It is Well With My Soul: A Hymn composed after great loss

 

I’m continuing my hymn history posts today. You’ll find my January post here and February post here, as well as Naomi Musche’s January post here. We both love to discover the why behind the hymns.

Horatio Spafford

 Today I’m exploring the story behind It Is Well With My Soul. Horatio Spafford, born October 20, 1828 was a successful lawyer. As he grew his wealth through Chicago real estate, he also invested in Christian ministries. He married Anna Larson on September 5, 1861. Evangelist D.L.Moody was a close friend with the couple, and the Spaffords supported his work in Chicago and overseas, often joining him in his evangelistic efforts. Despite his wealth, Horatio’s life was wrought with hardship.

Chicago Fire and more loss

After investing heavily in Chicago waterfront property, the 1871 Chicago Fire destroyed all his hard work. Yet, he remained faithful as an elder in the Presbyterian church and continued to work with D.L.Moody. Tragedy continued to befall the Spaffords. In 1873, the family was planning a vacation to England. A last-minute zoning issue with some of his property in Chicago would delay their trip. But, instead, Spafford sent his wife and four daughters ranging in age from twelve to eighteen months on ahead, and he would take a later ship.

The wreck of the Ville Du Havre

                                                  
 On November 22,1873 his families’ ship, the steamship Ville Du Havre, was struck by a much larger iron sailing vessel. There were 226 fatalities including all four daughters. Once Anna arrived in Wales she sent a telegram with two words. “Saved Alone. Spafford was grief stricken and found the first ship bound for England to be with his wife. It is believed he asked the captain to let him know when he would be passing the spot where the Villa du Havre went down. As he stood on the deck, he was inspired to write what he originally titled Peace Like a River. Whether it was on the ship or later, It Is Well With My Soul began the healing process for Spaffords.

Set to music

 The famous hymnwriter and song leader Philip Bliss set the words to music, and it was first published in Bliss and Sankey’s Gospel Hymns #2 in 1876.The song has been giving comfort for a hundred and fifty years. Ira Sanka, another songwriter and D.L. Moody’s song leader after Bliss’ untimely death, believed It Is Well With My Soul was the best hymn in their gospel collection.

 After the death of her children, Anna was overheard saying she heard that still small voice say, “You’ve been saved for a purpose.” The Spafford’s had three more children. In 1880, Horatio Jr died of scarlet fever at the age of four. Horatio left his law practice and turned his focus on benevolent endeavors. The family left the Presbyterian church and lead a prayer meeting in their home. The press dubbed them the Overcomers. This group eventually moved to Jerusalem, where they did philanthropic work. They were beloved among the residents for their willingness to help not only Christians but Jews and Muslims. Horatio died of malaria at the age of 60 and is buried in Mount Zion cemetery in Jerusalem. 

 His daughter Bertha Spafford Vester, author of Our Jerusalem: An American Family in the Holy City 1881-1949, said the original hymn only had four stanzas. Later a fifth was added and the last line of stanza four was modified. In my research I found a total of six. This hymn is such an encouragement for those in the rough waters of life. No wonder It Is Well With My Soul has stood the test of time.

 Below are the first four verses. 

Verse 1 When peace, like a river, Attendeth my way,

 When sorrows like sea billows roll; 

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

 It is well, with my soul. It is well, it is well, with my soul.

 Verse 2

 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.

 It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.

 Verse 3 

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!

 It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.

 Verse 4 

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.

 It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Gaither video of It is Well With My Soul

 Check out this video. So beautiful.

 Have you sung this hymn before? 

Cindy Ervin Huff, is a multi-published award-winning author. A 2018 Selah Finalist. She has a passion to encourage other writers on their journey. When she isn’t writing, she feeds her addiction to reading and enjoys her retirement with her husband of 50 plus years, Charles. Visit her at www.cindyervinhuff.com. 

 

 

Cherishing Her Heart- newest historical release.