Halie Wetherington
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Horatio Spafford, an American lawyer born in 1828, was the author behind the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul.” Although this tune is relaxing and comforting, the lyrics were written in a time of distress for the author. Spafford was a successful businessman, with a wife, four daughters and one son. He owned several properties across the state of New York, and was doing well for himself and his family.
In 1870, devastation struck the Spafford household and would continue for years to come. His only son tragically passed away at four years old from scarlet fever. The following year, the Great Chicago Fire took away several of Spafford's properties, leaving him with almost nothing. In 1873, he sent his wife and daughters on a vacation, joining them once he was done with some business in New York. However, he was only able to join his wife as his four daughters were all taken by the sinking of their ship.
When traveling to join his wife after this tragedy, the captain of the boat Spafford was traveling on called him onto the deck to witness the spot where his daughters had passed away. After returning to his cabin, Spafford began writing the lyrics to the popular hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul.” Even when being struck with seemingly never-ending tragedy, Spafford remained solid in his faith, and poured his worries into God. Spafford trusted Him.
Now several years later, Spafford's hymn has reached Christians and churches around the world letting others know to have the same solid faith that Spafford had, even in the face of extreme adversity.
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