The writer of this next hymn, Horatio G. Spoffard, lived in the mid-1800's.

Life had been good for the Spoffards while Horatio was an attorney. However,

in 1871 the great Chicago fire wiped out their wealth when the family's

massive real estate holdings were destroyed. Horatio decided to take the

children and his wife to Europe for a vacation to lift their spirits. While

there he planned to assist in the evangelistic crusade of Mr. Moody (replace

with Dwight Moody) . Spoffard stayed on to help with the crusades. But,

after the family vacation ended he sent his wife and four daughters back home

to America in Nov. 1873.

In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the ship was hit by another ship and

sank in 12 minutes. All 4 of the Spoffard daughters (were) drowned. Mrs.

Spoffard was among the few miraculously rescued.

Horatio Spoffard had had it all. Wealth, prestige and a beautiful healthy

family. He had lost so much.

But, not wanting to run from the searing grief. He headed out across the

same sea in which his children had perished.

He asked the captain to steer the same course as his daughter's ship had

steered. Horatio G. Spoffard stood on the ship's deck and peered over the

guardrail as it passed the approximate place where Taneta, Maggie, Annie and

Bessie had met their untimely deaths.

At that moment, the Holy and always Redeeming God met him and from the abyss

rose the comfort to pen the words of this song:

"When peace like a river attendeth my way

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, you have taught me to say

It is well, It is well with my soul..."

Like Horatio and Daniel stand at your guardrail, stare in the face of your

sorrow, and watch your sea billows roll. Then, let the color of grace warm

you and promise you that all is not lost-Look up, see grace, your Redemption

draweth nigh.

  It is Well With My Soul

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