I’m thankful for hymn writers that had a desire to write hymns that expressed and taught clear and simple truths.
Hymn History
Look and Live
Author: William A. Ogden
Born: October 10, 1842
Died: October 14, 1897
William Augustine Ogden was born in Franklin County, OH, his family moved to Indiana when he was age six. He showed a talent for music early in life. He began studying music at age 8, and by age 10 could read church music fairly well. Later, he could write out a melody by hearing it sung or played.
He enlisted in the American Civil War in the 30th IN Volunteer Infantry. During the war, he organized a male choir which became well known throughout the Army of the Cumberland.
After the war, he returned home, resumed music study, and taught school. Hymn writers Lowell Mason and Thomas Hastings were among his teachers.
He married Jennie V Headington, and they had two children: Lowell and Marian. He worked for the Iowa Normal School, Toledo Public School System.
He wrote many hymns, both lyrics and/or music. He later issued his first song book, “The silver song” (1870). It became quite popular, selling 500,000 copies. He went on to publish other song books. Ogden also taught music at many schools in the U S and Canada. In 1887, he became superintendent of music in the public schools of Toledo, OH.
A number of William Ogden’s gospel songs, or ones for which he provided the melody, are still in use. Among them are:
- Bring Them In
- He Is Able to Deliver Thee
- Look and Live
- Seeking the Lost
Ogden has given us songs of invitation, calling sinners to look to Christ for salvation, as well as songs of exhortation to carry the gospel to those who need to hear it.
Ogden and other gospel song writers purposefully kept their compositions simple. They had to teach their songs rapidly because they lacked photocopiers, video projectors, and other contemporary tools, so that people could sing the lessons being taught at home. This objective was ideal for the Sunday School’s activities. Gospel songs were in fact frequently referred to as “Sunday School tunes” during that time. The current song was included in Mr. Ogden’s 1887 publication Triumphant Songs for Sunday Schools and Gospel Assemblies.
Although though the song is simple, it conveys a number of important truths, and the message in each stanza makes logical sense. The Bible has a message from the Lord. It’s a message of love, forgiveness, and eternal life offered to us through His Son Jesus Christ We must simply look to Christ and believe and we shall receive eternal life.
You can listen to the hymn here:
Sources:
https://hymnary.org/text/ive_a_message_from_the_lord_hallelujah
https://wordwisehymns.com/2012/08/10/look-and-live/
http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/i/v/e/a/iveamesg.htm
