Sunday we sang the hymn “It is Well” together. Below is a brief history of the hymn to give us some insight.
“Horatio Spafford, the author of this next hymn, was a successful businessman, talented musician, and noted as a ‘man of unusual intelligence and refinement, deeply spiritual, and a devoted student of the scriptures.’
Some months prior to the Chicago Fire of 1871, Spafford had invested heavily in real estate on the shore of Lake Michigan. His holdings were wiped out by this disaster. Desiring a rest for his wife and four daughters and wishing to assist Moody and Sankey in one of their campaigns in Great Britain, Spafford planned a European trip for his family in November of 1873. Due to unexpected last minute business developments, he had to remain in Chicago, but he sent his wife and four daughters on ahead as scheduled. He expected to follow in a few days. On November 22, the ship was struck by the Lochearn, an English vessel, and sank in twelve minutes. When his surviving wife landed in Cardiff Wales several days later she cabled Horatio, ‘saved alone.’ Shortly afterward near the area where his four daughters had drowned, Spafford penned this text whose words so significantly describe his experience – ‘When sorrows like sea billow roll…’”
It is interesting to note that Horatio does not leave himself in his sorrows but instead turns his focus to the redemptive work of Christ. Horatio can rest in the fact that Christ on the cross and through his resurrection, has made it, and will someday in completion make it well with his soul.
Quote source: “101 Hymn Stories” by Kenneth W. Osbeck
It is Well?
October 14, 2010
Sunday we sang the hymn “It is Well” together. Below is a brief history of the hymn to give us some insight.
“Horatio Spafford, the author of this next hymn, was a successful businessman, talented musician, and noted as a ‘man of unusual intelligence and refinement, deeply spiritual, and a devoted student of the scriptures.’
Some months prior to the Chicago Fire of 1871, Spafford had invested heavily in real estate on the shore of Lake Michigan. His holdings were wiped out by this disaster. Desiring a rest for his wife and four daughters and wishing to assist Moody and Sankey in one of their campaigns in Great Britain, Spafford planned a European trip for his family in November of 1873. Due to unexpected last minute business developments, he had to remain in Chicago, but he sent his wife and four daughters on ahead as scheduled. He expected to follow in a few days. On November 22, the ship was struck by the Lochearn, an English vessel, and sank in twelve minutes. When his surviving wife landed in Cardiff Wales several days later she cabled Horatio, ‘saved alone.’ Shortly afterward near the area where his four daughters had drowned, Spafford penned this text whose words so significantly describe his experience – ‘When sorrows like sea billow roll…’”
It is interesting to note that Horatio does not leave himself in his sorrows but instead turns his focus to the redemptive work of Christ. Horatio can rest in the fact that Christ on the cross and through his resurrection, has made it, and will someday in completion make it well with his soul.
Quote source: “101 Hymn Stories” by Kenneth W. Osbeck