Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers

[Vicki]

How Far From Home and I Saw One Weary are two of my favorite hymns. I'm with Sybil, I don't know the last one posted, but, I can't read music. I will have to ask Glen to teach it to us. 

[Elder John Thurber]

Thanks Vicki, This one is beautiful to sing, Hope You enjoy it. Brother John

O Brother, Be Faithful

“…..”Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Revelation 2:10

Uriah Smith

1.  O brother, be faithful! Soon Jesus will come,
     For whom we have waited so long;
     O, soon we shall enter our glorious home.
     And join in the conqueror’s song.
     O brother be faithful! For why should we prove
     Unfaithful to Him who hath shown
     Such deep, such unbounded and in-finite love--
     Who died to redeem us His own.

2.  O brother, be faithful! The city of gold,
     Pre-pared for the good and the blest,
     Is waiting its portals of pearl to un-fold,
     And welcome thee into thy rest.
     Then, brother, prove faithful! Not long shall we stay
     In wearyness here, and forelorn,
     Times dark night of sorrow is wearing away,   
     We hast to the glorious morn.

3.  O brother be faithful! He soon will descend,
     Creation’s omnipotent King,
     While legions of angels His chariot attend,
     And palm wreaths, of victory bring.
     O brother be faithful and soon shalt thou hear
     Thy Savior pronounce the glad word,
     Well done, faithful servant, thy title is clear,
     To enter the joy of thy Lord.

4.  O brother, be faithful! Eternity’s years
     Shall tell of thy faithfulness now,
     When bright smiles of gladness shall scatter thy tears,
     A coronet gleam on thy brow.
     O brother, be faithful! The promise is sure,
     That waits for the faithful and tried;
     To reign with the ransomed, immortal and pure,
     And ever with Jesus abide.

Uriah was born May 2, 1832 in West Wilton N.H. A big follower of William Miller, but lost interest when Jesus didn’t come, However he was reconverted in 1852. He joined the staff of the review and  Herald, this began a period 50 years of denomination service. He edited the Review, He was an accomplished writer, and a deep student of the Word. He was Secretary of the General Conference for five different periods totaling 21 years. Also Treasurer for one year. He was best known as the author of  “Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation.” What a man of God. S.D.A. Hymnal No. 602 - John Thurber 2012

[Elder John Thurber]

NOT I, BUT CHRIST
                                                                                                                                   
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” Galatians 2:20

Fanny E. Bolton                                                                      Fannie E. Bolton

1. Not I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted;
    Not I, but Christ, be seen, be known, be heard;
    Not I. but Christ, in every look and action,
    Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word.

2. Not I, but Christ, to gently soothe in sor-row,
    Not I, but Christ, to wipe the falling tear;     
    Not I, but Christ, to lift the weary burden,
    Not I, but Christ, to hush away all fear.

3. Christ, only Christ! no Idle words e’er falling,
    Christ, only Christ; no needless bustling sound;
    Christ, only Christ; no self important bearing;
    Christ, only Christ; no trace of I be found.

4. Not I, but Christ, my every need supplying,
    Not I, but Christ, my strength and health to be;
    Christ, only Christ, for body, soul, and spirit,
    Christ, only Christ, here and eternally.

Frances (Fannie) Bolton  joined the seventh-day Adventist church in Chicago, while working for the news paper. She traveled with Ellen White to Australia and came home early. She later confessed she felt unworthy of her task. She died at Battle Creek on June 28, 1926. This hymn is No. 570 in our S.D.A. Hymnal - John Thurber 2012

[Mimi]

I love this hymn, Elder Thurber!

[Elder John Thurber]

Yes Sybil I feel Not I, but Christ takes all of self out of the question and gives Christ all the glory.

HOLD FAST TILL I COME

Behold I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. Revelation 3:11

F. E. Belden                                                                                    F. E. Belden

1.  Sweet promise is given to all who believe
     Behold I come quickly, Mine own to receive;
     Hold fast till I come; the danger is great;
     Sleep not as do others; Be watchful, and wait.

2.  We’ll watch unto prayer with lamps burning bright;
     He comes to all others a thief in the night.
     We know He is near, but know not the day
     As spring shows that summer is not far away.

3.  Yes this is our hope, ‘tis built on His word
     The glorious appearing of Jesus our Lord;
     Of promises all, it stands as the sum:
     Behold I come quickly, hold fast till I come.

Refrain

     Hold fast till I come; sweet promise of heaven
     The kingdom restored, To you shall be given.
     Come enter my joy, sit down on My throne;
     Bright crowns are in waiting; hold fast till I come.

This hymn appears in Hymns and Tunes, 1886, both words and music being composed by F. E. Belden who again uses simple, easy to sing harmony and melody to express the injunction to the church of Philadelphia to endure to the end.  S.D.A. Hymnal No. 600 - John Thurber 2012
 

[Elder John Thurber]

While I was in college and since then, this is my all time favorite hymn that stil gives me a desire to renew my committment to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Am I the only one?   

COVER WITH HIS LIFE

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when He has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him James 1:12


F.E. Belden                                                                                     F. E. Belden

1.  Look upon Jesus, sinless is He; Father,
     impute His life unto me.
     My life of scarlet my sin and woe,
     Cover with His life, whiter than snow

2.  Deep are the wounds transgression has made;
     Red are the stains; my soul is afraid.
     O to be covered, Jesus, with Thee,
     Safe from the law that now judgeth me!

3.  Longing the joy of pardon to know;
     Jesus holds out a robe white as snow;
     “Lord, I accept it! Leaving my own,
     Gladly I wear Thy pure life alone.”

4.  Reconciled by His death for my sin,
     Justified by His life pure and clean,
     Sanctified by obeying His word,
     Glorified when returneth my Lord.
Refrain
     Cover with His life, whiter than snow;
     Fullness of His life then shall I know;
     My life of scarlet, my sin and woe,
     Cover with His life, whiter than snow.

A hymn on Law and grace that teaches the doctrines of Reconciliation,
 Justification, Sanctification, and soon Glorification when Jesus returns for us. What a beautiful inspired hymn by F. E. Belden Church Hymnal No. 412
John Thurber 2012                   

[Vicki]

Beautiful.

[Mimi]

Am I the only one?   

This song always brings me to tears. We sing it almost every single Sabbath for SS song service. Because I accompany with piano, it is one of the few songs I join in singing alto.  Oh how I love it! 

[Dora]

Sybil, I love ALL of Frank Belden's music, as well as the other pioneers, but his is special! You know I compile church history articles, and two weeks ago we did a presentation in Sabbath School on Belden and his music. But, it makes me so sad to read of the problems he and the GC had, and of how he left the church. In our Companion Hymnal it says something like, "He left the church, but did not leave God...."or something to that effect. I pray that is true....How wonderful to hear his music sung in Heaven. I pray that he did follow his admonition to "Hold fast 'til I come..." if only in his heart...for Jesus knows.

[Elder John Thurber]

We have a few more hymns from Belden with many themes, After his last hymn, I plan to give a full page about what happened to his problem with royalties. I have searched the whole thing. But there is no doubt that God gave him a very special gift. Friend John

[Richard Myers]

It is interesting to read about these hymns. Two things are happening in my mind. First, I realize I am not the only one who loves simple hymns. It is so sad to see many who do not appreciate them, especially because they are so much pointing to the important truths Christ has entrusted to us.

Secondly, I realize that I am a Seventh-day Adventist. These hymns are among my favorites, and they are really ours. How many of them have made it into other churches? How very sad if Not I, But Christ is not known by most Christians. Or, Oh Brother Be Faithful, or How Far From Home, or Cover With His Life. These hymns are part of who I am.  They help shape my understanding of God and they continually point me to Him and His promises.

Thank you, Friend John, for sharing. Many will be blessed as we are today.

[Elder John Thurber]

LET EVERY LAMP BE BURNING

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to the ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Matthew 25:1

F. E. Belden                                                                F. E. Belden

1.  Let every lamp be burning bright,
     The darkest hour is nearing;
     The darkest hour of earth’s long night,
     Before the Lord’s appearing,

2.  Though thousands calmly slumber on,
     The last great message spurning,
     We’ll rest our living faith upon
     His promise of returning.

3.  His word our lamp, the truth our guide,
     We cannot be mistaken;
     Though dangers rise on every side.
     We shall not be forsaken.

4.  Then let good works with faith appear,
     To help the world around us;
     Obedience brings the blessing near
     When faith has firmly bound us.
Refrain
     Then trim your lamps, my brethren dear,
     Then trim your lamps with godly fear;
     The Master’s coming draweth near,
     Let every lamp be burning.

The parable of the 10 Virgins is obviously the source of inspiration for this gospel song by F. E. Belden. It appeared in ’Hymns and Tunes’ and alludes to other scriptures apart from the parable. Hymn No. 595 - Church Hymnal
John Thurber 2012 
     

[Mimi]

I do not know this one, Elder Thurber. Back again to the hymnal! 

[Dorine]

This last song goes back to happy memories of my childhood. Especially of prayer meetings which our family never missed.

[LindaRS]

I've sung that one, but don't know it very well. I love Beldon's hymns. They all have a message missing in so many of the modern songs.

[Elder John Thurber]

Dorene and Linda thank you for sharing, I agree with you. Friend John
We’LL BUILD 0N THE ROCK

“Now everyone who hears these sayings of mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand; and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on the house; and it fell.” Matthew 7:26,27

F. E. Belden                                                                                  F. E. Belden
 
1. We’ll build on the Rock, the living rock,
     On Jesus the Rock of Ages;
     So shall we abide the fearful shock,
     When loud the tempest rages

2.  Some build on the sinking sands of life,
     On visions of earthly treasure;
     Some build on the waves of sin and strife,
     Of fame, and worldly pleasure.

3.  O build on the Rock for ever sure,
     The true and the firm foundation;
     Its hope is the hope which shall endure,
     The hope of our salvation.
Refrain
     We’ll build on the Rock,
     We’ll build on the Rock;
     We’ll build on the Rock, on the solid Rock
     On Christ, the mighty Rock.

Mathew 7:24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to the wise man who built his house on the Rock.”
Belden knew God’s Word and was inspired to put it to music. S.D.A. Church Hymnal No.531 - John Thurber 2012

[Elder John Thurber]

‘TIS LOVE THAT MAKES US HAPPY

My little children, let us not love in word….but in deed and in truth,
1 John 3:18

F. E. Belden                                                                                    F. E. Belden

1.  ’Tis love that makes us happy, ’Tis love that smooth’s the way;
     It helps us mind, it makes us kind To others every day.

2.  This world is full of sorrow, Of sickness, death, and sin;
     With loving heart we’ll do our part, and try some soul to win;

3.  And when this life is over And we are called above
     Our song shall be, eternally, Of Jesus and His love.

Refrain

     God is love; we’re His little children.
     God is love; we would be like Him.
     ’Tis love that makes us happy.
     ’Tis love that smooth’s the way;
     It helps us mind it makes kind
     To others every day.

Belden wrote 30 songs for children’s Sabbath school, and published 56 songs for children in the “Christ In Song” Hymnal. This song has been used in many children’s divisions at camp meetings by the Voice of Prophecy Quartet for many, many, years.
S, D. A. Hymnal No. 579 - John Thurber 2012   
   

[Richard Myers]

Never thought of this as being a Seventh-day Adventist song. Amazing! Thank you, again, dear brother! Such a blessing to be reminded that God has been leading a people for a long time.

[Elder John Thurber]

WHOLLY THINE

“Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord, that He may bestow on you a blessing this day,…” Exodus 32:29

F. E. Belden                                                                                    F. E. Belden

1.  I would be dear Savior wholly thine;
     Teach me how, teach me how;
     I would do Thy will, oh Lord not mine;
     Help me, help me now.

2.  What is worldly pleasure, wealth, or fame,
     Without Thee, without Thee?
     I will leave them all for Thy dear name,
     This my wealth shall be.

3.  As I cast earth’s transient joys be-hind,
     Come Thou near, come Thou near;
     In Thy presents all in all I find
     ‘Tis my comfort here.

Refrain

     Wholly Thine, Wholly Thine,
     Wholly Thine, this is my vow;
     Wholly Thine, Wholly Thine,
     Wholly Thine, O Lord, just now.

This beautiful Belden hymn teaches the importance of total commitment in these last days before Christ very soon return. Church Hymnal No. 308
John Thurber 2012   

[Elder John Thurber]

I WILL SING OF JESUS’ LOVE

“But I will sing of your power; Yes I will sing aloud of your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.
Psalm 59:16


F. E. Belden                                                                                    F. E. Belden

1.  I will sing of Jesus love;
     Sing of Him who first loved me
     For He left bright worlds above.
     And died on Calvary.

2.  O the depths of love divine!
     Earth or heaven can never know
     How the sins as dark as mine
     Can be made as white as snow.

3.  Nothing good for Him I’ve done;
     How could He such love bestow?
     Lord,  I own my heart is won,
     Help me now my love to show.

Refrain

     I will sing of Jesus love,
     Endless praise my heart shall give
     He has died that I might live
     I will sing His love to me.

In this hymn Belden has caught the spirit of the psalmist (Psalm 59:16)  God’s love and protection to His children, and then in Ephesians 1:7 “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace,”  What a Lord and Savior we have to see us through to the kingdom in these last days. Praise His Name, Amen. No.183 in the S.D.A. Church Hymnal
John Thurber 2012