SHALL WE GATHER AT THE RIVER?

          When I was growing up it was quite common for folks to start choruses during prayer meetings.  I remember so well that one of them that was sung almost every week was "I've a longing in my heart for Jesus,  I've a longing in my heart to see His face. I am weary, O so weary, of traveling here below, I've a longing in my heart for Him."  Now as a youngster I can't say that I had a longing each day to go to heaven.  There was too much that I wanted to do first here on earth.  But as I've grown older and I can begin to relate to the earnestness with which these believers sang this chorus each week.  As I experience the toils of life personally, as I see the sad state of this world, and as I see my family and friends move to heaven, this longing for heaven and seeing Jesus grows within me.  Is this your experience as well?  And I have come to appreciate the songs, like this week's  hymn choice, that share that longing and hope of heaven and seeing Jesus face to face.  Now I don't know much about the river in heaven except that John saw it and wrote of it in Revelation 22:1-2. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb."  It must be a beautiful sight.  But, more importantly, it will be a place where we are not only reunited with loved ones and friends, but also with our savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  And here we will eternally worship and praise the triune God.  The author of this hymn was Robert Lowry.  And here is what he said about it. "One afternoon in July, 1864, when I was pastor at Hanson Place Baptist Church, Brooklyn, the weather was oppressively hot, and I was lying on a lounge in a state of physical exhaustion … My imagination began to take itself wings. Visions of the future passed before me with startling vividness. The imagery of the apocalypse took the form of a tableau. Brightest of all were the throne, the heavenly river, and the gathering of the saints … I began to wonder why the hymn writers had said so much about the "river of death" and so little about the "pure water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb." As I mused, the words began to construct themselves. They came first as a question of Christian inquiry, "Shall we gather?" Then they broke in chorus, "Yes, we'll gather." On this question and answer the hymn developed itself. The music came with the hymn."  Shall We Gather at the River, also known as The River, has become a favorite song of camp meetings, water baptismal services and funerals. It was sung at the funeral of American Supreme Court Justice William Douglas, and in two Academy Award Winning Hollywood movies: Trip to Bountiful (1986), and Three Godfathers (1916). Do you have a longing in your heart for heaven?  A longing to see Jesus?  Remember, this earth is not our home.  We are but pilgrims here moving to a promised land.  May we not get so attached to the things of this world that we lose the hope of heaven.  Oh that the Lord might return today!  He could, so let us live each day with that hope and expectation.  Will I see you at that river that flows by the throne of God?

(1)     Shall we gather at the river,

Where bright angel feet have trod,

With its crystal tide forever

Flowing by the throne of God?

Yes, we'll gather at the river,

The beautiful, the beautiful river;

Gather with the saints at the river

That flows by the throne of God.

(2)     On the margin of the river,

Washing up its silver spray,

We will talk and worship ever,

All the happy golden day.

Yes, we'll gather at the river,

The beautiful, the beautiful river;

Gather with the saints at the river

That flows by the throne of God.

(3)    Ere we reach the shining river,

Lay we every burden down;

Grace our spirits will deliver,

And provide a robe and crown.

Yes, we'll gather at the river,

The beautiful, the beautiful river;

Gather with the saints at the river

That flows by the throne of God.

(4)     At the smiling of the river,

Mirror of the Savior's face,

Saints, whom death will never sever,

Lift their songs of saving grace.

Yes, we'll gather at the river,

The beautiful, the beautiful river;

Gather with the saints at the river

That flows by the throne of God.

(5)    Soon we'll reach the silver river,

Soon our pilgrimage will cease;

Soon our happy hearts will quiver

With the melody of peace.

Yes, we'll gather at the river,

The beautiful, the beautiful river;

Gather with the saints at the river

That flows by the throne of God.

You can listen to it here.   LISTEN

HEAVEN CAME DOWN AND GLORY FILLED MY SOUL

         The vast majority of the songs that this blog has featured over the years have been written a century or two ago.  It is unusual to feature a song that has been written in this blogger's lifetime.  In was in the early 60's that my future wife and I began to sing duets and one of the very first that we sang was a newly published song, "Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul".  Little did we realize then that this new song was inspired by a testimony given at Montrose Bible Conference, in Montrose, Pennsylvania, which is just a few hours from where we lived at that time.  It was during the summer of 1961 that John W. Peterson was a guest there.  According to Peterson, "During one of the sessions an opportunity for a time of personal testimonies was given the audience, and Old Jim rose to his feet and told of his conversion experience. In describing that night when he met Christ, he used the phrase 'It seemed like Heaven came down and glory filled my soul.'   Right away I sensed that it would be a fine title for a song, so I wrote it down and later in the week completed the song. It became a favorite almost immediately."  Personally, I am always amazed at how quickly various gospel songs have been written.  But Peterson (1921 - 2006) did this often.  He was a songwriter who had a major influence on evangelical Christian music in the 1950s through the 1970s, writing over 1000 songs, and 35 cantatas that have sold more than three million copies.  And the song that was born that day in 1961 has blessed the hearts of people all over America as well as on mission fields worldwide. The song reminds us of that amazing conversion experience when Jesus met the need of our heart and lives, making the darkness in our lives depart.  Because of that experience our sins were taken away, as far as the east is from the west, and our night was turned to day.  The song also speaks of our justification, our standing, and our amazing future, all made possible because of what happened to us and in us that wonderful day.  If this has been your experience and your testimony then you too should be singing this song each day.  Truly, for each believer, because of what happened that day as a result of the Cross, heaven did come down and glory did fill our soul!  May we never forget to celebrate the result of God's mercy and grace to us.

             

(1) O what a wonderful, wonderful day-

Day I will never forget;

After I'd wandered in darkness away,

Jesus my Savior I met.

O what a tender, compassionate friend-

He met the need of my heart;

Shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling,

He made all the darkness depart!

Heaven came down

and glory filled my soul,

When at the cross

the Savior made me whole;

My sins were washed away

And my night was turned to day-

Heaven came down

and glory filled my soul!

      

(2) Born of the Spirit with life from above

Into God's family divine,

Justified fully through Calvary's love,

O what a standing is mine!

And the transaction so quickly was made

When as a sinner I came,

Took of the offer Of grace He did proffer-

He saved me, O praise His dear name!

Heaven came down

and glory filled my soul,

When at the cross

the Savior made me whole;

My sins were washed away

And my night was turned to day-

Heaven came down

and glory filled my soul!

      

(3) Now I've a hope that will surely endure

After the passing of time;

I have a future in heaven for sure.

There in those mansions sublime.

And its because of that wonderful day

What at the cross I believed;

Riches eternal And blessings supernal

From His precious hand I received.

Heaven came down

and glory filled my soul,

When at the cross

the Savior made me whole;

My sins were washed away

And my night was turned to day-

Heaven came down

and glory filled my soul!

You can listen to it being sung by a group of men right here.   LISTEN

O HAPPY DAY

         When Monica Doddridge gave birth to her son Philip (1702 -1751) in England, she had been through the pain of labor 20 times and 18 of her children had died in infancy. Phillip was delivered as though he was stillborn and so the midwife set him aside to attend to his mother until the baby unexpectedly cried out.  At that moment Monica realized that Philip's life had been saved for a purpose and she spent the next few years doing her best to teach her frail son the Scriptures.  But at a young age Philip was orphaned. However, an excerpt from his diary tells that his faith in God remained strong. "God is an immortal Father. My soul rejoices in Him. He hath hitherto helped me and provided for me; may it be my study to approve myself a more affectionate, dutiful and grateful child."  With no family and no money , friends encouraged him to give up his dream of entering the ministry. But he took the matter to prayer and God miraculously provided funds.  He actually began preaching at age 21 and he became known as a brilliant scholar and recognized as a Doctor of Divinity from Aberdeen University in 1736.  His best-known accomplishments were his approximately 400 hymns, none of which were published during his lifetime. It was four years after his death that a close friend, Job Orton, published "Doddridge's Hymns, Founded on Various Texts in the Holy Scripture".  One of those was "O Happy Day," expressing the profound joy of one whose faith resides in Jesus Christ. It is the poet's best known hymn today. It was originally entitled "Rejoicing in Our Covenant Engagement to God" based upon 2 Chronicles 15:15. "And all Judah rejoiced over the oath; for they had sworn with all their heart, and had sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them, and the LORD gave them rest around about" (RSV).  In the United States, a refrain was added in The Wesleyan Sacred Harp (1854). The melody was a popular camp meeting tune that was combined with a popular refrain by Edward F. Rimbault (1816-1876) entitled "Happy land! Happy land!"  It was commonly used for baptismal or confirmation ceremonies in the UK and USA. The 20th century saw its adaptation from 3/4 to 4/4 time and this new arrangement contains only the repeated Rimbault refrain, with original verses being omitted. A further Americanization of the hymn took place as the Edwin Hawkins Singers rose to fame in 1969 when their recording was released and became one of the biggest gospel hits of its time. The song has been recorded by several famous artists, including Joan Baez and the Hawkins Singers. It has been a part of many movies, including The Nutty Professor II, and Sister Act II.  Today, generally only one or two verses are sung by most performers.  Doddridge himself developed tuberculosis at age 48. Funds were collected by friends to send him to Lisbon, Portugal, with the hope of prolonging his life, but he died in Lisbon in 1851 and is buried in the English cemetery there.  Looking at Doddridge's life one can't be amazed that he didn't grow up with a bitter spirit.  Great tragedies like he experienced often plant seeds of bitterness in the people experiencing them and often their children as well.  So how are we handling our disappointments?  Do we become bitter and discouraged?  Is our song  often "O Miserable Day"?   Or are we rejoicing in what God has done for us.  Do we give thanks in everything?  Does our experience of salvation make us rejoice each day?  After all, there is no better experience than having our sins washed away!  O happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away!

     

(1)   O happy day that fixed my choice

On Thee, my Savior and my God!

Well may this flowing heart rejoice

And tell its raptures all abroad.

Happy day, happy day,

When Jesus washed my sins away!

He taught me how to watch and pray

And live rejoicing every day;

Happy day, happy day,

When Jesus washed my sins away!

      

(2) O happy bond that seals my vows

To Him who merits all my love!

Let cheerful anthems fill His house,

While to that sacred shrine I move.

 Happy day, happy day,

When Jesus washed my sins away!

He taught me how to watch and pray

And live rejoicing every day;

Happy day, happy day,

When Jesus washed my sins away!

    

(3) It's done, the great transaction's done-

I am my Lord's and He is mine;

He drew me, and I followed on,

Thrilled to confess the voice divine.

Happy day, happy day,

When Jesus washed my sins away!

He taught me how to watch and pray

And live rejoicing every day;

Happy day, happy day,

When Jesus washed my sins away!

      

(4) At peace, my long-divided heart,

Can in this calm assurance rest;

There is no power can make me part

From Love by which I've been possessed.

 Happy day, happy day,

When Jesus washed my sins away!

He taught me how to watch and pray

And live rejoicing every day;

Happy day, happy day,

When Jesus washed my sins away!

It has been very hard to find an appropriate video of this song because it is so old and has so many different arrangements.  But here are a few possibilities.  First a bluegrass version.    LISTEN 1

Here is another with the Gaithers.   LISTEN 2

And, finally an upbeat version.   LISTEN 3

IN THE GARDEN

          I try not to repeat hymns in this blog, but once in awhile it becomes necessary.  This week is one of those times.  Four years ago I shared a blog on Mother's Day in memory of my mother, Aletha "Dolly" Kaufman.  It is a beautiful old hymn which I remember her singing, especially while she was working around the house.  Her joy, her hope, her example and her love for the Lord all helped draw me closer to the Lord.  And I am eternally thankful for those experiences and memories.  My only regret is that I didn't do more to thank her and honor her when I had the opportunity.

From Blog of May 5, 2011:

Today is Mother's Day and if your mother is still alive, please take time to visit her or at least call her. The older I become, the more I understand how much it means for parents, especially senior parents, to hear from their children ... every day. Getting older can result in the feeling of becoming more alone and wanting to hear from your children. I wish that I could call my mother today or take her out to dinner. It is almost 18 years (note - now 22 years) ago that the Lord took her home in an auto accident. There is hardly a day that goes by that I don't wish that I could call her to see how she is, to share things that are happening in my life and to tell her that I love her. But that will now have to wait until I get to glory. But if your mother is alive, you can still do that. Don't wait. Tomorrow could be too late. In memory of my mother on this Mother's Day, I am repeating her favorite hymn this week. I had used it in November of 2008, on the 15th anniversary of her death. This hymn was written by C. Austin Miles after his having read the scripture passage of Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Jesus in the garden of Joseph. What a joy to know that we can live and walk in the presence of the One who loved us enough to die for us. Our time with him in prayer and meditation and service should be a time of great fragrance and beauty much like what you would experience in a peaceful, beautiful flower garden. And yet it pales in the light of the promise that we shall one day be with Him in the new home He is preparing for us. And who can begin to comprehend what my mother is experiencing today as she walks with her Lord, in His presence. That was her desire and longing.

(1) I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

(2) He speaks, and the sound of His voice,

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

(3) I'd stay in the garden with Him

Though the night around me be falling,

But He bids me go; through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

You can listen to it here.   LISTEN

THY WORD IS LIKE A GARDEN LORD

I am continually amazed at how our minds work.  At times I think I have difficulty remembering things that happened just yesterday, but at other times I suddenly recall things that happened decades ago.  That happened to me again a  few weeks ago when I suddenly remembered this week's hymn choice, even though it is probably 50 years since I last heard it sung, in my grandfather's church in Sunbury, PA.  This experience is a good reminder of how important it is to store good things in our mind such as scripture and even good music.  It is interesting that some hymn writers were neither ministers nor professional poets, but ordinary people who loved to sing and to write new Christian songs.  Edwin Hodder (1837-1904) spent the early part of his working life in New Zealand, doing sociological research among the Maori aborigines. Later he became a civil servant in his native England.  As a hymn writer he would probably be considered an amateur, but in this hymn alone he has made a great contribution to our worship. A simile makes a comparison between two things, for the purpose of illustration, and to enrich our understanding.  In his hymn, Mr. Hodder utilizes a series of similes to help us understand the value of the Word of God in our lives.  In the first verse he uses the garden and a mine, reminding us that God's Word is like beautiful, fragrant flowers that can be picked by anyone, as well as like a deep, deep mine where precious jewels can be found.  Flowers are all around us for picking, but the precious jewels require hard work to find and mine.  It is the same with the Word of God. There are simple truths on the surface that are easily grasped. But others require a level of spiritual maturity to understand, and a dedication to study and meditate on what God says.  In the second verse we have another set of comparisons.  the Bible is like the glittering light of the stars, giving the traveler help on his way, and like an armory where a soldier can be equipped to fight the battle for truth and righteousness.  The third verse is a prayer of dedication.  His original song had seven stanzas, but only three are commonly used today. One of the omitted stanzas says:

Thy Word is like a glorious choir,

And loud its anthems ring;

Though many tongues and parts unite,

It is one song they sing.

As you think about these words this week, may you gain a deeper appreciation for the Word of God.  May you dedicate yourself to enjoying the fragrance of His promises, digging deep for the jewels and truth He has shared, being guided by the light of the Word on your life's path and to preparing and using the armor of God as you face the spiritual battles of life.

Thy Word is like a garden, Lord, with flowers bright and fair;

And every one who seeks may pluck a lovely cluster there.

Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine; and jewels rich and rare

Are hidden in its mighty depths for every searcher there.

Thy Word is like a starry host: a thousand rays of light

Are seen to guide the traveler and make his pathway bright.

Thy Word is like an armory, where soldiers may repair;

And find, for life's long battle day, all needful weapons there.

O may I love Thy precious Word, may I explore the mine,

May I its fragrant flowers glean, may light upon me shine!

O may I find my armor there! Thy Word my trusty sword,

I'll learn to fight with every foe the battle of the Lord.

The words have been sung to a variety of tunes, but here is the one which I remember.   LISTEN