H.G. Spafford lived in Chicago with his wife and four daughter. Their home was destroyed in the Chicago fire of 1871. During this time of tragedy and sorrow, Mr. Spafford was known for his many deeds of special kindness to those in need. He suffered financial loss in 1873, and in November of that year decided to take his family on a visit to Europe. While preparing to leave for his trip, he was called away on business. He sent his wife and four daughters to Europe, promising to meet them later. Mr. Spafford did not realize that he would never see his children again here on earth. In the blackness of a November night, their steamship collided with another vessel and sank in the Atlantic Ocean. Over two hundred people lost their lives, and among them were Mr. Spafford’s four daughters. Back in Chicago, he heard that the ship had gone down and waited for a message from his wife. When the message came it read, “Saved alone.” He then realized his four precious children had drowned. He took a ship to Europe to join his wife, and while on the way the ship passed over the place where his children had died. It was here with a broken heart and a mighty faith in God that he wrote, “It Is Well With My Soul.”
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.