Trust in Jesus
Edgar Stites |
The lyrics to “Trusting Jesus” wre written by Edgar Page
Stites (1836–1921). Stites was of English descent and was born
at Cape May, New Jersey, where his ancestors had settled after
coming over on the Mayflower. Edgar was converted to
Christ at the age of 19 during the great revival of
Philadelphia, often called the Awakening of 1857 and 1858.
Shortly thereafter, he joined the Methodist Church of Cape May
and became a local “lay pastor.” As a home missionary, he also
was involved in the starting of new churches in the South Jersey
area. In 1869, Stites, along with other Methodist ministers and
laymen, founded the “Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association” to
run a Methodist camp meeting south of Ocean Grove, New Jersey.
By 1875, the camp was quite active. Popular hymn writers of the
day would visit each summer: Ira D. Sankey, William H. Doane,
William J. Kirkpatrick, John R. Sweeney, Eliza E. Hewitt, Fanny
Crosby, and others.
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Ira Sankey |
The melody was composed by Ira D. Sankey (1840 – 1908). Sankey, born in
Pennsylvania, was an amateur singer and church worker when he was
recruited by Moody in 1870, after the latter heard him sing at a
convention. Until Moody's death in 1899 the two campaigned together,
Moody preaching while Sankey sang both old and new hymns, inspired by
writers such as Fanny Crosby and Philip Bliss. Sankey also became a
prolific composer of hymn tunes, and a compiler and editor of popular
hymn collections, in particular Sacred Songs and Solos and
Gospel Hymns and Sacred Songs. The proceeds from these publishing
ventures were used for a range of charitable purposes. He was inducted
into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1980.
Lyrics by
Edgar Stites
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Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain:
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain |
Singing if my way is clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain
Trusting Him while life
shall last,
Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain
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