497. Rescue the perishing
Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915
A rallying song for Christian workers in all parts of the world. This is the only one of Fanny Crosby’s hymns to be included in the famous English publication, Hymns Ancient and Modern. It was a great favorite of Frances E. Willard and Frances Murphy, temperance crusaders, and D. L. Moody was very fond of it.
The hymn had its origin in a visit which the blind poet made to one of the worst slum districts in New York City. When she addressed the men at a rescue mission, Miss Crosby heard harrowing tales of lost and perishing people. She wrote:
“While I sat there that evening the line came to me, ‘Rescue the perishing, care for the dying.’ I could think of nothing else that night. When I arrived at my home, I went to work at once, and before I retired the entire hymn was ready for a melody.”
For comments on Fanny J. Crosby see [Hymn 313].
MUSIC. RESCUE was composed by Dr. Doane for this hymn. The hymn and tune have resounded through many thousands of mission services.
For comments on Wm. H. Doane see [Hymn 313].