Fanny Crosby was one of the most if not the most prolific hymn writer in history.  Having written over 8,000 hymns in her lifetime, her songs are found in almost every hymnal in America.  Growing up as a Baptist many of her songs are ingrained deep in my memory and my soul.  Her best known hymns are “To God be the Glory,” “All the Way My Savior Leads Me,” “Blessed Assurance,” and “I Am Thine, O Lord,” plus many others that would take way to long to mention.

The thing I most appreciate about her writing is the joy in Christ that is so evident.  If you didn’t know already Fanny was blinded by an incompetent doctor when she was only six weeks old.  She died just a month shy of her 95 birthday and this is what she said of her blindness: 

“It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.”

Over the past week I have been reading some of her lesser known hymns with the intention of putting new melodies to them for use in corporate worship.  My goal was to write the melodies in such a way that they seem familiar.  I would love for people to sing these songs and say, “I think I’ve heard that before.”  My first attempt at this is a song called “Blessed Redeemer.” 

Once I figure out (or Kristi figures out for me) how to post audio of it I’ll do it ASAP.  (Update: click for audio file here.) Here are the lyrics:

 

Blessed Redeemer, full of compassion,

Great is Thy mercy, boundless and free;

Now in my weakness, seeking Thy favor,

Lord, I am coming closer to Thee.

 

Refrain: Blessed Redeemer, wonderful Savior,

Fountain of wisdom, Ancient of Days,

Hope of the faithful, Light of all ages,

Jesus my Savior, Thee will I praise.

 

Blessed Redeemer, Thou art my Refuge,

Under Thy watch-care, safe shall I be;

Gladly adoring, joyfully trusting,

Still I am coming closer to Thee.

 

Blessed Redeemer, gracious and tender,

Now and forever dwell Thou in me;

Thou, my protector, Shield and Defender,

Draw me and keep me closer to Thee.

 

SDG