November Hymns

[Nelson Bradford]

I am very thankful, this first day of November, that my good friend, J. D. Sherrow, has agreed to provide us with the factual backgrounds and inspiring experiences that prompted many of this month's hymns.

These hymns did not just happen by coincidence. They are inspired works from
Him. Quoting J.D. "For daily devotions, the Bible is the #1 book. For #2,
there is no better resource than the hymn book. There are sections on
Biblical truth, doctrine, and every human condition."

And I could not agree more.

Thank you, J.D.

Nelson

PS - Isn't God good?!

[Nelson Bradford]

One summer day in the mid 1880s, Louisa Stead and her husband were relaxing
with their four-year-old daughter on a Long Island beach. They heard a
drowning boy's cry and her husband rushed to rescue him. Louisa watched in
horror as the boy pulled Mr. Stead under the water and both were drowned.

Louisa was left with no means of support except God. She and her daughter
ended up in dire poverty with no money or food for the day. She opened the
front door that morning to discover that someone had left food and money on
her doorstep. That day the Lord inspired her to write this hymn.

Soon after this experience she and her daughter left for missionary work in
South Africa. After more than 25 years of fruitful service, Louisa was
forced to retire because of ill health. She died a few years later in
Rhodesia.

After her death, five thousand native Christians continued to sing the song
she had written over a quarter of a century earlier.

- J. D. Sherrow

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, "Thus saith the Lord,"

Refrain
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

Verse 2
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood,
Just in simple faith to plunge me
'neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Verse 3
Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
life and rest, and joy and peace.

Verse 4
I'm so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou are with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

- Louisa M. R. Stead, 1882

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

[Nelson Bradford]

In World War II, John W. Peterson was flying bombers over the Himalayan
Mountains. When his wartime duty was over he enrolled at Moody Bible
Institute, Chicago. After graduating he moved on to the American
Conservatory of Music, also located in Chicago. From there he became the
editor of Singspiration Music Publishers, a division of the Zondervan Corp,
at that time located in Montrose, PA.

By 1961, Peterson had been composing cantatas and choral arrangements for 10
years. Each year, Montrose hosted a Bible Conference. That year he was
leading the music during a worship session when an elderly gentleman stood
up and asked to address the audience. His testimony was sincere and humble.
He listened carefully and when the man used a particular phrase to describe
how he felt, John immediately grabbed a scrap of paper and wrote it down.

Caught up in his duties, it was a few days before he chanced on the paper
scrap and the words he had written. Today's song took very little time to
write. Using the man's testimony as the framework and the copied line as
the central theme, in his imagination Peterson became the old man as he
stood and addressed the congregation. He wrote the music and published it
in one of his own choral songbooks. It quickly became a favorite and
appeared in many hymnals.

- J. D. Sherrow

O what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget;
After I'd wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met.
O what a tender, compassionate friend, He met the need of my heart;
Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart.

Refrain
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul,
When at the cross the Savior made me whole;
My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

Verse 2
Born of the Spirit with life from above into God's family divine,
Justified fully thru Calvary's love, O what a standing is mine!
And the transaction so quickly was made, when as a sinner I came,
Took of the offer, of grace He did proffer, He saved me, O praise His dear
name!

Verse 3
Now I've a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time;
I have a future in heaven for sure there in those mansions sublime.
And it's because of that wonderful day, when at the cross I believed;
Riches eternal and blessings supernal, from His precious hand I received.

- John W. Peterson, 1961

Copyright © 1961. Renewed 1989 by John W. Peterson Music Co.

[Cecil Wallace]

Refrain
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul,
When at the cross the Savior made me whole;
My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

Now you've gone and done it!
That is probably my most favorite hymn in the whole wide world!
Thanks so much.
That hymn, when sung as a duet, is so very heart touching. I have an old 33 1/3 rpm LP with that hymn on it, being sung by Joe Ericksson and Pastor Norheim. I think that I just about wore the record out years ago, mainly because I wanted to hear that one hymn.

Oh, and the Fall colors are beautiful, too. Rock Creek, right?

[Joe Sharp]

Thanks so much for this info. Reading over these precious hymns I can't help but in my mind hears these being sung in many congrgations over the years. I only wish we would hear them today. Hymns such as these are so rich in meaning and such a source of worship. Praise the Lord

[Nelson Bradford]

William Paton Mackay was a Scottish Presbyterian minister. After his
education at the University of Edinburgh, he practiced medicine for a number
of years before being called to the Christian ministry in 1868.

He wrote today's hymn in 1863 but revised it four years later. It didn't
become known until Ira Sankey's "Gospel Hymns and Sacred Songs" was
published in 1875. It was titled, "O Lord, Revive Thy Work."

What makes it interesting? Well, nothing against the Scottish Presbyterians
(one of my long-time good friends IS one), but they aren't known for lively
campmeeting-type songs like . . .

We praise Thee, O God!
For the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus Who died,
And is now gone above.

Refrain
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.

Verse 2
We praise Thee, O God!
For Thy Spirit of light,
Who hath shown us our Savior,
And scattered our night.

Verse 3
All glory and praise
To the Lamb that was slain,
Who hath borne all our sins,
And hath cleansed every stain.

Verse 4
All glory and praise
To the God of all grace,
Who hast brought us, and sought us,
And guided our ways.

Verse 5
Revive us again;
Fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled
With fire from above.

- William P. Mackay, 1863

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

(Hymn commentary by J. D. Sherrow)

[Nelson Bradford]

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on Thee."
When the shadows come and darkness falls,
He giveth inward peace.

Refrain:
O He is the only perfect Resting Place!
He giveth perfect peace.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on Thee."

Verse 2
In the shadow of the mighty Rock
I lay me down to sleep;
He who watches over Israel
So faithfully will keep.

Verse 3
'Tis the promise of the Holy One;
"My peace I give to thee."
Tho' the storms of life in fury rage,
Thy Refuge sure is He.

- Stanza 1, Vivian A. Kretz, 20th c.; stanzas 2 & 3, Floyd Hawkins, 1960

Copyright © 1960, Renewed 1968 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

[Nelson Bradford]

Walking in sunlight all of my journey;
Over the mountains, through the deep vale;
Jesus has said, “I’ll never forsake thee,”
Promise divine that never can fail.

Refrain:
Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,
Flooding my soul with glory divine:
Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

Verse 2
Shadows around me, shadows above me,
Never conceal my Savior and Guide;
He is the Light, in Him is no darkness;
Ever I’m walking close to His side.

Verse 3
In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,
Pressing my way to mansions above;
Singing His praises gladly I’m walking,
Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.

- Henry J. Zelley, 1899

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

[Nelson Bradford]

Jesus may come today
Glad day, glad day!
And I would see my Friend;
Dangers and troubles would end
If Jesus would come today.

Refrain:
Glad day, glad day!
Is it the crowning day?
I'll live for today, nor anxious be;
Jesus, my Lord I soon shall see.
Glad day, glad day!
Is it the crowning day?

Verse 2
I may go home today
Glad day, glad day!
Seemeth I hear their song;
Hail to the radiant throng!
If I should go home today.

Verse 3
Why should I anxious be?
Glad day, glad day!
Lights appear on the shore,
Storms will affright nevermore,
For He is "at hand" today.

Verse 4
Faithful I'll be today,
Glad day, glad day!
And I will freely tell
Why I should love Him so well,
For He is my all today.

- George Walker Whitcomb

Copyright © 1938 by Chas. H. Marsh, Renewal, Rodeheaver Hall-Mack Co., owner

[Nelson Bradford]

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

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

Verse 2
He has broken every fetter,
I would be like Jesus;
That my soul may serve Him better,
I would be like Jesus.

Verse 3
All the way from earth to glory,
I would be like Jesus;
Telling o'er and o'er the story,
I would be like Jesus.

Verse 4
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.

- James Rowe, 1865-1933

Copyright © 1912 by E. O. Excell. Renewed 1940 by The Rodeheaver Co.

[Nelson Bradford]

The Name of Jesus is so sweet,
I love its music to repeat;
It makes my joys full and complete,
The precious Name of Jesus!

Refrain:
"Jesus," O how sweet the Name!
"Jesus," every day the same;
"Jesus," let all saints proclaim
Its worthy praise forever!

Verse 2
I love the Name of Him Whose heart
Knows all my griefs and bears a part;
Who bids all anxious fears depart,
I love the Name of Jesus!

Verse 3
That Name I fondly love to hear,
It never fails my heart to cheer;
Its music dries the falling tear,
Exalt the Name of Jesus!

Verse 4
No word of man can ever tell
How sweet the Name I love so well;
O let its praises ever swell,
O praise the Name of Jesus!

- William C. Martin (1864-1914)

Copyright © 1972 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

[Nelson Bradford]

In 1952 John Moore was the assistant superintendent of the Seaman's Chapel
in Glasgow, Scotland. One day the company secretary of a large shipping
firm telephoned the Chapel and requested that John visit a critically ill
young merchant seaman who was lying in a Glasgow hospital.

During the visit Moore pulled a tract at random from his briefcase. It
happened to be based on the classic "Pilgrim's Progress." On the cover was
an illustration of a Pilgrim coming to the Cross with a great burden on his
back. Moore related the story in brief and how his own life had been
burdened.

The sailor answered yes when John asked if he felt the burden on his back.
They prayed together and the smile of peace and assurance lit up the young
man's face when he said that his burden was lifted!

Later that night Moore couldn't get the thought out of his mind. He started
writing and today's song was the result. In the early 1950s, in the morning
my Mother would have her radio tuned to a Christian station. I remember
hearing this song many times when it was just becoming popular. The words
take me back to that Lynn, Indiana farmhouse.

- J. D. Sherrow

Days are filled with sorrow and care,
Hearts are lonely and drear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

Refrain:
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Calvary, Calvary,
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

Verse 2
Cast your care on Jesus today,
Leave your worry and fear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

Verse 3
Troubled soul, the Savior can see,
Ev'ry heartache and tear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary
Jesus is very near.

- John M. Moore, 1952

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

[Nelson Bradford]

As a Civil War POW, Daniel Whittle began reading the New Testament his
mother had given him as he marched off to war, and as a result, he committed
his life to Christ.

After the war, he was promoted to the rank of Major and then became a
successful businessman. In 1873, at the age of 33, he began preaching and
for 25 years he led revivals throughout the United States. He encouraged
some of the leading songwriters of his time. And even though he was
primarily a preacher, he wrote many hymns himself. Three of them are
well-known to us today. "Showers of Blessing" and "Moment By Moment" are
two of them.

The third is today's song, which he wrote in 1883, perhaps thinking back to
questions he had asked during his time as a POW. There were still many
things he didn't know, but he certainly could say . . .

I know not why God's wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.

Refrain
But I know whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I've committed
Unto Him against that day.

Verse 2
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.

Verse 3
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing us of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.

Verse 4
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.

Verse 5
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.

- Daniel W. Whittle, 1883

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

(Hymn commentary by J. D. Sherrow)

[Nelson Bradford]

Now admit it. Every once in a while we get bored, distracted, drowsy,
daydream or otherwise have difficulty maintaining a high level of interest
during the Pastor's message. We react and deal with it in a variety of
ways...99.9% of them not very constructive.

One Sunday morning in 1865 Elvina Hall was seated in the choir loft of the
Monument Street Methodist Church in Baltimore supposedly listening to her
pastor's sermon. As he rambled on, something he said caused her to begin
thinking about all that Christ had already done to provide our salvation.
The words to today's song came to her and the only paper she had to write on
was the flyleaf of a hymnal. After the service she gave them to the pastor.

As it happens, the church organist had given the pastor a tune he had
recently composed. Apparently he wasn't offended because she hadn't hung on
his every word, for he put her words to the tune and to the amazement of
all, they fit perfectly.

So God took Elvina Hall's distraction; organist and choir director John T.
Grape's music; pastor George Schrick's inspiration and gave us. . .

I hear the Savior say,
"Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all."

Refrain:
Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

Verse 2
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper's spots
And melt the heart of stone.

Verse 3
For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I'll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv'ry's Lamb.

Verse 4
And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
"Jesus died my soul to save,"
My lips shall still repeat.

- Elvina M. Hall, 1865

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

(Hymn commentary by J. D. Sherrow)

[Nelson Bradford]

Joseph Scriven had wealth, education, a devoted family and a pleasant life
in Ireland. Tragically, on the eve of his wedding, his fiancee drowned. In
deep sorrow, he dramatically changed his lifestyle.

He went to Canada and devoted all of his extra time in being a friend and
helper to others. He gave away his clothing and possessions to those in need
and worked without pay for anyone who needed him. He became known as "the
Good Samaritan of Port Hope."

He wrote a letter to his ill mother and enclosed a newly written poem to
comfort her. When he became ill himself, a friend visited him and saw a copy
of the poem near his bed. His friend read it and asked, "who wrote these
beautiful words?" "The Lord and I did it between us," was Scriven's reply.

His friend had the poem published in 1857 and since then it has comforted
untold thousands.

- J. D. Sherrow

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He'll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

- Joseph M. Scriven, ca. 1855

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

[Hans Deventer]

Nelson,

I really appreciate the background you are including with the hymns lately. Thanks!!

[Nelson Bradford]

and thanx to my forever friend, J. D. Sherrow for providing them. I am enjoying them also.
-neb

ps - Isn't God good?!

[Nelson Bradford]

Wars, terrorism, earthquakes, famines, crimes, violence, drugs, child abuse,
humanism, New Age...when world events and ideologies are ominous and
unsettling, where can we go but to the Lord?

The Scriptures warn that world conditions will continue to get worse as we
approach the end of this age and the return of Christ. In addition, we must
prepare ourselves for the difficult times that come as life progresses.

During the fearful days at the height of World War II, when the stress and
strain of daily living seemed almost overwhelming, in the middle of a busy
day a housewife was inspired by God to write these words and music. It will
be my daily theme song until further notice. Make it yours also.

- J. D. Sherrow

In times like these you need a Savior,
In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid rock!

Refrain:
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One;
This Rock is Jesus, The only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid rock!

Verse 2
In times like these you need the Bible,
In times like these O be not idle;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid rock!

Verse 3
In times like these I have a Savior,
In times like these I have an anchor
I'm very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid rock!

- Ruth Caye Jones

Copyright © 1944 Singspiration Music

[Nelson Bradford]

This story falls into the category of "amusingly ironic." Haldor Lillenas
was a Nazarene pastor and prolific hymn writer. He wrote the tune for a song
by Alfred Barrett, "Let It Be You and I."

The tune made its way to Arthur McKee, an evangelist and editor at the
Tabernacle Publishing Company. McKee didn't care for the lyrics, and asked
Avis Christiansen to try her hand at writing new words. Some of her hymns
are:

It Is Glory Just To Walk With Him...Only Glory By and By...Only One
Life...Precious Hiding Place...Victory In Jesus

She wrote new lyrics and the song was published in 1916 in Tabernacle
Praises (edited by McKee).

Lillenas was not happy about the change in lyrics, but eventually accepted
them when the song became popular. It is the resounding hymn of
praise..."Jesus Has Lifted Me."

- J. D. Sherrow

Out of the depths to the glory above,
I have been lifted in wonderful love;
From every fetter my spirit is free,
For Jesus has lifted me!

Refrain;
Jesus has lifted me!
Jesus has lifted me!
Out of the night into glorious light,
Yes, Jesus has lifted me!

Verse 2
Out of the world into heavenly rest,
Into the land of the ransomed and blessed,
There in the glory with Him I shall be,
For Jesus has lifted me!

Verse 3
Out of myself into Him I adore,
There to abide in His love evermore;
Through endless ages His glory to see,
My Jesus has lifted me!

- Avis M. Christiansen, 1916

Copyright © 1931 by Nazarene Publishing Co.

[Nelson Bradford]

"Why should I worship a dead Jew?"

A sincere young Jewish student asked this question of Alfred Ackley during a
revival he was preaching in 1933.

His answer to this student took the form of this hymn...

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today;
I know that He is living, Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him He's always near.

Refrain
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives,
He lives within my heart.

Verse 2
In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And tho my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading Thro' all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing Will come at last.

Verse 3
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs To Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, The help of all who find,
None other is so loving, So good and kind.

- Alfred H. Ackley, 1933

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

(Hymn commentary by J. D. Sherrow)

[Nelson Bradford]

Thoro Harris, the author of today's hymn, was born in Washington D.C. in
1874. Though nothing is known of his childhood and youth, we pick up his
career in Michigan at Battle Creek College, a Seventh-Day Adventist school.
He was a gifted songwriter and after graduation moved to Boston to enter the
publishing business. In 1902 he produced the first of dozens of hymnals and
song collections. In those days Christian publishing was big. As a result
of his success, Harris was invited by Peter Bilhorn to move to Chicago.
Bilhorn was active in Christian music, working with evangelists Billy
Sunday, D.L. Moody, and George Stebbins.

Thoro went to work for The Glad Tidings Publishing Company as an editor,
where he continued to compose and compile a number of works. He became
well-known in Chicago because he was always seen with a canvas bag full of
handbooks for sale. Somewhere along the way he became affiliated with the
Pentecostal movement. In 1920 he went to Los Angeles to compile a hymnal
titled, "Pentecostal Revivalist" for infamous evangelist, Aimee Semple
McPherson. In 1926 he wrote "I Love Him Better Every Day." He moved to
Eureka Springs, Arkansas in 1932 to work for the publishing arm of the
Oneness Pentecostal Organization. He died there in 1955.

Not a bad resume' for anyone, correct? But consider this. Thoro Harris was
born only 11 years after the Civil War ended. Think about what society was
going through in those days following the abolition of slavery. What makes
his accomplishments even more significant? Thoro was a black man! Today's
hymn connects him to the Nazarene Church because even though he wrote it in
1917, in 1931 the publishing rights were sold to Lillenas Publishing, which
became the Nazarene Publishing House. It isn't known what his motivation
for writing it was, but turn to hymn #108 in your Sing To The Lord hymnal
and agree with him that . . .

Who can cheer the heart like Jesus,
By His presence all divine?
True and tender, pure and precious,
O how blest to call Him mine!

Refrain
All that thrills my soul is Jesus!
He is more than life to me!
And the fairest of ten thousand
In my blessed Lord I see.

Verse 2
Love of Christ, so freely given,
Grace of God beyond degree,
Mercy higher than the heaven,
Deeper than the deepest sea!

Verse 4
Every need His hand supplying,
Every good in Him I see;
On His strength divine relying,
He is All in All to me.

Verse 5
By the crystal, flowing river,
With the ransomed I will sing
And forever and forever,
Praise and glorify the King!

-Thoro Harris, 1931

Copyright © 1931, Renewed 1959 by Mrs. Thoro Harris

(Hymn commentary by J. D. Sherrow)

[Nelson Bradford]

The path that I have trod
Has brought me nearer God,
Though oft it lead - through sorrow's gates.
Though not the way I choose,
In my way I might lose
The joy that yet for me awaits.

Refrain:
Not what I wish to be,
Nor where I wish to go,
For who am I that I should choose my way?
The Lord shall choose for me;
'Tis better far, I know,
So let Him bid me go or stay.

Verse 2
The cross that I must bear,
If I a crown would wear,
Is not the cross - that I should take;
But since on me 'tis laid,
I'll take it unafraid,
And bear it for the Master's sake.

Verse 3
Submission to the will
Of Him who guides me still
Is surety of His love revealed.
My soul shall rise above
This world in which I move;
I conquer only where I yield.

- C. Austin Miles

Copyright © Renewal 1962 - The Rodeheaver Co., Owner

[Nelson Bradford]

We customarily "return thanks" before meals. However, 19th century
Englishman, Henry Alford, always stood and offered gratitude and thanks to
God after the meal.

There was a custom at the time he lived for each village to have a festival
in celebration for the bounty of harvest, for work completed, a job well
done. It was about aching muscles and full barns, sun-reddened faces and
meals of plenty.

Alford was one of the leading churchmen in England and provided this hymn of
thanks. It was originally called "After Harvest." But we know it as . . .

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God's own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God's own field, fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day all offenses purge away,
Giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store in His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified, in Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.

- Henry Alford, 1844

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

(Hymn commentary by J.D. Sherrow)

[Nelson Bradford]

Lord, we praise You.
Lord, we praise You.
Lord, we praise You.
We praise You, Lord.

Lord, we love you.
Lord, we love you.
Lord, we love you.
We love you, Lord.

Lord, we thank you.
Lord, we thank you.
Lord, we thank you.
We thank you, Lord.

Al-le-lu-ia!
Al-le-lu-ia!
Al-le-lu-ia!
We give You praise.

- Ottis Skillings, 1972

Copyright © 1972 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

[Cecil Wallace]

Lord, we praise You.

Thanks for sharing this neat chorus.... almost a 7/11, huh?
Just kidding.

That's a mighty bright moon in your picture. Wow!

:basic05

[Nelson Bradford]

O magnify the Lord with me,
Ye people of His choice.
Let all to whom He lendeth breath
Now in His name rejoice.
For love's blest revelation,
For rest from condemnation,
For uttermost salvation,
To Him give praise.

Refrain:
Let all the people praise Thee.
Let all the people praise Thee.
Let all the people praise Thy name
Forever and forevermore.

Verse 2
O praise Him for His holiness,
His wisdom, and His grace;
Sing praises for His precious blood
Which ransomed all our race.
In tenderness He sought us;
From depths of sin He brought us;
The way of life then taught us,
To Him give praise.

Verse 3
Had I a thousand tongues to sing,
The half could ne'er be told
Of love so rich, so full and free,
Of blessings manifold
Of grace that faileth never,
Peace flowering like a river,
From God, the glorious Giver,
To Him give praise.

- Lelia N. Morris, 1906

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

[Nelson Bradford]

John and Charles Wesley were greatly influenced by a group of devout German
Moravians. This group emphasized a personal conversion experience which was
revolutionary for the time. The Wesleys met with the Moravians in May, 1738,
at Aldersgate Hall. The result of that meeting and the story of their
"heart-warming conversion experience" is well-known.

Charles Wesley wrote 7000+ hymns on every conceivable subject. Today's song
was written in 1749 to commemorate the 11th anniversary of his Aldersgate
conversion. His original title was "For the Anniversary Day of One's
Conversion." However, he was inspired to change the title after a chance
remark of influential Moravian leader, Peter Bohler.

I don't think we would still be singing the hymn 250 years later if Charles
had retained the first title. But he did change it and today we sing with
great gusto and enthusiasm...

O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad
the honors of thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears,
'tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,
he sets the prisoner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean;
his blood availed for me.

He speaks, and listening to his voice,
new life the dead receive;
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
the humble poor believe.

Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb,
your loosened tongues employ;
ye blind, behold your Savior come,
and leap, ye lame, for joy.

- Charles Wesley, 1739

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

(Hymn commentary by J. D. Sherrow)

[Dana Grant]

,

Who can cheer the heart like Jesus,
By His presence all divine?
True and tender, pure and precious,
O how blest to call Him mine!

Refrain
All that thrills my soul is Jesus!
He is more than life to me!
And the fairest of ten thousand
In my blessed Lord I see.

Verse 2
Love of Christ, so freely given,
Grace of God beyond degree,
Mercy higher than the heaven,
Deeper than the deepest sea!

Verse 4
Every need His hand supplying,
Every good in Him I see;
On His strength divine relying,
He is All in All to me.

Verse 5
By the crystal, flowing river,
With the ransomed I will sing
And forever and forever,
Praise and glorify the King!

-Thoro Harris, 1931

Copyright © 1931, Renewed 1959 by Mrs. Thoro Harris

(Hymn commentary by J. D. Sherrow)



This is my favorite hymn in the whole world. It has been since I was a 13-year-old teenager......

[Cecil Wallace]

This is my favorite hymn in the whole world. It has been since I was a 13-year-old teenager......
Agreed... it is a great hymn. Maybe in my top 10.
And to think ... NEB's post doesn't even contain a RED barn.

[Dana Grant]

Agreed... it is a great hymn. Maybe in my top 10.
And to think ... NEB's post doesn't even contain a RED barn.


Yes, I noticed that. But you know, now that he knows how much I love that hymn, I'm just sure that he'll post it again with a red barn in the picture.....I'm his favorite, you know..........(LOL LOL LOL)

[Cecil Wallace]

Yes, I noticed that. But you know, now that he knows how much I love that hymn, I'm just sure that he'll post it again with a red barn in the picture.....I'm his favorite, you know..........(LOL LOL LOL)

If he does, I'm gonna be jealous, 'cause I thought that I was his favorite.
Of course, I didn't say WHAT KIND of favorite.
Maybe I'm his favorite Geezer, in which case you wouldn't qualify for that category.
LOL to you, too.
Dana, I suppose that you are back home now.
We enjoyed the pics of your family as you traveled.
It is good to see that you are posting again.
:basic05

[Dana Grant]

If he does, I'm gonna be jealous, 'cause I thought that I was his favorite.
Of course, I didn't say WHAT KIND of favorite.
Maybe I'm his favorite Geezer, in which case you wouldn't qualify for that category.
LOL to you, too.
Dana, I suppose that you are back home now.
We enjoyed the pics of your family as you traveled.
It is good to see that you are posting again.
:basic05


Cecil, I am posting from my father-in-law's office in his house......still in West Virginia...We won't be home until November 30th. But since I have to work (my own business, I'm the only employee -- kind of makes it hard to take a non-working vacation!!), I've been setting up shop wherever we happen to be.....Fortunately my clients have been good to me and I've only had to actually WORK two days so far, bless their hearts. They've been so nice to me so far!!

SOOOO, I haven't posted pictures, but I WILL!! It has snowed!! ICK!!

Dana

[Cecil Wallace]

Fortunately my clients have been good to me and I've only had to actually WORK two days so far, bless their hearts. They've been so nice to me so far!!

What a deal!
And isn't it amazing what technology allows us to accomplish?
Imagine, working from 'way across the country.
Our daughter brings her laptop from Dallas when she visits, and works on-line, just as if she were in the office.


SOOOO, I haven't posted pictures, but I WILL!! It has snowed!! ICK!! Dana
Will look forward to seeing pics of your wanderings.
And... SNOW? What is that? What does it look like?
It appears that we will have upper 70's here tomorrow for Thanksgiving.

[Nelson Bradford]

It is interesting how things of the past get appropriated for contemporary
use. Lore is something that gets handed down from generation to generation
often without knowledge or understanding of its origin.

Three examples of this with hymns are:

1. Onward Christian Soldiers. We know this as a strong, militant,
call-to-arms. However, it was written for children to march from one church
to another.

2. Joy to the World. For hundreds of years it has been considered a
Christmas song associated with the birth of Jesus. Yet Isaac Watts based it
on Psalms 98's admonition to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Watts had
no intention of it being a Christmas carol.

Today's song is another example. Thanksgiving Day was established by
Abraham Lincoln. It was observed on a different day every year until 1941
when it was officially set as the third Thursday in November. For years
Americans have associated this hymn with the Thanksgiving holiday.

However, it was in 1597 to celebrate Holland's freedom from Spanish tyranny
that an unknown Dutchman wrote . . .

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

- Translated by Theodore Baker, 1917

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

(Hymn commentary by J. D. Sherrow)

[Nelson Bradford]

He pardoned my transgressions,
He sanctified my soul,
He honors my confessions,
Since by His blood I'm whole.

Refrain;
It is truly wonderful what the Lord has done!
It is truly wonderful! It is truly wonderful!
It is truly wonderful what the Lord has done!
Glory to His Name.

Verse 2
He keeps me ev'ry moment
By trusting in His grace;
'Tis through His blest atonement,
That I may see His face.

Verse 3
He brings me through affliction,
He leaves me not alone;
He's with me in temptation,
He keeps me for His own.

Verse 4
He prospers and protects me,
His blessings ever flow;
He fills me with His glory,
He makes me white as snow.

Verse 5
There's not a single blessing
Which we receive on earth
That does not come from heaven,
The source of our new birth.

- Barney E. Warren, 1897

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

[Nelson Bradford]

[Mrs. C.H. Morris] was born Lelia Naylor in 1862 Pennsville, Ohio, a small
town south of Zanesville. Age 10 was a significant year. She was
converted; her father died; she had to work to help with family expenses.
But she also began lessons on a neighbor's piano and was playing the reed
organ for prayer meetings at age 12. After marriage Lelia became active in
the Methodist Episcopal church; singing in the choir, working in Sunday
school and women's ministries. For 47 years she lived in the same house in
McConnellsville, Ohio, also south of Zanesville. Because the Morris' owned
the most books of anyone in town their home was popular with students
working on school assignments.

At age 29 Lelia began writing gospel songs. Her husband said she would be
inspired as she did housework and kept a writing pad handy to record moments
of inspiration. She was very quiet, reserved, and deeply spiritual. It is
an amusing irony that she wrote the militant, "The Fight Is On."

In 1913, at age 51, her eyesight began to fail. Her son constructed a 28'
blackboard with a music staff on it so she could continue writing. But
sadly, within a year she was totally blind. So, Lelia learned to touch-type
her poems. She would keep dozens of melodies in her mind for an entire year
and dictate them to her daughter when she came to visit! Five years after
she went blind she wrote, " 'Tis Marvelous and Wonderful." Think about her
affliction and the third verse, "From glory to glory He leads me on, from
grace to grace ev'ry day; And brighter and brighter the glory dawns while
pressing my homeward way." She continued writing another 15 years, totaling
1500+ songs in all.

Lelia penned today's hymn in 1912. When she was inspired to write, "He
healed the brokenhearted, and caused the blind to see," little did she know
in two years she would be sightless. But in spite of her affliction I'm
guessing that Lelia never changed her mind from her belief when she wrote .
. .

Of Jesus' love that sought me, when I was lost in sin;
Of wondrous grace that brought me back to His fold again;
Of heights and depths of mercy, far deeper than the sea,
And higher than the heavens, my theme shall ever be.

Refrain:
Sweeter as the years go by, sweeter as the years go by,
Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter,
Sweeter as the years go by.

Verse 2
He trod in old Judea life's pathway long ago;
The people thronged about Him, His saving grace to know;
He healed the broken hearted, and caused the blind to see;
And still His great heart yearneth in love for even me.

Verse 3
'Twas wondrous love which led Him for us to suffer loss,
To bear without a murmur the anguish of the cross;
With saints redeemed in glory, let us our voices raise,
Till Heav'n and earth re-echo with our Redeemer's praise.

- Leila N. Morris, 1912

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

(Hymn commentary by J. D. Sherrow)

[Nelson Bradford]

Hum the tune as you read these lines . . .

Lord, I my vows to Thee renew;
Disperse my sins as morning dew;
Guard my first springs of thought and will,
And with Thyself my spirit fill.

Direct, control, suggest, this day,
All I design, or do, or say,
That all my powers, with all their might,
In Thy sold glory may unite.

Pretty good way to start the day, eh? They were written over 300 years ago by Bishop Thomas Ken.

What's that you say? You couldn't hum along because you don't know the tune? Well, sing the last verse and see if the melody doesn't immediately come to mind. . .

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

- Thomas Ken, 1709

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

The bishop was not intimidated by royalty and condemned immorality when he saw it. He died in poverty, leaving behind only an old lute and an old horse. However, his Doxology has become his legacy and has been sung in churches around the world.

Hymn commentary by J. D. Sherrow

[Nelson Bradford]

Joys are flowing like a river,
Since the Comforter has come;
He abides with us forever,
Makes the trusting heart His home.

Refrain:
Blessed quietness, holy quietness,
What assurance in my soul!
On the stormy sea, He speaks peace to me,
How the billows cease to roll!

Verse 2
Bringing life and health and gladness,
All around this heavenly Guest,
Banished unbelief and sadness,
Changed our weariness to rest.

Verse 3
Like the rain that falls from heaven,
Like the sunlight from the sky,
So the Holy Ghost is given,
Coming on us from on high.

Verse 4
See, a fruitful field is growing,
Blessed fruit of righteousness;
And the streams of life are flowing
In the lonely wilderness.

Verse 5
What a wonderful salvation,
Where we always see His face!
What perfect habitation,
What a quiet resting place!

- Manie P. Ferguson, 1897

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

[Nelson Bradford]

For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.

Refrain
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.

Verse 2
For the wonder of each hour,
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon, and stars of light.

Verse 3
For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild.

Verse 4
For Thy Church, that evermore
Lifteth holy hands above,
Offering upon every shore
Her pure sacrifice of love.

Verse 5
For Thyself, best gift divine,
To the world so freely giv'n;
For that great, great love of Thine
Peace on earth and joy in heav'n;

- Folliot S. Pierpoint, 1864

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

[Nelson Bradford]

I love you, Lord and I lift my voice
To worship You - Oh, my soul rejoice!
Take joy my King in what You hear
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.

I love you Lord and I give my life
To worship You under pain and strife
Take joy my King in what you see
May I be a sweet sacrifice unto Thee.

- Laurie Klein, 1978

Copyright © 1978 House of Mercy Music

[Nelson Bradford]

I took this digital for several reasons.

a) the unusual shape of the barn
b) the new-fallen snow
c) the frost/snow on that utility line

-neb
ps - this note is in response to Ceeeeeeeeeece Dubya's nosey note to me. :)

[Cecil Wallace]

I've seen some of your "artwork" on your pictures.
I thought maybe you were just trying to disguise that power line, and make it look like a jet trail.
How about adding a moon to the pic?
:basic05

Loved the pic and the words also.
Thanks for sharing
Signed,
Nosey one


I took this digital for several reasons.

a) the unusual shape of the barn
b) the new-fallen snow
c) the frost/snow on that utility line

-neb
ps - this note is in response to Ceeeeeeeeeece Dubya's nosey note to me. :)

[Nelson Bradford]

Think of George Beverly Shea and "How Great Thou Art," "Then Jesus Came,"
"I'd Rather Have Jesus," "The Love of God," "It Is No Secret," and today's
song comes to mind.

It was 1942. Oscar C. Eliason's brother Paul had died of tuberculosis.
Oscar was near death from late-stage TB in a Minneapolis sanitarium when a
humble minister came by to pray. Miraculously, Oscar, whose right lung had
already collapsed, began to heal. He recovered fully to become an Assembly
of God pastor and song writer. He took the old Panama Canal slogan, "Got
any rivers?", changed the words, and wrote a melody, to record his
testimony. We still sing, "Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?"

In the 1950s, the aftermath of 19th century European Higher Criticism
thinking swept through Christian seminaries in America. Just as the
post-modern crowd does today, modernists then denied the authority of
Scripture. Eliason was quite outspoken. E.g. in 1960, he wrote a poem
called, "The Modernist Preacher Entering Hell" which was anything but
politically correct. In 1946 he attended a Memorial Day service where
Jesus' name was not mentioned one time. This so provoked Oscar that within
45 minutes after returning home he had put his thoughts about the experience
in this song. In effect, it is a mild "protest" about what he had NOT
heard. Close your eyes and hear George Beverly Shea singing . . .

I've learned to know a name I highly treasure.
O how it thrills my spirit through and through!
O precious name, beyond degree or measure,
My heart is stirred when-e'er I think of You!

Refrain:
My heart is stirred when-e'er I think of Jesus,
That blessed name which sets the captive free -
The only name through which I find salvation.
No name on earth has meant so much to me.

Verse 2
That name brings gladness to a soul in sorrow.
It makes life's shadows and its clouds depart -
Brings strength in weakness for today, tomorrow.
That names brings healing to an aching heart.

Verse 3
That name still lives and will live on forever,
While kings and kingdoms will forgotten be.
Through mist or rain, 'twill be beclouded never,
That name shall shine and shine eternally.

- Oscar C. Eliason, 1946

Copyright © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Co.

(Hymn commentary by J.D. Sherrow)

[Hans Deventer]

Just as the post-modern crowd does today, modernists then denied the authority of Scripture.

I don't think such a statement is either true or helpful.

[JD Sherrow]

"Just as the post-modern crowd does today, modernists then denied the authority of Scripture."

I don't think such a statement is either true or helpful.

Helpful is in the eye of the beholder.

That it is true is a fact. Consider the following:

Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the Challenges of Postmodernism
Resource# B640Author:
Douglas Groothuis
Price: $13.00

The concept of truth as absolute, objective and universal has undergone serious deterioration in recent years. No longer is it a goal for all to pursue. Rather postmodernism sees truth as inseparable from culture, psychology, race and gender. Ultimately,truth is what we make it to be. What factors have accelerated this decay of truth? Why are people willing to embrace such a devalued concept? How does this new view compare and contrast with a Christian understanding? While postmodernism contains some truthful insights (despite its attempt to dethrone truth), Douglas Groothuis sees its basic tenets as intellectually flawed and hostile to Christian views. In this spirited presentation of a solid, biblical and logical perspective, the author unveils how truth has come under attack and how it can be defended in the vital areas of theology, apologetics, ethics and the arts.

About Author: Douglas Groothuis (Ph.D., University of Oregon) is associate professor of philosophy at Denver Seminary. His book Truth Decay won a 2001Award of Merit from Christianity Today.

[Hans Deventer]

JD, the comments to the songs are not meant to throw dirt at fellow believers. THAT is a fact. You are abusing Nelson's good intentions.

The songs that Nelson has been posting here for so long are meant to encourage, and indeed they have been an encouragement for many. If you want to fight a war, do it elsewhere.

You may consider this to be a moderator's post.