It is always amazing to me how the Lord takes a person who has little or no training and uses them to create music which ministers to the hearts of many for many decades. Such is the case with Elisha Hoffman who penned over two thousand compositions and edited over fifty hymnals during his lifetime. I plan to feature more of his great hymns in the months ahead. He is said to have been a natural musician and all the musical knowledge he had was gained by personal application. Mr. Hoffman's first impressions of music came from hearing the voice of sacred song in his home.It is said that his parents both had "sweet voices" and sang well. It was their custom, in the hour of family worship, both morning and evening, to sing one or two hymns. At an early age, the children became familiar with these hymns and learned to love them and to feel their power. Their lives were marvelously influenced by this little service of song in the home and a taste for sacred music was created and developed. It is sad that this custom seldom continues to day in our homes. My family sang continually especially while we were traveling in the car. I've retained so many great hymns because of this experience. Actually the little bit of background that I could find about this week's hymn choice indicates that Anthony Showalter actually wrote the chorus. With the need to comfort two separate friends whose wives, or perhaps close friends, had died, he sent his lyrics to Hoffman who then penned the verses. And these words continue tg be a comfort to many today as we learn that leaning on the everlasting arms keeps us safe, provides real joy and peace, and allows us to face the future without dread or fear. A place of safety and security - the everlasting arms.(1) What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
(2) Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
(3) What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
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