The Ashtabula Disaster

by Stephen D. Peet

The choir meetings were always opened with prayer; he spoke and wrote personally to the members of the choir on the subject of religion; and he trained and improved them so that they sung from the impulse of loving and pious hearts. Dr. Goodwin bears testimony to his usefulness in this position, and says that Mr. Bliss’ services in the choir, rendered his ministry more earnest, pleasant and fruitful.

It was, however, in connection with the precious revival work that the genius of Mr. Bliss was brought to that higher flight which gave such a broad influence, and caused his song to be heard throughout the land. About six years ago, Major Whittle and he first ventured out in the gospel work. It was then that he began to put words to music, both of which had sprung from the deep melody of his own heart.

At a meeting held in Rockford, Ill., a story was told which thrilled him with its interest, and under the inspiration of it, he with a glowing heart, composed that noble song, “Hold the Fort,” which has done so much to arouse and cheer the Christian people in every land.

From this time his own hymns inspired the melody which he sang. There was the inspiration of a heart full of love, united to a voice rich and expressive of emotion. “The effect of his singing was wonderful.” “Melting in the fervor of his emotion, with tears filling his eyes, he sang his modest lyrics until every heart owned the spell.” He was the author of the most popular songs used in the Moody and Sankey meetings. Any one who has heard these, may know what power they have had in moulding character, and in stirring souls to a lofty devotion.

The hymns “What shall the harvest be,” “Whosoever will,” “More to follow,” “That Will be Heaven for me,” “Almost Persuaded,” were written by his pen, and the music inspired by his genius.

He also wrote the music of many other of the favorite hymns which have been sung by so many thousands. He wrote many of his songs upon the sudden inspiration of some incident. For instance, when Mr. Moody at one of his meetings told the story of the wreck of the steamer at Cleveland, and had said that it was because the lights on the pier were not burning, he was thrilled with the anecdote, and impressed with the truth it illustrated, at once wrote out that beautiful song, “Let the lower lights be burning,” and set it to music.

For the last three years, Mr. Bliss has given himself to the work of composing and singing for the revival meetings. This was done through the earnest persuasions of Mr. Moody. His success was very great. It was said at his funeral that probably no other man has ever reached so many hearts by song as he. Mr. Moody said: “This man who has died so young, his hymns are now sung around the world. Only a few days ago a book came to me from China, and there were his hymns—his hymns translated into Chinese. They are going into all the world—all around the world.”

Rev. Dr. Goodwin said that it was a joyful thought that, though dead, the brother’s work had just begun.

A little time ago a friend from South Africa had written how he stopped for a night’s rest in the Zulu country, when Brother Bliss’ song, “Hold the Fort,” burst upon his ear from a company of natives. Just so his influence for good would spread and increase.

Some of his songs seem to be almost prophetic of his death. The last one which he sang in the Tabernacle just before starting for the East was one which will always be associated with his name: