Philip P. Bliss, one of the more prolific hymn writers of the 1800’s, wrote so many of the hymns that are now well-loved the world over. Some of his songs are: Almost Persuaded, Dare to be a Daniel, Hallelujah! What a Saviour!, Hold the Fort, Jesus Loves Even Me, Whosoever Will, and Wonderful Words of Life.

In our human wisdom we would say that his life was cut off too soon. At 38 he and his family were coming home from visiting family for Christmas. The train crashed. Mr. Bliss survived the initial accident but died when he returned to the burning train to try and rescue his wife and children. To our eyes a tragedy, yet we must learn once again to trust God’s wisdom. Thank God for the legacy of godly hymns Mr. Bliss left for our encouragement and comfort.

The night be­fore that ter­ri­ble rail­road ac­ci­dent at Ash­ta­bu­la…he said to his au­di­ence, “I may not pass this way again”; then he sang a so­lo, “I’m Go­ing Home To­mor­row.” This in­deed proved pro­phe­tic of his own home go­ing.

~http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/b/l/i/bliss_pp.htm

This song, I Will Sing of My Redeemer, was found in Mr. Bliss’s luggage after the accident. What a wonderful way to leave this life – praising the Lord.

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered,
From the curse to set me free.

Refrain

Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer,
With His blood, He purchased me.
On the cross, He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story,
How my lost estate to save,
In His boundless love and mercy,
He the ransom freely gave.

I will praise my dear Redeemer,
His triumphant power I’ll tell,
How the victory He giveth
Over sin, and death, and hell.

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His heav’nly love to me;
He from death to life hath brought me,
Son of God with Him to be.