Hymns Histories

A popular hymn of invitation from the 19th century is “Softly and Tenderly,” which was once known as “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling.” Will Lamartine Thompson (1847–1909), a songwriter of gospel, popular music, and national anthems, was the author of this song. Following the rejection of his earlier works, Thompson established his own music […]

The words to “All Creatures of Our God and King” are attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, who was born in 1181 in what is now Italy. The poem “The Canticle of the Sun” (Canticum Solis), which he authored in his final year of life, served as the inspiration for the lyrics. St. Francis wanted

Christian hymn “Rock of Ages” was penned by Augustus M. Toplady and set to music by Thomas Hastings. This deeply personal hymn, which emphasises individual redemption, employs the pronouns I and me rather than we and our. According to legend, Toplady composed the song amid a violent episode in England. He penned the original lyrics

A hymn called “How Firm a Foundation” is so well-known and adored that it was played at American presidents’ funerals. Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson were both presidents. On Christmas morning in 1898, it was performed by American soldiers fighting in the Spanish-American War. General Robert E. Lee loved it. In addition, Lee and sang

Mark 4:36–41 served as the basis for the song “Master, the Tempest Is Raging.” The tale of the Savior and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee is the main theme of the hymn’s text, which was penned by Mary Ann Baker. During the crossing, Jesus “rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace,

William Ralph Featherston wrote the poem My Jesus I Love Thee in 1864 when he was 16 years old, however one account claims he could have been just 12 years old. The opening two lines of this poem are quite similar to a hymn by Caleb J. Taylor that was published in 1804 and served

Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee’s lyrics were written by Bernard of Clairvaux. In addition, he was one of the most significant spiritual figures of his day, a man who monarchs and dignitaries consulted for guidance and direction. His sermons and writings had a long-lasting, significant effect on the religious landscape of Europe. Bernard not

33-year-old John Henry Newman was travelling by boat from the Sicilian city of Palermo to Marseille, France. The lyrics of “Lead, Kindly Light” were written by Newman as he was travelling back to his native England after being very ill with a fever. The lyrics are better understood in light of the fact that Newman