Scribblings from a twenty-year homeschool veteran about homeschooling, life after homeschooling, occasional peeks into the world of writing for children, and the ups and downs of life in general.
Saved Girl has started a Hymn Monday, where folks can include their favorite hymns and tell a little about them. I'm going to combine this with a quick review of my "source" for information about all our "old favorites." But first, one of my old favorites: "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." I remember singing this hymn over and over again as a child. In the "olden" days we didn't have Scripture songs or many Praise songs. It was mostly hymns and a few Singspiration choruses like "Deep and Wide" or "Gone, Gone, Gone, Gone, Yes, My Sins Are Gone." Here's a little bit of history about "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."
It was written by a man named Joseph Scriven in 1857, and wasn't considered all that great in literary writing. But its simple truths have brought comfort to countless people since its inclusion in Ira Sankey's Sankey's Gospel Hymns Number One. (Ira Sankey was the music leader for D.L. Moody's preaching trips).
Joseph Scriven lived by the Sermon on the Mount his whole life. He was from a rich family but spent his life working for those who could not pay. His fiance drowned the night before their wedding, and perhaps this set the course for the remainder of his life. He gave even the clothes from his back to the needy, depending on God for his own needs.
Joseph never intended "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" to be published. He'd heard about his mother's illness (in far-off Dublin, Ireland), and since he couldn't go to her, he wrote the words of the song (poem) in a letter. Later, a visiting friend found the words on scratch paper near the bed of the now-ill Joseph. It was published in a small collection of his poems.
Incredibly, Joseph Scriven also died in an accidental drowning. Ira Sankey discovered the poem in 1875, just in time for it to be on the very last page of his Gospel Hymns. Later, Ira wrote, "The last hymn which went into the book became one of the first in favor."
Would you like to learn more about the history of many of our Christian hymns? Kregel Publications publishes books like the one I gleaned the above information from. 101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck is a wonderful source for learning about the godly men and women who wrote dozens and dozens of the songs we love most. Click on the cover to learn more!
There is also another book, 101 More Hymn Stories.
I saw your book review. I just finished reading a bunch of Wanda's books. I enjoyed the ones set in Puyallup/Tacoma area. Have you read her books? Have you met her?
What a neat theme! And I love what you shared! :')
I was raised in church with hymns, though not Christian entirely. The melodies and lyrics of hymns have always been a favorite for me. I keep thinking some of the contemporary worship leaders come back to them for their richness, and I appreciate it when they do. :'D
Hi Suzy!
(This is off topic...) we were watching your book videos --yes, I have fast internet now...thanks to Altell-- and my daughter was wondering who the children were in the Family Secret one. Are they by any chance your grandkids?
bethanyrae
What an interesting history of a great hymn. Thak you for passing it along. I'll be sure to see if the library has that book aout the history of hymns you noted, too. Looks like some good reading.
Betty
To follow up....that must be so exciting for all those kids to be "published" like that! Cool! I guess they know the right person in a high place, eh?
bethanyrae
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Jun. 23, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Kristy