September 23, 2010
Pastor Bob Hammond

In the opening verses of Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount,
the Lord proclaimed, "Blessed are theFanny Crosby's tombstone at Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport, CT. meek: for they shall inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5)

This week, I had an opportunity to visit Fanny Crosby's grave at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport.

Of course, we know Fanny Crosby as the famous writer of more than 3,000 hymns and poems. What you may not know, is that despite her considerable fame, Fanny Crosby remained a portrait of Christ-like meekness and humility.

I'm told that sister Fanny once had occasion to visit the grave of P.T. Barnum -- which is located just steps from where she is now buried. As the blind hymnist felt around the very ornate grave of Mr. Barnum, she expressed dismay at the cost that must have been involved in creating such an elaborate memorial. She proceeded to decree that her own grave should be marked by only the simplest stone. Today, her original tombstone is among the smallest in the cemetery. And it reads simply, "Aunt - Fanny. She hath done what she could. Fanny J. Crosby."

Praise God for the humility of that great Sister in Christ! Lord, produce in us the same humility.

To God be the Glory (Fanny Crosby)

To God be the glory, great things He hath done

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin

And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Refrain:
	Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, 
	let the earth hear his voice!  
	Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, 
	let the people rejoice!
	O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son, 
	and give him the glory, great things he hath done!

Listen to this hymn