THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF FANNY CROSBY (1820-1915)

Text: Hebrews 11
17 October 2010

(I) EARLY LIFE

1. Full name: Frances Jane Crosby

2. Born in Putnam, NY

3. Blinded at 6 weeks because of malpractice

4. Father died when she was just 1 year old

5. Brought up by her mother and grandmother

6. Educated at the New York School of the Blind

(II) AMAZING ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Success as a writer

a) Secular writings

b) Poetry

c) Religious music (Hymns)

2. Careers

a) As a teacher (English and History)

b) As a Christian song writer for many famous musicians

c) Over 8000 hymns were written

3. Fame

a) Played the piano at the funeral of US President Ulysses Grant in 1885

b) Popular public speaker

c) Inducted in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1975

(III) OUTSTANDING LIFE OF FAITH

1. Joy of faith in the Lord

2. Faith expressed in serving the Lord

3. Faith expressed in steadfastness of trust in the Lord

a) Death of her only daughter

b) Death of her husband

“It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank Him for the dispensation. If perfect sight were offered to me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.”

“When I get to heaven, the first face that shall gladded my sight will be that of my Saviour.”