My Life and the Story of the Gospel Hymns

The autobiography of one of the most famous Christian songwriters and song leaders of all time, Ira D. Sankey. He tells of his travels and many years' association with Dwight L. Moody, the writing of his precious hymns and also the history of many of our most beloved hymns, such as: Luther's "Almighty Fortress," "At the Cross," "Almost Persuaded" and Spafford's story of how he wrote, "It is Well With My Soul," and many more. To quote from the introduction by Theodore Cuyler: "If ever a man was raised and endowed for a special work by our Divine Master, that man is Ira D. Sankey ... before his day psalms and hymns and spiritual songs had always been an important part of the services of religious worship throughout Christendom. But he introduced a peculiar style of popular hymns which are calculated to awaken the careless, to melt the hardened, and to guide inquiring souls to the Lord Jesus Christ ... he sang these powerful revival-hymns himself, and became as effective a preacher of the Gospel of Salvation by song as his associate, Dwight L. Moody, was by sermon. While he has had many successors, he was the pioneer." And in Mr. Sankey's own words: "Before sending forth this book on its mission I wish to express my thankfulness to Almighty God for having permitted me to live, move and have my being; for the promise which He hath given of eternal life through His name; and for the confidence that I shall be with Him by and by in the land where there is no more pain, sorrow or death, and where He shall wipe all tears from our eyes." Many songs discussed in this work will take on a different perspective when the reader understands the background - as well as the historic circumstances or the occasions which prompted the hymn to be written.