February 13, 2021 (Saturday)
Eliza Hewitt, who penned the words of this grand old hymn about Heaven, was born in 1851 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She went to school locally and graduated as Valedictorian of the Girl’s Normal School. As a young lady, she suffered a severe back injury and was forced to bed for months, dealing with the pain the rest of her life. She started studying Literature and English while recovering from her injury. She did not know that she was being prepared by God to write poetry and hymns, and these two subjects would prove very useful.
As Eliza recovered some of her strength in later years, she was able to get around slowly. She attended the summer Methodist Camp meeting, in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. Here she met Emily D. Wilson and they formed a great friendship. They worshiped and studied together and together created this hymn, “When We All Get To Heaven.” The hymn was first published in 1898. Her back problems would arise at times but not for long. She adored Sunday School and most of her hymns were intended for children in Sunday School.
It is impossible to sing this hymn with a congregation without feeling joy. The music alone makes a person want to sing. The words express the hope of Christians everywhere as they sing of the mercy and grace of the Lord. The words of the hymn show forth our great expectations of a Heavenly home, prepared for us by the Lord Himself. Life here on earth can be burdened down with troubles, but we look forward to Heaven itself where we shall behold the beauty of the Lord as we sing of His glory.
WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN
Words: Eliza E. Hewitt
Music: Emily D. Wilson
1898
Refrain:
When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
VERSES:
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.
While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav’ling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.
Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.
Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.