Tag Archives: More Love to Thee

Still More Book Reviews

Still More Books About Extraordinary Women

These reviews include two famous women explorers, a godly pastor’s wife who wrote a very famous hymn, a champion of the poor, and a missionary to western Africa. It is marvelous how many ways God uses women to take the Gospel to the lost. I hope you will get these books. You will be inspired and blessed!

 

—  Soskice, Janet, The Sisters of Sinai: How Two Lady Adventurers Discovered the Hidden Gospels, (Vintage Books: A Division of Random House, New York, 2010).

sisters of sinai bookDuring the nineteenth century the Bible came under attack by liberal scholars influenced by the so-called “higher criticism”. Critics not only doubted the dates of the Gospels but they doubted the integrity of the text itself.

Faithful Christians never doubted that the Word of God was given by the Holy Spirit and that the Scriptures had been protected by God down through the centuries. They longed to counter the claims of the liberals but there were very few ancient copies of the Scriptures to authenticate their claim that the Bible indeed was written by Paul and other men of God during the first century.

But God has continually protected His Word and in His providence directed the finding of evidence of its veracity. Twin sisters – Margaret Smith Gibson and Agnes Smith Lewis – came across one of the earliest known copies of the four Gospels in a secluded monastery in the Sinai Peninsula.

Janet Soskice tells the story of these remarkable twin sisters in a very engaging manner. Not only is this a great adventure story, but Janet Soskice gives all of the background to the machinations and intrigues of those scholars who hunted for ancient manuscripts. Cambridge University wanted to downplay any credit to the Smith twins, simply because they were women. God chooses whom He will to serve Him and these sisters gave a great gift to the world. You will have a hard time putting this book down.

 

—  James, Sharon, Elizabeth Prentiss: ‘More Love to Thee’, (The Banner of Truth Trust, Carlisle, PA, 2006).

Many people are familiar with the hymn “More Love to Thee”. Not many know that ite prentiss book was written by a very godly Christian woman after the nearly fatal illness of her daughter. Elizabeth had suffered many tragedies in her life but always remained faithful to Christ.

 More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee;
This is my earnest plea,
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

In this wonderful biography of Elizabeth Prentiss Sharon James relates the story of this virtuous pastor’s wife in a way that will bless you as you seek to grow in your love for God. For over one hundred and forty years Christians have been given hope by the words of Elizabeth Prentiss through her hymns and her writings. She truly lived for Christ and has inspired many to do the same.

 

—  Prentiss, Elizabeth, Stepping Heavenward,  (The Bible People, USA, 2014).

stepping heavenwardElizabeth Prentiss wrote many books and poetry. Her children’s stories were very popular in the mid nineteenth century. “Stepping Heavenward” is one of the books that remains popular today. Elizabeth’s hymn, “More Love to Thee” expressed all that she wanted for her life. That message is timeless and many Christian women have been drawn closer to God while reading this book.

Published in 1869, within thirty years more than 200,000 copies were sold. “Stepping Heavenward” relates the theme of the centrality of our love for God in the form of a story. It appears as a diary of a woman who gives the day to day events of her life as she prepares for eternal life with God.

There are many editions of “Stepping Heavenward”. The one referenced above also contains study questions that may be used by women’s Bible studies.

 

—  Kent, Deborah, Dorothy Day: Friend to the Forgotten, (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, 1996).

Deborah Kent presents this story beginning with Dorothy’s early memories of her Dorothy Daymother’s aid to the destitute and homeless after the great San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906, through the devastation of the depression, the aftermath of World War II, and the demonstrations for worker’s rights in the 1970’s, and many other causes.

Dorothy Day’s life was one of service to others for over four decades. She is well known as the leader of the Catholic Worker Movement. She was committed to social justice because of her love for Christ. Her Bible was her main solace.

Dorothy believed that the best way to get people to behave well was to set the example of Christian living. This she did until her death. Many people today are following in her path of caring for the poor with food, shelter, and love.

This edition of the biography of Dorothy Day is part of a series written for young people entitled, “Women of Spirit”. Most of these volumes seem to be out of print but if you can find them it will be rewarding. They tell the stories of women who made great contributions to society while highlighting their faith.

If you cannot find this edition, get any good book on Dorothy Day because her example of how to truly “walk the walk” and not just “talk the talk” is what made her so endearing to those around her.

 

—  Lutz, Lorry, When God Says Go: The Amazing Journey of a Slave’s Daughter (Discovery House Publishers, Grand Rapids, 2002).

eliza davis george bookGrowing up a “poor little black girl” in Texas, Eliza Davis George learned about Jesus and then chose to serve Him by taking the Gospel to her ancestors in western Africa. She served in Liberia and lived to the remarkable old age of 100. Many hundreds of Liberians called her “Mother Eliza” as she rescued girls from forced marriages to old men and provided education for tribal peoples.

When the official leaders would not support her mission, she raised the funds herself. Mother-Eliza-Davis-GeorgeShe went to Africa with very little money but she knew God had called her and she went trusting in Him to care for her. When she returned to the States she raised money for Africa.

This feisty little woman will want to make you cheer as you read how she overcame so many obstacles to love people with the love of Jesus.

Lorry Lutz’s book reads like a novel and you will really enjoy it! You will be so blessed by this indomitable woman – one that I truly cannot wait to talk to when I get to Heaven!

 

Elizabeth Prentiss – More Love to Thee, O Christ

it is well with my soulMost Christians are familiar with the inspirational story about Horatio Spafford, composer of the words to the hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul” (1873).

God allowed much tragedy in Mr. and Mrs. Spaffords’ lives and they lost their only son. Then they lost all of their possessions in the great Chicago Fire in 1871. In 1873 Horatio Spafford arranged a trip to Europe for his wife and daughters to help them recover from the tragedies. On the way the ship had an accident and all four of the Spafford daughters were drowned; only Mrs. Spafford survived.

On board the ship on the way to England to comfort his wife, Horatio Spafford penned the famous words, “When sorrow like sea billows roll; it is well, it is well with my soul.”

Later, Philip Bliss would be inspired by Horatio Spafford’s story and write the music to go with the poem. Millions of people have been comforted and inspired by this song.

Many people are also familiar with the hymn “More Love to Thee”. Not many know thatmore love to thee it was written by a very godly Christian woman after the nearly fatal illness of her daughter. Like Horatio Spafford, this woman had suffered many tragedies in her life but always remained faithful to Christ. This woman was Elizabeth Payson Prentiss.

 More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee;
This is my earnest plea,
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Elizabeth PrentissElizabeth Payson Prentiss was born in Portland, Maine on October 26, 1818. She came from a long line of ministers including Edward Payson (early seventeenth century) who was married to Mary Eliot, the sister of the famous John Eliot, “Apostle to the Indians”. Elizabeth’s father, also named Edward Payson and mother Ann Louisa Shipman had eight children (only six survived); Elizabeth was the fifth child. She was a beautiful, slender, dark-eyed, and quiet yet observant young lady. It was said that no one could know her without loving her. All of her life she would put others before herself.

Elizabeth’s father died when she was barely nine years old. She grew close to her mother. When the family moved to New York Elizabeth contributed to the care of her mother through teaching. In May of 1831, Elizabeth made a public profession of faith in Christ and joined the church. She never did anything by halves; she dedicated her entire life to serving Christ by serving others.

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek; give what is best:
This all my prayer shall be,
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Elizabeth taught for several years in Richmond, Virginia. While she was away she carried on a correspondence with good friend Anna Prentiss. Anna’s brother George grew interested in Elizabeth. When the school closed in Richmond, Elizabeth moved back home and three weeks later she accepted George Prentiss’s proposal of marriage!

In 1845 George and Elizabeth settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts. George became the pastor of the South Trinitarian Church.

Elizabeth’s first child, Annie, was born in 1846. Twenty-one months later in 1848 Elizabeth had a baby boy, Edward Payson named after her late father. The joy of this baby was overshadowed by the death of Elizabeth’s mother only three weeks after Eddy’s birth.

Baby Eddy had many health issues including colic and sleeplessness. Elizabeth herself was plagued with sleeplessness and had to seek some rest. God blessed her with returning strength and she lovingly resumed her duties.

George was offered an associate pastorship at Mercer Street Presbyterian Church in New York City. The Prentisses moved there in 1851. This church was actively involved in mission work that thrilled the tender and caring heart of Elizabeth.

Early in 1852 Eddy succumbed to a severe illness (possibly meningitis). His suffering while dying was tremendous; the medical treatments at that time were painful and unhelpful. Elizabeth grieved tremendously. She was six months pregnant and had not recovered from her grief when her third child, Bessie (Elizabeth) was born.

Elizabeth was only to get some comfort from this newborn child for about a month. Then she noticed that something was seriously wrong. Elizabeth had a premonition that this child was going to die also. Little Bessie succumbed to a burning fever and died on May 19, 1852. Elizabeth was now left with “One child and two green graves.” Completely exhausted she went away for the summer with her remaining daughter, Annie and got some rest.

Elizabeth turned to writing for relief. She wrote many books, including one that is still popular today, “Stepping Heavenward”. She wrote a number of children’s books and she wrote poetry.

On July 23, 1854 Minnie was born. This child was often sick and fell seriously ill at age 18 months. The doctor told Elizabeth that Minnie was dying. Elizabeth stayed at Minnie’s side praying through the night and nursing her until Minnie finally pulled through.

Later in “Stepping Heavenward” she recalled, “Alas, my faith seemed, for a time, to flee, and I could see just what a poor, weak human being is without it. But before daylight crept into my room light from on high streamed into my heart, and I gave even this, my ewe lamb, away, as my free-will offering to God. Could I refuse Him my child because she was the very apple of my eye? No indeed …Could I not endure heart-sickness for Him who had given His only Son for me!” What joy in the morning when Minnie opened her eyes and gave her sweet smile to Elizabeth!

Her husband George thought that it was probably at this time that Elizabeth wrote the poem that would later became the famous hymn, “More Love to Thee”.

Let sorrow do its work, send grief or pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me,
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

 Elizabeth had three more healthy children and published more books. Though a busy pastor’s wife who ministered to the needy in the congregation, Elizabeth put her own family’s needs first. Her heart ached for Eddie and Bessie, but she had much joy in her other children.

George suffered from failing health and the family moved to Europe for a time so he could rest. In 1860 they returned to New York where George took up his responsibilities again as pastor of the Mercer Street Church. He also held a chair and Union Theological Seminary.

Elizabeth was plagued off and on with severe health problems of her own. Once in 1873 she fell critically ill. She called her children to her bed thinking that the time had come when God was calling her home. She kissed them all good-bye but then recovered.

George and Elizabeth later settled in Dorset, Vermont. Elizabeth continued writing books until her last illness in 1878. She passed away on August 13, 1878 at fifty-nine years of age. A simple service took place the next day at her home. Family, friends, and neighbors all mourned this selfless woman who believed that this life is just a preparation for Heaven. Her hymn, “More Love to Thee” was sung at her funeral.

Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry my heart shall raise,
This still its prayer shall be,
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

                                                                                    Elizabeth Prentiss

The music for the words was provided by William Doane (1832-1915), composer of over 2000 hymns including many for Fanny Crosby.

For over one hundred and forty years Christians have been given hope by the words of Elizabeth Prentiss through her hymns and her writings. She truly lived for Christ and has inspired many to do the same.