Hebrews 11:16
“Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”
The words to the hymn, “The Sweet By and By!” were written by Sanford Bennett and the music by Joseph Webster. Here is how it came to be written. Like many musicians, Joseph Webster was of an exceeding nervous and sensitive nature, and subject to periods of depression. Bennett found that he could usually raise his mood by giving him a new song on which to work.
One day he came into Bennett’s store in a depressed mood. He turned his back on Bennett without even speaking. Bennett was at his desk and turned toward Webster and said, “Webster, what is the matter now?”
“It’s no matter,” he replied, “it will be all right by and by.”
The idea came to Bennett like a flash of sunlight. He replied, “The Sweet By and By! Why would not that make a good hymn?”
“Maybe it would,” grumped Webster with an indifferent air.
Turning to his desk, Bennett penned the words as fast as he could write. He handed the words to Webster. As he read, his eyes kindled, and stepping to the desk, he began writing the notes.
Taking his violin, he played the melody and then jotted down the notes of the chorus. In less than thirty minutes from the time Bennett started to write the words, the two friends were singing the hymn.
There’s a land that is fairer than day,
and by faith we can see it afar,
For the Father waits over the way
to prepare us a dwelling place there.
refrain:
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
We shall sing on that beautiful shore
the melodious songs of the blest;
And our spirits shall sorrow no more –
not a sigh for the blessing of rest.
To our bountiful Father above
we will offer our tribute of praise,
For the glorious gift of His love
and the blessings that hallow our days.
To access Sweet By and By, this week’s free inspirational video from GloryScapes.com, please go to: http://www.gloryscapes.com/sweetbyandby in your browser or click on the image below.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil