'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

"'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" is a Christian hymn with music by William J. Kirkpatrick and lyrics by Louisa M. R. Stead.[1] The lyrics were written in 1882. They appeared in Stead's Songs of Triumph.

'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
William J. Kirkpatrick
GenreHymn
TextLouisa M. R. Stead
Based onIsaiah 12:2
Meter8.7.8.7 with refrain
Melody"Trust in Jesus" by William J. Kirkpatrick
Published1882

The song is included in many hymnals and has been recorded by many artists.

History

The lyrics to "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" were written by Louisa M. R. Stead. Stead was born in Dover, England in 1850 and she converted to Christianity at the age of nine.[2] In 1871, at the age of 21, she immigrated to the United States, residing in Cincinnati, Ohio. That year, she attended a camp meeting in Urbana, Ohio where she felt the call of God to be a missionary to China, a call she had previously felt in her teenage years.[3] However, due to her health, she was unable to travel.[4] In 1875, four years later, she married and moved to New York City, where she had her daughter, Lily.[5]

When her daughter Lily was four years old, Stead and her family were visiting the Long Island Sound when they heard the frantic sounds of a drowning boy. Stead's husband jumped into the sound as an attempt save the child but, tragically, both died in the incident before both Stead and her daughter's eyes.[6] It is believed that this disaster provided the inspiration for the lyrics of the song.[7]

The hymn first appeared in Songs of Triumph, published in 1882 by the National Publishing Association for the Promotion of Holiness.[8] It was put to music by William J. Kirkpatrick, a Methodist gospel hymn writer who published over sixty hymnals.[9]

Lyrics

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know, "Thus says the Lord!"

Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me
'Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Refrain

Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

Refrain

I'm so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Refrain

References
  1. Osbeck, Kenneth (1985). 101 More Hymn Stories, Part 2. Kregel Publications. p. 91. ISBN 9780825434204.
  2. C., Hawn. "History of Hymns: "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus"". Discipleship Ministries. The United Methodist Church. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  3. "Hymns / Music :: Louisa M. R. Stead". Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  4. "Hymn Story: 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus". Hymns Illustrated. 9 April 2023. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  5. Vargo, Jerry. "Hymn History: 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus". Enjoying the Journey. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  6. "Who wrote the hymn 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus' and who composed the music?". Classical Music. BBC Music Magazine. 12 July 2022. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  7. "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus - Louisa Stead". Melody Publications. 1 October 2021. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  8. "Songs of Triumph: adapted to prayer meetings, camp meetings, and all other seasons of religious worship". Hymnary.org. The Hymn Society. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  9. Graves, Dan. "William J. Kirkpatrick, the Famous Hymnwriter, Was Born Today". Christian History Institute. Retrieved 21 April 2023.


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