encouragement and counsel to his friends in Anwoth. Those letters have since been published and are recognized as a spiritual classic.

After his release from exile, Samuel Rutherford served as a professor at St. Andrew’s University, and as commissioner to the Westminster Assembly. But other than by his now-famous letters, it is in his death in 1661 that this great saint made an indelible mark.

As he lay dying Rutherford could hardly talk of anything else but Christ. “I shall shine,” he whispered to his friends, “I shall see Him as He is, and all the fair company with Him, and shall have my large share….I have got the victory, and Christ is holding forth His arms to embrace me.” Then came his last words, “Glory, glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s Land.”

Almost 200 years later, a woman named Anne Ross Cundell Cousin, herself the wife of a Scottish pastor, immortalized those words in a hymn. Mrs. Cousin (1824-1906) not only knew the Scriptures, she was steeped in the life and letters of Samuel Rutherford. Her beautiful hymn, The Sands of Time Are Sinking, reflects this.

The sands of time are sinking, the dawn of heaven breaks;
The summer morn I’ve sighed for—the fair, sweet morn awakes:
Dark, dark hath been the midnight, but dayspring is at hand,
And glory, glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.

O Christ, He is the fountain, the deep, sweet well of love!
The streams on earth I’ve tasted more deep I’ll drink above:
There to an ocean fullness His mercy doth expand,
And glory, glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.

With mercy and with judgment my web of time He wove,
And aye, the dews of sorrow were lustered with His love;
I’ll bless the hand that guided, I’ll bless the heart that planned
When throned where glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.

I have often had a congregation sing the final stanza of a hymn unaccompanied (especially when it is a prayer hymn, or one expressing personal devotion). It is a bit riskier to have folks sing one of the middle stanzas unaccompanied and then have the instrument(s) come back in. However, this is done effectively in the video clip. (It certainly helps to have a pastor or worship leader who is a fine singer, as here!)

Check the Cyber Hymnal for another moving hymn by Anne Cousin, and a couple of interesting stories about the hymn as well. O Christ, What Burdens Bowed Thy Head powerfully presents the doctrine of the substitutionary death of Christ–that He suffered the judgment for our sin that, through faith in Him, we might be forgiven and receive the gift of eternal life.

(2) Today in 1859 – George Doane Died

George Washington Doane was born in Trenton, New Jersey. After graduating from Union College, he took a position as an assistant at Trinity Church in New York. He later became professor of rhetoric and belles-lettres at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, then rector of Trinity Church, Boston (where hymn writer Phillips Brooks pastored later). Dr. Doane also served as Episcopal bishop of New Jersey, and helped found Burlington College and St. Mary’s Hall of Doane Academy. He was a pioneer in education, much ahead of his time.

Doane was one of the first Americans following the Episcopal tradition who encouraged hymn singing in churches that had sung only the Psalms before. He wrote a number of hymns himself. Two of these are: Softly Now the Light of Day, and Fling Out the Banner.  The latter was written for a ceremony to raise a new flag at St. Mary’s School in Burlington, New Jersey.

Fling out the banner! let it float
Skyward and seaward, high and wide;
The sun that lights its shining folds,
The cross, on which the Saviour died.

Fling out the banner! sin sick souls
That sink and perish in the strife,
Shall touch in faith its radiant hem,
And spring immortal into life.

Fling out the banner! let it float
Skyward and seaward, high and wide,
Our glory, only in the cross;
Our only hope, the Crucified!

Today in 1834 – Horatio Palmer Born

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If the child of God resists temptation, by God’s grace, that victory will tend to strengthen his spiritual fibre, and each victory will bring with it the power to win new and greater victories. The slippery slope of sin works in the opposite way. When we succumb to temptation, it becomes easily to fall the next time.

One day in 1868, these ideas impressed themselves upon the mind of composer Horatio Richmond Palmer. Dr. Palmer was the author of several books on the technical aspects of music, and an editor of a number of hymn books. At the moment, he was working at his desk on an exercise in musical theory. Perhaps it was the concept that all learning requires discipline that got him thinking. That is certainly true of mastering the art of making music. But Palmer’s mind turned quickly in another direction. What of dealing with the temptation to sin?

In a sudden burst of inspiration, Horatio Palmer set these truths to music. He says, “I was at work on the dry subject of theory when the complete idea flashed upon me. I laid aside the theoretical work and hurriedly penned both words and music as fast as I could write them.” The result was a song called Yield Not to Temptation, later published in the National Sunday School Teachers’ Magazine.

Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue,
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.

Ask the Saviour to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.

To him that o’ercometh, God giveth a crown;
Through faith we shall conquer, though often cast down;
He Who is our Saviour our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.

It may partly be the fault of the 6/4 rhythm of the tune, but it seems difficult to find a rendition of this song that does not swing and sway rather energetically, often with percussion accompaniment that virtually overwhelms the singing. To my ear, this does not suit the serious admonitions of the song to avoid dark passions, evil companions, profanity, and other sins.

Graphic Wedding

(2) Today in 1900 – O Thou Who Gavest Power to Love sung

A graduate of Merton College, Oxford, Mandell Creighton was ordained a deacon in 1870, and priest in 1873. He became Bishop of Peterborough in 1891, and Bishop of London in 1897.  His hymn was written in 1900, and given to the Honorable Sarah Kathleen, daughter of the 4th Lord of Lyttleton. It was a kind of wedding gift, and was used on the occasion of her marriage to Mr. J. C. Bailey, at St. Margarent’s Church, Westminster.

 The Bible tells us “the fruit of the Spirit [the result of the Holy Spirit’s ministry in the heart of the believer] is love,” among other character qualities (Gal. 5:22-23). The author builds on the idea that God is the source of our power to love Him and others. Sound wisdom for the newlyweds and for each of us.

O Thou Who gavest power to love
That we might fix our hearts on Thee,
Preparing us for joys above
By that which here on earth we see:

Thy Spirit trains our souls to know
The growing purpose of Thy will,
And gives to love the power to show
That purpose growing larger still;

Larger, as love to reverent eyes
Makes manifest another soul,
And shows to life a richer prize,
A clearer course, a nobler goal.

Lord, grant Thy servants who implore
Thy blessing on the hearts they blend,
That from that union evermore
New joys may blossom to the end.

Today in 1792 – John Keble Born

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Following a brilliant career at Oxford University, Englishman John Keble became an Anglican clergyman. In 1827 he published The Christian Year: Thoughts in Verse for the Sundays and Holy Days Throughout the Year. In 1831, he became professor of poetry at Oxford, and helped lay the foundation for the Oxford Movement. A modest and gentle man, in 1835 he accepted the vicarage at Hursley, and remained in that ministry for the rest of his life.

In the book mentioned above, John Keble has given us the beautiful hymn Sun of My Soul. He entitled it Evening, and printed it with Luke 24:29, “They constrained Him, saying, ‘Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.’ And He went in to stay with them.”

Sun of my soul, Thou Saviour dear,
It is not night if Thou be near;
O may no earthborn cloud arise
To hide Thee from Thy servant’s eyes.

When the soft dews of kindly sleep
My wearied eyelids gently steep,
Be my last thought, how sweet to rest
Forever on my Saviour’s breast.

Abide with me from morn till eve,
For without Thee I cannot live;
Abide with me when night is nigh,
For without Thee I dare not die.

Just ignore the video on the clip below, and listen to the singing of the hymn. For some reason, the camera is focused on the organ, and the organist is doing other things unrelated to the hymn!

(2) Today in 1800 – William Cowper Died

William Cowper (pronounced Cooper) was one of England’s greatest poets, but he was troubled through much of his life with suicidal depression. The Lord finally provided a means of encouraging him and stabilizing his life through the ministry of John Newton, author of Amazing Grace and many other hymns. The two men became friends, and Newton suggested that together they produce a hymn book, with each of the men contributing some songs. The result was the monumental Olney Hymns, published in 1779. Challenged by this project, William Cowper wrote 67 hymns. Among them are:

A Glory Guilds the Sacred Page
God Moves in a Mysterious Way
Jesus, Where’er Thy People Meet
O for a Closer Walk with God
Sometimes a Light Surprises
There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood

I corresponded not long ago with a blogger who objected to the gory imagery in the opening stanza of There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood. But Cowper, who knew his Bible, headed the original Praise for the Fountain Opened, and referenced the prophecy of Zech. 13:1, “In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.”

Sadly, even some modern Bible versions have tried to paraphrase the text in order to remove references to the blood of Christ as being something distasteful and archaic. “The precious blood of Christ” (I Pet. 1:18-19) has become “the costly sacrifice of Christ” (TEV). Away with such foolish tinkering! “We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). Praise the Lord!

There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.

E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.

(3) Today in 1839 – Samuel Stone Born

Faith in Christ is inseparably linked to our trust and confidence in the Scriptures. Samuel John Stone understood that. He served as a pastor in England during a time of great theological controversy. The flames of bitter feeling were fanned by a book entitled The Pentateuch and the Book of Joshua Critically Examined, which attacked the historicity of the Bible. Its accuracy was being challenged by liberal scholarship, but Pastor Stone (a wonderfully appropriate name!) stood firm.

In 1866, to reaffirm the Lordship of Christ, and His place as the only sure foundation of the church, he authored a hymn known as The Church’s One Foundation. Each thought is based firmly upon the Scriptures. So that there would be no doubt of this, Samuel Stone originally printed the hymn with the Bible verses alongside.

The church’s one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord,
She is His new creation
By water and the Word.
From heav’n He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her
And for her life He died.

Though with a scornful wonder
Men see her sore oppressed,
By schisms rent asunder,
By heresies distressed:
Yet saints their watch are keeping,
Their cry goes up, “How long?”
And soon the night of weeping
Shall be the morn of song!

Today in 1813 – James Chadwick Born

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Irishman James Chadwick was educated at Ushaw College, Durham, where he was ordained in 1836, and served first as a professor, and later as president of the school. In 1866, he became the Roman Catholic bishop of Hexham and Newcastle. Chadwick is known in hymnody for his translation of the traditional French song Les Anges dans Nos Campagnes, which gave us the popular carol Angels We Have Heard on High.

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

Graphic Sunshine

(2) Today in 1920 Eliza Hewitt Died

Eliza Edmunds Hewitt lived her entire life in the city of Philadelphia. She taught school for awhile, but developed spinal trouble and was confined to bed for many years. During that time of suffering, she devoted herself to writing, and produced an amazing collection of popular gospel songs. Many of them are still in use a century later. (Some of these were written under the pen name Lidie H. Edmunds.

After some years, her physical condition improved, and she served as Sunday School Superintendent at the Northern Home for Friendless Children, and later at the Calvin Presbyterian Church. She was also a regular contributor to Sunday School Helps. Here is just a small sampling of her songs.

Come, for All Things Are Ready
Give Me Thy Heart
In a Little While We’re Going Home
More About Jesus
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place
Since the Fullness of His Love Came In
Singing I Go
Stepping in the Light
Sunshine in My Soul
When We All Get to Heaven
Will There Be Any Stars?

The author spent six months in a body cast, as doctors worked to heal her spine. When she was finally able to take a simple walk in the park, her great joy prompted the writing of Sunshine in My Soul.

There is sunshine in my soul today,
More glorious and bright
Than glows in any earthly sky,
For Jesus is my Light.

O there’s sunshine, blessèd sunshine,
When the peaceful, happy moments roll;
When Jesus shows His smiling face,
There is sunshine in the soul.

There is music in my soul today,
A carol to my King,
And Jesus, listening, can hear
The songs I cannot sing.

Today in 1807 – Andrew Young Born

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Andrew Young was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and he graduated from the University of Edinburgh. He was headmaster of a school in that city, then taught English at Madras College, St. Andrews. In his latter years he served as superintendent of Greenside Parish Sabbath School. He is known in hymnody for one song only, There Is a Happy Land.

There is a happy land, far, far away,
Where saints in glory stand, bright, bright as day.
Oh, how they sweetly sing, worthy is our Saviour King,
Loud let His praises ring, praise, praise for aye.

Come to that happy land, come, come away;
Why will ye doubting stand, why still delay?
Oh, we shall happy be, when from sin and sorrow free,
Lord, we shall live with Thee, blest, blest for aye.

The singers in the following clip are marvelous. My one criticism is that nobody seems particularly “happy,” especially the violinist. Smile, folks! It’s a song of joy.

(2) Today in 1888 – Edward Hopper Died

Graphic Stormy Sea2

Edward Hopper was born in New York City. He graduated from New York University in 1839, and from Union Theological Seminary in 1842. He became a Presbyterian clergyman, notably serving the Church of the Land and the Sea, in New York’s harbour area.

Hopper was also a fine poet. In 1871, one of his poems appeared anonymously in The Sailor’s Magazine. The original had six verses. But the author himself later chose three of them to serve as The Sailor’s Hymn (Jesus, Saviour, Pilot Me). It put spiritual things in terms the men he ministered to could understand.

Jesus, Saviour, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treacherous shoal.
Chart and compass come from Thee;
Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.

As a mother stills her child,
Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boisterous waves obey Thy will,
When Thou sayest to them, “Be still!”
Wondrous Sovereign of the sea,
Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.

John Edgar Gould (1821-1875) managed a music store. He was also a composer, and a compiler of the music of others. Mr. Gould wrote the tune for Edward Hopper’s hymn. Here is a beautiful piano arrangement of it, by a master of the instrument.

Today in 1913 – Jack Wyrtzen Born

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Graphic Jack Wyrtzen2

Jack Wyrtzen was born in New York City. Before his conversion he conducted a dance band called The Silver Moon Serenaders. He came to Christ through the witness of a buddy in a training camp for the U.S. Cavalry. Wyrtzen began holding Saturday night youth rallies, often in Madison Square Garden. (The wonderful tenor in my father’s quartet was invited to sing at one of these, but he declined.) The rally concept was later copied and used far and wide by Youth for Christ.

Mr. Wyrtzen called his program “Word of Life,” and he went on to build other aspects of it, including a Bible institute, a ranch and resort, as well as camps and schools abroad, and a weekly youth program for local churches. He also carried on a regular radio program since the early 1940’s. He died on April 14, 1996.

In the 1960’s, Jack Wyrtzen preached a message called “Three Days in the Life of a Christian.” (Yesterday He [Christ] died for me; today He lives for me; tomorrow He’s coming for me.) His musician son, Don, set the truths in the message to music, and the result was the song, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (actually more of an extended chorus than a hymn).

Yesterday He died for me, yesterday, yesterday,
Yesterday He died for me, yesterday,
Yesterday He died for me, died for me–
This is history.

(2) Today in 1987 – James Orr Died

James Edwin Orr was born in Belfast, Ireland. In 1939, he became an associate pastor at the People’s Church in Toronto, briefly assisting the senior pastor Oswald J. Smith (also a hymn writer). After serving as a chaplain with the U.S. Army Air Corps, during the war, he earned a PhD at Oxford in 1948. He also received honorary degrees from other institutions, and in 1967 became a professor in the School of World Missions at Fuller Theological Seminary. He wrote a number of books, and at least 6 hymns. The best known of the latter is Search Me, O God.

Irish evangelist James Orr was only 24 years of age in 1936, when he spoke at a series of meetings in New Zealand. Concerted prayer had preceded his visit, and the Lord blessed in an unusual way. Many of the saints of God were revived and renewed, and many sinners trusted Christ as Saviour. Midnight services had to be added to accommodate the huge crowds. One of the things that characterized the time of spiritual refreshing was that Christians were brought under conviction. They confessed their sins, asked forgiveness of those they had previously wronged, and recommitted their lives to the Lord. With David the psalmist they prayed,

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties [worries that indicate a lack of faith]; and see if there is any wicked way [an offense against You] in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Ps. 139:23-24

Two particular results came in the life of Dr. Orr as a result of those days of blessing. For one thing, it started him on decades of study concerning the subject of revival. And for another, he created a hymn based on the above text. As he was leaving New Zealand, four Maori girls sang the Polynesian song, “Now is the hour when we must say goodbye.” James Orr used the melody for his hymn.

Search me, O God,
And know my heart today;
Try me, O Saviour,
Know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be
Some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin
And set me free.

Today in 1783 – Reginald Heber Born

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Reginald Heber was an Anglican clergyman whom novelist William Thackeray described as “an English gentleman of the best sort; handsome, witty, competent and of high character.” In 1823, Heber served as bishop of Calcutta, where he laboured strenuously for three years in the hot Indian climate. He died in 1826, likely of sunstroke. Poet Robert Southey wrote the inscription for his monument:

He performed his humblest as well as his highest duties carefully, with all his heart, with all his soul, with all his strength.

Heber was a gifted poet, and a number of his hymns are still in use. In fact, Holy, Holy, Holy is sung regularly in many churches, and is often placed first in published hymnals. Here are a few of Heber’s songs:

Bread of the World in Mercy Given
Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning
By Cool Siloam’s Shady Rill
From Greenland’s Icy Mountains
God That Madest Earth and Heaven (stanza 1)
Holy, Holy, Holy
The Son of God Goes Forth to War

Holy, Holy, Holy was written for Trinity Sunday, when Reginald Heber was a vicar in England. Published posthumously in 1826, it is based on Rev. 4:8-11.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

The Son of God Goes Forth to War was written in 1812 for St. Stephen’s Day (Dec. 26th). Stephen was the first martyr in the early church (Acts 7:51-60), and Heber commemorates not only his death, but the sacrifice of those who followed after, calling for the commitment of others with the repeated question, “Who follows in his train?”

The Son of God goes forth to war,
A kingly crown to gain;
His blood red banner streams afar:
Who follows in His train?
Who best can drink His cup of woe,
Triumphant over pain,
Who patient bears his cross below,
He follows in His train.

That martyr first, whose eagle eye
Could pierce beyond the grave;
Who saw his Master in the sky,
And called on Him to save.
Like Him, with pardon on His tongue,
In midst of mortal pain,
He prayed for them that did the wrong:
Who follows in his train?

Please don’t tell me young people can’t understand the old hymns, and can’t sing them with passion. Here is a small congregation made up mostly of teens and young adults. The tune used for the above hymn is not the traditional one, but the words are Heber’s, published nearly 200 years ago. Gives me goosebumps!

Graphic Family

(2) Today in 1794 – Henry Ware Born

Henry Ware Jr. was a minister in Boston, in a church where poet Ralph Waldo Emerson briefly served as his associate. At his death he left behind four volumes of writings. A poem from his pen was published posthumously in 1846, in a volume with the imposing title, Selections of Hymns and Poetry for the Use of Infant and Juvenile Schools and Families.

Ware’s hymn Happy the Home employs the word “Happy” in the sense of fortunate, or especially favoured. The need is more urgent than ever for solid Christian families.

Happy the home when God is there,
And love fills every breast;
When one their wish, and one their prayer,
And one their heav’nly rest.

Happy the home where Jesus’ name
Is sweet to every ear;
Where children early speak His fame,
And parents hold Him dear.

Happy the home where prayer is heard,
And praise each day does rise;
Where parents love the sacred Word
And all its wisdom prize.

(3) Today in 1856 – Johnson Oatman Born

Johnson Oatman Jr. was ordained through the Methodist Episcopal Church at the age of 19, though he remained a local preacher without pastoral assignment. He was involved with his father’s shipping business, and later established an insurance company in Mount Holly, New Jersey. Beginning in his mid-thirties, he wrote many poems that became the texts for gospel songs. Here are a few:

Count Your Blessings
Every Bridge Is Burned Behind Me
Higher Ground
Holy, Holy Is What the Angels Sing
He Included Me
No, Not One
The Last Mile of the Way

Count Your Blessings first appeared in Songs for Young People, in 1897. But it is not just a hymn for the young. Each of us would benefit from daily counting God’s blessings. It would often help to keep us from a grouchy negativism! In churches where I have served as pastor, this song was often used on Thanksgiving Sunday, before a time of testimonies.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Here is George Beverley Shea singing this gospel song.

Higher Ground, written in 1898, is a fine song of aspiration. It speaks of a desire not to become mired in an average hum-drum Christian life, not to just “get by,” but to be a dynamic Christian, living in joy and victory.

I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on heaven’s table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

Today in 1826 – Erastus Johnson Born

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Graphic Rocky Cliff

Earastus Johnson was born in a logging camp about 60 miles from Bangor, Maine. He was the third of 13 children. At the age of 17, he became a school teacher in Maine, and at 26 he joined some of his brothers in the California Gold Rush. Later, he worked in the oil business.

In 1871, during a YMCA convention that Johnson attended as a delegate, a telegram informed John Wanamaker, the president of the convention, that his bank had failed and he had lost an enormous amount of money. Through the years 1869 to 1871, there was a severe financial depression and a general panic. Many banks failed, and depositors lost their savings. Erastus Johnson wrote the hymn The Rock That Is Higher Than I to encourage those present, and it went on to be much used. (The song should not be confused with William Cushing’s Hiding in Thee, which begins, “O safe to the Rock that is higher than I”).

Oh! sometimes the shadows are deep,
And rough seems the path to the goal,
And sorrows, sometimes how they sweep
Like tempests down over the soul.

O then to the Rock let me fly
To the Rock that is higher than I
O then to the Rock let me fly
To the Rock that is higher than I!

Oh! sometimes how long seems the day,
And sometimes how weary my feet!
But toiling in life’s dusty way,
The Rock’s blessèd shadow, how sweet!

(2) Today in 1911 – Moses Cross Died

Moses Smith Cross was the son of a Methodist Episcopalian clergyman named Aaron Cross. He became a member of the faculty of the University of the Pacific, in Stockton, California, eventually serving as its president and vice-president. He was also a linguist and musician. Mr. Cross wrote the tune Waratah, which is used with Frank North’s lesser known hymn Jesus, the Calm That Fills My Breast.

Jesus, the calm that fills my breast,
No other heart than Thine can give;
This peace unstirred, this joy of rest,
None but Thy loved ones can receive.

My weary soul has found a charm
That turns to blessedness my woe;
Within the shelter of Thine arm,
I rest secure from storm and foe.

O Christ, through changeful years my Guide
My Comforter in sorrow’s night,
My Friend, when friendless—still abide,
My Lord, my Counselor, my Light.

(3) Jacob’s Ladder (Data Missing)

We have no accurate data on the authorship or date of the traditional spiritual We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder, but it deserves a place in our hymnody. The song takes its inspiration from an incident in the life of Jacob in the Old Testament. Fleeing from his brother Esau, out in the lonely wilderness, Jacob lay down to sleep, with a stone for his pillow (Gen. 28:11). And there the Lord gave him a strange dream.

Behold, a ladder was set up on the earth and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it”.

Gen. 28:12

The dream represents the fact that earth and heaven are connected, and that God is concerned about what is happening on earth. Specifically, in this case, that He was concerned about what happened to Jacob and his descendants (the nation of Israel). In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus seems to take this symbolism and apply it to Himself (Jn. 1:51), indicating that He is the Bridge that connects earth and heaven, that He is the One by which we can enter the heavenly kingdom (cf. Jn. 10:9; 14:6).

In the time of their slavery, the blacks in the American South were exposed to some of the teachings of Scripture. They identified strongly with the nation of Israel in bondage in Egypt, and with how the Lord was concerned about His people calling Moses to lead them out to freedom. It is from that perspective that this song was written and sung more than a century and a half ago.

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