One of the great hymns of the twentieth century, and one which attained immediate popularity, the author tells us, was “written for a Consecration Service at Boston University School of Religious Education in 1926.” The opening lines begin with a striking question and a significant answer:
“‘Are ye able,’ said the Master,
‘To be crucified with me?—’
‘Yea,’ the sturdy dreamers answered,
‘To the death we Follow Thee.’”
Many interesting stories have gathered around this hymn, written by Professor Earl Marlatt, then of the Boston University School of Theology. Among these stories, which he treasures, was one given to me by Professor Marlatt, with full permission to use the same. Therefore I give it in his own words: “One of my former students, serving as a chaplain in Sherborn Prison for Women, wrote me a letter to say that she had used this hymn in a Sunday vesper service at the prison. Two hours later she was called to the cell of one of the so-called ‘incorrigibles.’ The girl was very quiet now and soft-spoken.
“‘I suppose you were surprised to have me call for you,’ she said to the chaplain, ‘and I don’t wonder. I’ve never done much with religion. If I had I wouldn’t be here, probably. That song we sang tonight made me see what the things you believe can mean to people like me. Please tell your friend, that he’s never seen me, but he wrote that second verse for me.’
“She repeated the second verse from memory:
“‘Are ye able to remember,
When a thief lifts up his eyes,