I can remember driving to church on Sunday mornings with the radio tuned to a station that played a service at the Rescue Mission. This was the theme song that I remember so well being sung each week.
Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)
Sometime after [this] hymn became known I was at a service one evening and a young man told the story of his conversion. Poor and hungry, he had walked the streets for want of something better to do. He heard the singing at a mission; he went in; and before the service was concluded his heart broke in contrition.
“I was just ready to perish,” he said to me, “but that hymn, by the grace of God saved me.”
Rescue The Perishing
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.
Refrain
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.
Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting,
Waiting the penitent child to receive;
Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently;
He will forgive if they only believe.
Refrain
Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;
Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
Chords that were broken will vibrate once more.
Refrain
Rescue the perishing, duty demands it;
Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;
Back to the narrow way patiently win them;
Tell the poor wand’rer a Savior has died.
Refrain
Yup, on KFRN 1280 AM – Every time we would be in the car with Mom and Pop!
Lana, fun memories…
I’ve sung it with gusto many many times.
It’s sometimes so wonderful to read the verses carefully and then seeing them for the first time.
Lovella, Yep, with gusto for sure! blessings…
Fanny Crosby is one of my all time favorite hymn writers. I love that she said to a man who pitied her for being blind, (paraphrase) “But the first face I will see will be my Lord’s.” What a marvelous gift her hymns are to the Christian faith.
Elle, That is a great quote. Now she’s got the right perspective! blessings…
I grew up with that hymn! Fanny Crosby blessed us with many wonderful hymns. I love some of the new praise and worship music that contemporary artists and songwriters are giving us. However, there is comfort in hearing the old songs.
Myrna, I love both, also. blessings…
I hadn’t heard Fanny C’s background for writing that great hymn before. I agree w/ Myrna, nothing like hearing and singing old favorite humns. thanks for posting this Ellen.