Thanking Father God, Whatever of Earthly Bliss

Anne Steele, Hymn Writer, and Hans G. Nägeli, Composer

Sep 1, 2008 Tel Asiado

History of the sacred song "Father, Whatever of Earthly Bliss," originally a poem by Anne Steele, Composed by Hans Nägeli and arranged by Lowell Mason.

The theme in this hymn "Father, Whatever of Earthly Bliss" is that of reliance and thankfulness to God, who always blesses the sacrifices of His children.

The Bible reference is found in 1 Peter 5:10, which says, "And the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore and make you strong, firm and steadfast."

Anne Steele, the Hymn Writer

Anne Steele was born in Broughton, England, in 1716, the oldest daughter of a timber merchant. She faced her first tragedy at age three when her mother died. Her father brought her up close to the Lord. Growing affluent in his business, he was able to pastor Broughton's Baptist church without any salary, serving for forty years. At the age of 14, Anne joined the church and worked with her father in church.

When she was 19, a severe hip injury left her an invalid. She fell in love with Robert Elscurot, who proposed to her. But he drowned the day before their wedding.

Out of her suffering, Anne began writing devotional material, and her ministry alongside her father blossomed. In her mid-forties, Anne submitted her "Poems on Subjects Chiefly Devotional" for publication. Her father wrote in his diary, "This day Annie sent part of her composition to London to be printed. I entreat a gracious God, who enabled and stirred her up to such a work, too direct in it and bless it for the good of many…"

So many of these poems were converted to hmns that Anne is remembered as one of the foremost women hymnists of the 18th century. Her best-known hymn, "Desiring Resignation and Thankfulness," was written as a personal prayer.

She died on November 11, 1778. While her friends gathered around her, she closed her eyes and whispered her last words: "I know that my Redeemer liveth."

Composer Hans G. Nägeli and Arranger Lowell Mason

Hans George Nägeli (May 26, 1773 – December 26, 1836), the music composer, was a music publisher and president of the Swiss Association for the Cultivation of Music. He was also a pioneer in the file of music education. His progressive teaching methods had much influence on Lowell Mason, who arranged the music in 1836.

Words of "Father, Whate'er of Earthly Bliss"

1. "Father, whate'er of earthly bliss

Thy sov'reign will denies,

Accepted at Thy throne let this

My humble prayer, arise:

2. Give me a calm and thankful heart,

From every murmur free;

The blessing of Thy grace impart,

And make me live to Thee.

3. Let the sweet hope that Thou art mine

My life and death attend,

Thy presence through my journey shine,

And crown my journey's end."

Readers may want to check out these articles full of thanksgiving and gratitude to God: Come, Ye Thankful People Come and Thanksgiving Quotes and Sayings from the Bible.

Words and Music:

Cyber Hymnal

Source:

101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications, Michigan, 1982

Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV), Hodder & Stoughton, London, 2001

Then Sings My Soul, by Robert J Morgan, Thomas Nelson, Tennessee, 2003

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Thanking God, Whatever His Earthly Bliss