All The Way My Savior Leads Me

WARREN SHIVER AUTHOR: FANNY CROSBY (1820-1915)

COMPOSER: Robert Lowery (1826-1899)

Fanny Crosby, a gifted and prolific songwriter, lost her sight at the age of six weeks due to medical mistreatment. She came down with a severe cold and was very ill, and the country doctor was sent for. Upon his arrival he suggested mustard poultices be applied to her head and chest, to loosen the congestion Her mother disagreed with the doctor, but was convinced this was the only way to make Frannie better. Instead of discouraging or embittering her, it caused her instead to continually rely on the Lord, to draw all her strength from Him. Fanny grew up believing every day was a day to serve the Lord. She wrote her first poem at age eight, and began writing secular songs and then hymns. She totaled some six thousand songs published,but wrote over eight thousand total.

Fanny married and her husband was also blind. Little is known about him. His name was Alexander Van Alstyne. They lived in small meager apartments called flats in tenement houses on the east side and west side of lower Manhattan. They had many wealthy friends who would have gladly provided better accommodations, but they declined their help. Fanny had books published and would have been like her wealthy friends, but she gave away to the poor and needy all of her earthly possessions with the exceptions of their basic needs. To live with the poor and be one of them was her desire, and ministering to the poor was part of her mission in life. She would invite her neighbors into her flat and play a guitar and sing for them. Her singing and compassion, and giving of her meager means touched untold numbers in her neighborhood

One day in the fall of 1874, Fanny did not have enough money to pay the rent and no way to get it. As was her custom, she prayed in earnest that God would supply her need. Not long after she finished praying, there was a knock at the door. There at the door stood a complete stranger who spoke not a word, but handed Fanny a folded piece of paper, and then turned and left. It was the five dollars

needed for the rent, the exact amount needed to stay in her flat for another month. I have no way of accounting for this, she later said, except to believe that God put into the heart of this good man to bring the money. My first thought was that it is so wonderful the way that the Lord leads me. I immediately wrote the poem, and Dr. Robert Lowry set it to music.

This was her heart felt feelings put into song.

Stories Behind The Hymns is written by Warren Shiver of Biscoe,NC. Shiver has been fascinated with the true stories behind the hymns since he was a 12-year old attending East Gaffney Baptist Church in Gaffney, S.C. He began studying the stories behind the hymns in 1957. If you have questions or comments, he can be reached by email at wshiver99@embarqmail.com or by mail at PO BOX 775,Biscoe,NC 27209.

The 300-page softback book, 104 Of My Favorite Hymn Stories, costs $14.95. The book will be shipped to Gaffney Ledger and Weekly Ledger readers postage free or books may be picked up at The Gaffney Ledger office on Floyd Baker Boulevard. Books may also be ordered on the website, www.myfavoritehymnstories.com., or by sending a check or money order to Warren Shiver, P.O. Box 775, Biscoe, N.C. 27209.

All The Way My Savior Leads Me

Verse 1
All the way my Savior leads me, what have I to ask
beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy, who through life has
been my guide?
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him
to dwell!
For I know what befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.
For I know what befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.
Verse 2
All the way my Savior leads me, Cheers each winding
path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial, Feeds me with the living
bread:
Tho my weary steps may falter, And my soul a thirst
may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I
see;
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I
see.
Verse 3
All the way my Savior leads me, O the fullness of His
love!
Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father\rquote s
house above.
When my spirit clothed immortal, wings its flight to
realms of day.
This my song through endless ages, Jesus led me all
the way;
This my song through endless ages, Jesus led me all
the way.

Fanny and her husband, Alexander, taught in the New York Institute for the blind in New York City. Fanny was born in 1820 and died in 1915.

The composer of the music,Dr. Robert Lowery was born in 1826 and died in 1899