Frances Ridley Havergal

Frances Ridley Havergal was born at Astley, Worcestershire, England, on December 14th, 1836. Daughter of hymn writer W. H. Havergal, and youngest of six children, Frances was a bright, sunny-tempered person with a spiritually minded heart. She was a highly talented individual, possessed a great love of learning, and was skilled at putting every minute to good use. By age four, she was reading and memorizing the Bible, and by seven, she began to write poetry. Converted to faith in Christ Jesus at age fifteen, she testified, “earth and heaven seemed brighter from that moment.”  She was proficient in at least four languages, committed a large portion of the Bible to memory, and was an accomplished poet, instrumentalist, and composer. “Fanny” was known for her diligence, heavenly-minded temperament, and sweet spirit. Though she suffered from ill-health throughout most of her life, she learned to lean on her Saviour and find joy in whatever he sent her way.

 

Though they never met in this life, Frances Havergal and Fanny Crosby corresponded with one another. Havergal wrote the following poem dedicated to Fanny Crosby, which delighted Fanny so much she included it in her autobiography.

 

Sweet blind singer over the sea, Tuneful and jubilant, how can it be

That the songs of gladness, which float so far, As if they fell from the evening star,

Are the notes of one who never may see “Visible music” of flower and tree,

Purple of mountain, or glitter of snow, Ruby and gold of the sunset glow, 

 And never the light of a loving face? Must not the world be a desolate place

For eyes that are sealed with the seal of years, Eyes that are open only for tears?

How can she sing in the dark like this? What is her fountain of light and bliss?

 

Oh, her heart can see, her heart can see! And its sight is strong and swift and free;

Never the ken of mortal eye Could pierce so deep and far and high 

 As the eagle-vision of hearts that dwell In the lofty, sunlit citadel

 Of faith that overcomes the world, With banners of hope and joy unfurled,

Garrisoned with God’s perfect peace, Ringing with paens that never cease,

Flooded with splendor bright and broad – The glorious light of the love of God!

 

Her heart can see, her heart can see! Well may she sing so joyously!

For the King Himself, in His tender grace, Hath shown her the brightness of His face; 

And who shall pine for a glow-worm light When the sun goes forth in his radiant might?

 She can read His law as a shining chart, For His finger hath written it on her heart;

She can read His love, for on all her way His hand is writing it every day. 

 “Bright cloud”, indeed, must that darkness be, Where “Jesus only” the heart can see!

 

 Her heart can see, her heart can see, Beyond the glooms and the mystery, 

 Glimpses of glory not far away, Nearing and brightening day by day: 

 Golden crystal and emerald bow, Lustre of pearl and sapphire glow,

Sparkling river and healing tree, Evergreen palms of victory, 

 Harp and crown and raiment white, Holy and beautiful dwellings in light;

A throne, and One thereon, whose face Is the glory of that glorious place!

 

 Dear blind sister over the sea – An English heart goes forth to thee. 

 We are linked by a cable of faith and song, Flashing bright sympathy swift along

One in the East and one in the West, Singing for Him whom our souls love best. 

Singing for Jesus! Telling His love All the way to our home above, 

Where the severing sea, with its restless tide Never shall hinder and never divide.

Sister, what shall our meeting soon be When our hearts shall sing and our eyes shall see?

 

 

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