Today in 1863 – Isaiah Martin Born

Isaiah G. Martin was born in Missouri. He tried teaching school for awhile, but then became an actor and singer in vaudeville and the theatre. He later put his faith in Christ through the ministry of Peter Bilhorn, and began serving the Lord as a singing evangelist. His song The Eastern Gate was based on a frequent comment of Dr. Phineas Bresee, founder of the Nazarene denomination: “We Nazarenes have an understanding that we are to have a meeting one of these days, just inside the Eastern gate [i.e. of the heavenly city].”

I will meet you in the morning,
Just inside the Eastern Gate.
Then be ready, faithful pilgrim,
Lest with you it be too late.

I will meet you, I will meet you
Just inside the Eastern Gate over there.
I will meet you, I will meet you,
I will meet you in the morning over there.

O the joys of that glad meeting
With the saints who for us wait!
What a blessèd, happy meeting
Just inside the Eastern Gate!

(2) Today in 1882 – George Schuler Born

George Stark Schuler was born in New York City. He received training in music at the Chicago Musical College, the Cosmopolitan School of Music, and at Moody Bible Institute. He became a member of the Moody faculty, and served there for 40 years. After retiring from Moody, he joined the editorial staff of the Rodeheaver Publishing Company, writing many choral anthems and gospel songs, as well as editing song books, and collections of music for piano and organ. He also wrote several books on the technical aspects of church music.

In 1924, Ira Wilson’s gospel song Make Me a Blessing was published, with Schuler providing the tune.

Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Saviour, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

The photo montage of animal pictures on this video clip seems a little incongruous, but the piano arrangement of Mr. Schuler’s song is fine.