O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go
George Matheson's lnspirational and Favorite Worship Hymn of Love
Biography of the Scottish blind preacher Dr. George Matheson, and the inspiring hymn he wrote.
"O Love that Wilt not Let me Go" is a popular hymn of deepest love. It was written by a blind minister Dr. George Matheson (1842-1906), and composed by Albert L. Peace (1844-1912) who created the tune "St. Margaret" for the hymn. The scripture reference is from the Bible, Jeremiah 31:3 "I have loved you with an everlasting love."
Text Author - George Matheson
Scottish theologian George Matheson was the remarkable blind preacher and hymn-writer of 'O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go.' Born on March 27, 1842 in Glasgow, Scotland, he was totally blind when he wrote this heartwarming hymn.
Dr Matheson had partial vision as a boy and by the time he was 18, he was completely blind. He described his writing as the "fruit of much mental suffering." He never married, and was aided by a devoted sister throughout his ministry. She learned Greek, Latin, and Hebrew in order to aid him in his studies.
Matheson's Career and Recognition
Despite handicap, Matheson had a brilliant career at the Glasgow Academy, University of Glasgow and the Church of Scotland Seminary. Amazingly, he obtained BA, MA and BD degrees. He was a scholar and graduated with honors. He received the honorary DD of the University of Edinburgh in 1879.
For 18 years, Matheson became parish minister of Innellan, Argyllshire. He was lecturer at Baird and St Giles, and a pastor of the 2,000 member St. Bernard's Parish (1886). The University of Aberdeen conferred on him an honorary LLD (1902). He became one of Scotland's outstanding preachers and pastors, where his eloquent preaching consistently attracted large crowds.
Composer of the Tune - Albert Peace
The hymn 'O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go' first appeared in the Church of Scotland Life and Work monthly magazine. Albert Peace, a prominent Scotch organist was requested by the Scottish Hymnal Committee to compose a tune especially for Matheson's text. The tune name was "St. Margaret." (Website consulted for text and music is Cyber Hymnal; there are other sites available.)
He wrote many books of theology and devotional literature and published other verses in Sacred Songs.
Some hymns by George Matheson
- Make me a Captive Lord,
- Moments on the Mount
- Rests by the River.
Why 'O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go?'
There have been speculations made regarding the cause of mental distress that prompted Matheson to write this poignant text wrapped with sadness in phrases such as "weary soul" in the first stanza, "flickering torch" in the second stanza, "joy that seekest me through pain" and "rainbow through the rain" in the third stanza. A popular account was an outgrowth of his fiancee's breaking their engagement upon learning of his impending total blindness. Others conjectured that he was troubled losing his sister, whose help compensated for his blindness.
Fortunately, Dr. Matheson left an account of his writing of this hymn: (101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck. Kregel Publications, 1982.)
"It was the day of my sister's marriage...Something happened to me, which was known only to myself, and which caused me the most severe mental suffering. The hymn was the fruit of that suffering. It was the quickest bit of work I ever did in my life. I had the impression rather of having it dictated to me by some inward voice than of working it out myself...this came like a dayspring form on high. I have never been able to gain once more the same fervor in verse."
The four key words of 'O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go' are love, light, joy and cross. They are expressions that describe the fulfillment for any believer whose life is totally committed to the will of God.
Dr. George Matheson died on August 28, 1906. The experience which led him to write the lovely words is one so heartwarming and inspiring - how extreme trials can become triumphs and immense crises can turn into blessings.
First Stanza of the Hymn
O Love that wilt not let me go
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer fuller be.
Other Best-Loved Hymns:
Words and Music
Sources:
101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications (1979)
