WARREN SHIVER
DAY BY DAY THE MANNA FELL
Author: Josiah Conder
(1789-1855)
Composer: John Baptiste Calkin
(1827-1905)

This beautiful hymn was written by Josiah Conder. Josiah was born in London, England on Sept. 17, 1789. He had a normal childhood until at the age of five he was inoculated for smallpox. As a result of the side effects of the inoculation, he lost sight in his right eye. His physician became very interested in him, and asked permission to teach the young lad.

Josiah was very intelligent and by the age of fifteen he was able to enter into his father's business as an assistant. His father owned a bookstore and also was a professional engraver. Josiah met many intelligent buyers of literature, and authors as well in the store, and had many conversations with them about their work. This peaked his interest in literature and in the next few years he became a well-known author, editor, and publisher. He both edited and owned "The Eclectic Review', and a newspaper, "The Patriot".

Josiah wrote volumes of books on many subjects including, travel, biographies and the Bible. He wrote and published six volumes of poems. His first volume was entitled, "The Associate Minstrels", and was written with the help of Ann, and Jane Taylor, And Eliza Thomas. Eliza later became his wife. The book was so successful that a second edition was printed.

Josiah Condor was one of the best English hymn writers of all time. He belonged to the Congregationalist Church, and with the exception of Mr. Watts, and Mr. Doddredge, he wrote more hymns that are in common use today than any other Congregational hymn writer. Sixty of his hymns are still being sung in churches today.

A writer once said, "The thought of his hymns is elevated. Their language is beautiful, their style varied, their themes substantial, and their theology broad." All his life he had many trials and tribulations, but he lived by hope and trust. His hymns echo these trials and also echo his Christian confidence that he used to overcome them.

He was a wise and successful editor of hymnbooks, making many changes in the hymns that preceded him, and always to their advantage. One of his first Congregational hymn books sold 90,000 copies in the first seven years. This was unheard of in that day.

"Day by Day the Manna Fell", appeared in a hymnal in 1836. It was based upon the Lord's Prayer, "Give us this day our daily bread". Joseph Condor died in London on Dec. 27, 1855.

John Baptiste Calkin was born on March

16,1827 in London, England. Calkin served as organist, precentor and choirmaster in Ireland, at St. Columba's College. He also served at various churches in London. He was also a professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Croydon Conservatory. John Calkin died on May 15,1905 in Islington, London, England. John Calkin was the composer of the song we are reading about today.

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.

Warren has written two books, the first is a 300-page soft back, 104 Of My Favorite Hymn Stories Vol. 1 costs $14.95, the second book, 340-page soft back, 104 Of My Favorite Hymn Stories Vol. 2 costs $16.95. You may buy both books for $25.00. You may pick up your copies of both books at The Gaffney Ledger office on Floyd Baker Boulevard. Warren may be reached by email at wshiver99@embarqmail.com, or by mail at PO Box 775, Biscoe, NC.27209, you may also purchase the books on his website www.myfavoritehymnstories.com. Shipping for both books is $4.00, for one book $3.00. If you would like for Warren to come speak at your church, Sunday school class or any meeting you may contract him at 910-428-9911 or 910-428-4078.

DAY BY DAY THE MANNA FELL

Verse 1
Day by day the manna fell, O to learn this lesson well,
Still by constant mercy fed, Give me Lord my daily bread.
Day by day the promise reads, Daily strength for daily
needs,
Cast foreboding fears away, Take the manna of today.
Verse 2
Lord my times are in Thy hand, All my sanguine hopes
have planned,
To Thy wisdom I resign, and would make Thy purpose
mine.
Thou my daily task shall give, Day to day to Thee I live,
So shall added years fulfill, Not my own My Father's will.
Verse 3
Fond ambitions, whisper not, Happy is my humble lot,
Anxious, busy cares away, I'm provided for today.
Oh to live exempt from care, by the energy of prayer.
Strong in faith, with mind subdued, Yet elate with gratitude.

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