Hymn: It Is Well with My Soul
Author (lyrics): Horatio G. Spafford
Composer (music): Philip P. Bliss
Date written: 1873 (lyrics), 1876 (music)
Brief History:
Horatio Spafford was a successful lawyer and devout Christian in Chicago. In 1871, he lost much of his business in the Great Chicago Fire. Two years later, he planned a trip to Europe for his family, but delayed due to business. His wife and four daughters sailed ahead. Tragically, the ship sank, and all four daughters drowned. Only his wife survived and sent him a telegram: “Saved alone.”
While crossing the Atlantic to meet her, Spafford passed near the spot where his daughters had died. There, he wrote the powerful words to It Is Well with My Soul, expressing his deep trust in God despite immense sorrow. Philip Bliss later composed the melody, naming it “Ville du Havre” after the ship that sank.
Lyrics – It Is Well with My Soul
1. When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
4. For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
5. But Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
6. And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
A song in the night, oh my soul!
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
NOTE: Those wishing to read the poems and articles of Brother Carlton go to www.faithwriters.com and search for Brother Carlton
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