This hymn was written after two major tragedies in Horatio’s life. In 1871, Horatio lost a great fortune during the great Chicago fire. He was a wealthy business man who invested heavily in real estate. In 1873, he lost his four daughters – Maggie, Tanetta, Annie and Bessie when the ship they were on sank after an accident. The French liner was the Ville du Havre, which collided with another iron sailing vessel. Only his wife survived, and sent back a telegram with the famous words – “Saved Alone”.
Let us reflect on the words of this famous hymn whenever we go through periods of trial in life.
Lyrics: Horatio G. Spafford
Music: Philip P. Bliss
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
This hymn goes out by special request to Ruth. God Bless. Amen.
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