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P. P. Bliss
1838 - 1876 Composer of "PAULINA " in The Book of Common Praise Philip P. Bliss (b. Clearfield County, PA, 1838; d. Ashtabula, OH, 1876) left home as a young boy to make a living by working on farms and in lumber camps, all while trying to continue his schooling. He was converted at a revival meeting at age twelve. Bliss became an itinerant music teacher, making house calls on horseback during the winter, and during the summer attending the Normal Academy of Music in Genesco, New York. His first song was published in 1864, and in 1868 Dwight L. Moody advised him to become a singing evangelist. For the last two years of his life Bliss traveled with Major D. W. Whittle and led the music at revival meetings in the Midwest and Southern United States. Bliss and Ira D. Sankey published a popular series of hymn collections entitled Gospel Hymns. The first book of the series, Gospel Songs, was published in 1874. Bliss's tragic death at the age of thirty-eight happened near the end of 1876. Philip P. Bliss and his wife were traveling to Chicago to sing for the evangelistic services led by Daniel W. Whittle at Dwight L. Moody's Tabernacle. But a train wreck and fire en route claimed their lives.
Bert Polman
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Bliss, Philip, b. at Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, July 9, 1838. In 1864 he went to Chicago in the employ of Dr. George F. Root, the musician, where he was engaged in conducting musical Institutes, and in composing Sunday School melodies. Originally a Methodist, he became, about 1871, a choirman of the First Congregational Church, Chicago, and the Superintendent of its Sunday Schools. In 1874 he joined D. W. Whittle in evangelical work. To this cause he gave (although a poor man) the royalty of his Gospel Songs, which was worth some thirty thousand dollars. His death was sudden. It occurred in the railway disaster at Ashtabula, Ohio, Dec. 30, 1876. ... Some of his verses have obtained wide popularity in most English-speaking countries. The more widely known, and specially those which are found in collections in use in G. Britain, are in the following American works:—
i. The Prize, 1870.
1. I should like to die. Death anticipated. This is one of his earliest compositions, and is unworthy of the position it holds.
2. Through the valley of the shadow I must go. Death anticipated.
3. Whosoever heareth, shout, shout the sound. Jesus the Way. Written during the winter of 1869-70 after hearing Mr. H. Moorhouse (from England) preach on St. John iii. 16.
ii. The Charm, 1871.
4. Almost persuaded now to believe. Procrastination. This was suggested by the following passage in a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Brundnge, Bliss being present at its delivery:—" He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, but to be almost saved is to be entirely lost."
5. Ho! my comrades! see the signal. Faithfulness.
6. O! Jerusalem, the golden city, bright, &c. Heaven.
7. On what Foundation do [did] you build? Christ the Foundation.
iii. The Song Tree, 1872.
8. Light in the darkness, sailor, day is at hand. Safety. This hymn, “The Life-Boat," has attained to great popularity. The incident upon which it is based, that of the rescue of a ship's crew by a life-boat, is given in detail by Mr. Sankey in his Sacred Songs, &c, No. 99 (large ed.). It is sometimes known by its refrain, "Pull for the shore," &c.
iv. The Joy, 1873.
9. In me ye may have peace. Peace.
10. To die is gain. Death anticipated.
v. Sunshine, 1873.
11. Down life's dark vale we wander. Death anticipated.
12. More holiness give me. For Holiness.
13. Only an armour-bearer. Soldiers of the Cross.
14. Standing by a purpose true. Faithfulness.
15. This loving Saviour stands patiently. Invitation.
vi. Gospel Songs, 1874.
16. A long time I wandered. Peace and Joy.
17. Brightly beams our Father's mercy. Mercy.
18. Come, brethren, as we march along. Praise.
19. Free from the law, O happy condition. Redemption.
20. Have you on the Lord believed? Fullness of Grace. This hymn arose out of the following circumstances :—" A vast fortune was left in the hands of a minister for one of his poor parishioners. Fearing that it might be sqmandered if suddenly bestowed upon him, the wise minister sent him a little at a time, with a note saying, “This is thine; use it wisely; there is more to follow.” Hence also the refrain ‘More to follow,’ by which the hymn is known."
21. How much owest thou? Divine Claims.
22. I know not the hour when my Lord will come. Death anticipated. Suggested by reading the book, The Gates Ajar.
23. See the gentle Shepherd standing. The Good Shepherd.
24. Though the way be sometimes dreary. Divine Leading.
25. Will you meet me at the fountain? Fountain of Living Water. The incident out of which this hymn arose is thus stated in The Christian, No. 365, "At the Industrial Exposition at Chicago it was an everyday appointment to meet at the Central Fountain. Mr. P. P. Bliss, whose mind seemed always set on things above, caught up the words, and wrote this hymn, 'Meet me at the Fountain.'"
vii. Gospel Hymns, No. 1, 1875.
26. One offer of salvation. The Name of Jesus.
27. Wandering afar from the dwellings of men. The Lepers.
viii. The International Lesson Monthly, 1875.
28. Weary gleaner, whence comest thou? Duty.
29. The whole world was lost in the darkness of Sin. Light of the world.
30. Man of sorrows! what a name. Redemption.
31. The Spirit, O sinner, in mercy doth move. Holy Spirit.
ix. Gospel Hymns, No. 2, 1876.
32. At the feet of Jesus. The good choice.
33. Come, sing the Gospel's joyful sound. Salvation.
34. Cut it down, cut it down. Justice and Mercy.
35. Do you see the Hebrew captive? Prayer.
36. Hallelujah, He is risen. Easier. Written in the spring of 1876 and first sung by Bliss on Easter afternoon, 1876, in the Court House Square, Augusta, Georgia, to 5900 people.
37. In Zion's rock abiding. Safety.
38. Repeat the story o'er and o'er. Grace and Peace.
39. Tenderly the Shepherd. The Good Shepherd.
x. Gospel Hymns, No. 3, 1878.
40. Hear ye the glad good news from heaven. Faith and Salvation.
41. I will sing of my Redeemer. Praise.
xi. Gospel Hymns, No. 4, 1881.
42. 'Tis known on earth and heaven too. More about Jesus.
xii. Various.
43. Sing over again to me. Words of Life. This appeared in a paper entitled Words of Life, 1874, The following are undated:—
44. March to the battle-field. Duty and Victory.
45. There is sin in the camp. Hinderances.
46. 'Tis the promise of God. Praise.
47. While the silvery moon-beams, fall, New Birth.
48. God is always near me. Omnipresence.
Two hymns," I am so glad that our Father in heaven," and " Sowing the seed by the daylight [dawnlight] fair," (sometimes given as " Sowing our seed in the morning fair ") are usually attributed to Mr. Bliss. In his Gospel Songs, Cincinnati, 1874, however, he lays claim to the music only. Mr. Sankey attributes this last to "E. A. Oakey." With the exception of No. 48, these hymns are given in Mr. Sankey's Sacred Songs & Solos, Pts. i. and ii. Their popularity is far beyond their literary merits, and is mainly due to the simple melodies to which they are wedded. As a writer of hymns of this class Mr. Bliss is second only to Mrs. Van Alstyne. Many anecdotes concerning hymns of this class are given in American Evangelists; an Account of their work in England and America, by the Rev. Elias Nason, Boston, U.S., Lathrop & Co., 1877.
Mr. Bliss is usually known as "P. P. Bliss." This is found on the title-pages of his collections. On his own authority, however, we are enabled to say that his name originally stood thus : “Philipp Bliss.” Early in life he separated the final p from his Christian name, constituted it a capital P, and thus produced "P. P. Bliss." (For this article we are mainly indebted to Professor F. M. Bird, and Mr. H. P. Main.)
-John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
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Bliss, Philip , p. 151, i. "Sowing the seed by the daylight fair" is in the Family Treasury , Edinburgh, 1861, pt. i., p. 84. It is said to be by Miss Emily Sullivan Oakey; born at Albany, N. York, Oct. 8, 1829, died May 11, 1883. Note also that Bliss's hymn, No. 43. on p. 150, ii., should read, "Sing them over again to me."
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, Appendix, Part II (1907)
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Bliss, P., p. 150, i. Two works have been brought to our notice, since the issue of our first edition of this Dictionary, which concern this author, viz.:—
1. Memoirs of Philip P. Bliss. Edited by D. W. Whittle. Contributions by Rev. E. P. Goodwin, Ira D. Sankey, and Geo. F. Root. Introduction by D. L. Moody. New York, &c.: A. S. Barnes & Co., 1877.
2. My Life and Sacred Songs. By Ira D. Sankey. With an Introduction by Theodore L. Cuyler, D.D). London: Hodder & Stoughton, and Morgan & Scott, 1906.
These works have a special interest for those who use I. D. Sankey's Sacred Songs & Solos, and all of P. Bliss's publications. To Mr. Sankey's My Life, &c, we direct special attention for P. Bliss's hymns:—
“Do you see the Hebrew captive kneeling?" p. 294.
"Down life's dark vale we wander." p. 285.
"Ho! my comrades, see the signal." p. 105.
"'Tis the promise of God full salvation to give." p. 99.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)
P. P. Bliss
A. L. Peace
1844 - 1912 Composer of "WATCHWORD" in In Excelsis for School and Chapel Albert Lister Peace DMus United Kingdom 1844-1912. Born at Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England, son of a warehouseman and woolstapler, he was extremely gifted as a musician, largely self-taught, playing the organ at Holmfirth Parish Church near Huddersfield at age nine. He married Margaret Martin Steel Gilchrist, and they had three children: Lister, Archibald, and Margaret. In 1865 he was appointed organist of Trinity Congregational Church in Glasgow, Scotland. He obtained his doctorate degree from the University of Oxford in 1875. He became organist at Glasgow Cathedral in 1879. In 1897 he succeeded William Best as organist at St George’s Hall, Liverpool. In later years he was in much demand to play the organ in recitals. He did so at Canterbury Cathedral (1886), Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent (1888), and Newcastle Cathedral (1891). He composed orchestrations, sonatas, cantatas, and concert and church service anthems. He was an arranger, author, and editor. He died at Blundelsands, Liverpool, England.
John Perry
A. L. Peace
Sarah Geraldina Stock
1839 - 1898 Person Name: Sarah G. Stock Author of "There's a fight to be fought, there's a work to be done" in The Book of Common Praise Stock, Sarah Geraldina, born Dec. 27, 1838, has devoted much time to literature with special reference to Mission work and Sunday Schools. Her prose publications include Lessons on Israel in Egypt, &c, 1874; The Child's Life of our Lord, 1879; Bible Stories from the Old Testament, &c, 1882, and others. Her hymns in common use include:—
1. A debtor! For the love of God unbounded. Missions. Written for the Church Missionary Almanack, 1878, and also issued as a C. M. S. leaflet.
2. Behind and Before. Departure of Missionaries. Written for India's Women, and sung for the first time at the dismissal of Church of England Zenana missionaries, Sep. 30, 1887. Since issued as a C. M. S. leaflet.
3. Called to Thy service, Lord. Holy Matrimony. Written for the marriage of Mr. W. Merry and Miss Grainger, of the "Home of Industry," Bethnal Green Road, London, March 14, 1889.
4. Coldly the wind is sweeping. For Workers. Published in the Church Sunday School Magazine, 1885.
5. Jesus! All-sufficiency. Teachers’ Devotional Meetings. Published in the Church Sunday School Magazine, 1882.
6. Lord of light, and Fount of love. Home Missions. Published in the Church Sunday School Magazine, 1875; in Hymns for Special Services, &c. Bemrose & Sons, &c.
7. Lord, Thy ransomed Church is waking. Home Missions. Written for the London February Mission, 1874, and published in the Church Sunday School Magazine, Feb., 1874, and subsequently in several hymn-books.
8. 0 Master! when Thou callest. Departure of Missionaries. Written for India's Women, and first sung at the Valedictory Meeting of the Church of England Zenana Society, Oct. 2, 1888.
9. Open stood the gates of heaven. Christmas. Published in the Church S. S. Musical Leaflets, No. 6, with music by C. H. Nottingham.
10. Shut out from heaven's glory. Harvest. Published in the same Leaflets, as No. 9.
11. The tender light of home behind. Departure of Missionaries. Written for India's Women, Sep. 1887, and first sung at the Valedictory Meeting of the Church of England Zenana Society, Sep. 30, 1887.
12. There's a fight to be fought, there's a work to be done. Missions. Written for the Church Missionary Gleaners' Annual Meeting, Nov. 1888, and issued as a C. M. S. leaflet.
13. We know not how the rays that stream. Holy Trinity. Written for the Church S. S. Magazine. Published in an abridged form as "We cannot read the mystery," in the Church Sunday School Hymn Book, 1868.
14. With voice of joy and singing. Thanksgiving. Written for the opening of Miss Annie Macpherson's "Home of Industry," Bethnal Green Road, London, 1887, and issued as a leaflet.
Of these hymns, Nos. 1, 7, 8, 11, and 12, were published in Eight Missionary Hymns and Poems, C. M. S., 1889. Miss Stock contributed 3 hymns to the "Golden Songs," which appeared in the Sunday School Union Sunday S. Chronicle, 1875; 7 for children to the Sunday at Home. She has also written several others on various subjects, which have been issued as leaflets. Her hymns are bright and musical, and should be sought out by hymnal compilers. Her poems are published as Joy in Sorrow, 1884. She died Aug. 29, 1898.
-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
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Stock, Sarah G., p. 1094, i. The following additional hymns by Miss Stock have come into common use, mainly through the Church Missionary Hymn Book, 1899; and Hymns of Consecration and Faith, enlarged edition, 1902:—
1. A cry as of pain, Again and again, [Claims of the Heathen.] Written for the C.M.S. Gleaners' Union Anniversary, Oct. 31, 1890, and printed in the Gleaner, June 1891, p. 90.
2. He shall reign o^er all the earth. [The World for Christ.] Actual date unknown.
3. Hear ye not the tramp of reapers? [For Gleaners’ Union Meetings.] Written for the Gleaners' Union Anniversary, 1889.
4. Jesus calls. He it is Who died to save thee. [Follow Jesus.] Written for the Gleaners' Union Anniversary, 1892, and printed in the Gleaner, Dec. 1892.
5. Let the song go round the earth. [Jesus Christ is Lord.] Praise for Salvation, Written in 1898 for the Church Missionary Hymn Book, 1899.
6. Lord of love, and truth, and grace. [Intercession for the Heathen.] Date unknown.
7. 0 when shall their souls find a rest? [Mighty to save.] Written for the Gleaners' Union Anniversary,1893.
8. Once Thy servants toiled in rowing. [Divine Guardianship.] Written for the Gleaner, and printed therein Feb. 1892, p. 18.
9. Round Thy footstool, Saviour, see. [Consecration for Service.] Written for a Ladies' Meeting at the C.M.S. House, c. 1896.
10. Some one shall go at the Master's word. [The Call of the Heathen.] Written for the Gleaners' Union Anniversary, 1893.
11. The love of Christ constraining. [Farewell of Missionaries.] Written for the Valedictory Meeting of the Church of England Zenana Society in 1891.
12. They are waiting everywhere. [The Call of the Heathen.] Written for the Gleaners' Union Anniversary, 1093, and printed in the Gleaner, Dec. 1893, p. 192.
13. Thy servants, Lord, are dear to Thee. [Intercession for Missionaries.] Date unknown.
14. Treasures we have gathered here. [For a Missionary Exhibition.] Written for the opening of the Birmingham Missionary Exhibition, Oct. 1896, and printed in the Gleaner Dec. 1896, p. 195.
15. We are children of the King. [Children's Mission Hymn.] Written for the C.M.S. "Sowers' Band," 1891.
The whole of these hymns were included in the Church Missionary Hymn Book, 1899, and Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5,7, and 10, in Hymns of Consecration and Faith, 1902.
These hymns are of a special Missionary character, as their titles indicate, and in them Miss Stock has maintained her reputation as a hymn writer. Her death took place at Penmaenmaur, Aug. 27, 1898. The above details are from MS. notes supplied to us by her brother, Mr. Eugene Stock.
We must add that on p. 1094, Nos. 2 and 11 are given as two distinct hymns. This is an error. No. 2, "Behind and Before," is the Title of No. 11, "The tender light of home behind."
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)
Sarah Geraldina Stock
