Let’s take a moment and consider the blessing we have with so many talented hymn writers from across time. Historical figures like Isaac Watts (1700’s), Philip Bliss and William Bradbury (1800’s). Or more recently Albert Brumley, Thomas O. Chisholm and Lloyd O. Sanderson from the late 1800’s to mid 1900’s. But we’d be amiss if we failed to mention the more recent contributors; such as Chris Tomlin (How Great is Our God), Keith Getty (In Christ Alone) and Ken Young (Thomas’ Song). There are so many talented hymn writers/composers that this short article could never do them justice.
But for the next few weeks I’d like to look closely at a contributor who gave her heart and soul to writing hymns for God’s people. We’ll break down three of her most noted songs and perhaps grow closer to praising our God in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. In her writings, Francis Jane Crosby had a desire to place “a heightened emphasis on religious experiences, emotions, and testimonies” when it came to singing to God. The style she used reflected a “sentimental, romanticized relationship between the believer and Christ.”
Perhaps you’ll remember some of the stories behind the wonderful hymn writer, Fanny J. Crosby. Consider the fact she had a great love for God’s Word and had memorized several books of the Bible (which served as the ‘fountain’ for her inspiration). Some many know that she authored/penned more than 9,000 songs during her life, and many under various pseudo names. But perhaps the most fascinating characteristic that this beautiful hymn writer brings to historical account is the fact she lost her sight at the age of 6 weeks! Before she could even register the memory of sight, she was blind. And though many would find this an opportunity for depression, her true heart was expressed as she wrote…
“It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.”
And with that in mind, let’s consider a hymn she wrote in 1894 exemplifying her desire to ‘see’ God… “I Shall Know Him”
“When my lifework is ended, and I cross the swelling tide, when the bright and glorious morning I shall see; I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side, and His smile will be the first to welcome me.
Refrain: I shall know Him, I shall know Him, and redeemed by His side I shall stand, I shall know Him, I shall know Him, by the print of the nails in His hand.
Oh, the soul-thrilling rapture when I view His blessed face, and the luster of His kindly beaming eye; How my full heart will praise Him for the mercy, love and grace, that prepare for me a mansion in the sky.
Oh, the dear ones in glory, how they beckon me to come, and our parting at the river I recall; To the sweet vales of Eden they will sing my welcome home; but I long to meet my Savior first of all.
Through the gates to the city in a robe of spotless white, He will lead me where no tears will ever fall; In the glad song of ages I shall mingle with delight; but I long to meet my Savior first of all.”
Let’s take a moment and consider the blessing we have with so many talented hymn writers from across time. Historical figures like Isaac Watts (1700’s), Philip Bliss and William Bradbury (1800’s). Or more recently Albert Brumley, Thomas O. Chisholm and Lloyd O. Sanderson from the late 1800’s to mid 1900’s. But we’d be amiss if we failed to mention the more recent contributors; such as Chris Tomlin (How Great is Our God), Keith Getty (In Christ Alone) and Ken Young (Thomas’ Song). There are so many talented hymn writers/composers that this short article could never do them justice.
life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.”