Many of Fanny Crosby’s popular hymns and gospel songs were
written backwards. Instead
of writing a poem for someone else to set to music, she wrote quite a
few of her stanzas to fit somebody’s else’s tunes.
One afternoon during the summer of 1868, William H. Doan, who
composed music as a hobby, knocked at Fanny Crosby’s door.
When he was admitted, he rushed up to the blind poet and said:
“Miss Fanny, I have exactly forty minutes before my train
leaves for Cincinnati, and I must take that train.”
When she asked the reason of his call in view of that fact, he
explained, “There is to be a great state-wide Sunday School convention
in Cincinnati next month. In
addition to the large delegations of adults, many young people and
children are expected to be present.
I want a new hymn which I can introduce for the first time at
this convention.”
Turning to the piano William Doan sat down and played his new
tune in a rousing and stirring manner.
When he finished, Fanny Crosby said:
“Your music says ‘Safe in the arms of Jesus.’
What could be more appropriate for boys and girls at a Sunday
School convention?”
Mr. Doane consulted his watch.
“Just thirty minutes left, “he said, somewhat impatiently.
She replied, “You will have your hymn.”
Going to her desk, she took out a piece of paper, found her pen,
sat down and began to write.
After putting down several lines, she asked Mr. Doane to play his
tune over a few times while she prepared her stanzas.
As he played, she continued to write.
When she was through, she folded the sheet of paper, placed it in
an envelope and handed it to her friend.
“Here it is, William. You can read it on the train.
Now, hurry. You
don’t want to be late.”
He thanked her, said his “Goodbyes,” grabbed his hat and
rushed for the carriage that was awaiting him in front of the house.
Enroute to Cincinnati on the train, he opened the envelope, took
out the piece of paper and read what she had written to fit his music.
—Ernest K. Emurian
*This particular hymn was sung as a recording of George Beverly Shea at his own funeral; one which he often sang at Billy Graham crusades. You can watch the entire funeral service on YouTube.com
++++++++++
Safe in the Arms of Jesus[1]
Safe in
the arms of Jesus,
Safe
on His gentle breast,
There
by His love o’ershaded,
Sweetly
my soul shall rest.
Hark!
’tis the voice of angels,
Borne
in a song to me,
Over
the fields of glory,
Over
the jasper sea:
2
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe
from corroding care,
Safe
from the world’s temptations,
Sin
cannot harm me there.
Free
from the blight of sorrow,
Free
from my doubts and fears;
Only
a few more trials,
Only
a few more tears:
3
Jesus, my heart’s dear refuge,
Jesus
has died for me;
Firm
on the Rock of Ages,
Ever
my trust shall be.
Here
let me wait with patience,
Wait
till the night is o’er;
Wait
till I see the morning
Break
on the golden shore:
Chorus Safe in the arms of
Jesus,
Safe
on His gentle breast,
There
by His love o’ershaded,
Sweetly
my soul shall rest.
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