William Doane was a businessman in Cincinnati, Ohio, who liked to write Gospel music. So, he searched out Fanny Crosby, who could write words to a song at the drop of a hat. Despite her blindness, she already had a reputation as a song-writer, and William wanted to see if […]
Fanny Crosby
Tune composer Phoebe Palmer Knapp (1839-1908) played a melody to Fanny Crosby and asked, “What does the melody say to you?” Crosby replied that the tune said, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!” and proceeded to recite the entire first stanza of the now-famous hymn. Knapp was one of several tune […]
Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915) “set the standard for the ‘successful’ writing of gospel hymns,” according to UM Hymnal editor Carlton R. Young. She was the author of over 8,500 gospel songs. Blind at six weeks of age, Crosby began composing texts at age 6. At 12 she began her study at the […]
Usually, when writing a song, the words come first… then the music is composed to fit it. But, sometimes, Fanny Crosby worked backwards… and fit words to the tune. Frances “Fanny” J. Crosby (1820-1915) was the author of over 8,500 gospel songs. Though blind at 6 weeks of age, Crosby […]
How hymns travel throughout space and time is fascinating. “To God be the glory” was included in William Doane’s Songs of Devotion in 1870, indicating that it was written at least five years earlier than the 1875 date that is usually cited. Ira Sankey probably saw the hymn in Doane’s collection and […]
All the way my Savior leads me–What have I to ask beside?Can I doubt His tender mercy,Who through life has been my guide?Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,Here by faith in Him to dwell!For I know, whate’er befall me,Jesus doeth all things well;For I know, whate’er befall me,Jesus doeth all things well. […]
Pass me not, O gentle Savior,Hear my humble cry,While on others Thou art calling,Do not pass me by. Savior, Savior,Hear my humble cry;While on others Thou art calling,Do not pass me by. Let me at Thy throne of mercyFind a sweet relief;Kneeling there in deep contrition,Help my unbelief. Savior, Savior,Hear […]
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!Heir of salvation, purchase of God,Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story, this is my song,Praising my Savior all the day long.This is my story, this is my song,Praising my Savior all the day long. […]
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,And it told Thy love to me;But I long to rise in the arms of faith,And be closer drawn to Thee Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,To the cross where Thou hast died;Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,To Thy […]
Jesus, keep me near the cross,There a precious fountain;Free to all, a healing stream,Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain. In the cross, in the crossBe my glory ever,Till my ransomed soul shall findRest beyond the river. Near the cross, a trembling soul,Love and mercy found me;There the Bright and Morning StarShed His […]
Fanny Crosby, born Frances Jane Crosby, was an American hymnwriter and poet. She was born on March 24, 1820, in Brewster, New York, and passed away on February 12, 1915. Fanny Crosby is best known for her prolific hymn-writing, having penned thousands of hymns over her lifetime, making her one […]
To God be the glory, great things He hath done,So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,Who yielded His life our redemption to win,And opened the life-gate that all may go in. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord,Let the earth hear His voice!Praise the Lord! Praise the […]