Samuel Davies (1724- 1761)

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 9
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Presbyterian
Hymn #112.
This author has written several hymns though only one is in the Little Flock. He was born in Newcastle, Delaware, on November 3, 1724, and his devoted Christian mother, believing that God had given him in answer to her prayers, named him Samuel (heard of God). At fifteen he became an earnest Christian and at twenty-two he began to preach as a Presbyterian minister in Newcastle and then later in Virginia. The Lord granted him a measure of success as the result of his self-denying labors. In three years’ time his small group grew to three hundred. He was described as “a model of the most impressive oratory. As his personal appearance was venerable, yet benevolent and mild, he could address his auditory, either with the most commanding authority, or with the most melting tenderness.”
In 1759 he became President of the College at Princeton, New Jersey, as successor to Jonathan Edwards. At the beginning of 1761 he preached on the words, “This year thou shalt die” (Jer. 28:1616Therefore thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the Lord. (Jeremiah 28:16)). A month later he passed away at the early age of 36! As his dear mother gazed upon the casket she said, “There is the son of my prayers, and my hopes—my only son—my only earthly support. But there is the will of God, and I am satisfied.” How she exemplified the happy attitude of Job (Job 1:2121And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21))! She has long since been reunited with her “only son” in a brighter sphere where we shall all be quickly introduced, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor. 15:5252In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:52)). He is now in that place of which he wrote:
“Eternal praise, our God, shall rise:
In mansions far beyond the skies
Thy Name shall be adored.
With joyful hearts our songs we raise;
Our God and Father, Thee we praise,
While waiting for our Lord.”