This
Philadelphian had some lofty goals as a 36-year old, particularly interesting
because she could have laid down and moped because of what befell her early in
life. It was a physical challenge and the resulting handicapped condition in
which Eliza Hewitt found herself that in part triggered her penmanship of “More
About Jesus” one year as she lay convalescing. So when she thought of more that
she wanted to do to allow God to mold her, no one would have blamed her if she
had begun by saying she would submit to Him if He’d first heal her physically. But,
reading what she wrote makes one think the opposite had dawned on her emotionally
and devotionally, almost as if she’d already acquired something from the Great
Healer, though still aggravated physically. Is her response typical or in fact
providential? See what you think.
Eliza
Edmunds Hewitt was a teacher, in more ways than one in 1877. She began as a
public school teacher soon after graduating from school herself with her class’s
highest honors, so it might have appeared her future as an educator was bright.
But, what happened soon thereafter, when a spinal condition—perhaps precipitated
by a student’s assault--laid her out, might have imperiled her status and prospects,
at least according to conventional wisdom. Yet, it is said her invalid
condition was what spurred her drawing closer to the God she wanted to serve.
She eventually recovered some, and reportedly was able to do still more in active
ministry. Apparently, though, she had discovered her true mission in life
during the extended recuperation. Hymn-writing and poetry were the foundations
of her remaining life, dedicated to teaching others through the pen that she
wielded so prolifically. So, when she wrote “More About Jesus” perhaps it was
the taste of this new undertaking that had Eliza seeking more of what He wanted
to reveal to her. Could it have escaped the attention of those who knew her
that she wasn’t grumbling, but instead glowing? She is said to have been
studying all about Jesus’ fulfillment of God’s promises, a process that
compelled her upbeat attitude and soothed what otherwise might have been
self-pity. That’s an outlook that
likewise teaches others who observe, though the source—Eliza, in this case—was unable
to stand before a blackboard with chalk in hand. She also had family and friends—still more
evidence of God’s care for the challenged, like Eliza—who no doubt cheered her
on. Edgar Stites, another well-known composer at the time, was Eliza’s cousin,
and Hewitt also became close friends with Fanny Crosby, perhaps the most conspicuous
hymn lyrics composer of that era.
God is
good! One might even conclude that He’s especially so with those who hurt but
soldier on to further His cause. Eliza Hewitt was clearly one of those, one who
wanted more of Him, despite her own tests. She didn’t limit what she wanted to
discover, perhaps as she savored Him for the first time and realized there was
more, much more. Just count how many ‘mores’ she pictured in just four verses.
Book knowledge (i.e. Bible); understanding His will daily; comprehending His
nature more completely; being intimately involved with His mission; and
visualizing in detail eternity with Him – these were just some of what she says
in this concise space. There’s more she must have suspected, but could not
verbalize. She went to meet Him forever in 1920. You think she found more then?
See more
information on the song story in these sources: The Complete Book of
Hymns – Inspiring Stories About 600 Hymns and Praise Songs by William J.
Petersen and Ardythe Petersen, Tyndale House Publishers, 2006; Amazing
Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions by Kenneth W. Osbeck,
Kregel Publications, 1990; and 101 More Hymn Stories, by Kenneth W.
Osbeck, Kregel Publications, 1985.
See here for the brief biography and a list of some 1,700 hymns
with lyrics authored by the composer: http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/h/e/w/hewitt_ees.htm
Also see this link, showing all four original verses: http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/m/o/r/a/morabout.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment