Here is what some say is the true story of how the song "In The Sweet By And By" was written. Since it was written in 1868, fact-checking may be difficult but here goes...
The gifted Christian musician Joseph T. Webster was often tormented by deep feelings of depression. On one occasion, when he was in a melancholy mood, he received a visit from his close acquaintance Fillmore Bennett.
Knowing that one way to keep Webster from brooding over his problems was to interest him in writing a hymn tune, Bennett decided he’d try to pen some lyrics that would direct his friend’s thoughts heavenward.
The despondent man himself unwittingly supplied the theme, for when he was asked, “What’s the matter now?” he replied, “Oh, it will be all right by and by!”
“That’s true,” exclaimed Bennett, “trials do generate great glory for us in the sweet by-and-by!”
Inspired by this thought, he immediately sat down and wrote several poetic verses on the subject. When his friend read them, a new look of hope came into his eyes, and his whole attitude changed.
After jotting down some musical notes, Webster took up his violin and played the melody he had composed to fit the words. Within half an hour the enduring hymn “In the Sweet By-and-By” was born. _________________ The largest room in the world is the room for improvement. |
Acts-celerate Owner Posts: 6957 10/20/15 7:32 pm
|