In times of success, Anne found that Christ was all that could satisfy. In times of loss, she found he was all upon which to rely.
Anne Sebring was born into a prosperous family. The Sebrings founded the town bearing their name in Ohio in 1898. There they opened five pottery plants and employed more than three thousand. Father George Sebring hoped it might be a welcome abode for retiring servants of the Master. Here the Sebring sons built homes in the community; their sister married William Murphy, a prominent financial figure; business was expanding and all seemed well. In 1908, Mrs. Murphy composed lyric and melody of “Constantly Abiding.” Little did she know what was yet to come. Two decades later, the Great Depression wiped out the multi-million dollar businesses and, about the same time, William Murphy perished in death. Destitute, Anne removed to relatives in California. Yet, shortly before she died, she still gave testimony of heaven’s perfect peace, living outwardly what she had known inwardly many years before.
There’s a peace in my heart, that the world never gave,
A peace it cannot take away;
Though the trials of life may surround like a cloud,
I’ve a peace that has come there to stay!
All the world seemed to sing of a Saviour and King,
When peace sweetly came to my heart;
Troubles all fled away and my night turned to day,
Blessed Jesus, how glorious thou art!
This treasure I have in a temple of clay,
While here on his footstool I roam;
But he’s coming to take me some glorious day,
Over there to my heavenly home!
Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;
Constantly abiding, rapture divine;
He never leaves me lonely, whispers O so kind:-
“I will never leave thee” Jesus is mine.
Be of good courage brother! He will not fail thee nor forsake thee.
This historical account is taken from the Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs hymnal, copyright 2018, all rights reserved.
Melody Publications’ focus is to reawaken the melody of truth in believers' hearts and minds at home and abroad. Our prayer is that our work would aid churches and families as they sing "Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs" in praise and worship to our God.
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