Words: , in The Sailor’s Magazine (1871) and The Baptist Praise Book (1871). The nautical theme reflects Hopper’s ministry at the Church of the Sea and Land in New York City, where he met sailors from around the world. Music: Pilot, , 1871. Alternate tune: Toplady, , 1830 Major told me the following incident in connection with this hymn: “I went with General O. O. Howard to hold meetings for the soldiers at Tampa, Florida, and one day while going through the camp I found a young man dying of fever. I knelt by his side and asked him if he was a Christian. He replied that he was not, but said that his father and mother were Christians; and he asked me to pray for him. I did so, but no deep impression was made upon his heart. I went away with a sorrowing heart and promised to return another day. Two days later I visited him again and, praying with him, the Lord put into my mind to sing, ‘Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.’ The dying soldier said: ‘Oh, that sounds good; it puts me in mind of my beloved sister in Michigan, who used to sing this hymn for me before I entered the army.’ He wanted me to repeat it over and over again for him, and finally he asked: ‘Will Jesus be my pilot into the haven of rest?’ I told the young man that Jesus would. ‘Then,’ he said, ‘I will trust him with all my heart.’ The next day I called to see him again, but his comrade said: ‘He passed away during the night.’” Jesus, Savior, pilot me Over life’s tempestuous sea; Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treacherous shoal. Chart and compass come from Thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me. While th’Apostles’ fragile bark Struggled with the billows dark, On the stormy Galilee, Thou didst walk upon the sea; And when they beheld Thy form, Safe they glided through the storm.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 04:28:36 +0000