Today in 1787 – Andrew Reed Born

Andrew Reed was born in London, England, and later became a pastor in that city. He was also widely known as a social activist, being largely responsible for founding such institutions as: the London Orphan Asylum, the Royal Hospital for Incurables, the Asylum for Fatherless Children and more.

Reed wrote 21 hymns as well, one of which he called Prayer in the Holy Spirit. In his lovely little hymn (which we now know as Holy Ghost, with Light Divine) Andrew Reed speaks of the Spirit of God coming into his life. In his prayer, he gives the Spirit full permission to remove any pretender from the throne.

Holy Ghost, with light divine
Shine upon this heart of mine;
Chase the shades of night away,
Turn my darkness into day.

Holy Spirit, all divine,
Dwell within this heart of mine;
Cast down every idol throne,
Reign supreme, and reign alone.

(2) Today in 1862 – Adelaide Pollard Born

Adelaide Addison Pollard was a Bible teacher and missionary, and the author of over 100 hymns and gospel songs. She died in 1934 of a ruptured appendix. Only one of her hymns is in common use today, and the incident that led to its composition is interesting.

Adelaide Pollard believed the Lord wanted her to go to Africa as a missionary. It was a noble cause, but for some reason the funds for the trip did not come in. As Miss Pollard waited on the Lord to provide, her discouragement grew. Then, one evening in 1902 she attended a small prayer meeting.

In the group was an elderly woman whose prayer pricked Adelaide’s doubting, troubled heart. The woman said, “It’s all right, Lord. It doesn’t matter what you bring into our lives. Just have Your own way with us.” Letting God have His way. The would-be missionary pondered that. Could it be she was insisting the Lord accept her way instead of submitting to His?

Adelaide Pollard considered what she had heard that evening, and before retiring to bed she composed a hymn of dedication called Have Thine Own Way, Lord. She went on to become an itinerant Bible teacher, and she taught for eight years at the Missionary Training School in New York City. Ironically, she did get to serve in Africa for a short time, just before the outbreak of the First World War. Sometimes, it may not be a matter of having the wrong plan, but of our failure to wait for God’s best time.

Have Thine own way, Lord!
Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mould me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.