The Story Behind 'It Is Well With My Soul' Makes The Classic Hymn Even More Powerful

Morris, what a beauteous idea! I shall figuratively sing along with you!

Thanks my friend SCPO Morris Ramsey for sharing the background of prosperous lawyer and devout Presbyterian church elder Horatio Gates Spafford, Sr.
In 1871 the Great Chicago fire had destroyed much of his business and their four-year-old son Horatio Gates Spafford, Jr. had died of Scarlet Fever.
His four daughters Annie, Maggie, Bessie, and Tanetta drowned on the family's cross Atlantic journey to England in 1873 in the wreck of the S.S. Ville du Havre when it was struck by an English vessel. He had sent them on a vacation trip to Europe while he wrapped up business in Chicago.

Horatio was on his way to meet his heartbroken wife, passing over the same sea that had just claimed the lives of his remaining children.

Image: The Spafford daughters, Annie, Maggie, Bessie, and Tanetta drowned when the S.S. Ville du Havre sank after it was hit by a British vessel enroute to Europe in November 1873; 1871 Horatio Gates Spafford, Jr

As Horatio passed over the are of the accident, he was grieving and the LORD reminded HIM of HIS grace and mercy and love. Horatio wrote the beloved hymn in his own grief.

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul
It is well
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

Live recording from the 2008 Together for the Gospel Conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkmrWgGy1zY


FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. CPL Dave Hoover SGT Mark Halmrast SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright

This is one of my favorite hymns. I've heard the story of it before but loved reading it again. Brings tears to my eyes.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul