The words were suggested by an illustration given by D. L. Moody in one of his sermons:
On a dark, stormy night, when the waves rolled like mountains and not a star was to be seen, a boat, rocking and plunging, neared the Cleveland harbor. “Are you sure this is Cleveland?” asked the captain, seeing only one light from the lighthouse. “Quite sure, sir,” replied the pilot. “Where are the lower lights?” “Gone out, sir.” “Can you make the harbor?” “We must, or perish, sir!” With a strong hand and a brave heart the old pilot turned the wheel. But, alas, in the darkness he missed the channel, and with a crash upon the rocks the boat was shivered, and many a life lost in a watery grave. Brethren, the Master will take care of the great lighthouse; let us keep the lower lights burning.
MUSIC. LOWER LIGHTS. There is awakening power in the tune and congregations love to sing it. It is especially effective when sung by a large number of voices. The chorus lends itself to interesting antiphonal effects in a special song service. Let the whole congregation sing the first phrase, a smaller group the second; the whole congregation again the third phrase, and the smaller group the last.
For comments on the author and composer, Philip P. Bliss, see [Hymn 442].
449. Lead me gently home, Father
Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909
Written by the author of “Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling.”
For comments on Will L. Thompson, who wrote both words and music, see [Hymn 456].
450. I know whom I have believed
Daniel W. Whittle, 1840-1901