What Old-Time Hymn are These Words From? Quiz

Answer: Amazing Grace

The correct answer is 'Amazing Grace', one of the most popular hymns of all time. The hymn was written in 1799 by John Newton, a former slave trader and libertine, who did an about face and surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and became an evangelical Anglican priest.

However, the final verse of the hymn, which is featured in the question, was not written by Newton. It was actually written in 1852 by Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin'.

Here are the words to the Gospel classic 'Amazing Grace'.

"Amazing grace how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
was blind but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!

The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

When we've been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we'd first begun."

Answer: He Hideth My Soul

The correct answer is 'He Hideth My Soul', also known as 'A Wonderful Savior Is Jesus My Lord'.

The song was written in 1890 by Fanny Crosby, the American woman who was the undisputed queen of hymn writers in her day. William J. Kirkpatrick composed the music for the old-time classic. Cyberhymnal.org describes Crosby as "prob­ab­ly the most pro­lif­ic hymn­ist in his­to­ry." She is credited with writing more than 8,000 hymns and a number of them remain popular today. Crosby was a close, personal friend of U.S. President Grover Cleveland, according to a number of Websites.

Here are the words to 'He Hideth My soul':

"A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
A wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
Where rivers of pleasure I see.

Refrain:
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life with the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day.

[Refrain]

With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
And filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God
For such a Redeemer as mine!

[Refrain]

When clothed in His brightness, transported I rise
To meet Him in clouds of the sky,
His perfect salvation, His wonderful love
I'll shout with the millions on high.

[Refrain]"

Answer: Onward Christian Soldiers

The words are from 'Onward Christian Soldiers'

The old-time hymn is popular with Christians around the world and the Salvation Army is noted for using it in parades and street crusades. The words were written in England by Sabine Baring-Gould in 1865, and the music was composed by Arthur Sullivan in 1871, according to Wikipedia. The Website also states Baring-Gould wrote the world-famous hymn in about fifteen minutes.

Here are the words to 'Onward Christian Soldiers'.

"Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!

Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

[Refrain]

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

[Refrain]

What the saints established that I hold for true.
What the saints believèd, that I believe too.
Long as earth endureth, men the faith will hold,
Kingdoms, nations, empires, in destruction rolled.

[Refrain]

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ's own promise, and that cannot fail.

[Refrain]

Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.

[Refrain]"

Answer: Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

The correct answer is 'Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.' The hymn, extremely popular at Easter services around the world, was written by Charles Wesley in 1739. Cyberhymnal.org reports Wesley wrote 'Christ the Lord Is Risen Today' for the first wor­ship ser­vice at the Wes­ley­an Chap­el in Lon­don. Wesley is credited with writing more than 6,000 hymns and a number of them remain popular today. Charles Wesley and his brother John founded the Christian movement which became known as the Methodist denomination.

Here are the words to the old-time hymn 'Christ The Lord Is Risen Today':

"Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun's eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He's King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!"

Answer: Count Your Blessings

The correct answer is 'Count Your Blessings', a hymn written by Johnson Oatman in 1897. The music for the hymn was composed by Edwin Excell, a noted musician. Oatman, a native of Medford, New Jersey, is credited with writing 5,000 hymns. 'Count Your Blessings' is one of my favorites.

Here are the words to the old-time classic:

"When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

[Refrain]

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

[Refrain]

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

[Refrain]"

Answer: I'd Rather Have Jesus

'I'd Rather Have Jesus' was written by Rhea F. Miller in 1922. Miller was born in Brooktondale, New York, in 1894 and died in 1966 in Chilicothe, Ohio. She was the only child of her parents, Martin and Bertha Ross. Miller wrote the hymn as a tribute to her father Martin Ross, who at one time was a chronic alcoholic. According to various Websites, her father was able to become free of alcohol after he surrendered his life to Jesus and confessed Him as his Savior and Lord.

According to Wordwisehymns.com, Miller not only wrote the words for 'I'd Rather Have Jesus', she also composed the music. However, Canadian born George Beverly Shea, a noted musician with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, came across the words to the hymn, not knowing it had already been set to music. According to Wordwisehymns.com, Shea provided his own tune for the hymn, with which it is now identified.

Here are the words to the old-time classic:

"I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin's dread sway;
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I'd rather be true to His holy name

[Refrain]

He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He's sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He's all that my hungering spirit needs;
I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead

[Refrain]"

Answer: Blessed Assurance

The hymn is 'Blessed Assurance'. Written by Fanny Crosby in 1873, the hymn remains popular with Christians around the world after more than 140 years. Crosby was born March 24, 1820 in Brewster, New York, and was a household name in the English speaking world in the late 1800s and early 1900s. She died February 12, 1915, aged 94, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Her gravestone has the hymn title 'Blessed Assurance' etched on it.

Here are the words to the classic hymn:

"Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

[Refrain]

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

[Refrain]"

Answer: The Old Rugged Cross

The correct answer is 'The Old Rugged Cross'. George Bennard, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, wrote the popular hymn in 1912. According to Wikipedia, the hymn was popularized during Billy Sunday evangelistic campaigns by two members of his campaign staff, Homer Rodeheaver and Virginia Asher. It is believed Rodeheaver and Asher were the first to record 'The Old Rugged Cross' in 1921. Making the hymn different is the fact it tells of the writer's Christian experience rather than his love of Jesus Christ. Bennard retired to Reed City, Michigan, and Wikipedia reports the city maintains a museum dedicated to his life and ministry.

Here are the words to 'The Old Rugged Cross'.

"On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff'ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain:
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

Refrain:

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Refrain:

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He'll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.

Refrain:"

Answer: His Eye Is On the Sparrow

'His Eye is on the Sparrow' is an ever-popular hymn, especially among African American Christians. Many people believe the hymn originated among Negro slaves in the southern United States, but Wikipedia reports the song was written by Civilla D. Martin, a Caucasian woman from Canada. Wikipedia reports Martin's husband Walter Stillman studied theology at Harvard University and served as a Baptist minister. The two collaborated on a number of hymns which remain popular in evangelical Christian churches around the world.

Here are the words to the Gospel hymn 'His Eye is On the Sparrow':

"Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain:
I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

'Let not your heart be troubled,' His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

[Refrain]

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

[Refrain}"

Answer: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Robert Robinson wrote the words to 'Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing' in 1757 when he was 22 years old. According to the Website Sharwefaith.com, Robinson became a Christian shortly after he attended a crusade meeting in London with some of his drunken friends with the goal of heckling the preacher. It is believed two lines in Verse 3 of the hymn are autobiographical. The two lines state, "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love."

Here are the words to the hymn 'Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing':

"Come, thou Fount of every blessing,
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,
mount of thy redeeming love.

"Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
hither by thy help I'm come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger,
interposed his precious blood.

"O to grace how great a debtor
daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart, O take and seal it,
seal it for thy courts above."