photo: © Monia – Fotolia.com
Philip Bliss (1838-1876) was the author and composer of this and many other gospel songs. In my life time, I have heard and sung most of them, but if you are just now learning hymns, these may not be as familiar to you.
His life was cut short by a train wreck when he was only 38. Both he and his wife were killed. Their children (aged 1 and 4) had been left behind with their grandparents.
Among his peers in the writing of gospel hymns and songs at the time were Fanny Crosby, Ira Sankey and Charles Wesley.
Some of the songs he wrote were as follows: Almost Persuaded, Dare to Be a Daniel, Hallelujah ‘Tis Done!, Hallelujah, What a Saviour!, Hold the Fort, Jesus Loves Even Me, Let the Lower Lights Be Burning, Once for All, The Light of the World Is Jesus, Whosoever Will, and Wonderful Words of Life.
He wrote only the words for My Redeemer and wrote only the music for I Gave My Life for Thee, It Is Well with My Soul, and Precious Promise. Interestingly, none of his songs were ever copyrighted!
Here is the link to a more thorough bio.
Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life,
Let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty teach me faith and duty.Refrain
Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life,
Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.Christ, the blessèd One, gives to all wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call, wonderful words of life;
All so freely given, wooing us to heaven.Refrain
Sweetly echo the Gospel call, wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior, sanctify us forever.Refrain
by Philip P. Bliss 1874
