The Little Brown Church in the Vale

 

Inspiration can strike anywhere, even during a stagecoach stop to change the horses. That’s what happened to William S. Pitts in 1857 traveling to see his soon-to-be bride.

The town was old Bradford, Iowa. Taking a walk while waiting for the stagecoach, Pitts came upon an empty lot surrounded by wildwoods and the Cedar River. He thought it would be a nice spot for a church.

When he was back home in Wisconsin, he penned a poem and put the manuscript away. He later set it to music and then forgot about the song. He called it, “The Church in the Wildwood.”

In the years of 1859 and 1860 the good people of Bradford were determined to build a church. Pitts returned to the area with his wife, Ann Eliza Warren, in 1862 and there discovered a church being erected where he had imagined it to be. The land had been donated by the family that owned it.

By the early winter of 1864 the building was ready for dedication. The church was painted brown because that was the cheapest paint to be found.

Pitts was holding a singing school nearby at Bradford Academy, and the class went there one evening. Pitts had them sing his song at the dedication of the new church. There were no seats, so rude seats were improvised. His song had never been sung before by anyone but himself.

Soon afterwards Pitts took the manuscript to Chicago, where it was published, and the hymn became known as, “The Little Brown Church in the Vale.”

William S Pitts was an American physician and composer, born in New York in the 1830. His parents were descended from New England Puritans of English and Scottish ancestry. Pitts was the eighth of nine children and had musical ability from an early age, taking formal music lessons from a graduate of the Boston Handel and Haydn Society.

At age nineteen Pitts traveled with his family to Wisconsin where he worked as a rural schoolteacher. He then moved to Chicago to enroll in Rush Medical College. To pay his enrollment fees, he sold the rights to the song to a music publisher for $25. He completed medical school, graduating in 1868, and practiced medicine in Fredericksburg until 1906.

Pitts joined Fredericksburg Baptist Church in 1871.  His first wife died in 1886, and Pitts remarried to Mrs. M.A. Grannis in 1887, and they moved to Clarion, Iowa in 1906.

His second wife died in 1909, and Pitts moved to Brooklyn, New York, to be with his son, William Stanley Bates. Pitts died in Brooklyn in 1918, and was buried in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg, Iowa.

The little brown church was open until 1888, and then closed due to an economic downturn in the town. The Society for the Preservation of The Little Brown Church was founded. By 1914, services were again held in the church. Shortly afterward, the small congregation experienced a revival that attracted new attention to it and the song.

The church has become a popular tourist spot and remains so today. It attracts thousands of visitors every year to see The Little Brown Church in the Vale. There have now been over 74,000 weddings performed there through the years.

Verse One

“There’s a church in the valley by the wildwood,

No lovelier spot in the dale;

No place is so dear to my childhood,

As the little brown church in the vale.”

2 Timothy 3:14-15

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Studylight.org, Bridgeway Bible Commentary: From childhood he has been guided by the Scriptures, and his faith in those Scriptures gives him assurance in his salvation. He must maintain this confidence, knowing that the Scriptures are divinely given and that they are God’s means of instructing people in right belief and right living. Those who are well instructed in the Scriptures will always be ready when an opportunity arises to do good.

Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: It is a maxim with the Jews, that when a child was five years of age, it was proper to teach him the Scriptures. Timothy’s mother being a Jewess, trained him up early in the knowledge of these writings, with which he became very conversant, and under divine influence and assistance, arrived at a large understanding of them.

Enduringword.com, David Guzik: It was as if Paul wrote this: “Timothy, you learned these things. Right now you firmly believe them. Now, you have to continue in the things which you have learned. The important thing is to abide in them, to continue in them, to never let them go.”

Verse Two

“How sweet on a clear, Sabbath morning,

To list to the clear ringing bell;

Its tones so sweetly are calling,

Oh, come to the church in the vale.”

Psalm 143:8

"Let the morning bring me a word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life.”

Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: Early, speedily; with the first rays of the morning. Let it be, as it were, the first thing in the day; the first thing that is done. The idea is not that he would wait for another day, but that he would interpose as the very first act – as when one enters on a day.

Psalm 33:2

“Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to Him on the ten-stringed lyre.”

Biblestudytools.com, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Religious songs are the proper expressions of thankful praise . . . the best you have,  not that which by frequent use is worn, thread-bare, but that which being new, is most likely to move the affections, a new song for new mercies and upon every new occasion, for those compassions which are new every morning.”

Verse Three

“There, close by the church in the valley,

Lies one that I love so well;

She sleeps, sweetly sleeps, ‘neath the willow,

Disturb not her rest in the vale.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: Here is comfort for the relations and friends of those who die in the Lord. Grief for the death of friends is lawful; we may weep for our own loss, though it may be their gain. Christianity does not forbid, and grace does not do away, our natural affections. Yet we must not be excessive in our sorrows; this is too much like those who have no hope of a better life. Death is an unknown thing, and we know little about the state after death; yet the doctrines of the resurrection and the second coming of Christ, are a remedy against the fear of death, and undue sorrow for the death of our Christian friends; and of these doctrines we have full assurance. It will be some happiness that all the saints shall meet and remain together for ever; but the principal happiness of heaven is to be with the Lord, to see Him, live with Him, and enjoy Him forever.

Verse Four

“There, close by the side of that loved one,

To trees where the wildflowers bloom.

When the farewell hymn shall be chanted,

I shall rest by her side in the tomb.”

Psalm 62:8

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.”

Ryan Owens, on Oldtimemusic.com tells it this way: The Little Brown Church in the Vale is not just a physical location; it represents a spiritual sanctuary where all are welcome, regardless of their backgrounds, struggles, or past mistakes. The hymn’s universal message of love and acceptance resonates with listeners, reminding them of the power of faith to unite and uplift even in the most challenging times . . . it represents a place where individuals can find refuge, fellowship, and unwavering love.

Verse Five

“From the church in the valley by the wildwood,

When day fades away into night,

I would fain from this spot in my childhood,

Wing my way to the mansions of light.”

John 14:2

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”

Enduringword.com, David Guzik: Jesus spoke with complete confidence about heaven, here spoken of as His Father’s house. Jesus didn’t wonder about the life beyond this earth; He knew it and told His disciples that there was room for all in heaven . . . Whatever dwelling place God has for us in heaven, it will be as glorious as a mansion . . . many mansions . . . Love prepares a welcome. With love, expectant parents prepare a room for the baby. Jesus prepares a place for His people because He loves them and is confident of their arrival.

Refrain

“Come to the church in the wildwood,

Oh, come to the church in the dale,

No spot is so dear to my childhood,

As the little brown church in the vale.”

Hebrew 3:6

“But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: Christ was the Master of this house, of His church, His people, as well as their Maker . . . Christ, as the eternal Son of God, is rightful Owner and sovereign Ruler of the Church.  There must not only be setting out well in the ways of Christ, but steadfastness and perseverance therein to the end. Every meditation on His person and His salvation will suggest more wisdom, new motives to love, confidence, and obedience.

Studylight.com, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible: Think of the house of God. He laid the foundations of it, even before the world was, provided the blueprints of it in the dispensation of Moses, and extended it upward and outward to include all the families of man in the church of Christ; and, finally, He shall present all to Himself in the glorious fulfillment of the everlasting Kingdom at the last day.”

  

I am indebted to the following resources:

Worthydetours.com, Jeanette Simpson

Hymntime.com

Bluegrasstoday.com, Richard Thompson

En.wikipedia.org

Oldtimemusic.com, Ryan Owens 

By His Grace . . .

Wonderful Grace of Jesus

Haldor Lillenas was one of the most important twentieth century gospel hymn writers and publishers. He was born in 1885 in Bergen, Norway. His father was a farmer and storekeeper. The family farm was sold to allow the family to migrate to the United States

His father moved to America in 1886 where he bought a farm in South Dakota. After constructing a sod house, his mother, Anna Marie, and siblings, Paul, Johanes, Katrine and George, were re-united in 1887. They relocated to Astoria, Oregon.

Lillenas learned English and began attending school. In 1900 the family moved to Minnesota. Lillenas began a four-year correspondence course in chemistry and chemical analysis with private tutors. He worked as a labour most of the year, but during winter he concentrated on his studies.

His family was once again relocated to North Dakota when his mother died, but Lillenas decided to move back to Oregon where he finished his correspondence and found employment in a chemical factory.

Like most Scandinavians, he was raised in a Lutheran family. The family was devout in their religious life and attended community services when held in their area. He was confirmed into the Lutheran Church when he was 15; however, he had not experienced “the miracle of the new birth.”

As a young boy Lillenas had been befriended by an elderly woman who taught him English and told him about Jesus. Consequently, in 1906 he began attending meetings at the Peniel Mission where this woman was an active worker.

One summer evening he paused to listen to a street corner service. There he heard the gospel and made his decision to devote his life to Christian service. The singing and testimonies brought conviction to his heart. Later that year he was saved, and three weeks later his heart was cleansed. Soon he was helping in the mission, singing to his heart’s content, witnessing with joy to “the wonderful grace of Jesus,” and writing songs with increasing skill and volume.

He sold a few songs at age 19. At age 21 he began writing more songs, encouraged by some earlier ones becoming popular, such as “He Set Me Free.”

He joined a vocal group called the “Charioteers’ Brigade,” associated with the Salvation Army, which held street meetings and revival services, while continuing his ministerial studies at Deets Pacific Bible College in Los Angeles, CA.

Lillenas met his wife, Bertha, at college, and she, too, became a songwriter. They had two children.

For ten years Lillenas was also a song evangelist and travelled with Bertha holding revival services.

Additionally, Lillenas was an ordained Minister in the Church of the Nazarene, author, song evangelist, poet, music publisher and prolific hymnwriter. He and Bertha were elders in the church. He composed over 4,000 hymns, the most famous being "Wonderful Grace of Jesus." He produced the first hymnal for the Church of the Nazarene. He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

In 1945 Bertha died of cancer, and later that year Lillenas remarried Lola Dell, and they lived in Melody Lane until 1955, when they moved to Pasadena, CA, attending the Nazarene Church there. They also made three trips to Norway after his retirement, and he wrote three books during that time: “Modern Gospel Song Stories (1952), “Down Melody Lane (an autobiography): (1953), “Motoring 11,000 Miles Through Norway-A Guide for Tourists” (1955). Lillenas had a full and interesting life. He died on August 18, 1959

Verse One

“Wonderful grace of Jesus, Greater than all my sin;

How shall my tongue describe it, Where shall its praise begin?

Taking away my burden, Setting my spirit free;

For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.”

1 Corinthians 2:12

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.”

Biblestudytools.com: The Holy Ghost, which proceeds from the Father and the Son, is the gift of God to His people, and whom they receive through the doctrine of faith into their hearts, as a spirit of illumination, faith, comfort, adoption, truth, and as a seal and earnest of future glory; God gave His Son, and all things freely along with Him, as a justifying righteousness, remission of sins, adoption, and eternal life; all which were provided for them in the council and covenant of peace, and made up that grace given unto them freely in Christ before the world began.

Psalm 119:172

“My tongue shall speak of Your Word, For all Your commandments are righteousness.”

Studylight.org, Calvin’s Commentary on the Bible: Here the Psalmist says, that when he shall have profited in God’s law he will also employ himself in teaching it to others. This order is undoubtedly to be observed, that divine truth take root in our hearts before we engage in the work to others. Yet every man, according to the measure of his faith, ought to communicate to his brethren what he has received, and that the doctrine, whose use and fruit God would have to be displayed for the common edification of the Church, may not be buried.

Verse Two

“Wonderful grace of Jesus, Reaching to all the lost,

By it I have been pardoned, Saved to the uttermost;

Chains have been torn asunder, Giving me liberty;

For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.”

James 1:25

“But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

Preceptaustin.org, MacArthur: By referring to the Word as the law of liberty, James focused on its redemptive power in freeing believers from the bondage of sin and then freeing them to righteous obedience. It allows us to serve God not out of fear or mere sense of duty, but out of gratitude and love. One day it also will free us from this world and its corruption from our fallenness; from our flesh; from temptation; and from the curses of sin, death, and hell.

Preceptaustin.org, Hiebert: The "liberty” points to the well-known Christian freedom from bondage that the believer knows through faith in Christ. As he submits himself to its transforming power, this law of liberty works in his life a disposition and ability to do God’s will joyfully.

Verse Three

“Wonderful grace of Jesus, Reaching the most defiled,

By its transforming power, Making him God’s dear child,

Purchasing peace and heaven, For all eternity—

And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.”

Romans 12:2

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Studylight.org, Contending for the Faith: God wants His people to be changed from within. Scientists today use this same word, metamorphosis (from the Greek), to describe the changes a caterpillar undergoes in its chrysalis from which it emerges as a beautiful butterfly. Similarly, the Christian is to be changed from within rather than letting outside forces to shape his life. He is to be “metamorphosed.”

Refrain

"Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus, Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;

Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain, All-sufficient grace for even me!

Broader than the scope of my transgressions, Greater far than all my sin and shame,

Oh, magnify the precious Name of Jesus, Praise His Name!"

Psalm 84:11

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Blueletterbible.org, David Guzik: Grace is God’s first gift, and glory is His last gift.  “Glory never comes without grace coming first, but grace never comes without glory coming last; the two are bound together, and what God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Spurgeon).

Biblestudytools.com: He gives converting grace, the first grace, and all future supplies of it; He gives sanctifying grace; He gives justifying, pardoning, adopting, and persevering grace, and all freely; He gives honor and glory among men, fellow creatures, and fellow Christians; and He gives eternal glory, the glory His Father gave Him, the crown of glory, life and righteousness; this is the gift of God through Christ.

Psalm 34:3

“Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.”

Enduringword.com: David knew there was something magnetic about the true praise of God. When one genuinely praises God, he or she wants to draw others into the practice of praise. If it is good for one to exalt His name, then it is even better to do it together with His people . . . and [we] long for that day to come, when all nations and languages . . . shall make their sound to be heard as one, in magnifying and exalting their great Redeemer’s Name.

 

 I am indebted to the following resources:

En.wilipedia.org

Hymmnstudiesblog.wordpress.com

Hymnary.org, John Perry

By His Grace . . . 

 

Blessed Assurance

The name Frances Jane “Fanny” Crosby is well known around the world. She wrote over 8,000 hymn texts, many that have lasted through the ages. Hymns such as “To God Be the Glory,” “Near the Cross,” “Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior,” “He Hideth My Soul,” and “I Am Thine, O Lord.”

Her blindness at a young age, her education and teaching at the New York Institute for the Blind, a published author of many books, a poetic eulogy for President William Henry Harrison, all are facts written about her life.

Franny grew up a happy and active child. She was raised with strong Christian values and from an early age she was read Scriptures by her mother and grandmother, and she memorized many verses. It was at a young age she began to write poetry.

On March 5, 1858, Fanny married Alexander van Alstine, a former student at the Institute. He was a talented musician whose skills on the organ were renowned in the New York area. The dynamic duo collaborated on several gospel hymns that resonated with audiences across the country.

Fanny told Samuel Trevena Jackson, who wrote, “Lincoln’s Use of the Bible," her little "love story," which he recorded in his book, "Fanny Crosby's Story of Ninety-Four Years." She said...

"Some people seem to forget that blind girls have just as great a faculty for loving and do love just as much and just as truly as those who have their sight. When I was about 20, a gifted young man by the name of Alexander Van Alstyne came to our institute. He was also blind and a musician. We soon became very much concerned for each other. . . I placed my right hand on his left and called him 'Van.' From that hour, two lives looked on a new universe, for love met love, and all the world was changed. On March 5 in the year 1858, we were united in marriage.

"I became a mother and knew a mother's love, but the angels came down and took our infant up to God."

Her love for writing followed her throughout her life and she never seemed to be bothered by her lack of sight. She is quoted as saying, “It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank Him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered to me tomorrow, I would not accept it. I might not have ever sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me." She also once said, “When I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.” She had an ability to craft words, phrases and thoughts so vividly that would allow us to see the Savior so clearly in her songs. 

Robert J. Morgan tells the following stories of two friends of Fanny’s in his book, “Then Sings My Soul.”

“Frances Ridley Havergal and Frances (Fanny) Crosby were the two most famous women hymnists of their age, although they never met they became dear pen pals. Havergal lived in England and Crosby lived in America. Havergal once wrote a poem about her American counterpart:

'Sweet, blind singer over the sea, Tuneful and jubilant! How can it be,

That the songs of gladness, which float so far; As if they fell from the evening star,

Are the notes of one who may never see, “Visible music” of flower and tree,

Oh, her heart can see, her heart can see! And its sight is strong and swift and free.'

“Another of Fanny’s dearest friends was Phoebe Knapp. While Fanny lived in the Manhattan slums and worked in rescue missions, Phoebe lived in the Knapp Mansion, a palatial residence in Brooklyn, where she entertained lavishly. She was an extravagant dresser with a wardrobe full of elaborate gowns and diamond tiaras. Her music room contained one of the finest collections of instruments in the country, and Fanny was a frequent houseguest.

"One day in 1873, while Fanny was staying at the Knapp Mansion, Phoebe said she had a tune she wanted to play. Going to the music room, she sat at the piano and played a new composition of her own while the blind hymnist listened. Fanny immediately clapped her hands and exclaimed, 'Why that says, Blessed Assurance!' She quickly composed the words, and a great hymn was born.

“Many years later, D. L. Moody was preaching in NY at the 23rd Street Dutch Reformed Church. The Moody/Sankey meetings had popularized Fanny Crosby’s hymns around the world and had made the blind poetess a household name. But whenever she attended a Moody/Sankey meeting, she refused to be recognized, disavowing acclaim.

“This day the church was so crowded she could find nowhere to sit. Moody’s son, Will, seeing her, offered to find her a seat. To her bewilderment, he led her onto the platform just as the crowd was singing, 'Blessed Assurance.' Moody, Sr., jumped to his feet, raised his hand, and interrupted the singing. 'Praise the Lord!' he shouted, 'Here comes the authoress!'

“Fanny took her seat amid thunderous ovation, humbly thanking God for making her a blessing to so many.”

Verse One

“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.”

Colossians 2:2

“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.”

Studylight.org, Contending for the Faith: The phrase “unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding means “all the rich blessings that come from understanding, and being fully convinced of, the precise knowledge of the mystery of God in Christ. “Riches” is defined as “fulness or abundance” but the word is here used as a noun, implying the things one receives.

Studylight.org, Henry’s Complete Commentary on the Bible: When our knowledge grows to an understanding of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ . . . when we come to have a more clear, distinct, methodical knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, then the soul prospers . . . embracing with the highest satisfaction, as faithful sayings and worthy of all acceptance . . . Great knowledge and strong faith make a soul rich. This is being rich towards God, and rich in faith, and having the true riches . . . The soul prospers when it is filled with joy and peace and has a satisfaction within which all the troubles cannot disturb and is able to joy in the Lord when all other comforts fail.

Isaiah 32:17

“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.”

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: There shall be no internal agitation . . . This is a beautiful description of the happy effect of the prevalence of piety; and it is as true now as it was in the time of Isaiah.

Biblestudytools.com: This gives “assurance forever,” of interest in divine things, in the love of God, and relation to him as a Father, in Christ as a Savior and Redeemer, and in the glorious inheritance which this gives a title to; or a holy confidence and boldness at the throne of grace now, having this righteousness to make mention of as a justifying one, and also hereafter, before the throne of judgment, this being what will answer for Him in a time to come.

Verse Two

“Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels, descending, bring from above,

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.”

James 4:7

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Biblestudytools.com, Dawn Wilson: Submission to God is a theme throughout the Bible . . . When God’s children are told to submit, the idea is to give themselves over completely and choose to place themselves under God’s authority and control with the desire to obey His will . . . The result of humble submission is the ability to resist the devil and his schemes, and to live more Christlike in the assembly of believers . . . You will acknowledge that God is God . . . You will remember what God has done in saving, providing, protecting you . . . You will have a heart of gratitude, and you will anticipate what God plans to do in your life through His love and grace.

Verse Three

“Perfect submission, all is at rest,

I in my Savior am happy and blest,

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.”

Luke 12:37

“Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself, and make them to sit down to eat, and will come forth and serve them.”

Bibletools.org: From this, we can see that expectant watchfulness is the normal posture of a Christian. Jesus wants us to be ready for His return at any time, and as servants, we are in no position to determine when to expect Him. He will come when He will come, and we must be prepared to welcome Him whenever that happens to be.

 Colossians 3:2

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: Set your affection, “or mind” . . . your thoughts should be occupied about the things where Christ now dwells, where our final home is to be, where our great interests are. Since we are raised from the death of sin, and are made to live anew, the great object of our contemplation should be the heavenly world.

Biblehub.com, Matthew Poole’s Commentary: That the hearts of believers here might be where their treasure is, the apostle here repeats his exhortation, using another word, importing they should intensely mind things above . . . the inheritance reserved in heaven for us.

Biblehub.com, Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible: For unless the affections are set on them, they will never be sought after in a proper manner. The word signifies to mind the, and think on them, to favor and approve of them, to be affectionately desirous of them, and concerned for them, for where the treasure is, the heart should be; and as the saints’ best things are above, their minds and affections should be there likewise.

 Refrain

“This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.”

Psalm 28:7

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him.”

Dailyverse.knowing-Jesus.com: There is something very edifying and encouraging in glorifying God and singing praises to Him, even when faced with problems and pain, for it not only lifts our heart and gives hope to the soul, but causes us to trust Him in our helplessness and gives great glory to our Father.”

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

Staugustine.com

Backstorysongs.com, yardley28

Then Sings My Soul, Robert J. Morgan

Faithpot.com

By His Grace . . .

It Is No Secret

 

Carl Stuart Hamblen was born into the family of a traveling Methodist preacher in 1908, in Kelleyville, Texas. His father, J. H. Hamblen founded the Evangelical Methodist Church denomination.

During his youth, Hamblen traveled throughout Texas with his father. He attended school between trips, preparing for a teaching career, and he completed college with a degree in education. He practiced singing while riding the range, often writing his own songs.

Hamblen’s career as a Country Western Gospel singer, composer, radio-movie personality, and master storyteller all began in 1926, on radio station on WBAP, Ft Worth, TX, and sister station WFAA, Dallas, TX, where he became radio broadcasting’s first singing cowboy. The next major turning point in his career happened in 1929 when he won a talent show in Abilene, Texas, and with the $100 cash prize in hand, he headed for Camden, New Jersey, to the Victor Talking Machine Company to seek his fortune.

Eventually he settled in California in 1931, where he began his radio career which ran for 20 years. He began hosting the popular Family Album in California, while also appearing in motion pictures and rodeos. For a while, he ventured into horse-racing as an owner. 

In 1934, he became the first artist signed by the American subsidiary of Decca Records. Hamblen did not cope well with the pressures of his high-profile career and sought relief in alcohol. Many times his drinking landed him in jail for public brawling and other destructive behavior. The Texas State Historical Association reports that Hamblen identified himself as the "original juvenile delinquent."

He met Rev. Billy Graham when Grahan appeared on Hamblen’s radio show. He was invited to attend a crusade and attended reluctantly.

Rev. Graham is reported to have said, “There is one man in this audience who is a big fake.” While many may have felt he was talking about them, Hamblen was sure he was talking about him.

Several days later he arrived at the Graham’s door. He was drunk and demanded the pastor pray for him. Rev. Graham said, “This is between you and God, and I’m not going to get in the middle of it.” The two men spoke, the gospel was shared, and about three hours later Stuart Hamblen gave his life to Christ.

Hamblen completely changed his life and ways, and he began to write Christian songs (with little success). He eventually lost his radio show when he refused to promote alcohol. He subsequently gave up gambling and horse racing and entered Christian broadcasting with his radio show, The Cowboy Church of the Air, which ran until 1952.

Sometime later, a friend of Hamblen asked him about the rumor going around Hollywood that Hamblen had changed his ways. Hamblen replied that it was no secret what God had done for him and what God could do for his friend, too. The friend then replied that Hamblen should turn those lines into a song. That friend's name was John Wayne.

Hamblen tells the story this way: "I wrote the song one night, shortly after midnight. My wife and I had been visiting one of Hollywood's most famous movie stars. We had gone over to his home just to fill him in on some of the things that had happened in his recent absence.

"Somehow the discussion got around to how people can solve problems within themselves. I remember making a statement such as, 'It's no secret what God can do in a man's life.' About two hours later, as we were about to leave the actor's home he said, 'Stuart you ought to write a song about it is no secret what God can do. That is a beautiful thought.'"

"As we walked across the lawn, back to our house, I began to think about it. When we arrived at home, I walked into the living room and sat down at the organ.

“Our hall clock began to ‘chime’ the hour of midnight. I grabbed a pen and started writing, 'The chimes of time ring out the news, another day is through' and on and on until the song was finished. I then turned and glanced at the hall clock. It was only 17 minutes after midnight. I couldn't believe it. I had never been able to write any musical composition in less than three or four hours. I thought the clock had stopped. I then looked and saw the big pendulum still swinging."

Hamblen married Suzy Daniels and they had two children. They were married 55 years.

Verse One

“The chimes of time ring out the news, another day is through,

Someone slipped and fell, was that someone you?

You may have longed for added strength, your courage to renew,

Do not be disheartened, I have news for you.”

Acts 5:42

“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah."

Enduringword.com, David Guzik: The disciples didn’t stop preaching for a moment. This challenges each of us as followers of Jesus. They continued where we may have stopped. We often find the threat of social rejection enough to make us keep quiet about who Jesus is and what He did for us. We need to have the apostles’ courage and determination to stand firm for Jesus Christ.

Spurgeon spoke of this kind of bold heart: “Now I charge every Christian here to be speaking boldly in Christ’s name, according as he has opportunity, and especially to take care of this tendency of our flesh to be afraid; which leads practically to endeavors to get off easily and to save ourselves from trouble. Fear not; be brave for Christ. Live bravely for Him who died lovingly for you.”

Verse Two

“There is no night for in His light, you never walk alone,

Always feel at home, wherever you may roam.

There is no power can conquer you, while God is on your side,

Take Him at His promise, don’t run away and hide.”

Romans 4:20

“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.”

Dailyverse.knowing-Jesus.com: There are many precious promises of God, and faith requires all of His children to trust His Word, believe His promises, and have faith in the truth of Scripture. It is a great tribute to Abraham that Paul records that with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God . . . and we should seek to achieve an equivalent faith that stands firm on the promises of God . . .  Not one of us should stagger at the Lord’s promises within His Word, for what God has said He will carry out to completion, for God cannot lie and will never change His mind, and the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. He is faithful and trustworthy, and all His promise are “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 4:20

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”

Studylight.org, Clarke’s Commentary: The religion of the Lord Jesus is not in word—in human eloquence, excellence of speech, or even in doctrines; but in power, in the mighty energy of the Holy Spirit; enlightening, quickening, converting, and sanctifying believers.

Refrain

“It is no secret what God can do.

What He’s done for others He’ll do for you.

With arms wide open He’ll pardon you,

It is no secret what God can do.”

 

Isaiah 55:7

“Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on them, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.”

Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: He abounds in forgiveness. This is the conviction of those who are pardoned; this is the promise of inestimable worth which is made to all who are willing to return to God. On the grounds of this promise all may come to Him, and none who come shall be sent empty away.

Studylight.org, Dr. Constable’s Expository Notes: Repentance is not something a person must do before God will accept him or her. It is simply a description of what seeking the Lord looks like. In other words, cleaning up one’s life is not a precondition for acceptance by God. The person who genuinely seeks the Lord and calls on His name has come to grips with his or her sin and is willing to turn it over to the Lord.

Biblestudytools.com, John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible: The promise of pardon is absolute and unconditional, and is here observed as the motive to forsake sin, and not that as the condition of pardon; the design is to comfort those that are distressed with sin; God does and will pardon, and none but He can, and He has declared that He will; forgiveness is with Him, and it is published in the gospel, and there have been many instances of it. The Lord abundantly pardons.

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

En.wikipedia.org

Imdb.com

Hamblenmusic.com

DianaLeaghMatthews.com

Staugustine.com, Lindsay Terry

By His Grace . . .