Fanny Crosby was a prolific hymnist from the 1800’s. It is said that she had written over 8,000 hymns and gospel songs. Many of her songs are written in our church hymnal and are sung regularly. One of her hymns, “Rescue the Perishing” is written below. As you read it, think about the words and their significance.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 wanderer a Savior has died.
Chorus: Rescue the perishing, Care for the dying; Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.
Fanny Crosby loved sharing the Gospel with anyone who would listen. In 1869 she penned the words to “Rescue the Perishing.” When asked about the song, she explained, “It was written following a personal experience at the New York City Bowery Mission.” She went on to explain that she would go one night a week to talk to “her boys.” One night while speaking to them, she kept having the thought that there was a boy present who had wandered away from his mother and must be rescued that night, or he would be eternally lost. She made a plea to each boy that was there that night. At the end of the service, one of the young men came forward and said, “Did you mean me, Miss Crosby? I promised my mother to meet her in Heaven, but as I am now living that will be impossible.” She prayed with him and led him to Christ. As they finished, he said, “Now I am ready to meet my mother in Heaven, for I have found God.”
Source: Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions, Kenneth Osbeck
