Martha Matilda (Brustar) Stockton (1821 – 1885) was the wife of Rev. W. C. Stockton of Ocean City, Cape May. Her hymn, "God loved the world of sinners lost" (The Love of God), in Laudes Domini, 1884, is dated 1871.

The music was composed by William Fischer.

In his youth, William G. Fischer (1835 - 1912) developed an interest in music while attending singing schools. His career included working in the book bindery of J. B. Lippencott Publishing Company, teaching music at Girard College, and co-owning a piano business and music store–all in Philadelphia. Fischer eventually became a popular director of music at revival meetings and choral festivals. In 1876 he conducted a thousand-voice choir at the Dwight L. Moody/Ira D. Sankey revival meeting in Philadelphia. Fischer composed some two hundred tunes for Sunday school hymns and gospel songs.

William Fischer

Refrain:
O ‘twas love, ‘twas wondrous love,
The love of God to me;
It brought my Saviour from above,
To die on Calvary!

E’en now by faith I claim him mine,
The risen Son of God;
Redemption by his death I find,
And cleansing through the blood.

Refrain

Refrain

Believing souls, rejoicing go;
There shall to you be given
A glorious foretaste, here below,
Of endless life in Heaven.

Refrain