Today marks the 109th anniversary of the passing of one of America’s greatest composers/hymnists. She exited this earth and was, after a near-lifetime of blindness because of a poor choice by her physician to treat a simple element with a “hot mustard” salve, finally able again to see the wondrous love for which she wrote. Frances Jane Crosby Van Alstyne wrote many-a-hymn that is still recognizable in the ear as well as in the ear of the mind. This is not one of those that is as popular now as it was when she wrote it. In fact, this lyric that was once one of her most beloved texts (is now largely fallen out of use).
Behold, behold the wondrous love
That ever flows from God above
Through Christ His only Son who gave
His precious blood our souls to save.
All praise and glory be unto Jesus
For He hath purchased a full salvation;
Behold how wondrous the proclamation,
Whosoever will may come!
Behold a fountain in His side,
To all the world is opened wide;
Where all may come, by sin oppressed,
And find in Him sweet peace and rest. [Refrain]
Behold Him now exalted high
Above the bright and starry sky;
Yet through His Word He calleth still,
Come unto Me, whoever will. [Refrain]
Behold in Him the Living Way,
That onward leads to endless day;
Where, saved by grace, the ransomed throng
Lift up the everlasting song. [Refrain]
The Spirit and the Bride say, Come
And find in Him sweet rest and home;
Let him that heareth echo still,
The blessed “whosoever will may come…”
I hope one day that if you live anywhere close to Tyler, TX, you will get an opportunity to see my friend Shellie O’Neal’s captivating portrayal of Ms. Crosby. It will certainly transform the way you might see her in light of the amazing body of work and sheer volume…but as well for the love Ms Crosby shared so freely with so many. I hope that I’ll be able to share soon some information that we’re cooking up for a festival of Hymn-singing, with a focused eye toward Ms. Crosby, complete with having Ms. O’Neill with us to share this incredible experience.