Lord’s Day, Vol. 6 No. 31

(1) Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour

– Revival Hymns and Chorus No. 306

Pass me not, O gentle Saviour,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

 Refrain:
Saviour, Saviour,
Hear my humble cry,
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

 Let me at Thy throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition,
Help my unbelief.

 Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace.

 Thou the spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me,
Whom have I on earth beside Thee,
Whom in Heav’n but Thee.

“Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour,” written in 1868, was according to some authorities, inspired by the prayer “Saviour, do not pass me by,” which Miss Crosby (1820-1915) heard a penitent pray at a mission. Within six years this prayer hymn was called the “most popular song in the Moody-Sankey meetings in London.” It was the first hymn of Fanny Crosby to receive worldwide attention.

The hymn well expresses the thoughts and attitudes that characterize the sinner who is sincerely seeking divine forgiveness and healing. There is a proper emphasis on humility and contrition, the penitent importing and pleading rather than demanding pardon or lightly passing over his sin. On the other hand, we see the true character of our Lord as the One who is not only able but willing to give comfort and spiritual relief to those who forsake and repent of their sin and unbelief. Our only basis for coming to God is “Thy throne of mercy”, “Thy merit,” and “Thy grace.”

Because of the great volume of her poetic output, more than 8000 hymns, critics have charged that she “sacrificed quality for quantity.” As hymnologist S.W. Duffield said, “It is more to her credit as a writer that she has occasionally found a pearl than that she has brought to the surface so many oyster shells.” Nevertheless, we are indebted to her for these “pearls,” for they have been an instrument for the conversion of many sinners and the encouragement and edification of many saints.

The tune PASS ME NOT was composed also in 1868, by William H. Doane, devoted friend of Miss Crosby. Born in Preston, Connecticut, on February 3, 1832, he received training from outstanding American and German masters. He was active as a Sunday school worker and as a successful businessman, editor, and composer. Denison University awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1875. Doane died in South Orange, New Jersey, on December 24, 1915, at the age of eighty-three.

[Extracted and edited from Treasury of Great Hymns  by Guye Johnson]

(2) Our Upper Room

Since 1 July 2018, the Lord has provided for a room for our Mandarin Outreach on Sunday morning 10am-11am, Youth Meeting for every first Saturday of each month, Young Adult Fellowship for every fourth Saturday of each month, Youth Sunday School class and Choir practice on Sunday after Worship Service, Bible Study on Thursday afternoon for our Mandarin Outreach. A place of prayer and quiet before God.  It is called The Upper Room.

A note of special thanks to the Building Management to help prepare the room with a new coat of paint, new curtains, new air-conditioner, new ceiling with special padding added that dampens the sound of the air-conditioner. A contractor was engaged to lay the carpet. Thank God for the provision of an organ that a brother-in-Christ, knowing the need, offered for our use. There is also an adjacent room for the pastor’s office. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.

(3) God Saved a Precious Soul

 On Thursday, 2 August 2018, there was a Bible Study for our Mandarin outreach brethren. Mrs Chan is attending catechism class preparing for baptism. Mr Lim Seek Kwang (Hazel’s father) joined the class together with Mrs Lim. The gospel was shared with Mr Lim. He received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour. Praise the Lord for granting him faith (Romans 10:9-10). We sang the John Sung chorus “What a Wonderful Saviour” in thanksgiving. Mr Lim has been attending our English Service for the past 5 months with translation into Mandarin by Sister King Hwa. May the Lord help Mr Lim to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee