In the Sweet By and By Hymn Lyrics and History

In the Sweet By and By or The Sweet By and By is a collaboration between two friends Sanford Fillmore Bennett (1836-1898) and Joseph P Webster. Stanford Fillmore Bennett provided the words while his friend Joseph P Webster provided the music.

This song  was the result of an incident in their lives as friends. The account is described in Sanford Fillmore Bennett’s autobiography.

Bennett says that his friend Joseph P Webster was a sensitive soul like most very talented musicians unfortunately.

He suffered from bouts of depression now and then. This caused him to focus on the darker side of life and was therefore a troubled soul during those bouts of depression.

Bennett said he had studied these peculiarities in his friend's life and was quick to notice his mood changes. And as good friends should and do he offered a helping hand.

In his case Bennett found that giving Webster a song to work on lifted his spirits.

Stanford Fillmore Bennett

In one such instance Webster came to Bennett’s place of business  walked down to the stove, and turned his back on him without speaking a word.

Bennet who was at his desk turned to him and asked, “Webster, what is the matter now?” To which Webster replied, “It is no matter, it will be all right by and by.”

This response suddenly made Bennett realise that he could write a hymn on this. He replied to Webster, “The Sweet By and By! Why would not that make a good hymn?” To which Webster responded, “maybe it would”.

Bennett immediately started penning the words of the as fast as he could.

He handed the complete hymn to Webster who immediately lighted up and started writing the notes while playing his violin. Within 30 minutes they had produced this sweet hymn and they immediately started singing it.

Below are the In The Sweet By and By lyrics:

There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.

Refrain:
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blessed;
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
And the blessings that hallow our days.

For more links to hymn stories and lyrics visit Popular and Old Hymns History.

Below is a video of Mark Trammell singing In The Sweet By and By.

Wayfaring Stranger Hymn Lyrics and History

Origin of Wayfaring Stranger

This song has been around for over 200 hundred years blessing millions of Americans in both the secular and the religious world.

It is difficult if not impossible to pinpoint the exact origin of this North American folk song.

We have some historians saying that they can trace this song to the 1780s while others trace to the early 1800s.

Who Composed Wayfaring Stranger

The jury is still out when it comes to the composer of the Wayfaring Stranger. Some people think that is a reworked Negro spiritual.

Some think that it could have come the Portuguese colonialists.

Others think that it could be a reworked native song.

The fact is this song has now become one of the most loved gospel folk songs in America.

Many Versions of Wayfaring Stranger and Use by Secular Musicians

As with many folk songs there are so many versions of this hymn floating  around in America.

It has been adapted by musicians of all sorts of backgrounds to present their message to the world.

Prominent and famous musicians have made this folk song their own.

In the 1940s Burl Ives made "Wayfaring Stranger" a signature song in his album.

Other musicians such as Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris and Johnny Cash have given their take on this hymn in their albums.

The latest to play around this folk song has been British pop star Ed Sheeran. He has popularized a near acappella-and-vocal version of "Wayfaring Stranger" on YouTube.

Below are the lyris of one of the versions of Wayfaring Stranger.

1 I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger,
I’m trav’ling through this world below;
There is no sickness, toil, nor danger,
In that bright world to which I go.
I’m going there to see my father,
I’m going there no more to roam;
I’m just a going over Jordan,
I’m just a going over home.

2 I know dark clouds will gather o’er me,
I know my pathway’s rough and steep;
But golden fields lie out before me,
Where weary eyes no more shall weep.
I’m going there to see my mother,
She said she’d meet me when I come;
I’m just a going over Jordan,
I’m just a going over home.

3 I want to sing salvations story,
In concert with the blood-washed band;
I want to wear a crown of glory,
When I get home to that good land.
I’m going there to see my brothers,
They passed before me one by one;
I’m just a going over Jordan,
I’m just a going over home.

4 I’ll soon be free from every trial,
This form will rest beneath the sod;
I’ll drop the cross of self-denial,
And enter in my home with God.
I’m going there to see my Saviour,
Who shed for me His precious blood;
I’m just a going over Jordan,
I’m just a going over home.

For more links to pages on this blog with some more hymn stories and lyrics visit here.

The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago Lyrics and Story

The author of this sweet hymn, The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago is Frank M Graham. 

He hailed from Birmingham, Illinois and was born on March 1, 1859 and died on August 25, 1931 in Greensboro, Georgia.

He was a minister in the Methodist Church.

His many achievements included being one of the founders of the  Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina

This hymns has an important message for all Christians. It presents to us what happens when a sinner accepts Christ as his personal savior.

All our sins are transfered to the account of Jesus when we repent and accept Christ as our personal account. He paid the debt on the cross and all we need to do is accept this offer of a pardon.

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (II Cor. 5:21).

Frank M Graham

Below are the lyrics of The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago.

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.

Refrain

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. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

You can find links to more hymn lyrics and stories here.

Below is a video from one of the Bill Gaither Homecoming concerts featuring this hymn, The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago.

I Will Sing of My Redeemer Hymn Lyrics And Story

I Will Sing of My Redeemer is one of those hymns that are simple but yet beautiful. It is a song that I have come to love since I first learnt in a choir a long time ago.

The words of this song came from the pen of Philip P. Bliss in 1876 and music was composed by James McGranahan in 1877.

This song will have been lost forever during train accident which caused Philip P Bliss death. He had survived the initial clash but met his death when he tried to rescue his wife.

The words of this song were found in his belongs later on.

Another interesting incident related to this song is that it is one of the first ever songs to be recorded.

Philip P Bliss

During the demonstration of a phonograph, a Thomas Edison invention, in New York George Stebbins made a recording of this song.

George Stebbins was one of the most famous musicians and evangelists of his time.

Below are the lyrics of this sweet hymn, I Will Sing of My Redeemer.

I will sing of my Redeemer,

And His wondrous love to me;

On the cruel cross He suffered,

From the curse to set me free.

 

Sing, oh, sing of my Redeemer,

With His blood He purchased me,

On the cross He sealed my pardon,

Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story,

How my lost estate to save,

In His boundless love and mercy,

He the ransom freely gave.

I will praise my dear Redeemer,

His triumphant pow’r I’ll tell,

How the victory He giveth

Over sin, and death, and hell.

I will sing of my Redeemer,

And His heav’nly love to me;

He from death to life hath brought me,

Son of God with Him to be.

Below is a video of this beautiful hymn, I Will Sing of My Redeemer. This is  a recording at one of the Gaither Homecoming concerts.

Hallelujah We Shall Rise Hymn Lyrics and Story

Hallelujah! We Shall Rise is another hymn that I want to share with you. It is a song filled with a message of hope about the future.

It really resonates with all of us concerned with the state of affairs in the world today. A world full of violence and misery.

The author of today's hymn is John Edmond Thomas. He was born on December 6, 1860 and died on April 30, 1946.

His father died when he was only 14 and being the oldest son he was forced to work to support his family.

John E Thomas

Despite of this he managed to attend a vocal school at the age of 17 and was tutored by Professor T A Bridge and later un­der Ho­ra­tio Palm­er and George A. Good­rich.

Later in life he with Franklin Eiland and John Greer found the Trio Music company in 1890.

He thus spent his life as music compiler and publisher.

Among the songs he composed include, Glorious Gospel Train, I Am So Glad Salvation's Free and I am a Child of the King.


Below are the lyrics of this hymn, Hallelujah We Shall Rise.

In that Resurrection morning
When the trumpet of God shall sound
We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise.
Then the saints will come rejoicing and
no tears will e'er be found
We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise.

We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise (amen)
We shall rise, (hallelujah)
In that Resurrection morning
when these prison bars are broken
We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise.

In that Resurrection morning
when the shades of life has fled
We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise.
In the day of glory dawning when the sea
gives up His dead
We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise.

I shall see my blessed Savior
who so freely died for me
We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise.
And our fathers and our mothers and our
loved ones we shall see
We shall rise, (hallelujah) we shall rise.

For links to more hymns please visit Popular and Old Hymns History.

Below is a video from the Gaither Homecoming series featuring this very nice song, Hallelujah We Shall Rise.

Just A Little Talk With Jesus Hymn Lyrics and Story

Reverend Cleavant Derricks is the composer of the words and music of this beautiful gospel hymn, Just A Little Talk With Jesus, that continues to bless millions around the world.

Reverend  Derricks was born on May 13, 1909 and died on April 14, 1977. He pastored a number of black Baptist Churches in the United States of America.

He composed over 300 hymns including "When God Dipped His Love In My Heart,""We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials," and "When He Blessed My Soul." 

His contributions to gospel music was recognised in 1984 when he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Reverend Cleavant Derricks

Below are the lyrics of this beautiful hymn, Just A Little Talk With Jesus.

I once was lost in sin, but Jesus took me in

And let a little light from heaven fills my soul.

He bathed my heart in love, and He wrote my name above

And just a little talk with Jesus makes me whole.

(Now let us) have a little talk with Jesus

(Let us) tell Him all about our troubles

(He will) hear our fainted cry

(He will) answer by and by

(When you) feel a little prayer wheel turning

(And you) will know a little fire is burnin'

(You will) find a little talk with Jesus makes it right.

I may have doubts and fears, my eye be filled with tears

But Jesus is a friend who watches day and night

I go to him in prayer, He knows my every care

And just a little talk with my Jesus make it right.

(Now let us) have a little talk with Jesus

(Let us) tell Him all about our troubles

(He will) hear our fainted cry

(He will) answer by and by

(When you) feel a little prayer wheel turning

(And you) will know a little fire is burnin'

(You will) find a little talk with Jesus makes it right.

And just a little talk with Jesus makes it right...

Below is a video featuring this song, Just A Little Talk With Jesus.

Joy Unspeakable

Barney E. Warren is the author of this beautiful hymn, Joy Unspeakable. He composed the words and music in 1900.

Barney E. Warren (1867-1951)

Below are the lyrics of this hymn, Joy Unspeakable.

I have found His grace is all complete,

He supplieth ev’ry need;

While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet,

I am free, yes, free indeed.

Refrain

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Full of glory, full of glory,

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Oh, the half has never yet been told.

I have found the pleasure I once craved,

It is joy and peace within;

What a wondrous blessing! I am saved

From the awful gulf of sin.

Refrain

I have found that hope so bright and clear,

Living in the realm of grace;

Oh, the Savior’s presence is so near,

I can see His smiling face.

Refrain

I have found the joy no tongue can tell,

How its waves of glory roll!

It is like a great o’erflowing well,

Springing up within my soul.

Refrain

Below is  a video featuring the Gaither Homecoming choir singing this beautiful hymn, Joy Unspeakable. 

Gaither music homecomings features musicians from across the United States. Some of the musicians who have performed include Reggie and Ladye Love Smith, Mark Lowry, Buddy Greene, etc.

Nothing But The Blood of Jesus Hymn Story and Lyrics

This sweet hymn is the fruit of the labor of Robert Lowry. He published this hymn in 1876. 

Robert Lowry was an American professor of literature, a Baptist minister and composer of many gospel hymns such as Shall We Gather At The River.

He was born on March 12, 1826, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States and died on November 25, 1899 at Plainfield, New Jersey, United States

Robert Lowry

Below are the lyrics of this beautiful hymn, Nothing But The Blood of Jesus.

What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain:

Oh! precious is the flow

That makes me white as snow;

No other fount I know,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my pardon, this I see,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

For my cleansing this my plea,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Nothing can for sin atone,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

Naught of good that I have done,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

This is all my hope and peace,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

This is all my righteousness,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Now by this I’ll overcome—

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

Now by this I’ll reach my home—

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Glory! Glory! This I sing—

Nothing but the blood of Jesus,

All my praise for this I bring—

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For more hymns and hymns stories and histories visit, Popular and Old Hymns History.

Below is a video of this hymn Nothing But The Blood of Jesus performed at one of the Gaither Music Homecoming concerts. 

It features Buddy Greene and the scores of other well known gospel musicians.