Anne Steele spent much of her time writing hymns and poetry. Seeking to develop the gift that God had given him, he worked hard to build the Church of Christ. Many of his hymns became well known, including 62 that were included in the Baptist hymn. 1769 Learn the words of one of these hymns and discuss with us the depth of the words written by this servant of God:
Last September, I took a rainy day trip from Salisbury, England, to the nearby town of Broughton, Hampshire. a city practically halfway between Salisbury and Winchester, where I spent a moment looking at a house, a chapel and a tomb. All associated with Anne Steele (1717–1778), daughter of William Steele, the pastor of a Calvinist Baptist church, whose hymns were known to gospel enthusiasts around the world. Converted in 1732 and baptized the same year, she was educated to be a woman of deep piety, genuine joy, and an avid spirit of knowledge. His mercy was forged in the furnace of affliction. He fought for most of his adult life, apparently with continuous bouts of tertiary malaria and unbearable stomach ache.
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Anne’s celibacy gave her time to devote herself to writing poetry and hymns, a gift with which the Lord blessed her richly. About ten years before his death, sixty-two of his hymns were published in a Baptist hymn?A collection of hymns adapted to public worship (1769)?edited by John Ash and Caleb Evans. This collection of hymns gave Anne’s hymns a wide distribution in Baptist groups. At one point, his hymns became as well known as those of Isaac Watts, John Newton and William Cowper.
One of Steele’s few hymns still sung today reveals how his wide circulation played a role in revitalizing areas of the Calvinist Baptist Church throughout England. Originally titled “The Savior’s Invitation,” the hymn was based on the words of Jesus in John 7: 37: “If anyone is thirsty, come to me and drink. “
Is the Savior calling that every ear respond to the sound of heaven. O dubious souls, take away fear, Hope smiles and revives.
For every thirsty and desired heart, streams of generosity flow, and Life, Healing, and Happiness help banish mortal anguish.
Here are born the sources of sacred pleasure to relieve all your pain (Immortal Source!Full provision!) You won’t suffer in vain.
O sinners, come unto the Voice of Mercy, obey the call of grace. Mercy invites you to Heavenly Joys, can you still postpone it?
Dear Savior, attract reluctant hearts, let sinners run to you, and take the happiness your love gives, drink, and never die again.
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Michael Haykin is a professor of church history and biblical spirituality at the Southern Theological Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where he is also director of the Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies. Haykin is the author of many books.
By Michael Haykin. Extract from www. ligonier. org. © 2013 Ligonier Ministries. Original: The free offer of the Gospel.
This article is from the November 2012 issue of Tabletalk magazine
Translation: Isabela Siqueira Critic: Renata do Esperito Santo?© faithful ministry, all rights reserved. Website: www. MinisterioFiel. com. br Original: Heavenly Invitation of Christ
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