If you’re the kind of person who looks at the fine print under the songs in your hymnal, you have probably noticed the name Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879). She has written several hymns which continue to be sung by Christians all over the world. But most do not realize that Havergal was far more than a hymnist. She was a prolific and talented poet, musician, and devotional writer—and beyond that she obviously lived the life with God that she so often describes in writing. In her own day, she was a widely read and beloved author, in fact the only woman before the twentieth-century to have over a million books printed. (For more on her life, see the biography Ever, only ALL for Thee.)
Unfortunately, her work is largely unknown today, except for the few hymns we still sing. An effort is underway to publish her complete works in five, massive volumes, but that is not yet ready. So, until the time when her writings are again accessible to Christians, we offer this small booklet: Valuable Selections from the Writings of Frances Ridley Havergal. It is a very small collection of some her poems, portions of letters written by and about her, chapters from devotional writings, and then some music scores.
If you’re looking for something to read which is both simple and edifying, and maybe artistic, this collection will serve you well. Not all Christians like poetry, but those who do should really try out Havergal’s, as represented in this booklet. She mixes her great skill with biblical knowledge, probing questions, and deep worship. Also, not all Christians like short, devotional writings, but again Havergal’s is of a very high quality and worth reading. It will be good to see more of her works made available in the future.
96 pages.
Valuable Selections from the Writings of Frances Ridley Havergal is in the following collections:
