Today’s video features the hymn “Wonderful Peace.” It was written by W. D. Cornell in 1889. Cornell was born in Whiteford, MI in 1858. He trained as a school teacher and began teaching in Dallas public schools when he was just 19 years old. In 1881 he moved to Oshkosh, WI with his wife and six children, and spent most of his career preaching at various churches.
In 1889 Rev William Cooper was conducing camp meetings in Wisconsin. Cornell was among those attending. One day following the meetings, Cornell remained behind, quietly contemplating God’s peace and jotting down some lines on a scrap of paper. Sometime later that day, Cooper returned to the tent and found that scrap of paper that Cornell had apparently dropped. It contained much of what we have for the lyrics today. Cooper completed the text, went to the organ, and wrote the tune for the hymn.
Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm.
What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
Buried deep in the heart of my soul;
So secure that no power can mine it away,
While the years of eternity roll.
I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
And His glory is flooding my soul.
And I think when I rise to that City of peace,
Where the Author of peace I shall see,
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing,
In that heavenly kingdom shall be:
O my soul, are you here without comfort or rest,
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make the Savior your friend when the shadows grow dark;
Oh, accept this sweet peace so sublime.
Refrain:
Peace! Peace! wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above;
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray,
In fathomless billows of love.
Thank you for listening!
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
James 1:17
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Head over to my YouTube channel to like and subscribe and press the bell to receive notifications of new videos. Thank you!
See Videos on main menu for additional music performance videos.