Horatio Gates Spafford Spafford invested in real estate north of Chicago in the spring of 1871. The Great Fire of Chicago that reduced the city to ashes, destroyed most of Spafford’s investments in Oct 1871. Two years later the family planned a trip to Europe. Mr Spafford was unable to leave at the same time as his family. The family’s ship was struck by an Iron sailing vessel. Mr Spafford’s four daughters were killed in the accident. Mr Spafford was inspired to write the hymn “It is well with my soul” on his trip to Europe to join his grieving wife. Below are the lyrics to the song!
“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.
(Refrain:) It is well (it is well), with my soul (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 hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul. (Refrain)
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Refrain)
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pain shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. (Refrain)
And Lord haste the day, when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul. (Refrain)
— No matter what Satan is sending, May it be well with your soul! Love Mel
