THE OLD ACCOUNT WAS SETTLED

I have always enjoyed male quartets and some of the old quartet music brings back memories of the many concerts we used to attend. The Blackwoods, Cathedrals, Statesmen, and Couriers were among my favorites. Some of those old quartet numbers even made it into hymnbooks and were sung by many congregations. This week's choice was one of those. It was written in 1902 by Frank Graham who was an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church. He served as District Superintendent in northern Georgia from around 1895 to about 1915. He was also one of the founders of what is now Southern Wesleyan University at Central South Carolina. The song is a description of the legal transaction that takes place in heaven when a sinner trusts in the Saviour as his only means of salvation. The Bible says, "He [God the Father] made Him [Christ] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (II Cor. 5:21). Think of a great account book on which all of our sins are listed as a debt we owe. But it is as though our debt was transferred to Christ's account, and He paid that debt in full on the cross. And, as the above verse indicates, at the same time God more than cancels our debt when we trust Christ as Saviour. He credits our account with the perfect righteousness of His dear Son. Hopefully this is your testimony.

(1) There was a time on earth, when in the book of Heav'n

An old account was standing for sins yet unforgiv'n;

My name was at the top, and many things below,

I went unto the Keeper, and settled long ago.

Long ago (down on my knees), long ago (I settled it all),

Yes, the old account was settled long ago (Hallelujah!);

And the record's clear today, for He washed my sins away,

When the old account was settled long ago.

(2) The old account was large, and growing every day,

For I was always sinning, and never tried to pay;

But when I looked ahead, and saw such pain and woe,

I said that I would settle, I settled long ago.

Long ago (down on my knees), long ago (I settled it all),

Yes, the old account was settled long ago (Hallelujah!);

And the record's clear today, for He washed my sins away,

When the old account was settled long ago.

(3) When in that happy home, my Savior's home above,

I'll sing redemption's story, and praise Him for His love;

I'll not forget that book, with pages white as snow,

Because I came and settled, and settled long ago.

Long ago (down on my knees), long ago (I settled it all),

Yes, the old account was settled long ago (Hallelujah!);

And the record's clear today, for He washed my sins away,

When the old account was settled long ago.

(4) O sinner, trust the Lord, be cleansed of all your sin,

For thus He hath provided for you to enter in;

And then if you should live a hundred years below,

Up there you'll not regret it, you settled long ago.

Long ago (down on my knees), long ago (I settled it all),

Yes, the old account was settled long ago (Hallelujah!);

And the record's clear today, for He washed my sins away,

When the old account was settled long ago.

Listen to a great rendition of this week's choice here. LISTEN.

BLESSED ASSURANCE

All of us have enjoyed and have been touched by the many words written by the great blind hymn writer, Fanny Crosby. The themes for her hymns were often suggested by visiting ministers who wished to have a new song on a particular subject. It is amazing that, especially for a blind person, someone could write on this variety of spiritual truths and experiences with such proliferation. For a considerable period during her life, while under contract to a music publisher, she wrote three new hymns each week. She used over 200 pen names. Many of her original texts are still being uncovered and perhaps might be found and published in the future. About 500 of her hymns were accompanied by the music of an amateur musician, Mrs. Phoebe Knapp, the wife of the second president of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. She attended the same church as Fanny and kept a pipe organ in her apartment to help her compose. One day Fanny was visiting her friend Phoebe as the Knapp home was having the large pipe organ installed. The organ was incomplete so, using the piano, Phoebe played a new melody she had just composed. "What do you think the tune says?" she asked. "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine", answered Fanny Crosby. And with that inspiration, Fanny penned the words of this great hymn of testimony which is still being sung today in many churches. And what a powerful message it contains. We have the assurance that Jesus is ours and His praise should be on our lips all day long. I also marvel at how a blind person can talk about sight as she does with the phrase "Visions of rapture now burst on my sight." Then later she says that she is "watching and waiting, and looking above". Then she ends with the testimony "filled with His goodness, lost in His love". What a joy to have this blessed assurance in your life, that Jesus, your Savior, is yours for eternity.

(1) Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

O 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.

(2) Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels descending bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

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.

(3) Perfect submission, all is at rest

I in my Savior am happy and blest,

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

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.

Listen to it here. LISTEN

A CHILD OF THE KING

Do you sometimes feel sorry for yourself when you wish that you had more of this world's material goods? Do you wish that you would inherit wealth and possessions? How often we feel sorry for our situation in life and we fail to remember the great inheritance that we have from our heavenly Father because of His great grace to us. Meditating on the evidence of God's grace to her, Harriett Buell, a native of New York state, wrote the words for "I'm A Child of the King" as she walked home from church one Sunday. The lyrics were published in the Northern Christian Advocate in February 1877, and were noticed by John Sumner, a music teacher. Sumner had been praying for a Gospel song to replace the one that would have been written by his friend and teacher Philip Bliss, who had recently suffered an untimely death in a train accident. When Sumner saw these words, he knew his prayer had been answered. He quickly composed music for the lyrics without Mrs. Buell's knowledge, so we can imagine her surprise at hearing her poem sung publicly when she attended a Sunday night service in Manlius, New York. Our position as a "child of the King" is solely a result of God's absolute grace. It is neither initiated nor kept because of any of our actions. But in gratitude for our gracious adoption into the King's family, we should sing, "All glory to God, I'm a child of the King!" This hymn is another one from the hymnbook that we used when our church was begun 60 years ago. As you meditate and sing these words, thank your heavenly Father for the riches He has graciously provided for you.

(1) My Father is rich in houses and lands,

He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands!

Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold,

His coffers are full, He has riches untold.

I'm a child of the King,

A child of the King:

With Jesus my Savior,

I'm a child of the King.

(2) My Father's own Son, the Savior of men,

Once wandered on earth as the poorest of them;

But now He is pleading our pardon on high,

That we may be His when He comes by and by.

I'm a child of the King,

A child of the King:

With Jesus my Savior,

I'm a child of the King.

(3) I once was an outcast stranger on earth,

A sinner by choice, an alien by birth,

But I've been adopted, my name's written down,

An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crown.

I'm a child of the King,

A child of the King:

With Jesus my Savior,

I'm a child of the King.

(4) A tent or a cottage, why should I care?

They're building a palace for me over there;

Though exiled from home, yet still may I sing:

All glory to God, I'm a child of the King.

I'm a child of the King,

A child of the King:

With Jesus my Savior,

I'm a child of the King.

Listen to it here. LISTEN

O THEN TO THE ROCK LET ME FLY

I am continuing to feature hymns that I remember singing when our church was established 60 years ago. I am taking them from an old hymnal "Glorious Gospel Hymns" that is so old and battered that I can't even find the name of the publisher or the date of publication. And as I try to do some research on the writing of many of these old hymns I am finding out that there isn't much available. However, the one that I've chosen this week does have some written history and maybe it is appropriate for today since it was written during the American financial panic of 1871. I am told that there was a convention of the YMCA in Carlisle, PA, and Erastus Johnson was one of the delegates. John Wanamaker was president of the convention and on the second day he received a telegram telling him that the banking house of Jay Cook & Co. had failed. Wanamaker lost $70,000 in this failure and that was a huge amount in those days. Soon other reports were received that other financial firms around the country had failed and that the country was in a general panic. This news created an atmosphere of gloom over the convention because most of the delegates were business men. Reacting to this unexpected situation, Johnson penned the words of this hymn. William Fisher, a composer of many gospel hymns, was there and was leading some of the singing. He took the words and quickly put them to music. The new song was sung at the convention where it helped comfort those in attendance, as it has done for many believers since that day. So if you are facing problems today, and your path is rough and filled with shadows and sorrows, then fly to the "Rock that is higher than I". There you will find comfort, strength and protection.

(1) Oh! sometimes the shadows are deep,

And rough seems the path to the goal,

And sorrows, sometimes how they sweep

Like tempests down over the soul.

O then to the Rock let me fly

To the Rock that is higher than I

O then to the Rock let me fly

To the Rock that is higher than I!

(2) Oh! sometimes how long seems the day,

And sometimes how weary my feet!

But toiling in life's dusty way,

The Rock's blessed shadow, how sweet!

O then to the Rock let me fly

To the Rock that is higher than I

O then to the Rock let me fly

To the Rock that is higher than I!

(3) Then near to the Rock let me keep

If blessings or sorrows prevail,

Or climbing the mountain way steep,

Or walking the shadowy vale.

O then to the Rock let me fly

To the Rock that is higher than I

O then to the Rock let me fly

To the Rock that is higher than I!

I have two versions for you to listen to. The first one includes the words and will be especially appreciated by those who don't know this hymn. LISTEN

Here is an instrumental version which I've really enjoyed. I'd like to pick up my trombone and play along - except I haven't picked it up in many years. LISTEN

CONSTANTLY ABIDING

If you have read my regular blog (http://barrysbasicblog.blogspot.com/) recently, you know that our church just celebrated its 60th anniversary. Last week I shared a hymn which I remember singing during the early days of our church and I thought that I would do the same this week. This one I remember for a special reason - my family sang it several times for special music in our church during those early days when we didn't have too much special music for services. None of us were trained, but we learned to sing hymns as soon as we could sing. We didn't have a car until I was in second grade and, if I recall correctly, we didn't have a radio in our first car. So everywhere we went together, we would sing as we traveled. As a result, I grew up knowing the words of all the verses to hundreds of hymns. But for some reason, the hymn "Constantly Abiding" was the one we sang several times together in church. Maybe it was the words, maybe it was the back time in the chorus, but whatever it was, we enjoyed it. My mother sang soprano, my dad bass, I sang tenor, and I think my brother and sister either sang melody or else harmonized. I could not find out much about the background of this hymn. It was written by Anne Murphy (1878 - 1942) whose husband ran a pottery business in Ohio. However, she was widowed around 1929. Having lost her wealth, she then moved to California to live with her sister. I don't know what her music background was or even if she wrote other hymns. I can only guess that this hymn was written as a personal testimony to the hard times she had endured after her husband's death. She must have experienced the peace that she writes about that believers can experience in times of trial. She must have experienced the constant abiding of the Holy Spirit in her life. And she knew that some glorious day her Savior would take her to her heavenly home. So I believe this was her personal testimony. Is it yours? Concentrate and meditate on the words of this hymn as you read them and also listen to it.

(1) There's a peace in my heart that the world never gave,

A peace it cannot take away;

Though the trials of life may surround like a cloud,

I've a peace that has come here to stay!

Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;

Constantly abiding, rapture divine;

He never leaves me lonely, whispers, oh, so kind:

"I will never leave thee"— Jesus is mine.

(2) All the world seemed to sing of a Savior and King,

When peace sweetly came to my heart;

Troubles all fled away and my night turned to day,

Blessed Jesus, how glorious Thou art!

Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;

Constantly abiding, rapture divine;

He never leaves me lonely, whispers, oh, so kind:

"I will never leave thee"— Jesus is mine.

(3) This treasure I have in a temple of clay,

While here on His footstool I roam;

But He's coming to take me some glorious day,

Over there to my heavenly home!

Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;

Constantly abiding, rapture divine;

He never leaves me lonely, whispers, oh, so kind:

"I will never leave thee"— Jesus is mine.

Listen to it here. LISTEN

SEEKING THE LOST

On July 22 our church, Faith Bible Fellowship Church of Lancaster, PA, reached a special milestone - the 60th anniversary of its first service. For several days I have been sharing my memories (http://barrysbasicblog.blogspot.com/) of these 60 years since I am one of only two remaining living persons still attending Faith who attended the first service. As I was preparing these memories my mind went back to some of the hymns that were sung during the early years. This week's choice was one of those that quickly came to mind. As a youngster I loved this hymn because the men took the lead in the chorus and the women sang the back time. It was fun to join the men as their deep voices sounded out the melody and theme. Remembering this hymn also made me realize that at times "seeking the lost" almost seems to be a missing message in today's church music and programs. Oh that we might never lose the zeal to share the Gospel to the many around us who need to come to the Savior. While I don't know anything about the events behind the writing , we do know that William Augustine Ogden (1841 - 1897) is the writer, I am told that when Ogden was six years old, his family moved from Ohio to Indiana. He began studying music in local singing schools at age 8, and could read church music fairly well by age 10. A little later, he could write a melody by hearing it sung or played. When he was 18, he became a chorister in his home church. At the outbreak of the American Civil War, Ogden enlisted in the 30th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. During the war he organized a male choir, which became well known throughout the Army of the Cumberland. After the war, Ogden returned home and resumed his musical studies. As his skills developed, Ogden issued his first song book, Silver Song, in 1870 and it became immensely popular, selling 500,000 copies. He went on to publish numerous other song books. In addition to composing, Ogden taught at many schools in in the United States and Canada. In 1887, he became superintendent of music in the public schools of Toledo, Ohio. Some of his more popular hymns were "He Is Able to Deliver Thee" and "I've a Message from the Lord".

(1) Seeking the lost, yes, kindly entreating

Wanderers on the mountain astray

"Come unto Me," His message repeating

Words of the Master speaking today.

Going afar (going afar)

Upon the mountain (upon the mountain)

Bringing the wanderer back again, back again

Into the fold (into the fold)

Of my Redeemer (of my Redeemer)

Jesus the Lamb for sinners slain, for sinners slain.

(2) Seeking the lost and pointing to Jesus

Souls that are weak and hearts that are sore

Leading them forth in ways of salvation

Showing the path to life evermore.

Going afar (going afar)

Upon the mountain (upon the mountain)

Bringing the wanderer back again, back again

Into the fold (into the fold)

Of my Redeemer (of my Redeemer)

Jesus the Lamb for sinners slain, for sinners slain.

(3) Thus would I go on missions of mercy

Following Christ from day unto day

Cheering the faint and raising the fallen

Pointing the lost to Jesus, the Way.

Going afar (going afar)

Upon the mountain (upon the mountain)

Bringing the wanderer back again, back again

Into the fold (into the fold)

Of my Redeemer (of my Redeemer)

Jesus the Lamb for sinners slain, for sinners slain.

Since I imagine that this week's choice might be new to many of you, please take time to listen to it sung here and enjoy hearing the male lead in the chorus. LISTEN.

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NEARER STILL NEARER

It's funny how you often recall unusual instances from the early years of your life. I can recall a time when, as a very small child, I was trying to memorize James 4:8 on a Sunday morning on the way to church. "Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you". It was frustrating and I kept jumbling up the words because I really didn't understand the words and really didn't comprehend the scriptural principle. But today I remember that incident and the verse as well. Often it serves a reminder to me that God is always there to direct, comfort and provide strength if I but draw near to Him and depend upon Him. But isn't it strange how often instead we rely on our own strength? But this week's choice, a hymn that my wife and I used to sing as a duet, reminds us of the need to be drawn to the heart of God every moment of every day, in the good times and in the difficult times. The hymn writer, Leila Morris lived in Ohio and with her mother and sister where they operated a millinery shop for many years. She later married Charles H. Morris, and the couple was active in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and at holiness camp meetings. Leila was encouraged to write hymns by H. L. Gilmour (who wrote the gospel song The Haven of Rest) and she went on to write over 1,000 of them, in addition to many tunes. She did this despite the fact that her eyes began to fail later in her life. In fact, in 1913 her son built a 28-foot blackboard with oversized staff lines so she could continue composing. I don't know anything about the circumstances surrounding the writing of this particular hymn, but I assume it came out of her personal experiences in her walk with the Lord. Meditate upon these great words and draw nigh to the Father throughout your daily walk.

(1) Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,

Draw me, my Savior so precious Thou art!

Fold me, oh, fold me close to Thy breast.

Shelter me safe in that "Haven of Rest";

Shelter me safe in that "Haven of Rest."

(2) Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring,

Naught as an offering to Jesus, my King;

Only my sinful, now contrite heart.

Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.

Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.

(3) Nearer, still nearer, Lord, to be Thine!

Sin, with its follies, I gladly resign,

All of its pleasures, pomp and its pride,

Give me but Jesus, my Lord, crucified.

Give me but Jesus, my Lord, crucified.

(4) Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last.

Till safe in glory my anchor is cast;

Through endless ages ever to be

Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee;

Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee!

Listen to this week's hymn here. LISTEN