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Today in 1849 – Kelso Carter Born

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Few men have managed to have a varied career such as Russell Kelso Carter’s. He attended the Pennsylvania Military Academy, and was a star athlete there (in baseball and gymnastics). After graduation in 1867, he was hired to teach at the academy–chemistry, natural science, civil engineering, and higher mathematics.

Then, for three years, he was a sheep rancher in California. Later he was ordained as a Methodist clergyman, and was active in the camp meetings of the day. He wrote many books–on mathematics, science, and religion–and authored several novels. He helped A. B. Simpson edit the first edition of Hymns of the Christian Life, a hymnal still in use by the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. And finally, Kelso Carter became a medical doctor in Baltimore!

As if all of this were not enough, Kelso Carter also wrote dozens of hymns, often including both words and music. Most are forgotten today, but many hymn books still contain Standing on the Promises, for which he provided both words and music. It appears to have been written during his years at the military academy, and one can almost hear the steady march of the cadets in the 4/4 rhythm of the song.

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Saviour;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

That is a firm foundation on which to stand, the sure promises of the living God. As King Solomon put it, “Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses” (I Kgs. 8:56). A stanza of Mr. Carter’s song not usually used today says:

Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

Congregational singing tempo: In one of my topical articles I share a few thoughts about the speed at which we sing our hymns and gospel songs. (See The Tempo of Congregational Hymns.) To illustrate the extremes, here are a couple of versions of the above hymn.

  1. The first might better be described as racing through the promises! If only out of consideration for us seniors who can’t think (or breath!) as easily as we could years ago, this is ridiculous! Click on Racing Through.
  2. I must say I laughed heartily at the contrast between the former and this next one that seems more like dozing over the promises! Perhaps the intention is to make the song a meditative prayer. Fair enough. But this may go beyond reasonable limits. Click on Dozing Over.
  3. Somewhere in between these two extremes seems about right to me, give or take a little. That gives us time to consider the words we are singing, without dragging the song out too much.

(2) Today in 1866 – I Love to Tell the Story

The story teller

The painting to the left has been in our family for generations. I was told as a child that the one boy was sad because he had been unable to sell his papers. But the other boy encouraged him kindly by telling him of the love of Jesus.

We all enjoy a good story. And English hymn writer Arabella Katherine Hankey, the daughter of a banker, had one to tell. In her early thirties she contracted a serious illness that left her bedridden for an extended period. She determined to tell the story of the life of Christ by writing a long poem about it.

Two gospel songs have been taken from this poem. In the first section (completed Jan. 29, 1866), which the author called “The Story Wanted,” are found the words of Tell Me the Old, Old Story. From the second section (completed Nov. 18, 1866), “The Story Told,” we have the song I Love to Tell the Story.

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true;
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

W. G. Ovens

(3) Today in 1945 – William Ovens Died

The background of a hymn attributed to Ovens came to light after a long search–a search that still goes on! William Gilbert Ovens was an English clergyman who, for over 30 years, conducted children’s meetings in Northern Ireland under the Children’s Special Service Mission (now a part of Scripture Union). The hymn that bears his name is Wounded for Me. But none of my resources gave any information on the song. Finally, contacting Scripture Union in Britain yielded the following story.

One day in the years following the First World War, W. G. Ovens saw a wounded veteran limping past on the street and was impressed by the thought that, in a sense, the young man had taken that wound for him. After the soldier passed by, he instantly drew a parallel to the Lord Jesus Christ, whom the Bible says was “wounded for our transgressions” (Isa. 53:5).

Ovens was a man with a single purpose in life. It was said of him “the consuming passion of his life was Jesus Christ–to know Him, to love Him, to serve Him, to share with others the joy he found in Him, to lead others to Him, and to draw still others nearer to Him.” And one observed, “There was no shadow of compromise with him. He had no time for half-heartedness or lukewarmness.” After the above incident, Ovens wrote a little chorus that says:

Wounded for me, wounded for me,
There on the cross He was wounded for me;
Gone my transgressions and now I am free,
All because Jesus was wounded for me.

Later the chorus was expanded into a hymn by Gladys Westcott Dobson Roberts (1888-1983). She and her husband Watkin Roberts served as missionaries in India.  Mrs. Roberts added four more stanzas that complete the picture of Jesus dying for me, risen for me, living for me, finally ending with:

Coming for me, coming for me,
One day to earth He is coming for me;
Then with what joy His dear face I shall see,
O how I praise Him–He’s coming for me!

Today in 1911 – Flora Cassel Died

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Flora Hamilton Cassell partnered with her husband, Elijah Taylor Cassel in writing the gospel songs Loyalty to Christ, and The King’s Business. He wrote the words, and his wife gave us the tunes.

Elijah Cassel trained as a doctor and practiced for a while in Nebraska. Around 1910 he entered the ministry, pastoring churches in Colorado. For her part, Flora was a trained musician and composer. She showed her musical gifts even in childhood, being able to sing and accompany herself, while still a small girl.

Loyalty to Christ was written in 1894 for the first convention of the Baptist Young People’s Union. It is a challenge to commitment to Christ, but there is little depth or spiritual insight in its message. And one wonders about the meaning of “We’ll soon possess the land.” It may be an allusion to the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites. But the parallel of that today is found in believers living in spiritual victory and the enjoyment of the abundant life Christ promised (Jn. 10:10), not in conquering a country. If evangelism is the subject, that application is not made clear in the song. For a bit more on this hymn, see Today in 1930.)

From over hill and plain there comes the signal strain,
’Tis loyalty, loyalty, loyalty to Christ;
Its music rolls along, the hills take up the song,
Of loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.

“On to victory! On to victory!”
Cries our great Commander, “On!”
We’ll move at His command,
We’ll soon possess the land,
Through loyalty, loyalty,
Yes, loyalty to Christ.

The King’s Business has a clearer biblical message. It is based on II Cor. 5:20, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” The Bible says Christians are citizens of the heavenly kingdom (Phil. 3:20), but we are here for a time as representatives of the King, to declare His message to a needy world.

I am a stranger here, within a foreign land;
My home is far away, upon a golden strand;
Ambassador to be of realms beyond the sea,
I’m here on business for my King.

This is the message that I bring,
A message angels fain would sing:
“Oh, be ye reconciled,”
Thus saith my Lord and King,

(2) More from William Cushing

William Orcutt Cushing has given us many fine gospel songs, including Hiding in Thee and Under His Wings. In 1878, he published a song of commitment called simply Follow On. Mr. Cushing said this about it:

Long­ing to give up all for Christ who had giv­en his life for me, I want­ed to be will­ing to lay ev­er­ything at his feet, with no wish but to do his will, to live hence­forth on­ly for his glo­ry. Out of this feel­ing came the hymn, ‘Fol­low On.’

Down in the valley with my Saviour I would go,
Where the flowers are blooming and the sweet waters flow;
Everywhere He leads me I would follow, follow on,
Walking in His footsteps till the crown be won.

Follow! follow! I would follow Jesus!
Anywhere, everywhere, I would follow on!
Follow! follow! I would follow Jesus!
Everywhere He leads me I would follow on!

Down in the valley with my Saviour I would go,
Where the storms are sweeping and the dark waters flow;
With His hand to lead me I will never, never fear,
Danger cannot fright me if my Lord is near.

Today in 1871 – Edward Joy Born

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The Bible offers an answer to the question of what we should do with our worries. David writes, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you” (Ps. 55:22). Adds Peter, “Cast…all your cares [distracting anxieties] upon Him, for He cares for [a different Greek word, meaning the Lord is concerned about] you” (I Pet. 5:7).

And it is the Apostle Paul who explains that this “casting” of cares upon God is done through prayer. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hears and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).

Edward Joy

In 1920, Edward Henry Joy (seen here) wrote a beautiful hymn on this theme. Colonel Joy (1871-1949) was an officer and musician in the Salvation Army in England, later serving in Winnipeg, Canada. He also wrote a book called The Old Corps, which describes the early days of the organization (founded in 1865). It tells how the established church of the day was scandalized at some of the aggressive and novel methods used by William Booth to reach the lost and downtrodden of society. Joy’s book was later turned into a musical drama called simply Glory.

His hymn uses the symbol of the mercy seat, above the ark of the covenant in the Old Testament, to represent where God meets with His people through prayer today. Col. Joy’s hymn says:

Is there a heart o’er-bound by sorrow?
Is there a life weighed down by care?
Come to the cross–each burden bearing,
All your anxiety, leave it there.

All your anxiety, all your care,
Bring to the mercy seat–leave it there;
Never a burden He cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus!

Come then at once–delay no longer!
Heed His entreaty kind and sweet;
You need not fear a disappointment–
You shall find peace at the mercy seat.

(2) Today in 1895 – Samuel Smith Died

American Samuel Francis Smith was a Baptist clergyman who also wrote a number of hymns. But he is remembered today chiefly as the author of the national song, My Country ‘Tis of Thee. (For more, see Today in 1831.)

My country, ’tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountainside,
Let freedom ring!

Our fathers’ God, to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing;
Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King.

Today in 1731 – William Cowper Born

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The man hailed a horse-drawn cab, waiting as it came to a halt on the dark street. His body was stooped, and black despair clotted about his soul. “To the Thames!” he called to the driver, climbing into his seat. He saw no hope for the future, and was determined to throw himself into the river.

His name is William Cowper (pronounced Cooper). During a year in a mental institution, he had been befriended by a sympathetic doctor. Cowper began to study the Bible, and eventually had a genuine conversion experience. Yet, even after he was released, his problems continued. A nervous disposition, plus a series of stressful situations in his life contributed to severe emotional depression. He studied law, with the idea of serving in the House of Lords as a clerk. But the thought of facing an oral examination so terrified him he felt driven to drown himself, rather than go through with it.

What happened next on that dark night is not entirely clear. According to one account, the cab driver refused to take him to the river. Others say a thick London fog settled over the city, so that the driver attempted to find his way in vain. Finally, in frustration, he ordered the man from the cab, and Cowper found himself back at his own door.

Whatever the case, at the darkest time of his life, he had seen the hand of God at work. Elated at his escape from death, William Cowper wrote a poem he entitled “Light Shining Through Darkness.” Writing poetry was a special gift of this distressed saint. In fact, he is recognized in English literature as one of the greatest poets of his time. It was this ability, plus moving to the little village of Olney, that God used to give his troubled life new purpose.

At Olney, he developed a friendship with the local pastor, none other than John Newton, the author of Amazing Grace. Realizing the man’s unique talents, Newton suggested they work on compiling a new hymn book, proposing they write the songs between them. The result was a historic volume, published in 1779, called Olney Hymns. For it, William Cowper wrote over 60 selections, including There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood, and O for a Closer Walk with God.

He also included the poem mentioned earlier. Now known as God Moves in a Mysterious Way, it may be the finest hymn we have on the subject of God’s providence. The word “providence” means before-seeing. It refers to God’s ability to know the future before it happens, and work in events on that basis to bring about His wise and good purpose. Given the providential work of God, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). And Cooper wrote:

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

Here is a choral arrangement of Willima Cowper’s beautiful hymn.

wheat for harvest

(2) Today in 1878 – Jane Campbell Died

Englishwoman Jane Montgomery Campbell was not a hymn writer herself, but a translator of hymns from the German language. She also wrote A Handbook for Singers, a book of musical exercises she taught in her father’s parish school.

The only hymn she translated that is still in common use is the harvest hymn, We Plow the Fields and Scatter. Published originally in 1782, it was known as “The Peasants’ Song,” beginning heartily, in German, “Wir pflugen und wir streuen.” Matthias Claudius, the author, wrote of it in a sketch of harvest customs in northern Germany. The song consisted of 17 four-line stanzas, followed by a refrain. Campbell’s translation in our hymn books usually makes use of only three.

We plow the fields, and scatter the good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand;
He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain.

All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above,
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord
For all His love.

We thank Thee, then, O Father, for all things bright and good,
The seed-time and the harvest, our life, our health, and food;
Accept the gifts we offer, for all Thy love imparts,
And what Thou most desirest, our humble, thankful hearts.

(3) Today in 1977 – Albert Brumley Died

Albert Edward Brumley was born into a family of impoverished tenant farmers, and spent his early years picking cotton. He quit school after the tenth grade, envisioning little future beyond being a sharecropper like his father. Then, when he was sixteen, Brumley attended a singing class and discovered he had a gift for making music. Soon he was composing songs. A few years later, he briefly enrolled in a music school, but dropped out and returned to picking cotton. One day, out in the fields, he began singing a popular number called “The Prisoner’s Song,” saying he felt very much like a prisoner. Motivated to try again, he returned to the school, completing several years of training.

In 1931 Albert Brumley was conducting a singing school in Missouri when he met Goldie Schell, and fell in love. They married, and raised a family. Meanwhile, Brumley continued to write music–producing more than 600 songs in all. His first, I Can Hear Them Singing Over There, was written back when he was only sixteen, but it was not published until some years afterward. Another, written in the cotton fields, would not be heard until Goldie urged him later to have it published.  What inspired the song was seeing a bird take flight. That caused Brumley to wish he could so easily escape the near-slavery of his life.

What a day that will be, when Christians take flight into the presence of the glorified Christ, and “we shall always be with the Lord” (I Thess. 4:17)! It was to celebrate that blessed deliverance that Albert Brumley published, in 1932, the song I’ll Fly Away. It became an instant favourite across Depression-ravaged America. In 1976, Brumley was given an award marking this as the most recorded gospel song in history.

Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away;
To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away.

I’ll fly away, O glory! I’ll fly away.
When I die, Hallelujah! by and by I’ll fly away.

When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I’ll fly away.”

Today in 1864 – Helen Lemmel Born

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The frail old woman sits at a table in her tiny room in Seattle, Washington. Before her is a small plastic organ–one such as a child might have. But, as she fingers the keys and sings, her poor surroundings seem to fade from view, her face shines with the light of heaven, and tears trickle down her time-lined cheeks. Perhaps in her mind she is seated at a majestic pipe organ in some ornate cathedral. But the place doesn’t matter. She is intent on worshiping her Saviour.

The woman’s name is Helen. In her nineties at the time described, and with little of this world’s goods, her faith sustained her. When asked, “How are you?” her frequent reply was, “I am fine in the things that count.” (Well said!)

Helen Howarth Lemmel was born in England, the daughter of a Methodist clergyman. As a child, she was brought to America, where she spent the remainder of her life. A gifted soloist, she gave concerts in many churches, and taught voice for a time at Moody Bible Institute. She moved to Seattle in 1904, and for three years was music critic for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Mrs. Lemmel also authored about 500 hymns.

She wrote a lovely song–both words and music–in 1918. Helen Lemmel was given a tract by a visiting missionary. The leaflet was entitled “Focused,” and in it was this exhortation: “So then, turn your eyes upon Him [Christ]. Look full into His face and you will find that the things of earth will acquire a strange new dimness.”

Mrs. Lemmel was riveted by those words. She says, “I stood still. And singing in my soul and spirit was the chorus, with not one conscious moment of putting word to word to make rhyme, or note to note to make melody.” The three stanzas of the song were added later the same week.

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

(2) Today in 1893 – Boundless Salvation introduced

In November of 1893, the Salvation Army conducted a series of evangelistic meetings in Exeter Hall, in London. They called it The Boundless Salvation Campaign. It was for those meetings that the Army’s founder, William Booth, wrote the words of the song Boundless Salvation (sometimes listed as O Boundless Salvation). It became so identified with him over the years that it came to be known as “The Founder’s Song.” It was first sung in the meeting held on this date, and was published in the Salvation Army magazine War Cry the following month.

O boundless salvation! deep ocean of love,
O fullness of mercy, Christ brought from above,
The whole world redeeming, so rich and so free,
Now flowing for all men, now flowing for all men,
Now flowing for all men, come, roll over me!

My sins they are many, their stains are so deep,
And bitter the tears of remorse that I weep;
But useless is weeping; thou great crimson sea,
Thy waters can cleanse me, thy waters can cleanse me,
Thy waters can cleanse me, come, roll over me!

Today in 1874 – Edward Mote Died

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Hope statue

This statue stands on the grounds of the police station in a city near us. It depicts a Canadian Mountie encouraging a boy with the hope that his injured dog will be all right. Hope is something we can’t live without. But hope in this life must always be qualified, unless it rests in God. And that is the ground of the hope described in the Bible.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (I Pet. 1:3). We could define biblical hope as: the joyful certainty of future blessing. And, “this hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Heb. 6:19).

About 200 years ago, there lived in England a carpenter and cabinet maker named Edward Mote. As he was on his way to work one day in 1834, his thoughts turned to Christ, the sinner’s only hope. Some lines of verse formed in his mind, and his steady footsteps along the road suggested a poetic metre. To this day, we can hear their echo in the words: “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand– / All other ground is sinking sand.”

In his early years, it would be difficult to see any hint of the godly Christian man Mr. Mote would become. His parents ran a tavern in London. He says, “My Sundays were spent in the streets. So ignorant was I that I did not know there was a God.” Later, he was apprenticed to a cabinet maker and, when Sunday came, his master took the young apprentice to church. It was the turning point in his life. There Mote heard the gospel, and opened his heart to Christ.

After many years as a successful craftsman, he was ordained to the ministry. Near the pulpit in his church is a plaque that reads:

In loving memory of Mr. Edward Mote, who fell asleep in Jesus November 13th, 1874, aged 77 years. For 26 years the beloved pastor of this church, preaching Christ and Him crucified, as all the sinner can need, and all the saint desire.

That is a beautiful summation of his long and fruitful service. And here is a bit of his fine hymn, often entitled The Solid Rock.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

(2) Today in 1890 – Henry Dexter Died

Henry Martyn Dexter was not really a hymn writer. But he is responsible for giving to the English-speaking world what is likely the earliest Christian hymn we have whose author is known. Mr. Dexter was a Congregational clergyman, serving churches in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. For many years he was also the editor of The Congregationalist and Recorder. In addition, he was a scholar of some note, considered an expert on the history of the Pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony.

Shepherd of Eager Youth (rendered Tender Youth, in some versions) was likely written around the year 200 AD by Clement of Alexandria. Dexter’s work, the only hymn he has given us, is more of a paraphrase than a translation. He says of his adaptation of the original that he “transfused as much of its language and spirit” as he could. He was preparing to preach a sermon on Deut. 32:7, “Remember the days of old,” in which he planned to deal with “some prominent characteristics of the early Christians.” He created his version of Clement’s hymn to go with his message.

Shepherd of eager youth, guiding in love and truth
Through devious ways; Christ our triumphant King,
We come Thy name to sing, and here our children bring
To join Thy praise.

Thou art our holy Lord, O all subduing Word,
Healer of strife. Thou didst Thyself abase,
That from sin’s deep disgrace Thou mightest save our race
And give us life.

Today in 1852 – John Oxenham Born

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In 1908, the London Missionary Society commissioned John Oxenham to write the script for a giant missionary display. Oxenham (a pen name) is an interesting character. Born in my father’s home city of Manchester, England, he took the name John Oxenham from a character in the novel Westward Ho! But many people in London knew him as Bill Dunkerley, owner of a successful grocery business.

William Arthur Dunkerly had a gift for writing and he did a lot of it. Under the name Julian Ross he created serialized stories for the newspaper. He wrote more than forty novels, many volumes of verse, and a number of hymns. He was also an active layman in his church. During the First World War, his Hymns for the Men at the Front sold eight million copies.

It is estimated that over a quarter of a million people viewed that Missionary Society exhibit over a number of years. As part of it, Oxenham had supplied a hymn poem emphasizing the oneness and cooperation of the church of Christ across the world. The title of Oxenham’s hymn is In Christ there is no East or West. Is it idealistic? Yes–but it suggests something to aim for. And as the Bible says, “We, being many, are one body in Christ” (Rom. 12:5). Though many things may divide us, His blood-bought children always have a spiritual kinship in Christ.

In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North;
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.

Join hands, then, members of the faith,
Whatever your race may be!
Who serves my Father as His child
Is surely kin to me.

(2) Today in 1914 – Henry Jackson Died

Henry Godden Jackson was a Methodist clergyman. He and his wife Alice spent many years as missionaries in Buenos Aires, Argentina. On their return to the United States, they lived in the Chicago area. He gave us a hymn that points us to Christ and His sacrifice, as did the words of a prophet long ago.

John the Baptist was, in a sense, the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets. The Lord Jesus said of him, “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist” (Matt. 11:11). And John had a marvellous ministry. The fiery prophet called the Jews to repent of their sins, in preparation for the appearing of their Messiah-King.

John was well aware that Christ was far greater than he. “He preached, saying, ‘There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose’” (Mk. 1:7). And, regarding their prominence in ministry, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn. 3:30). Of all the great deeds of this mighty prophet, the greatest by far was his pointing people to the Lord Jesus Christ. At the time when the Lord Jesus began His public ministry, John declared, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn. 1:29).

Henry Jackson wrote a gospel song that, like the words of John, directs our gaze to the One who can cleanse us from sin if we will put our faith in Him.

If you from sin are longing to be free,
Look to the Lamb of God.
He to redeem you died on Calvary,
Look to the Lamb of God.

Look to the Lamb of God.
Look to the Lamb of God.
For He alone is able to save you,
Look to the Lamb of God.

When Satan tempts and doubts and fears assail,
Look to the Lamb of God.
You in His strength shall over all prevail,
Look to the Lamb of God.

I found the following rendition interesting because of the number of instruments involved. In what seems to be a small group, there are about a dozen people playing a wide variety of instruments, and clearly enjoying themselves.

Today in 1917 – Queen Liliuokalani Died

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Queen Liliuokalani

Few hymns can boast a tune written by a queen, but He’s Coming Soon, by Thoro Harris can. Queen Liliuokalani, ruler of Hawaii before the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893, took a horseback ride to the windward side of Oahu to visit the Boyd ranch. There, she observed Colonel Boyd embracing, and saying goodbye to a woman of whom he was obviously fond. That incident in 1877 inspired the queen to write the love song Aloha Oe (“Farewell to Thee”).

The tune has been used for a number of gospel songs. One of these, published by Thoro Harris in 1918, is He’s Coming Soon. It is based on the Bible’s teaching about the return of Christ.

If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

I Thess. 4:14-18

Thoro Harris was a writer and compiler of gospel songs, as well as serving as a church organist. He lived for many years in Chicago. Then, around the age of 60, he moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. A local describes him in his latter years as follows: “A very energetic person, walking about the city almost constantly, carrying a little canvas handbag in which he carried copies of his songbooks–for sale.” Harris’s song He’s Coming Soon says in part:

In these, the closing days of time,
What joy the glorious hope affords,
That soon—O wondrous truth sublime!
He shall reign, King of kings and Lord of lords.

He’s coming soon, He’s coming soon;
With joy we welcome His returning;
It may be morn, it may be night or noon—
We know He’s coming soon.

And we, who living, yet remain,
Caught up, shall meet our faithful Lord;
This hope we cherish not in vain,
But we comfort one another by this word.


(2) Today in 1920 – Just for Today Author Revealed

The hymn Just for Today was written in 1877, and it appeared in a number of hymnals in the early part of the twentieth century, credited to a mysterious S.M.X. Famed baritone John Charles Thomas recorded a concert version of the hymn that was popular, but its authorship was for a time uncertain.

Finally, in an article in The Continent, Frederick M. Steele told how he tracked down the author and paid her a visit. “S.M.X.” turned out to be a Roman Catholic nun in England. Her birth name was Sybil Farish Partridge (1856-1917), but she had taken the title of Sister Mary Xavier. She was living in the convent of Notre Dame in Liverpool, and had devoted her life to teaching young girls.

The original poem has almost a dozen stanzas. And there is a line in it that would be unsuitable for Protestant use. The author requests that in death the Lord would grant her “the sacrament divine”–the last rites of the Catholic Church. But when it has been printed in Protestant hymnals, that stanza is simply omitted. The hymn has value in its reminder of the need for daily grace, and for a step by step walk of obedience and faith toward God.

Lord, for tomorrow and its needs I do not pray;
Keep me, my God, from stain of sin, just for today.
Let me both diligently work and duly pray;
Let me be kind in word and deed, just for today.

Let me be slow to do my will, prompt to obey;
Help me to sacrifice myself, just for today.
Let me no wrong or idle word unthinking say;
Set Thou a seal upon my lips, just for today.

Let me in season, Lord, be grave, in season gay;
Let me be faithful to Thy grace, just for today.
Lord, for tomorrow and its needs, I do not pray;
But keep me, guide me, love me, Lord, just for today.

Remembering

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I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. (I Cor. 11:23-26)

The signing of the armistice by the Allies and the Germans, on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918, effectively brought an end to the First World War (though hostilities continued in some regions for a time). The day was declared a holiday in many of the allied nations, eventually becoming Veterans Day in the United States of America, and Remembrance Day in Canada.

Such an occasion provides us with an opportunity to recall the contribution of the military to the preservation of our freedom and our protection from tyranny. So many have given their lives for their country, yet it is easy to forget their commitment and courage, especially as events fade into the past.

Few veterans of the First World War are still with us. (None in Canada, I believe.) And those that remain from the Second World War are in their eighties now. When they go, we will have lost another link with those times. Who is there left to tell us firsthand of the Nazi Blitz in London, of the Normandy invasion, of Pearl Harbor, and the decisive Battle of Midway? Yet it is important to remember both the heroic victories and the follies of war, if we are to learn from them.

For us as Christians, there is an infinitely more important event that ought to be remembered as well: the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary. From the cross He cried, “It is finished!” (Jn. 19:30). In Greek, that is “Tetelestai!” meaning paid in full. Our debt of sin was fully paid by the shed blood of Christ. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). How could we help but remember and rejoice at that?

English clergyman Thomas Cotterill (1779-1823) is no relation of mine, as far as I know. (He spelled his name differently, as you can see.) But in 1805, he wrote a lovely Communion hymn (originally part of a longer poem). It reminds us of the need to continue to meet at the Lord’s table (“in remembrance of Me,” Jesus said) until He comes again (I Cor. 11:23-26). Remembering Christ and His cross is both a duty and the delightful privilege for every child of God.

In memory of the Saviour’s love
We keep the sacred feast,
When every humble, contrite heart
Is made a welcome guest.

Symbolic of His broken flesh,
We take the broken bread,
The cup in token of His blood
That was for sinners shed.

Under His banner now we sing
The wonders of His love
And so anticipate by faith
The heav’nly feast above.

Today in 1483 – Martin Luther Born

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Wartburg Castle interior

Martin Luther was an Augustinian monk whose study of the Scriptures eventually led him to believe that the Church of Rome had become encrusted with empty traditions and false doctrine. On October 31st, 1517, he posted a list of 95 theses (topics for debate) on the door of the church at Wittenberg. Though there were other reformers before him (such as John Wycliffe and John Huss) this date is generally considered the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.

Luther declared Holy Scripture to be the Christian’s final authority, and he rejected the supremacy of the pope. He proclaimed the Bible’s teaching that sinners are saved through faith in Christ, apart from any works or religious rituals (Eph. 2:8-9). When commanded to recant, he refused unless his teachings could be refuted from the Word of God.

As opposition to Luther grew, he was abducted by sympathizers and hidden, for his own safety. While in hiding in Wartburg Castle, and in the room pictured above, Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German to make it available to all. When Luther’s writings were banned (in 1521 and again in 1529) a group of German princes wrote a letter of protest, and it is from their bold support of Luther that the term Protestant comes.

As well as being a brilliant theologian, Luther was also a hymn writer. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God is the most familiar of his hymns. But some hymn books also contain the carol From Heaven Above to Earth I Come. The latter was written for the Luther family’s celebration of Christmas, and was dedicated to his son Hans. The family had their own Christmas pageant. It began with the entrance of a man dressed as an angel. He sang the opening stanzas of the carol, beginning:

From heaven above to earth I come,
To bear good news to every home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
Whereof I now will say and sing.

And the family responded with stanzas written for them, such as:

Now let us all, with gladsome cheer
Follow the shepherds, and draw near
To see this wondrous gift of God,
Who hath His only Son bestowed.

(2) Today in 1852 – Henry van Dyke Born

One day in 1907, Henry Jackson van Dyke gazed upon the rolling greenery of the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. Van Dyke was considered one of the best preachers in the Presbyterian Church of his day, as well as being a prolific writer. His varied life included time as a professor at Princeton University, a chaplaincy in World War One, and a stint as America’s ambassador to Holland and Luxembourg, under President Woodrow Wilson.

It was while he was a guest speaker at Williams College, whose campus looks out on the Berkshires, that Henry van Dyke was overcome by the seeming joyful exuberance of creation itself. He penned a hymn poem to capture the thought. It was presented to the college president, with the instruction that it be sung to the tune of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Hymn of Joy (from his 9th Symphony). And with that happy pairing the author has given us one of the most joyous hymns in the English language.

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

Below is an interesting choral arrangement of Van Dyke’s hymn, and it’s nicely done. But readers of this blog will know the video also illustrates one of my pet peeves. It appears the ushers are using  these moments in the service when congregants are ostensibly adoring the God of glory to collect  something or other. Please, oh please don’t do this. Surely we do not need to be in such haste that we cannot focus fully on words of worship for a few minutes.

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (The Sanctuary Choir)

(3) Today in 1933 – James Rowe Died

The son of a copper miner, James Rowe worked for the Irish government before emigrating to the United States. He worked on the railroads in New York for some years, then became an inspector for the Hudson River Humane Society. In his later years, he worked with his daughter Louise, a gifted artist, writing verses for greeting cards. Rowe also wrote a number of gospel song texts. (His claim to having written 19,000 seems far-fetched–or perhaps he was misquoted by his biographers.)

Two of Mr. Rowe’s songs are commonly found in our hymn books: Love Lifted Me, and I Would Be Like Jesus. The latter expresses an aspiration worthy of each child of God:

Earthly pleasures vainly call me;
I would be like Jesus;
Nothing worldly shall enthrall me;
I would be like Jesus.

Be like Jesus, this my song,
In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus, all day long!
I would be like Jesus.

That in heaven He may meet me,
I would be like Jesus;
That His words “Well done” may greet me,
I would be like Jesus.

Another song of James Rowe’s is also still in use, occasionally as a solo number: I Walk with the King.

In sorrow I wandered, my spirit oppressed,
But now I am happy—securely I rest;
From morning till evening glad carols I sing,
And this is the reason—I walk with the King.

I walk with the King, hallelujah!
I walk with the King, praise His Name!
No longer I roam, my soul faces home,
I walk and I talk with the King.

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