Fanny Crosby's Life-Story

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXVI.--1843-1903. OLDEST AND NEWEST HYMNS. I AM often asked, "Do you write as many hymns as ever ?" Perhaps not, quite: but this is owing to the fact that I spend so much time visiting churches in different parts of the country, and speaking, and reading my poems to audiences. My relations with Christian Endeavor Societies, and Young Men's Christian Associations, are also very intimate and friendly: and I often address them. I wear a gold badge of membership, presented me by one of the Railroad Branches of the Y. M. C. A.: and prize it more than as if it were studded with diamonds. How valuable such tokens are, when we feel that they come from the heart! I include in this chapter some of my earliest and some of my latest hymns: others can be found in various hymn-books. In one of those here published, it will be noticed, words and music are both by myself: but I have heretofore been content to write the words, and let others furnish the music. This is the only case in which I have departed from the rule. While writing my earlier poems, I did not attempt hymns: although my mind was often drawn in that direction. I greatly admired the grand productions of Watts, Wesley, Montgomery, and others: but it did not then occur to me that I could write hymns that people would care to sing. Still, I am convinced now, that events were shaping to make it possible for me to take up what proved to be my real life-work. Everything in this world is progressive, and courage and ambition are no exception to the rule. I seem to have been led, little by little, toward my life-work: and believe that the same fact will appear in the life of any one, who will cultivate such powers as God has given him, and then go on, bravely, quietly, but persistently,...