Samuel T Francis

Early Life and Awakening to Divine Truth

Samuel Trevor Francis was born in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, in 1834. While still an infant he was taken by his parents to Hull, a move that proved formative in his early years. When about five or six years old he stayed with relatives back in Cheshunt, who took pains to instruct him in the truths of Scripture—seeds which, though not immediately fruitful, were never lost.

At the age of nine, Samuel, together with his father and brother, joined the choir of Hull Parish Church. Music and poetry quickly became second nature to him. Even as a boy he showed an unusual aptitude for verse, and within a few years had compiled an entire volume of poems in his own handwriting—an early indication of the gift which would later bless the Church of God worldwide.

The family later removed to London, where Samuel spent about twelve months under the care of a doctor in Camberwell, his health being somewhat delicate. When this arrangement ended, he returned to Hull, and there a seemingly casual conversation proved momentous. A man named Mr. Akester asked him whether he would like to see “a man buried alive.” On Samuel’s startled inquiry, the remark was explained as referring to a baptismal service, conducted by Andrew Jukes, well known as the author of The Law of the Offerings. Through this event Samuel was introduced to a company of believers meeting on Scriptural lines, where he heard plainly set forth the Gospel of man’s ruin and God’s remedy.

Conversion and New Birth

After returning once more to London, a decisive moment came. One day, while crossing Hungerford Bridge, Samuel suddenly halted, arrested by an inward question borne into his soul: “You do believe on the Lord Jesus Christ?” Instantly he responded aloud, “I do believe.” In that moment he passed from death unto life. The change spoken of by the Lord as the new birth (John 3:3) was wrought, and from that hour his entire life was revolutionised.

Soon after his conversion he gathered with a company of believers in Kennington, and almost immediately began open-air preaching, a work which he continued with remarkable constancy for seventy-three years, not only throughout Britain but in many other lands.

Evangelistic Labours and Revival Influence

Samuel Trevor Francis was mightily used of God during the Revival of 1859–1860, when multitudes were awakened and brought to Christ. His preaching, earnest, affectionate, and saturated with the love of the Saviour, was owned in the conversion of many souls.

In later years he became one of the most willing and devoted helpers of Moody and Sankey during their great London campaign of 1873–1874. On various occasions he deputised for Mr. Sankey in leading the praise, a service for which his musical gifts and spiritual warmth eminently fitted him. He also assisted Canon Hay Aitken in several missions, during which many churchmen and others were led to a saving knowledge of Christ.

Hymn Writing and Worldwide Influence

Samuel Trevor Francis occupies a unique place among Christian hymn writers in that, during his own lifetime, he repeatedly heard congregations—large and small, in many lands—singing hymns which he himself had written, and often joined personally in their praise.

His best-known hymn, “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus,” has become a treasured possession of the Church universal. Among his many other hymns are:

• Eternal Love, O Mighty Sea

• Hark! a Gentle Stranger Knocketh

• Call the Weary Home

• Let Me Sing You a Song of Heaven

• Jesus, We Remember Thee

• Home of Light and Glory

• Forward, Christian, Forward

• Revive Us, Lord Jesus

• I Am Waiting for the Dawning

• O, for the Meeting in the Radiant Air

• Safe to Land, No Shadows Darken

His hymns appeared in Believers’ Hymn Book, Hymns of Light and Love, and many other collections, while his poems were widely published in periodicals such as The Revival, The Witness, The Christian, Word and Work, Great Thoughts, and Life of Faith.

A substantial collection of his poetic work was later issued under the title Whence–Whither and Other Poems, and another under O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus, preserving for future generations the fruit of a long life of spiritual song.

Travels and Later Years

As his eyesight became impaired, Samuel Trevor Francis undertook extended travels, which proved both refreshing and fruitful. He journeyed widely, visiting Canada, Australia, Palestine, and Egypt, and accompanied R. C. Morgan, the first editor of The Christian, on journeys to North Africa. Wherever he went, he was often deeply moved to hear his hymns sung—sometimes in English, sometimes translated into other tongues—by believers who knew little or nothing of the author standing among them.

These experiences served to confirm to him that the Lord had been pleased to use his gift far beyond anything he could have planned or imagined.

Character and Spiritual Tone

All who knew Samuel Trevor Francis testified that both his spoken ministry and his written work were permeated by a profound realisation of the love of Christ. This love was not merely a theme in his hymns; it was the atmosphere of his life. He longed above all things to see the Saviour’s face and to lead others into the same blessed hope.

Dr. James Thirtle, writing in The Christian, aptly summarised his life and service when he said:

“All his poetical work, as well as his spoken word, was permeated by a realisation of the love of Christ, and with a heart desire to see the Saviour’s face.”

Home-Call and Legacy

Samuel Trevor Francis quietly entered into rest from a nursing home on 28 December 1925, in the ninety-second year of his age. The faith he had sung of for so long had become sight. He now realised the truth of words he himself had penned:

“At Home with the Lord, what joy is this!
To gaze on His face is infinite bliss.”

His legacy abides wherever believers lift their voices to sing of the deep, deep love of Jesus. Few hymn writers have so simply, so sweetly, and so enduringly given expression to the affections of the redeemed heart—and fewer still were granted the joy of hearing the Church universal echo their song while they yet lived.