After almost 150 years, the hymn “Wonderful Words of Life” continues to resonate deep within the hearts of Christ-followers around the world. Philip Paul Bliss captured a way to describe the Scriptures with great simplicity.
The same composer also wrote “Jesus Loves Even Me,” “My Redeemer,” and “Wonderful Words of Life.” Let’s delve further into the life of a man who had the reputation of being deeply admired for his work in church music.
Who Wrote “Wonderful Words of Life”?
Dwight L. Moody has an amazing history of encouraging and investing in people’s lives. One of those individuals was Philip P. Bliss, who wrote the words and the music to “Wonderful Words of Life.”
Bliss published his first song in 1864. Four years later, he met Moody. In the introduction of P.P. Bliss, His Life and Life Work, edited by Major Whittle and W. Guest, Dwight L. Moody shared several paragraphs about Bliss.
“I could probably add nothing to the facts of his life that are here compiled, but I should like to tell something of how I loved and admired him.”
“I believe he was raised up of God to write hymns for the Church of Christ in this age, as Charles Wesley was for the Church in his day. His songs have gone around the world and have led and will continue to lead hundreds of souls to Christ.”
“In my estimate, he was the most highly honoured of God of any man of his time, as a writer and singer of Gospel Songs; and, with all his gifts, he was the most humble man I ever knew. I loved him as a brother, and shall cherish his memory, giving, praise to God for the grace manifested in him, while life lasts.” — D.L. Moody, Boston, February 1877.
In the article “Blessed Bliss” by Thomas E. Corts, you will read about this Pennsylvania farm boy whose musical training and schooling were minimal. His father loved to sing aloud, leaving Bliss wanting to whistle the same melodies. Bliss never heard a piano until he was 10.
When Bliss was 11, he left home and worked on farms and in lumber camps. While he was on the road, going to school where and when he could, he attended a revival. Bliss placed his faith in Christ and was baptized in a creek by a minister of the Christian Church.
By 18, Bliss was hired to teach school in Hartsville, New York. The following year, he received “his first systematic instruction in music.” Philip P. Bliss had natural musical abilities, which were developed further as he met people like D. B. Towner (“Trust and Obey”), W. B. Bradbury (“Sweet Hour of Prayer”), James McGranahan (“There Shall be Showers of Blessings”) and George Root (“Jesus Loves the Little Children”).
The connection with George Root, co-owner of Root & Cady of Chicago, landed the publication of Bliss’s first song, “Hold the Fire.” And as we would say today, he launched his career in church music.
In 1869, Bliss met D. L. Moody. By May 1870, Bliss was part of the traveling team along with Major D. W. Whittle. Moody would urge Bliss to go into full-time ministry, which he did. Eventually, he would meet Ira D. Sankey. Their collaboration brought the “Gospel Hymns and Sacred Songs in 1875.
Plans were discussed about going to Europe. But everything changed on the night of December 29, 1886, shortly after 7 p.m. Bliss and his wife, Lucy, were traveling by train to meet Whittle in Chicago. They left their children with a family member in Rome, Pennsylvania. As the train made its way through the snow, a horrible cracking sound came from a trestle. The lead engine and several other cars made it, but many people died when the railcars caught fire from the kerosene-heating stoves and plunged some 70 feet into the water.
Philip and Lucy were never found. Memorial services were held in Chicago, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
What Are the Lyrics to Wonderful Words of Life”?
Sing the words if you know the tune of this lively hymn, published in 1874. If not, sing along with the members of the Fountainview Academy.
Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see
Wonderful words of life.
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.
Refrain:
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.
Christ, the blessed One, gives to all
Wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call,
Wonderful words of life.
All so freely given,
Wooing us to heaven.
Sweetly echo the Gospel call,
Wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all,
Wonderful words of life.
Jesus, only Savior,
Sanctify forever.
Does “Wonderful Words of Life” Reference Any Bible Verses?
Liz Curtis Higgs calls Psalm 119 “a love song to God’s Word.” As you read the Psalm, look for a reference to the word wonderful.
For example, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law” (v. 18) or “Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them” (v. 129). Did these verses inspire the words to the hymn, “Wonderful Words of Life?” In the hymn books, usually, verse eighteen is referenced at the top of the song.
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 9:1 NIV)
“Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.” (Isaiah 12:5 NIV)
What Other Hymns Did Philip Bliss Write?
The inspiration for the hymn “Hold the Fort” came from a story shared by Major Whittle. He was an officer in the American Civil War. The story involves a small Northern force of soldiers confronted by a greater force of Confederate soldiers. At the precise moment, General Sherman rallied his troops with, “Hold the fort, I am coming. Sherman.”
The next day, Bliss brought his new hymn to the evangelistic meetings held at the YMCA. The hymn went on to be a favorite with the Moody-Sankey campaigns that were held in America and Great Britain.
Robert Raikes, 1736-1811, is often called the “founder of the modern Sunday School.” He reached the children engaged in child labor, finding ways to engage and teach them Biblical truths and how to read and write.
Music and children naturally go together like a hand and glove. The writers of the nineteenth century, such as Bliss, Sankey, Root, and Fanny Crosby, wrote simple tunes to reach and teach children about Christ.
“Jesus Loves Even Me” is one of those songs, based upon John 15:9. According to Kenneth W. Osbeck’s book 101 Hymn Stories: The Inspiring True Stories Behind 101 Favorite Hymns, “the hymn was written and composed by Bliss after attending a meeting where the hymn “O How I Love Jesus” was repeated frequently. The thought occurred to Bliss, “Have I not been singing enough about my poor love for Jesus, and shall I not rather sing of His great love for me?” Under the impulse of this thought, Philip Bliss composed this hymn, later to become one of the all-time favorite children’s hymns.”
“I Gave My Life for Thee” was written by Frances R. Havergal. The composer was Bliss. The hymn was dedicated to the Railroad Chapel Sunday School in Chicago, Illinois. It also appeared in Bliss’s Sunshine for Sunday Schools. The date for this hymn is 1873.
The hymn “It is Well with My Soul” was written by Presbyterian layman Horatio G. Spafford. Philip P. Bliss heard the story surrounding the life of Spafford and his family. After he read Spafford’s words, he wrote the music for it. Initially, the hymn was published in Gospel Hymns No. Two, in 1876.
At the time of the deadly train accident, “I’ve Passed the Cross” was a work in progress. Bliss had the tune and sang it to his family during their Christmas gathering. It was his last composition. His associates edited the song, and the music was composed by James McGranahan (1840-1907).
Philip P. Bliss also wrote, “The Light of the World is Jesus,” “Almost Persuaded,” “Let the Lower Lights be Burning,” and “Hallelujah! What a Savior!”
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Halfpoint
Laura Lee Leathers is a writer and speaker. Imagine Lois Lane, over sixty-five, and living on a farm. Her metropolis is the area of freelance writing. Her primary love interest is the Word of God. She digs for information, interviews fascinating people, offers a cup of biblical hospitalit-tea, encourages, and helps others with the ‘how-to’s’ of life. To sign up for her newsletter, connect with her at http://lauraleeleathers.com - - - “Helping You Flourish in Faith & Finish Well by His Word”
