November 16, 2019 (Saturday)
The writer of the words of this grand old hymn was a friend of the writer of the tune, who was subject to bouts of depression. One day the two of them were together and the musician had his back toward the lyricist, who asked him what was the trouble? Webster replied, “It will be all right by and by.” Instantly, words came to Bennett and he wrote them down and gave them to Webster, who wrote the music all at once. That sudden composition 151 years ago remains among us as a favorite hymn.
IN THE SWEET BY AND BY
Words Sanford F. Bennett
Music Joseph P. Webster
1868
There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.
Chorus:
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blessed;
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.
To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
And the blessings that hallow our days.