Ever since the Fall, mankind has dealt with many tragedies, certainly a far cry from the original Creation that God put into place.  Many of the hymns in this series came into being because of tragedy in the poet's life.  In their despair and distress, they found they were not alone but they had a Savior who knew their pain, healed their wounds, and carried them through it.  Elizabeth Prentiss was one who was impacted deeply by loss.  In her time of trial, the words of her pastor husband helped her find that turning to God and loving Him more brought healing to her.  Rather than letting her loss make her bitter, she let her love of God make her better.  It is said crushing a rose petal releases its sweet fragrance.  Her time of trial brought out the sweet fragrance of this great hymn, More Love to Thee, O Christ, which reminds us to direct our love to Christ whether times are good or bad.

Article taken from Living Stories of Famous Hymns by Ernest K. Emurian. Copyright © 1955 by Baker Book House Company. Used by permission of Baker Book House Company.