Remember the old hymn "There Is a Fountain"? It was written in the 1700's by William Cowper, who suffered from deep depression and was institutionalized in an asylum. There he found Christ while reading his Bible, and in spite of his emotional and mental turmoil - and maybe because of it - he wrote literature with amazing insight. He is still known as one of England's greatest poets. "There Is a Fountain" is based on Zechariah 13:1: On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David . . . to cleanse them from sin and impurity. (NIV)
There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Emmanuel's veins.
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stain.
Drawn from Emmanuel's veins.
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stain.
These words written so many years ago are still true . . . for the fountain never runs dry! And that's amazing good news!
(Info on William Cowper is from the book The Complete Book of Hymns by William J. and Ardythe Peterson, and I snapped the photo of the unique fountain in Basin Park, Eureka Springs, AR.)
(Info on William Cowper is from the book The Complete Book of Hymns by William J. and Ardythe Peterson, and I snapped the photo of the unique fountain in Basin Park, Eureka Springs, AR.)
11 comments:
Oh yes, I remember this hymn but did not know the story of its author. Thank you so much for sharing. Have a nice weekend.
M. Lane
I did not know this story, wow!
Amazing story and photo ...
He quenches my thirst and is my EVERYTHING!
I remember this song, but didn't know it was that old or the story of the author! It gives new meaning to this old hymn!
I wish I knew where my old, old tape was that had a different story about this hymn as well. So wonderful how the Lord gives someone the gift to write such wonderful, meaningful words; another sets it to music and we sing still today at our hymn sings at the nursing home! What a great God! Awesome!
Wow, I am so far behind again. I love your photography - simply amazing. Especially the previous one with the butterflies. And I haven't heard that song, "Plenty of Room in the Family" for many years. Thanks for the memories.
We're in a 4x4 group with Phillips this 4 months coming up and had a great time with them last night, eating and playing Mexican Train dominoes.
Thanks for coming over today! Have a great Sunday.
I'm not familiar with the hymn, but the words are truly comforting.
There seems to be a common thread with many of the creators of hymns and that is adversity physically and/or mentally--some really tough obstacles---yet these people pen such praise, hope, inspiration. . .
Thanks for sharing this.
Beautiful photo--just right for this song and story.
This old gospel song and its story were in the chapter we studied in Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free at our ladies' Bible study. The others didn't know the song, so I sang it alone and unaccompanied. It is beautiful.
I love the phote. The fountain bubbling over is just right for such a song.
Your blog is truly an inspiring place to visit. Have you considered publishing a devotional book using your posts?
Post a Comment