Frederick Whitfield
Diana Leagh Matthews tells us
that Frederick Whitfield was
credited with writing O How I Love
Jesus.
that Frederick Whitfield was
credited with writing O How I Love
Jesus.
He was born in Threapwood, Shropshire, England on Jan. 7, 1829.
After attending Trinity College in Dublin, he became an Anglican Church clergyman.
In 1875, he reached the pinnacle of his career when he was appointed to St. Mary’s Church in Hastings.
He is credited with more than 30 books of religious verse.
The text to the verse of O How I Love Jesus, is believed to come from Philippians 2:5-11. “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” {v.10-11}
The entire hymn revolves around the name of Jesus. What a powerful name! The name of Jesus promises us great things from the Father. It promises to be with us in every circumstance. How we should love Jesus for all the great things He has done and is doing for us.
The text originally included eight stanzas. Several interesting verses not found in present hymnals include these words:
“It tells me of a Father’s smile that beams upon His
child.
It cheers me through this little while, through deserts
waste and wild.
child.
It cheers me through this little while, through deserts
waste and wild.
It bids my trembling soul rejoice, and dries each rising
tear.
It tells me in a still small voice, to trust and not
to fear.”
tear.
It tells me in a still small voice, to trust and not
to fear.”
The chorus is an American melody of unknown origin, but most likely is believe to come from the camp meeting era. Originally, it was known as a traveling refrain. This refrain was attached and sung with a mother hymn, such as Amazing Grace and Alas! And Did My Savior Die.
At some point the refrain of “O How I Love Jesus” was wedded with the verse that begins, “There is a voice I love to hear.”
The first printing of the hymn is recorded to be in tract form dating back to 1855. Hymnologist William J. Reynolds traces an early appearance of the text to the 1864 edition of Goodman’s Village Hymn Book.
There is on record of when the known tune became associated with the text. Ira Sankey uses a different tune in the Dwight Moody crusades according to the 1896 edition of Gospel Hymns . The hymn was a favorite at Moody’s crusades.
However, Hymnologist Harry Eskew traces the tune back to the 1869 edition of The Revivalist.
However, Hymnologist Harry Eskew traces the tune back to the 1869 edition of The Revivalist.
Frederick Whitfield died September 13, 1904 in Croydon, London, Englan.
Diana Leagh Matthews
Beautiful
He formed the seas and shores
and numbered the grains of sand,
and said this is beautiful.
He set the moon and stars high above,
and called it night, and the night gave way
to the morning light, and said this is beautiful.
He created man and formed woman
from his side,and placed the beast of the field
under his care and said this is beautiful.
He gave to the world out of his own love,
his beloved son, so men may be free from
sin and death, and said this is beautiful.
By
Cathy Winters
cathy.winters53@yahoo.com
3/8/09
Let’s pray-
Father, we are made aware today of how
this song was written and passed on to us.
We appreciate Diana's effort to share with us this information.
We often sing songs, and have no idea where they came from, or who wrote them.
Help us understand better the sacrifices of those who have lived the truths found in the songs we sing, and to enter into worship with more feelings for the One who inspired the authors.
Thank You too, for Cathy's poem today. You truly are beautiful to me, personally.
In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.
Father, we are made aware today of how
this song was written and passed on to us.
We appreciate Diana's effort to share with us this information.
We often sing songs, and have no idea where they came from, or who wrote them.
Help us understand better the sacrifices of those who have lived the truths found in the songs we sing, and to enter into worship with more feelings for the One who inspired the authors.
Thank You too, for Cathy's poem today. You truly are beautiful to me, personally.
In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.
Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 68:19 "Blessed be the LORD, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah (Think about that!)
Today’s quote:
Some books by Eddie:
Some books by Eddie:
Dead Man's Hand - Zonderkids, October 2012 - Middle Grade Suspense
Bahama Breeze - Romantic Suspense
Some thoughts today: When our trust in God for dreams and prayers that don't seem to materialize, we're to dream bigger, be determined to trust God, no matter what.
- If we'll look up to God in the midst of trials and troubles, it will be less likely we'll have negative thoughts. Center on Jesus, and He'll give you His thoughts to contemplate and hope for.
- We can be joyful during hard times and let the light of Christ shine through us, if we'll keep our eyes on Him and do His bidding.
- If we'll look up to God in the midst of trials and troubles, it will be less likely we'll have negative thoughts. Center on Jesus, and He'll give you His thoughts to contemplate and hope for.
- We can be joyful during hard times and let the light of Christ shine through us, if we'll keep our eyes on Him and do His bidding.
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