Words:                John Greenleaf Whittier. 1807-1892

Music:                 Frederick C. Maker. 1844-1927

         “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Matthew 6:12

         John Greenleaf Whittier  is a renowned American poet. He did not finish high school, but his hymns are found in most scholarly hymnals.  Whittier said of himself, “I am really not a hymn writer for the good reason I know nothing of music.” His view of a hymn poem is revealed when he wrote, “A good hymn is the best use to which poetry can be devoted, But I do not claim that I have succeeded in composing one.”

         Whittier was a Quaker and, therefore knew little about church music. His theology and church taught him to lead a quiet, Godly life in dress, speech and writings. While an outstanding poet penned this great hymn, it is probable that he never heard it in church, because at that time, the Quakers did not permit singing in their service. Whittier once said, “Two hundred years of silence has taken all the sing out of the Quakers.” Here is a standard quote about John Greenleaf Whittier, “He left upon our literature the stamp of genius and upon our religion the touch of sanilty.”    

         Prayer Focus: May we learn from scripture and this hymn to slow down,  be quiet and let our ordered lives confess the beauty of of Thy peace. Amen.

-From “A Hymn A Day.”

 

–Graham McKay lives in Spring Hill, TN