"From the Hymnal to Your Dulcimer!" Farther Along!

This Week’s hymn is a southern gospel hymn called “Farther Along”. The writer Rev. W. A. Fletcher made this song known just by being in the right place at the right time. Fletcher was travelling by train to the Indian Territories as a missionary. Fletcher’s wife was expecting a child very soon and he felt depressed he probably wouldn't be present for the occasion. Fletcher began to write some hymn lyrics to calm himself down on the train and to reflect on his trip’s purpose. Sitting next to him on the train was J. R. Baxter, a gospel music promoter who was quite taken with the lyrics that Fletcher was writing and offered him $2.00 for them. Mr. Baxter subsequently had them put to music and the song has been quite popular in the gospel music arena ever since.

I've been playing and reading China's "Canaan Hymns" lately, and this hymn reminded me of the words that Xiao Min (The Hymns' writer) wrote about being in prison. Her whole church in China was brought to prison for worshiping God. The prisoners asked "Why are you here, what have you done wrong?". Xio Min's church members took turns fasting and praying within the prison and even evangelized to some of the prisoners. Eventually they were set free. This hymn talks about believers being punished, yet people that are evil in this world are rewarded and are comfortable. Life is for Christ and life is in Christ. True comfort comes from the love of God. If we seek it come somewhere else, the water will always run dry and we'll have to constantly walk back and get more. With God, we are fulfilled. Hope you all enjoy the Hymn this week!

God bless,

-Ben

Sheet music

http://www.thedulcimerhymnal.com/dulcimer-sheet-music