This week's hymn, Like a River Glorious was written by Frances Havergal (1836-1879) – Frances was born into an Anglican family, at Astley in Worcestershire, 14 December 1836. Both her father, William Henry Havergal (1793–1870), and her brother, Henry East Havergal, were priests in the Church of England. In addition her father was a writer, composer, and hymnwriter. Her brother Henry, was also an organist.
When she was five, her father moved to the Rectory of St. Nicholas, Worcester. In August, 1850, she entered Mrs. Teed's school, who had a strong influence on her. In the following year she says, "I committed my soul to the Saviour, and earth and heaven seemed brighter from that moment." Following a sojourn in Germany where she studied, Francis' scholastic acheivements were extensive, embracing several modern languages, together with Greek and Hebrew. On her return to England, she was confirmed in Worcester Cathedral, 17 July 1853.
Francis wrote this hymn following a visit to Wales, in which she pointed to the source of her perfect peace: “Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed, finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.”
By drawing on 2 passages from Isaiah’s prophecy, Frances tells us how we can find peace. In Isaiah 48:18, God promises peace like a river. In Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah wrote: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You”.
In one of her last letters, Frances quoted Romans 5:1: “We have peace with God”. Then she added, as a note to her friend, “It is yours already, purchased for you, made for you, sealed for you, pledged to you, by the word of the Father and the precious blood of Jesus”.
▪ Click the embedded links to listen to the hymn
| ▪ | Click the embedded links to listen to the hymn |
