Editorializing

The Century of Inspiration

The 19th Century was a period of tremendous technological, scientific, industrial, medical and social advances, as well as the stage for the Civil War (1861-1865), that but for Divine intervention, would have reduced the United States into the Divided States.

We want to, however, point to another indisputably important event — albeit, largely unrecognized — that occurred during the 1800s, which we will call The Century of Inspiration.

At the end of this article you will find a listing of songs that make up the Christian Hymnal, together with the date of birth and death of both the author of the lyrics and the composer of the music. We have averaged all the dates of birth and dates of death. The result is 1854, the middle of the 19th Century. By taking the higher number and the lower numbers, we can conclude that most of the songs we sing in our services were composed in the eighteen hundreds.

What makes these songs special? So timeless? Let’s notice:

The songwriters of the 19th Century worked in the light of oil lamps and candles. They had no typewriters, no word processors nor electronic music composers – indeed, not even a ball point pen. They worked with a pointed quill and inkwell. If they had a dictionary, it was probably quite rudimentary and we doubt very many had a thesaurus, and much less a rhyme dictionary.

We are living in an age in which the eraser has gone the way of the Mohicans. We hit the backspace or delete key to make corrections and changes. We write and rewrite. Often we relegate to the electronic trash bin what we have done and begin anew. Maybe time and again (as yours truly frequently does). Our spelling and grammar are checked by an invisible hand. A right click on a word in question flashes suggestions on the screen to improve our text. We hand our “finished” product to a trusted friend to ferret out what we have missed. Alterations are made in a matter of minutes, maybe even seconds. We hit the print command, or the send key, and pat our soul with a contended “mission accom- plished” feeling.

Not so the venerable songwriters now under our microscope. Without a doubt, the lyrics and melodies they produced were the result of their own talents and inspiration. Many of the lyrics are stand-alone poetry, that is, their beauty is not dependent on melodies. Thus it follows that when these inspired words are harmonized with notes, they become veritable works of art that reach the depths of the soul.

The songs produced in the 19th Century are not museum pieces. They are not occa- sionally sung to show the younger generation how songs used to be written. Like vintage wine, they become more priceless with the passing of years.

My frail comments cannot do justice to the hymns written a century and half ago. Thus, if you tire or become distressed with what you are reading, skip to the listing of songs found in the Christian Hymnal in the last section of this article and, with your heart in meditation mode, notice the sensation each song gives you. Pay attention to the memo- ries that flood your soul. Like the connoisseur of choice wines, let these sensations and memories renew the inspirations these ancient hymns wrought in your being while in the spirit of worship. It would be truly amazing to know how many decisions to get converted were made while listening to ComeJustasYouAre, to name only one song of invitation; how many reconsecrations, how many burdens lifted, by the miracle of an inspired hymn sung by saints.

(For this little exercise to work properly, do not use the Christian Hymnal. Rely exclu- sively on the title of the hymn and notice how you are transported to your pew in the House of Worship, how you clearly hear the voices singing, and recall the decisive effect some of these precious hymns had on your spiritual outlook.)

We all appreciate a song well sung. The truth is that not all were given a full measure when gifts were being handed out. Not all know how to read music. Some can sing only soprano. And others hardly that. There are those who possess the precious gift of “loving to listen.”

Especially in congregations that have a sizeable segment of worshipers who were not raised in the church, the singing may not rate an A+, or even a B. Maybe only a C or C-. Yet, when the listeners, even the most talented, have a spirit attuned to 1 Corinthians 13, a C- can come through as an A+.

The quill-written songs (not because of the quill) have a special quality – a Heavenly quality? – that sanctify the voice of the humble worshipers, even those who stumble on notes.

It is significant that with few exceptions, the lyrics in the C.H. appear in their original tongue, that is, they are not translations. Even the very best translators can seldom capture all of the pristine beauty, nor the nuances, of the original lyrics. Thus to have a hymnal composed almost exclusively of original inspirations is truly a blessing.

In defense of translators, we must point out there are few languages, if any, that possess a peculiarity of the English language – that of the monosyllable. Thus, what can be fluidly expressed in English with a single syllable word, may require two, three or four syllables in another language, placing the poet or translator at a marked disadvantage.

The editorial in Brazil News issue number 58, of March 1996, is entitled The Powerful

Monosyllable. Following are some excerpts, with a bit of editing: Read this little poem by Sargent Joyce Kilmer:

I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree;

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth’s flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear A next of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree.

All but 11 words of this poem are monosyllables. You may not find this very impres- sive. Nevertheless it is. If you enjoy singing, especially the beautiful old hymns found in the Christian Hymnal, you should feel deeply indebted to the lowly monosyllable.

It is because of these little one-syllable words that English language poets and composers are able to compress so much into so small a space. Let’s notice the lovely hymn Does Jesus Care?. Pay attention to the number in superscript at the end of each word, which indicates how many syllables it contains.

Does1 Jesus2 care1 when1 my1 heart1 is1 pained1

Too1 deeply2 for1 mirth1 and1 song1;

And1 the1 burdens2 press1, and1 the1 cares1 distress2,

And1 the1 way1 grows1 weary2 and1 long1?

Oh1! Yes1, He1 cares1. I1 know1 He1 cares1!

His1 heart1 is1 touched1 with1 my1 grief1,

When1 the1 days1 are1 weary2, the1 long1 nights1 dreary2,

I1 know1 my1 Saviour2 cares1.

Now let’s notice the words of another precious hymn:

Glorious2 things1 of1 thee1 are1 spoken2,

Zion2, city2 of1 our1 God1;

He1 whose1 word1 cannot2 be1 broken2

Formed1 thee1 for1 His1 own1 abode2:

On1 the1 Rock1 of1 Ages2 founded2,

What1 can1 shake1 thy1 sure1 repose2?

With1 salvation’s3 walls1 surrounded3,

Thou1 mayst1 smile1 at1 all1 thy1 foes1.

To understand better what we are saying, we are going to list some key words in both English and Portuguese that are used in hymns.

(end of excerpt)

We can hardly do justice to this subject without a few words on Fanny Crosby, 1820-1915, who embodies the spirit of the 19th Century. The following is a quote from Cristianity Today: Francis Jane Crosby wrote more than 9,000 hymns, some of which are among the most popular in every Christian denomination. She wrote so many that she was forced to use pen names lest the hymnals be filled with her name above all others. And, for most people, the most remarkable thing about her was that she had done so in spite of her blindness.

“I think it is a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when he showered so many other gifts upon you,” remarked one well-meaning preacher.

Fanny Crosby responded at once, as she had heard such comments before. “Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I was born blind?” said the poet, who had been able to see only for her first six weeks of life. “Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.”

Her love of poetry began early—her first verse, written at age 8, echoed her lifelong refusal to feel sorry for herself:

Oh, what a happy soul Iam, Although I cannot see!

I am resolved that in this world Contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy That other people don’t,

To weep and sigh because I’m blind I cannot, and I won’t!

While she enjoyed her poetry, she zealously memorized the Bible. Memorizing five chap- ters a week, even as a child she could recite the Pentateuch, the Gospels, Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and many Psalms chapter and verse.

She could write very complex hymns and compose music with a more classical struc- ture (she could even improvise it), but she preferred to write simple, sentimental verses that could be used for evangelism. She continued to write her poetry up to her death, a month shy of her ninety-fifth birthday. “You will reach the river brink, some sweet day, bye and bye,” was her last stanza. (end of quote)

May old hymns never grow old.

HYMN SONG WRITER COMPOSER

NO. TITLE BORN Died Born Died

1 COME, THOU ALMIGHTY KING	1757	—	1716	1796
2 BLESS JEHOVAH	—	—	1818	1884
3 BLESSED BE THE NAME	1843	1901	1843	1901
4 GLORY TO HIS NAME	1839	1929	1813	1877
5 SING ABOUT JESUS	1867	1951	1867	1951
6 WORTHY ART THOU, LORD	1883	—	—	—
7 OH, COULD I SPEAK THE MATCHLESS WORTH	1738	1799	1756	1791
8 I WILL SING OF MY REDEEMER	1838	1876	1840	1907
9 OH, WORSHIP THE KING	1779	1838	1737	1806
10 HOLY GOD, WE PRAISE THY NAME	1820	1900	1774	—
11 PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW	1637	1711	—	1551
12 HOLY, HOLY, HOLY	1783	1826	1823	1876
13 ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME	1726	1792	1765	1844
14 HOW SWEET THE NAME OF JESUS	1725	1807	1784	1872
15 GLORY TO GOD ON HIGH	1734	1804	1716	1796
16 WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!	1882	—	1867	1951
17 LOVING KINDNESS	1738	1799	—	—
18 MAGESTIC SWEETNESS SITS ENTHRONED	1727	1795	1784	1872
19 YE NATIONS ROUND THE EARTH	1674	1748	1551	—
20 O THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES	1820	1915	1837	1899
21 WONDERFUL JESUS1865	1933	—	—	—
22 THERE IS NO NAME SO SWEET ON EARTH	1805	1862	1816	1868
23 JESUS IS ALL THE WORLD TO ME	1847	1909	1847	1909
24 MY SAVIOUR’S LOVE	1856	1932	1856	1932
25 THE LILY OF THE VALLEY	1837	1882	1837	1907
26 WHAT TENDER MERCY	—	—	1841	1897
27 TAKE THE NAME OF JESUS WITH YOU	1809	1874	1832	1915
28 HEAVENLY SUNLIGHT	1859	1942	—	—
29 WE’RE MARCHING TO ZION	1674	1748	1826	1899
30 I WONDER, OFTEN WONDER	1839	1929	1853	—
31 SEEKING FOR ME —	—	—	—	—
32 SWEET IS THE STORY	1839	1929	1848	—
33 BRETHREN, WE HAVE MET TO WORSHIP	—	—	—	—
34 SAVIOR, WE COME TO THEE	—	—	—	—
35 COME, THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING	1735	1790	1770	1858
36 WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE	1838	1876	1838	1876
37 THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS	1840	1901	1840	1907
38 JESUS LOVES EVEN ME	1838	1876	1838	1876
39 TREAD SOFTLY	1820	1915	1832	1915
40 JESUS CALLS US	1818	1895	1852	1922
41 LORD, I HEAR OF SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS	1824	1919	1816	1868
42 JESUS, THY BOUNDLESS LOVE TO ME	1607	1676	1752	1825
43 LOVE DIVINE, ALL LOVE EXCELLING	1707	1788	1815	1882
44 COME, GRACIOUS SPIRIT, HEAVENLY DOVE	1680	1732	1816	1868
45 MY GOD, HOW ENDLESS IS THY LOVE	1674	1748	1853	—
46 OH, HOW I LOVE JESUS	1829	1904	—	—
47 SITTING AT THE FEET OF JESUS	—	—	—	—
48 THE BEATITUDES	—	—1903	—	—
49 LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS	1839	1929	1853	1924
50 NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD	1866	1944	1866	1944
51 ONCE AGAIN WE COME	1874	1950	1874	1950
52 LORD, IN THY PRESENCE	—	—	1793	1870
53 LORD, WE COME BEFORE THEE NOW	1719	1783	1787	1864
54 WE NOW HAVE MET TO WORSHIP THEE	1854	1936	1854	1936
55 FATHER, WE COME	1854	1936	1710	1778
56 COME, HEAVEN-BOUND PILGRIMS	1848	1935	1848	1935
57 EVERY MORNING MERCIES NEW	1821	1884	1784	1872
58 I OWE THE LORD A MORNING SONG	1816	1897	1816	1897

59 SAVIOUR, HEAR US, WE PRAY	—	—	1833	1897
60 NOW THE SHADES OF NIGHT ARE GONE	—	—	1835	1912
61 BEGIN THE DAY WITH GOD	—	—	1757	1836
62 AS THE SUN DOTH DAILY RISE	—	—	—	—
63 I NAME THY HALLOWED NAME	1855	1930	1715	1766
64 SAFELY THROUGH ANOTHER WEEK	1725	1807	1792	1872
65 O DAY OF REST AND GLADNESS	1807	1885	1792	1872
66 O HOLY DAY	1839	1929	1853	—
67 UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK	—	—	1881	—
68 SUN OF MY SOUL	1792	1866	1774	—
69 NOW FROM THE ALTAR OF MY HEART	1634	1694	1764	1824
70 SAVIOUR, BREATHE AN EVENING BLESSING	1791	1867	1855	1941
71 IN MERCY, LORD, REMEMBER ME	1674	1748	1816	1868
72 I LOVE TO STEAL AWHILE AWAY	1783	1861	1853	—
73 EVENING PRAISE	1928	—	1928	—
74 SAVIOUR, AGAIN TO THY DEAR NAME	1826	1893	—	—
75 MAY THE GRACE OF CHRIST	1725	1807	1890	—
76 THE LORD BE WITH US	1826	1893	1710	1778
77 BLESS THE WORDS	1820	1915	1853	—
78 ONCE MORE BEFORE WE PART	1712	1768	1848	1923
79 LORD, DISMISS US WITH THY BLESSING	1740	1817	1794	—
80 DISMISS US WITH THY BLESSING LORD	1712	1768	1510	1561
81 GOD IS LOVE	—	—	1854	1942
82 THE LOVE OF GOD	1869	1953	1869	1953
83 WONDROUS LOVE	1821	1885	1835	1912
84 BEHOLD WHAT LOVE	1867	1951	1876	1942
85 GOD MOVES IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY	1731	1800	1858	1924
86 GOD IS LOVE, HIS MERCY BRIGHTENS	1792	1872	—	—
87 SUCH LOVE, SUCH WONDEROUS LOVE	—	—	1880	1961
88 OH, SUCH WONDERFUL LOVE	—	—	—	—
89 LOVE FOUND ME	1836	1920	1836	1920
90 O WORD OF GOD INCARNATE	1823	1897	1792	1872
91 HARK! ARE THEY NOT ANGELS?	—	—	—	—
92 JOY TO THE WORLD!	1674	1748	1685	1759
93 HARK! WHAT MEAN THOSE HOLY VOICES?	1775	1852	1846	1945
94 O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL	—	—	1751	—
95 OH, BEAUTIFUL STAR OF BETHLEHEM	1883	1959	1883	1959
96 STAR OF THE EAST	1840	1905	1887	1960
97 O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM	1835	1893	1831	1908
98 WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS	1652	1715	1819	1900
99 ROOM FOR THEE	1836	1897	1840	1908
100 SILENT NIGHT! HOLY NIGHT!	1792	1848	1787	1863
101 TO US A CHILD OF HOPE IS BORN	1749	1798	1792	1872
102 ANGELS! FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY	1771	1854	1784	1872
103 GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST	1867	1951	1867	1951
104 ZION’S GLAD MORNING	1783	1826	—	—
105 THE OLD RUGGED CROSS	1873	1958	1873	1958
106 THE HAND THAT WAS WOUNDED FOR ME	—	—	1850	1919
107 HE WAS NAILED TO THE CROSS FOR ME	—	—	—	—
108 BEHOLD THE SAVIOUR OF MANKIND	1662	1735	—	—
109 NOT ALL THE BLOOD OF BEASTS	1709	—	1882	—
110 THE EVENTIDE FALLS GENTLY NOW	1882	—	1867	1951
111 LEAD ME TO CALVARY	1874	—	1838	1921
112 ARISE, MY SOUL, ARISE	1707	1788	1748	1820
113 WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS	1674	1748	1792	1872
114 TIS MIDNIGHT	1794	1849	1816	1868
115 NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD	1826	1899	1826	1899
116 HE LOVES ME	1674	1748	—	—
117 CROSS OF CHRIST, O SACRED TREE	1823	—	—	—
118 THERE IS A FOUNTAIN	1731	1800	1792	1872
119 CHRIST AROSE	1826	1899	1826	1899
120 AWAKE, AWAKE, O EARTH	—	—	1864	1947
121 LOOK, YE SAINTS	1769	1854	1846	1945
122 THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HATH MADE	1674	1748	1710	1778

123 CHRIST, THE LORD, IS RISEN TODAY	1707	1788	1670	1739
124 HE COMES	—	—	—	—
125 CHRIST THE LORD COMETH?	—	—	—	—
126 FACE TO FACE WITH CHRIST	1855	1934	1869	1950
127 THE MIDNIGHT CRY	1856	1926	1876	1952
128 THE BRIDEGROOM SOON WILL CALL US	1496	1570	1792	1872
129 WATCHMAN, TELL ME?	—	—	1819	1890
130 CHRIST’S RETURN	—	—	1876	1952
131 BLESSED QUIETNESS	—	—	1849	1936
132 THE COMFORTER HAS COME!	1823	1894	1838	1921
133 SPIRIT SO HOLY	1840	1901	1846	1945
134 HOLY GHOST, WITH LIGHT DIVINE	1787	1862	1829	1869
135 HOLY SPIRIT, FAITHFUL GUIDE	1815	1895	1815	1895
136 FILL ME NOW	1815	1895	1837	1899
137 FILL ME WITH THY SPIRIT	1842	1895	1869	1952
138 GIVE ME THE BIBLE	1829	1907	1854	1942
139 I BELIEVE THE BIBLE	1851	1929	1851	1929
140 CLING TO THE BIBLE	—	—	1841	1905
141 THY WORD HAVE I HID IN MY HEART	1869	1952	1869	1952
142 THE CHRISTIAN’S GUIDE	—	—	1867	1951
143 BLESSED BIBLE	1839	1908	—	—
144 BREAK THOU THE BREAD OF LIFE	1841	1913	1826	1888
145 HOLY BIBLE, BOOK DIVINE	1773	1822	1786	1868
146 HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION	1787	—	—	—
147 THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD REVEALED	1875	—	1598	—
148 JESUS THE TEACHER	—	—	1872	1926
149 I LOVE THY KINGDOM, LORD	1752	1817	1792	1872
150 THE BLAMELESS CHURCH	1867	1951	1865	—
151 CHURCH OF GOD	1842	1895	1867	1951
152 THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD	1876	1952	1876	1952
153 FOR CHRIST AND THE CHURCH	1851	1920	1838	1921
154 GLORIOUS THINGS OF THEE ARE SPOKEN	1725	1807	1855	1941
155 PEOPLE OF THE LIVING GOD	1771	1854	—	—
156 JESUS, FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW	1707	1788	1792	1858
157 YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD	—	—	1872	1926
158 ARE YOU ADORNING THE DOCTRINE?	1874	1950	1869	1952
159 LORD OF THE CHURCH	1798	1863	1784	1872
160 LET ZION’S WATCHMEN ALL AWAKE	1702	1751	1792	1871
161 LORD, SPEAK TO ME	1836	1879	1806	1873
162 SPEAK GENTLY	—	—	—	—
163 A CHARGE TO KEEP I HAVE	1707	1788	1792	1872
164 LORD, WHEN AT THY COMMAND	1707	1788	1819	1853
165 BAPTIZED INTO OUR SAVIAOUR’S DEATH	1702	1751	1793	1870
166 MY GOD, ACCEPT MY HEART	1800	1894	1837	1901
167 WE BLESS THE NAME OF CHRIST, THE LORD	1872	—	1784	1872
168 O LORD, WHILE WE CONFESS	—	—	1685	1763
169 BEHOLD, WHERE, IN A MORTAL FORM	1741	1797	1710	1778
170 LOVE CONSECRATES THE HUMBLEST ACT	—	—	1858	1924
171 THAT DOLEFUL NIGHT	1712	1768	—	—
172 FOREVER HERE MY REST	—	—	1853	—
173 EXTOL THE LOVE OF CHRIST	1872	—	1820	1895
174 IF I WOULD BE A CHILD OF GOD	—	—	1784	1872
175 CHRIST, IN THE NIGHT HE WAS BETRAYED	—	—	1792	1872
176 ACCORDING TO THY GRACIOUS WORD	1771	1854	1764	1824
177 IN MEMORY OF THE SAVIOUR’S LOVE	1779	1823	1790	1832
178 SWEET THE MOMENTS	1725	1786	—	—
179 JESUS IN GETHSEMANE	1812	1899	1845	1891
180 I’VE ENLISTED IN THE SERVICE	1867	1955	1869	1952
181 THINE FOR SERVICE	1873	1962	1873	1962
182 WHILE THE DAYS ARE GOING BY	1840	1905	1840	1908
183 IN THE HARVEST FIELD	1830	—	1832	1915
184 I WANT TO BE A WORKER	1832	1893	1832	1893
185 TO THE WORK	1820	1915	1832	1915
186 WINNING SOULS FOR JESUS	—	—	—	—

187 BRINGING IN THE SHEAVES	1834	1878	1845	1904
188 THROW OUT THE LIFE-LINE	1851	1929	1851	1929
189 WORK, FOR THE NIGHT IS COMING	1836	1907	1792	1872
190 I CANNOT BE IDLE	1867	1955	1869	1952
191 BUILDING FOR ETERNITY	1902	1961	1902	1961
192 SOMETHING TO DO	—	—	—	—
193 LET THE LOWER LIGHTS BE BURNING	1838	1876	1838	1876
194 RESCUE THE PERISHING	1820	1915	1832	1915
195 LORD, GIVE US A VISION	1902	—	1902	—
196 ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS	1834	1924	1842	1900
197 NOW JUST A WORD FOR JESUS	1820	1915	1832	1915
198 HAVE YOU SOUGHT FOR THE SHEEP?	1820	1915	1840	1908
199 BUILDING FOR ETERNITY	—	—	—	—
200 I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY	1834	1911	1835	1912
201 JESUS SAVES	1829	1907	1838	1921
202 THE NINETY-NINE	1869	—	1867	1951
203 WE’LL WORK TILL JESUS COMES	1805	1829	1801	1878
204 THE LORD OF THE HARVEST CALLS	—	—	1864	1947
205 HARK! THE VOICE OF JESUS CALLING	1816	1909	1853	—
206 TIS THE HARVEST TIME	—	—	1855	1941
207 THE GOLDEN HARVEST	—	—	—	—
208 SPEED AWAY	1868	—	1819	1853
209 INTO OUR HANDS	1900	—	1885	—
210 THE CALL FOR REAPERS	1782	1818	—	—
211 I’LL GO WHERE HE SENDETH ME	1865	1933	—	—
212 SEND THE LIGHT	1856	1932	1856	1932
213 BRING THEM IN	—	—	1841	1897
214 LONG HAVE THEY WAITED	1867	1951	1867	1951
215 OVER THE OCEAN WAVE	—	—	1816	1868
216 O WHERE ARE THE REAPERS?	1848	—	1820	1895
217 ALL BECAUSE WE DON’T LOVE THEM	1876	1942	1876	1942
218 GATHER THEM INTO THE FOLD	—	—	1864	1947
219 BID THEM LOOK TO CHRIST	—	—	—	—
220 “WHOSOEVER WILL”	1838	1876	1838	1876
221 SOFTLY AND TENDERLY	1847	1909	1847	1909
222 COME, YE WANDERERS	1853	—	1853	—
223 COME TO JESUS	—	—	1853	—
224 JESUS WILL GIVE YOU REST	1820	1915	1837	1899
225 COME, LOST ONE	1854	1936	1854	1936
226 NO HOPE IN JESUS	1823	1902	1826	1899
227 ONLY TRUST HIM	1813	1877	1813	1877
228 JESUS IS CALLING	1820	1915	1846	1945
229 WHILE JESUS WHISPERS TO YOU	1854	—	1834	1907
230 THERE’S A FOUNTAIN FREE	1826	1882	1828	1875
231 COME TO THE FOUNTAIN	1820	1915	1846	1945
232 COME HOME, POOR SINNER	—	—	—	—
233 COME TO THE SAVIOUR	1820	1895	1820	1895
234 COME, YE WEARY ONES, TONIGHT	1903	—	1903	—
235 TROUBLED SOUL, THY GOD IS CALLING	1863	1948	—	—
236 WHY NOT NOW?	1840	1901	1843	1918
237 OH, WHY NOT TONIGHT	1794	1867	—	—
238 WILL YOU GO TO JESUS?	1839	—	—	—
239 REMEMBER ME	1848	1899	1828	—
240 COME, YE SINNERS, POOR AND NEEDY	1712	1768	1712	1778
241 TROUBLED HEART, THY GOD IS CALLING	1820	1915	1818	1883
242 THE MIDNIGHT CALL	1863	1948	1764	1828
243 WHY DO YOU WAIT?	1820	1895	1820	1895
244 IN THE SILENT MIDNIGHT WATCHES	1818	1896	1820	1895
245 KNOCKING AT THE DOOR	1826	1882	1828	1875
246 THERE’S A STRANGER AT THE DOOR	1840	1882	1851	1921
247 COME, JUST AS YOU ARE	1839	1929	1864	1947
248 LISTEN TO THE GENTLE PROMPTINGS	1771	1854	1786	1826
249 O SAVE ME AT THE CROSS	1820	1915	1839	1925
250 THE GATE AJAR FOR ME	1809	1874	1818	1884

251 OPEN WIDE THY HEART	—	—	—	—
252 HIM THAT COMETH UNTO ME	1851	1920	1838	1921
253 THE GOOD SHEPHERD	—	—	1869	1945
254 ONLY A STEP TO JESUS	1820	1915	1832	1815
255 FOLLOW ME	—	—	1834	1907
256 LOOK TO THE LAMB OF GOD	—	—	1856	1938
257 THE RIVER OF LIFE	1824	1919	1828	—
258 WHO’LL BE THE NEXT?	1835	1918	1826	1899
259 HAVE YOU ANY ROOM FOR JESUS?	1840	1901	—	—
260 GIVE ME THY HEART	1851	1920	1838	1921
261 LET JESUS COME INTO YOUR HEART	1862	1929	1862	1929
262 NOT FAR FROM THE KINGDOM	1839	—	—	—
263 ALMOST PERSUADED	1838	1876	1838	1876
264 CHRIST RECEIVETH SINFUL MEN	1671	1756	1840	1907
265 DO YOU LOVE THE WORLD?	1867	1951	1869	1945
266 WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS?	—	—	—	—
267 HE SEEKS HIS WANDERING SHEEP	—	—	1864	1947
268 WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY?	1839	1929	—	—
269 GLORY GATES	—	—	—	—
270 GIVE ME JESUS	1820	1915	1837	1899
271 NOTHING LIKE JESUS	—	—	—	—
272 JESUS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD	—	—	—	—
273 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD IS JESUS	1838	1876	1838	1876
274 IS THY HEART RIGHT WITH GOD?	1839	1929	1839	1929
275 WHAT WOULD YOU GIVE IN EXCHANGE?	—	—	—	—
276 ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD?	1839	1929	1839	1929
277 HIS WAY WITH THEE	1861	1937	1861	1937
278 THERE IS POWER IN THE BLOOD	1865	1936	1865	1936
279 THE BEST FRIEND OF ALL	—	—	—	—
280 TELL ME THE OLD, OLD STORY	1834	1911	1832	1915
281 WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE	—	—	—	—
282 YOU CAN’T DO WRONG AND GET BY	—	—	—	—
283 SIN CAN NEVER ENTER THERE	1874	1950	1867	1951
284 WILL JESUS FIND US WATCHING?	1820	1915	1832	1915
285 BE READY WHEN HE COMES	1876	1942	1876	1942
286 WHERE SHALL I BE?	—	—	1876	1952
287 THE LAST GREAT DAY	1842	1895	1867	1951
288 WHY CARELESSLY WAIT?	1867	1951	1867	1951
289 LOST FOREVER	1867	1951	1867	1951
290 WHERE WILL I GO?	1867	1951	1867	1951
291 SHALL YOU? SHALL I?	1840	1907	1840	1907
292 AT THE SAVIOUR’S RIGHT HAND	1839	—	1857	1908
293 WHEN THE BOOK OF LIFE IS OPEN	—	—	1863	1918
294 WEIGHED IN THE BALANCE	1867	1951	1867	1951
295 WHAT WILL YOUR ANSWER BE?	1885	—	1885	—
296 ETERNITY	1876	1942	1876	1942
297 THE GREAT REAPING DAY	1876	1952	1876	1952
298 I AM RESOLVED	1844	1932	1849	1936
299 I AM COMING, LORD	1828	1919	1828	1919
300 JESUS, I COME	1819	1904	1846	1945
301 SAVIOUR, I’M COMING	1867	1951	1867	1951
302 LORD, I’M COMING HOME	1838	1921	1838	1921
303 JUST AS I AM	1789	1871	1816	1868
304 I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS	—	—	—	—
305 I INTEND TO GO THROUGH WITH HIM	1879	—	1876	1955
306 I AM COMING TO THE CROSS	1820	1901	1835	1912
307 WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD	—	—	1864	1947
308 THE CLEANSING WAVE	1839	1908	1839	1908
309 ONE DAY!	1859	1918	1886	1956
310 THOU SPOTLESS LAMB OF GOD	—	—	1838	1921
311 AT THE CROSS	1674	1748	1843	1901
312 I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE	1836	1879	1838	1876
313 MERCY’S FREE	—	—	1782	1871
314 ALL I NEED	—	—	—	—

315 REDEMPTION! OH, WONDERFUL STORY	1820	1915	1861	1936
316 REDEEMED — HOW I LOVE TO PROCLAIM IT	1820	1915	1838	1921
317 TELL ME THE STORY OF JESUS	1820	1915	1837	1899
318 NOT WHAT THESE HANDS HAVE DONE	1808	1899	1870	1957
319 A RANSOM FOR ALL	1888	—	1867	1951
320 JESUS PAID IT ALL	1820	1889	1835	1915
321 GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN	1849	1919	1850	1919
322 AMAZING GRACE	1725	1807	—	—
323 GRACE, ‘TIS A CHARMING SOUND	1702	1751	—	—
324 WONDERFUL GRACE	—	—	1853	—
325 A PRAYER FOR GRACE	1902	—	1902	—
326 YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN	1819	1904	1846	1945
327 THE HALLOWED SPOT	1811	1877	1830	1912
328 THERE IS LIFE FOR A LOOK	1825	1862	—	—
329 I HEARD THE VOICE OF JESUS SAY	1808	1889	1872	1926
330 LOVE LIFTED ME	1865	1933	1863	1918
331 O HAPPY DAY	1702	1751	1816	1876
332 AT CALVARY	1868	1956	1850	1919
333 O LORD, WITHIN MY SOUL	1839	1929	1839	1929
334 I HAVE SOMETHING I WOULD TELL YOU	1839	—	—	—
335 WHERE JESUS IS, ‘TIS HEAVEN	1879	1929	1856	1936
336 SWEET PEACE, THE GIFT OF GOD’S LOVE	1861	1936	1861	1936
337 GLORIOUS PEACE	1876	1942	1876	1942
338 I NEED THEE, PRECIOUS JESUS	1829	1904	1803	1887
339 HOW OFT, ALAS, THIS WRETCHED HEART	1716	1778	1853	—
340 MY TESTIMONY	—	—	—	—
341 THOU ART THE WAY	1799	1859	1853	—
342 I’M NOT ASHAMED	1674	1748	1710	1778
343 SHALL I BE ASHAMED?	1874	1950	1869	1952
344 MY GOD, I AM DETERMINED	1853	—	—	—
345 MUST I GO, AND EMPTY-HANDED?	1847	1924	1846	1945
346 TELL WHAT HE’S DONE FOR YOU	—	—	1869	1952
347 I KNOW IN MY HEART WHAT IT MEANS	1876	1942	1876	1942
348 HIS YOKE IS EASY	1842	1895	1867	1951
349 JESUS HAS DIED FOR ME	—	—	—	—
350 WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS	1819	1886	1832	1918
351 AT THE GOLDEN GATE OF PRAYER	—	—	1864	1947
352 ‘TIS THE BLESSED HOUR OF PRAYER	1820	1915	1832	1915
353 SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER	1772	1850	1816	1868
354 I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR	1835	1918	1826	1899
355 PRAYER IS THE SOUL’S SINCERE DESIRE	1771	1854	—	—
356 ABIDE WITH ME	1793	1847	1823	1889
357 I MUST TELL JESUS	1839	1929	1839	1929
358 ALONE WITH GOD	1856	1926	1838	1921
359 PRAY, PRAY IN THE OLD-TIME WAY	—	—	—	—
360 FATHER, I STRETCH MY HANDS TO THEE	1707	1788	1784	1829
361 DON’T FORGET TO PRAY	1820	1905	—	—
362 THE BEAUTIFUL GARDEN PRAYER	—	—	1849	1936
363 WATCH UNTO PRAYER	1882	—	1867	1951
364 LEAVE YOUR BURDEN AT THE PLACE OF PRAYER	1891	1945	1891	1945
365 O GOD, WE PRAY FOR ALL MANKIND	1850	1922	1784	1872
366 OH, I LOVE TO TALK WITH JESUS	—	—	1835	1912
367 I AM PRAYING FOR YOU	1837	1910	1840	1908
368 ABIDE WITH ME, I NEED THEE	—	—	1853	—
369 FROM EVERY STORMY WIND	1799	1865	1784	1872
370 THE CITY OF LIGHT	1904	—	1904	—
371 OPEN THE WELLS OF SALVATION	1839	1929	1853	—
372 NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE	1805	1848	1792	1872
373 MORE ABOUT JESUS	1851	1920	1837	1899
374 I WANT TO LOVE HIM MORE	—	—	1863	1918
375 MORE LIKE THEE, O SAVIOUR	1839	1896	1864	1947
376 MORE LIKE JESUS	—	—	—	—
377 NEARER, STILL NEARER	1862	1929	1862	1929
378 OH, FOR A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD	1731	1800	1811	1844

379 MORE LOVE TO THEE	1818	1878	1832	1915
380 PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOUR	1820	1915	1832	1915
381 I WOULD BE CLOSER TO THEE	1867	1951	1867	1951
382 I’M PRESSING ON THE UPWARD WAY	1856	1926	1856	1932
383 JESUS, KEEP ME NEAR THE CROSS	1820	1915	1832	1915
384 CLOSE TO THEE	1820	1915	1818	1884
385 SHINE IN MY HEART, LORD JESUS	—	—	1871	1937
386 PURER IN HEART, O GOD	1851	1887	1849	1936
387 OH, FOR A HEART TO PRAISE MY GOD	1707	1788	1858	1924
388 SO LET OUR LIVES AND LIPS EXPRESS	1674	1748	1792	1872
389 GOD’S WAY IS BEST	1874	1950	1869	1945
390 THY WILL BE DONE	1789	1871	1840	1907
391 MY JESUS, AS THOU WILT	1672	1737	1786	1826
392 MY HEART SAYS AMEN	1874	1950	1869	1945
393 I WOULD NOT HAVE MY WAY	—	—	1869	1952
394 OH, BE STILL	1863	1918	1870	1913
395 HAVE THY OWN WAY, LORD	1862	1934	1846	1945
396 MY JESUS, I LOVE THEE	1846	1873	1836	1895
397 TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE	1836	1879	1816	1868
398 CONSECRATION	—	—	1869	1952
399 A FULL SURRENDER	1856	1926	1848	1907
400 I WILL BE TRUE TO THEE	1862	1929	1862	1929
401 READY TO DO HIS WILL	—	—	1861	1943
402 IS YOUR ALL ON THE ALTAR?	1839	1829	1839	1929
403 ALL FOR JESUS	1810	1883	—	—
404 FADE, FACE, EACH EARTHLY JOY	1821	1884	1831	—
405 TAKE MY HEART, O FATHER	—	—	1853	—
406 ONLY THINE	1842	1895	1869	1952
407 WHITER THAN SNOW	1828	1876	1835	1912
408 I’LL LIVE FOR HIM	1843	1901	—	—
409 LOVE NOT THE WORLD	—	—	1857	1908
410 MAY THE CHRIST-LIFE SHINE IN ME	1856	1926	1848	1907
411 I AM THINE, O LORD	1820	1915	1832	1915
412 FOLLOW ON	1832	1902	1826	1899
413 SITTING AT THE FEET OF JESUS	—	—	—	—
414 I AM THE VINE	1834	1878	1834	1878
415 BY THY BLESSED WORD OBEYING	1842	1895	1869	1952
416 MAKE ME A BLESSING TODAY	1859	1942	1836	1920
417 REVIVE US AGAIN	1839	1885	1760	1825
418 SAVIOUR, TEACH ME DAY BY DAY	1807	1882	—	—
419 USE ME, O MY GRACIOUS SAVIOUR	—	—	1856	1932
420 TEACH ME THE MEASURE OF MY DAYS	1674	1748	1764	1824
421 PRINCE OF PEACE, CONTROL MY WILL	1840	—	1816	1868
422 SAVIOUR, MORE THAN LIFE TO ME	1820	1915	1832	1915
423 JESUS, I MY CROSS HAVE TAKEN	1793	1847	1756	1791
424 THE WAY OF THE CROSS LEADS HOME	1861	1921	1856	1932
425 AM I A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS	1674	1748	1710	1778
426 MUST JESUS BEAR THE CROSS ALONE?	1665	1739	1812	1877
427 THE CROSS IS NOT GREATER	1855	1940	1855	1940
428 TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY	1822	1894	1846	1945
429 MORE HOLINESS GIVE ME	1838	1876	1838	1876
430 HUMBLE THYSELF TO WALK WITH GOD	1856	1926	—	—
431 HUMILTY, THOU SECRET VALE	1869	—	1869	1945
432 THE CHRISTIAN’S PASSPORT	1852	1932	1852	1932
433 THE TEMPLE OF GOD	1842	1895	1867	1951
434 FAITH OF OUR FATHERS	1814	1863	1818	1888
435 STRIVING ONWARD, PRESSING FORWARD	1699	1769	1853	—
436 DON’T LET YOUR LIGHT BURN LOW	—	—	—	—
437 STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS	1818	1888	1803	1887
438 WOULD MEN KNOW?	1869	1952	1869	1952
439 I WILL NEVER TURN BACK	—	—	1876	1952
440 WALKING IN THE SUNSHINE	—	—	1840	1908
441 YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION	1834	1907	1834	1907
442 HOW READS YOUR LIFE-BOOK?	1874	1950	1869	1952

443 SOMEBODY FOLLOWS YOU	1887	—	1887	—
444 CHRISTIAN, WALK CAREFULLY	—	—	1846	1945
445 WALK DAILY WITH YOUR SAVIOUR	1839	1929	1853	—
446 HOLD TO GOD’S UNCHANGING HAND	1857	1913	1860	1909
447 LOYAL AND TRUE	1903	—	1903	—
448 BE YE STRONG IN THE LORD	1840	1901	1840	1908
449 DARK AND THORNY IS THE DESERT	—	—	—	—
450 WALK IN THE LIGHT	1784	1849	1864	1947
451 MY SOUL, BE ON THY GUARD	1750	1822	1792	1872
452 I WOULD LOVE THEE	1648	1717	—	—
453 MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE	1808	1887	1792	1872
454 O FOR A FAITH THAT WILL NOT SHRINK	1796	1877	1793	1870
455 FAITH IS A LIVING POWER FROM HEAVEN	—	1571	1820	1915
456 FAITH IS THE VICTORY	1837	1900	1840	1908
457 INCREASE MY FAITH, DEAR LORD	1900	—	1900	—
458 TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS	1850	1917	1838	1921
459 TRUSTING JESUS	1836	1921	1840	1908
460 I AM TRUSTING IN HIS WORD	1854	—	—	—
461 TRUST IN JESUS	—	—	—	—
462 I AM TRUSTING IN MY SAVIOUR	—	—	—	—
463 TRUST YOUR HAND INTO HIS	1924	—	1924	—
464 TRUST HIM	1856	1932	1856	1932
465 TRUST AND OBEY	1846	1919	1850	1919
466 ALL THE WAY MY SAVIOUR LEADS ME	1820	1915	1826	1899
467 THE UNSEEN HAND	—	—	—	—
468 LEAVE IT THERE	1851	1933	—	—
469 HOLD THOU MY HAND	1820	1915	1839	1925
470 ANYWHERE WITH JESUS	1861	1921	1850	1919
471 LEAN ON HIS ARMS	1865	1936	1865	1936
472 THE PROMISES OF GOD	—	—	1838	1921
473 THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD	—	—	1843	1901
474 STANDING ON THE PROMISES	1849	1928	1849	1928
475 WHAT GOD HATH PROMISED	1866	1932	1870	1957
476 I KNOW GOD’S PROMISE IS TRUE	1862	1929	1862	1929
477 BLESSED ASSURANCE	1820	1915	1839	1908
478 I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED	1840	1901	1840	1907
479 I KNOW I LOVE THEE BETTER, LORD	1836	1879	1843	1901
480 GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU	1866	1948	1862	1935
481 NOT MADE WITH HANDS	—	—	—	—
482 THE SOLID ROCK	1797	1874	1816	1868
483 WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD?	1829	1899	1838	1921
484 WHEN PEACE, LIKE A RIVER	1828	1888	1838	1876
485 TO THY PASTURES, FAIR AND LARGE	1720	1796	1787	1864
486 IS MY NAME WRITTEN THERE?	1820	1905	1839	1896
487 HE KNOWETH THE WAY THAT I TAKE	1839	1929	1853	—
488 THOU THINKEST, LORD, OF ME	1854	1942	1854	1942
489 HOW GENTLE GOD’S COMMANDS	1702	1751	1773	1836
490 THE LORD OF GLORY	1674	1748	—	—
491 O FATHER, LEAD US	—	—	1848	1907
492 PRECIOUS PROMISE	1835	—	1838	1876
493 JUST AS SEEMETH GOOD TO THEE	1865	—	1848	1907
494 WHERE HE LEADS I’LL FOLLOW	1841	1897	1841	1897
495 HE LEADETH ME	1834	1918	1816	1868
496 SAVIOUR, LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US	1779	1847	1816	1868
497 LEAD US SAFELY ON	—	—	1853	—
498 FOLLOW THE PATH OF JESUS	—	—	1890	—
499 GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH	1717	1791	1784	1872
500 JESUS, STILL LEAD ON	1700	1760	1620	1701
501 JESUS, SAVIOUR, PILOT ME	1816	1888	1822	1875
502 EVER LEAD ME	1867	1951	1867	1951
503 OH, HAPPY IS THE MAN	1746	1767	1818	1867
504 TAKE THOU MY HAND AND LEAD ME	1825	1901	1789	1860
505 SEND ME THE LIGHT	1808	1889	1848	1907
506 KEEP ME NEAR THEE	1867	1955	1867	1915

507 I REMEMBER CALVARY	—	—	1856	1938
508 FOOTPRINTS OF JESUS	1826	1882	1828	1875
509 JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL	1707	1788	1798	1875
510 HE HIDETH MY SOUL	1820	1915	1938	1921
511 THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK	1878	1905	1878	1905
512 IN THE RIFTED ROCK I’M RESTING	1810	1883	—	—
513 HIDE ME, O MY SAVIOUR	1820	1915	1832	1915
514 HIDE THOU ME	1820	1915	1826	1899
515 A SHELTER IN THE TIME OF STORM	1839	—	1840	1908
516 CLOSER CLING TO JESUS	1865	—	1848	1907
517 O SOMETIMES THE SHADOWS ARE DEEP	1826	1909	1835	1912
518 JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL	1707	1788	1822	1888
519 GIVE ME A FOOTHOLD	1812	1899	1826	1898
520 WHERE COULD I GO?	1902	1961	1902	1961
521 ROCK OF AGES, CLEFT FOR ME	1740	1778	1784	1872
522 FAST TO THINE ARM	—	—	—	—
523 HIDING IN THEE	1823	1902	1840	1908
524 THE HAVEN OF REST	1836	1920	—	—
525 UNDER HIS WINGS	1832	1902	1840	1908
526 NO FRIEND LIKE JESUS	—	—	1876	1942
527 I’VE FOUND A FRIEND	1817	1888	1846	1945
528 DOES JESUS CARE?	1860	1919	1866	1930
529 SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS	1820	1915	1832	1915
530 BE NOT AFRAID	1854	1918	—	—
531 OFTEN WEARY AND WORN	—	—	1853	—
532 COME CLOSER TO ME	1867	1951	1867	1951
533 LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED	1867	1951	1867	1951
534 NEVER ALONE	1848	—	—	—
535 THE GREAT PHYSICIAN	1811	1877	1813	1877
536 SOME NEAR, NEAR DAY	1839	1929	1853	—
537 JESUS WILL BEAR ME O’ER	1865	1936	—	—
538 MY SAVIOUR CARES FOR ME	1887	—	1882	1962
539 IS THERE ANY PLEASURE	1806	1830	1773	1836
540 O LORD, TO THEE I CRY	—	—	—	—
541 THEREFORE GIVE US LOVE	1807	1885	—	—
542 BLEST BE THE DEAR UNITING LOVE	1707	1788	1685	1763
543 LOVE EACH OTHER	1867	1955	1869	1952
544 HOW SWEET, HOW HEAVENLY	1761	1796	1816	1868
545 LO, WHAT A PLEASING SIGHT	1674	1748	1792	1872
546 HOW PLEASANT AND HOW GOOD	—	—	—	—
547 ALL PRAISE TO OUR REDEEMING LORD	1707	1788	1784	1829
548 BLEST BE THE TIE	1740	1817	1773	1836
549 JESUS, UNITED BY THY GRACE	1727	1795	1784	1872
550 THE BOND OF PERFECTNESS	1842	1895	1867	1951
551 SINCE JESUS FREELY DID APPEAR	—	—	—	—
552 WE JOIN TO PRAY	—	—	—	—
553 O GOD OF WISDOM	—	—	—	—
554 O LORD DIVINE, WE COME	1903	1828	—	—
555 LOVE AT HOME	1829	1896	1829	1896
556 HAPPY THE HOME WHEN GOD IS THERE	1794	1843	1793	1870
557 THOU GRACIOUS GOD WHOSE MERCY LEADS	1809	1894	1774	—
558 O HAPPY HOME, WHERE THOU ART LOVED	1801	1859	1852	—
559 PRECIOUS MEMORIES	1877	—	1877	—
560 REMEMBER THY CREATOR	1898	—	1887	1960
561 STEPPING IN THE LIGHT	1851	1920	1838	1921
562 FATHER, IN MY LIFE’S YOUNG MORNING	1812	1899	1845	1891
563 DARE TO BE A DANIEL	1838	1876	1838	1876
564 LORD, A LITTLE BAND	—	—	1864	1947
565 FAIREST LORD JESUS	1662	—	1842	—
566 TEACH ME THY WILL, O LORD	1877	—	1870	1957
567 ON JORDAN’S STORMY BANKS	1727	1795	1830	1912
568 I SHALL BE LIKE HIM	—	—	—	—
569 WHERE THE GATES SWING OUTWARD NEVER	1856	1932	1856	1932
570 SOME TIME WE’LL SEE	—	—	—	—

571 SHINING SHORE	1793	1844	1820	1895
572 MY SAVIOUR FIRST OF ALL	1820	1915	1837	1899
573 HOME, SWEET HOME	1791	1848	1786	1855
574 REST FOR THE WEARY	—	—	1820	1901
575 MY LATEST SUN IS SINKING FAST	—	—	1816	1868
576 A FEW MORE YEARS SHALL ROLL	1808	1889	—	—
577 WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER	1856	1938	1856	1938
578 BEAUTIFUL VALLEY OF EDEN	1823	1902	1826	1888
579 LIFE ON EARTH IS BUT A VAPOR	1869	—	1869	1945
580 THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY	1856	1926	—	—
581 BRINGING HOME OUR SHEAVES	—	—	1826	1898
582 THIS IS NOT MY PLACE OF RESTING	1808	1889	1819	1858
583 SEEDTIME AND HARVEST	1861	—	1869	1945
584 ONLY REMEMBERED	1808	1889	1840	1908
585 IN THAT DAY	—	—	—	—
586 I LOVE TO THINK OF MY HOME ABOVE	—	—	1853	—
587 SWEET BY AND BY	1836	1898	1819	1875
588 HOME OF THE SOUL	1835	1920	1853	—
589 THERE’S A BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL LAND	1831	1887	1831	1887
590 HOW BEAUTIFUL HEAVEN MUST BE	—	—	—	—
591 MY HEAVENLY HOME IS BRIGHT AND FAIR	1811	1877	1801	1878
592 O THINK OF THE HOME OVER THERE	1830	1912	1830	1912
593 WE’RE GOING HOME TOMORROW	—	—	1838	1876
594 SOON TRIALS AND CONFLICTS	—	—	—	—
595 THAT HEAVENLY HOME	1871	1937	1871	1937
596 THERE IS A LAND OF PURE DELIGHT	1674	1748	1820	1895
597 SHALL WE GATHER AT THE RIVER	1826	1899	1826	1899
598 SWEET REST IN HEAVEN	—	—	1867	1927
599 REST OVER JORDAN	—	—	1857	1908
600 NO TEARS IN HEAVEN	1905	—	1905	—
601 NO MORTAL EYE HATH SEEN	1903	—	—	—
602 SHALL WE MEET BEYOND THE RIVER	1831	1899	1827	—
603 MEET ME THERE	—	—	1838	1921
604 HEAVEN HOLDS ALL TO ME	1885	—	1885	—
605 I’LL MAKE IT MY HOME	—	—	1897	—
606 THERE’LL BE NO SHADOWS IN HEAVEN	1900	—	1900	—
607 FAR, FAR BEYOND THE STARRY SKY	1801	1823	—	—
608 THE UNCLOUDED DAY	1828	1909	1828	1909
609 HEAVEN IS MY HOME	1807	1835	1792	1872
610 JERUSALEM, MY HAPPY HOME	353	430	1826	1898
611 ONE SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHT	1824	1871	1834	1895
612 OH! SING TO ME OF HEAVEN	1810	—	—	—
613 WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN?	1861	1918	1856	1932
614 LET ME GO	1828	1919	1828	1919
615 WE ARE GOING DOWN THE VALLEY	1861	1921	1849	1936
616 SILENTLY, THEY PASS AWAY	—	—	—	—
617 THE LAST FAREWELL	1876	1942	1876	1942
618 SLEEP TILL THAT MORNING	—	—	—	—
619 SOMETIME WE’LL UNDERSTAND	—	—	1840	1907
620 NOT DEAD, BUT SLEEPING	1882	—	1867	1951
621 ASLEEP IN JESUS	1802	1887	1816	1868
622 JESUS, WHILE OUR HEARTS ARE BLEEDING	1784	1872	1792	1872
623 SOME SWEET DAY	—	—	—	—
624 GATHERING BUDS	1865	1933	1864	1941
625 TWO LITTLE HANDS	1842	1895	1867	1951
626 GONE TO BLOOM ABOVE	1842	1895	1876	1942
627 GO TO THY REST, FAIR CHILD	1791	1865	—	—
628 SISTER, THOU WAST MILD AND LOVELY	1808	1895	1792	1872
629 AND NOW, MY SOUL, ANOTHER YEAR	1680	1732	1904	—
630 NOW, GRACIOUS LORD, THINE ARM REVEAL	1725	1807	1764	1824
631 ANOTHER YEAR IS DAWNING	1836	1879	1810	1876
632 I THANK THE LORD MY MAKER	1812	1899	1803	1887
633 PRAISE TO GOD, IMMORTAL PRAISE	1743	1825	—	—
634 FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH	1835	1917	1786	1872

635 CHIEF SHEPHERD	—	—	1816	1868
636 POUR OUT THY SPIRIT	1771	1854	1774	—
637 HERE, LORD OF LIFE AND LIGHT	—	—	1857	1908
638 GREAT KING OF SAINTS	—	—	1510	1561
639 O GOD, OUR HELP	1674	1748	1678	1727
640 LORD, CAUSE THY FACE ON US TO SHINE	1779	1823	1792	1872
641 AND ARE WE YET ALIVE	1707	1788	1773	1836
642 O GRANT THY SERVANTS, THROUGH THY GRACE	1711	1771	1784	1829
643 ALL THINGS ARE THINE	1807	1892	1774	—
644 LORD OF HOSTS!	—	—	—	—
645 O THOU, WHOSE TEMPLE STANDS	—	—	1710	1778
646 WHEN HERE, O LORD	—	—	1774	—
647 GIVE TO THE LORD	1844	1932	1849	1936
648 WE GIVE THEE BUT THINE OWN	1823	1897	1850	—

Slowly read the words of this hymn. Notice the depth of the message. All this the poet has done with 142 words (119 of them monosyllables). The poet died three years after the Revolutionary War (19 April 1774 – 3 September 1783) and the composer was born one year after. Their lives overlapped four years. They could hardly be called contemporaries, yet notice how their inspirations blended to create this priceless sermon of a mere 142 words.

Those who doubt if God exists should listen to this hymn.

Life in Brazil

Corruption – A Way of Life

We will begin by quoting with several definitions of corruption.

1. a):impairment of integrity, virtue, or moral principle:
2. c):inducement (as of a political official) by means of improper considerations (as bribery to commit a violation of duty (Merriam-Webster 6)

(The following is a loose translation of corruption as explained in MundoEducação.)

>To favor someone in detriment to others.

>To accept or solicit financial gain to obtain government employment, to have fines cancelled or to favor selected companies when projects are opened to bids.

>To misappropriate public funds, to divert money appropriated for public to the personal accounts of those who are responsible for the undertaking.

>Corruption is especially prevalent in third world non-democratic countries. Unfor- tunately, this practice is found in the legislative, executive and judiciary branches of government. It is the use of a job or position to any kind of advantage, known as influ- ence pedaling.

>All corrupt societies sacrifice low-income citizens who depend on public services (infrastructure, health, education, transportation, etc.) when public funds are diverted by corrupt officials.

>Administrations that lack transparency are the most likely to be corrupt, and to promote corruption. There is no country in the world with zero corruption, although rich, democratic counties tend to have less, since the citizens are more educated and less likely to be deceived.

It is true that there is no country with zero corruption. It should be pointed out that corruption comes in different forms:

1. 1. 1. Tolerable, which is the irradicable type. While not benign, its effects on society in general are minimal.
    2. Intolerable, the kind that relegates the masses to a life of misery and hopelessness, while permiting an elite minority to be “clothed in purple and fine linen, and fare sumptu- ously every day” at the expense of those whom they condemn to poverty.
    3. Endemiccorruption. “Peculiar to a locality or region – used of a disease that is constantly present to a greater or less extent in a particular place” (AH6).

Some things in life must be experienced to be understood, which is the case with endemic corruption. If none of what follows makes sense to you N American readers, cheer up. It shows you are quite normal.

Based onour situation here in Brazil, let’s notice some characteristics of endemic corruption:

1) It doesn’t happen overnight. It has existed for decades, indeed, centuries. From its inception at the beginning of the 16th century, Brazil has built on a foundation of dishonesty and deception. It permeates almost all segments of government It is often present in busi- ness, and in some personal and social interactions. As in most – if not all – Latin American countries, truth has a significance not found in any dictionary. Very generously, let’s just say it is quite elastic.

Those whose lives are negatively affected by corruption can see it clearly. They oppose it. They detest it. They yell at the top of their lungs that Brazil is a corrupt nation and would catch the first flight out if that were possible. The irony of this is that they themselves think nothing of cheating the system, albeit on a much smaller scale. And even though they consider themselves honest, if suddenly projected into power, they would quickly find power – like money – changes vision.
What is the logic? Actually, there is a logic that the average citizen finds totally logical. In a word, all government officials and rich businessmen or industrialists are viewed as corrupt, thus to look for opportunities to “get a refund” on what they are “stealing” from the population is not only the right thing to do, but a sign of ignorance to not do so.

By now you are thinking: Why would anyone ever want to live in a place like that? This is the part that is unquestionably hard for anyone to understand who is not intimately acquainted with the Brazilian culture.

Humorist Will Rogers used to say that he had met lots of people in his career, but never someone he didn’t like. I think that even he, if alive, would qualify that statement. I believe he meant that he never met anyone in whom he couldn’t find something good.

Not only does his philosophy apply to people, but to “peoples”, races, nationalities and cultures as well. Truly, when we are able to ditch our superiority complex and see the good in others, then, like Will Rogers, we lose our penchant for criticism.

Americans are wonderful people, but so are Latin Americans, Arabs, Orientals, Africans, Europeans… In the case of Brazilians and their tendency toward corruption that seems to be embedded in their DNA, our tolerance levels tend to bottom out. We equate corruption with leprosy.

Who knows, maybe it is.

I have lived in Brazil for nearly a half century and when I am in town I don’t see the streets teaming with lepers who have lost their right to a place in civilized society. In one of the hard to understand paradoxes of life, Brazil is a prosperous nation in spite of all we have just said. It is a vibrant nation that has made unbelievable progress in the last 50 years and most segments of society today are much better off than 10 years ago. Bicycles are seldom seen on the streets of our local town. Motorcycles are everywhere–swarms of them. And cars… There are so many cars–many late-model–that traffic jams are a given during rush- hour traffic.

Rio Verde today has dozens of high-rises, both commercial and residential. It is a medical center with hospitals and clinics that are staffed by highly-qualified professionals of most specialities. I haven’t counted, but I suspect there must be at least 15-20 car and truck agen- cies, most doing a roaring business. This list could go on and on.

Brazilians are wonderful people. They are friendly and no different from any other culture that is treated with respect. Will Rogers would have loved Brazilians.

This & That

Truckers’strike.Approximately a month ago there was a nation-wide general truckers’ strike for higher freight rates and lower diesel fuel prices. Highways were blocked and within a week Brazil was in shutdown mode. Approximately 80 percent of all consumer prod- ucts are transported by truck. So when fuel in service stations dried up and vehicles were parked, commerce dropped to a trickle. When a fuel truck managed to sneak through and gasoline or ethanol was available, there were lineups four and five blocks long. When the strike finally came to a close, financial loses nation-wide were the equivalent of many billions of US dollars. In the final analysis, it became evident that there was political moti- vation behind the shutdown.

Will&AnnMiller sold their belongings on auction sale on Saturday, June 9. After living on the Colony for 41 years, they moved back to the US. Now they returned for the sale. They have made a very valuable contribution, both spiritually and materially, to the settle- ment here. They will be missed and we wish them the best.

Walmartbeganoperationsin Brazil in 1995. They were unable to replicate their N American modus operandi. Except for the signature Walmart logo, little in their stores resembles their American counterparts. Brazilian culture simply has not accepted the invasion of new areas and the cannibalistic practice of strangling small businesses to make way for their super-centers. Also, they had to face the competition of the French chain, Carrefour, that has been here much longer and has assimilated the Brazilian culture. One report has it that Walmart is selling off 80 percent of its holdings in Brazil.

Progressandfast-foodseem to go hand-in-hand. Rio Verde now has a McDonalds, a Burger King and a number of Subways eateries. For what it costs to eat in one of these fast-food joints, one can have a much better and healthier meal of local cuisine, which invariably includes grilled meat.

MYAPOLOGIESfor the extended gap since the last issue of BN. Hopefully this won’t happen again. And again, thank you for reading BN

Thinking Out Loud

Who Are We?

Thinking Out Loud

Who Are We?

The Century of Inspiration

Corruption – A Way of Life

This & That

Thinking Out Loud

Who Are We?