Like a river, glorious

A elderly blind woman sitting outside a photography studio was singing and playing her harp. I walked back her way after my shopping. After I added an unknown amount of contribution to her jar. The words “God bless you, keep making music” is what I told her. In joy she smiled and then poured forth with this song, apropos are the words:

Hidden in the hollow

Of His blessed hand,

Never foe can follow,

Never traitor stand;

Not a surge of worry,

Not a shade of care,

Not a blast of hurry

Touch the spirit there…

We may trust Him fully

All for us to do;

They who trust Him wholly

Find Him wholly true

I like this song

Francis Ridley Havergal, daughter of the Reverend W. H. Havergal, was born at Astley Worcestershire December 14, 1836. Five years later her father moved to the Rectory of St. Nicholas, Worcester.

In August 1850, she entered Mrs. Teed’s school, whose influence over her was very beneficial. In the following year she says, “I committed my soul to the Savior, and earth and heaven seemed brighter from that moment. ” A short trip to Germany followed, and on her way back home she was confirmed in Worcester Cathedral, July 17, 1853. In 1860 she left Worcester after her father resigned the Rectory of St. Nicolas, and resided at different periods in Liamington, and at Caswall Bay, Swasnea, broken up by visits to Switzerland, Scotland, and North Wales. She died at Castle Bay Swasnea, June 3, 1879.

Reverend James Davidson commented concerning her life, her prose, and her poetry:

“Miss Havergal’s scholastic requirements were extensive, embracing several modern languages, together with Greek and Hebrew. She does not occupy, and did not claim for herself, a prominent place as a poet, but by her distinct individuality she carved out a niche which she alone could fulfill. Simply and sweetly she sang the love of God, and His way of salvation. To this end, and for this object, her whole life and all her powers were consecrated. She lives and speaks in every line of her poetry. Her poems are permeated with the fragrance of her passionate love of Jesus.

Her religious views and theological bias are distinctly set forth in her poems, and may be described as mildly Calvinistic, without the severe dogmatic tenet of reprobation. The burden of her writings is a free and full salvation through the Redeemer’s merits, for every sinner who will receive it, and her life was devoted to the proclamation of this truth by personal labors, literary efforts, and earnest interest in Foreign Missions. ”

Her most famous hymn is “Take my Life and Let it Be”. She also wrote hymn-melodies, spiritual tracks, and works for children.

Ms. Havergal’s Poetical Works were published in 2 volumes in 1884; and the hymns therein are accompanied by notes. At least 60 hymns are published in these volumes.

The writer for this hymn-tune was James Mountain (1844-1933). Born at Leeds, Yorkshire, England, he attended Gainford Academy, Rotherham College, Nottingham Institute, and Cheshunt College. He became a pastor at Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Leaving the clerical field due to ill health, he conducted evangelistic campaigns in Britain (1874-82) and worldwide (1882-1889). As an author, he wrote a number of books. He published a handbook, “hymns of consecration and faith”, and “sacred songs for missions, prayer, and praise meetings” (1876). He died at Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England.

He is the composer of “WYE VALLEY “

in Psalter Hymnal.

(Hymnary. org)

I am hidden in the hollow of Jehovah's blessed hand. In there, I have perfect peace and rest!

I agree with Barbara that words should not be changed. I hear this hymn almost every Sunday on Family Radio. “ Stayed upon Jehovah”. Thank you, Jesus. Yes

The original text by Frances Havergal was written "Stayed upon Jehovah"; NOT "Stayed upon Christ Jesus". Hymns and all original songs MUST be preserved accurately. If you happen to disagree with a word, then write a whole new song and tune and publish it yourself. Do not tamper with and alter original writings. Our children deserve to know the truth about these great hymns. Thank you.

Isaiah 26: 3-4

26:3 You will keep the steadfast of mind / In perfect peace / Because he trusts in You.

26:4 Trust in Jehovah forever and ever, / For in Jah Jehovah we have an eternal rock.

Praise Him. Lord Jesus is our Eternal Rock, Jesus Christ in us is the Perfect Peace. Perfect, still flow in us. Perfect, still grow in us.

Initially, I was unhappy with the change of words. However, as I think about it, I think the words "Christ Jesus" are just as good. 1st because Jehovah is a made up name (from the consonants of YHWH and the vowels from Adonai). 2nd, because as we come to Jesus with our weariness and burdens he gives us rest.

I am disappointed that the song has been changed. Originally it said "Staid upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blessed."

I always thought the author meant to convey the idea of having our eyes fixed upon God.

When the word is changed to stayed instead of staid the possibility of that meaning is lost completely, in my opinion. By trying to remove an archaic word it seems to me the idea is lost. I could be wrong, of course.

What a great memorable song. Like a River Glorious was my High School Anthem at Akosombo, Ghana. We sang Like A River Glorious in Chapel services. I remember the times of our annual School Speech and Prize Giving Days - just phenomenal. Indeed Jehovah's Love flows into our hearts Peacefully with His Divine Inspiration. After so many years, I learnt to play Like a River Glorious. Our sons fell in love with the hymn and our church sings it.

God is Awesome!