Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King;
take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect, and use every power as thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine.
take my heart, it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store;
take my self, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.
Henri A. C. Malan died this date,5/18/1864, at Vandoeuvres (near Geneva) Switzerland. He wrote the music to the well-known song above.
Malan (may also be seen as “Cesar H. A.”) finished his studies and traveled to Marseilles, France, to learn business. God had other plans for him; soon he entered the Academy at Geneva. Here he prepared to enter the ministry (was ordained, 1810) having been made a master at the College in 1809. He has the distinction of being an originator of the “hymn movement” in the French Reformed Church.
Malan also has the distinction of saying to a young lady named Charlotte Elliott that he hoped she was a Christian. (It was on a visit to England where God allowed this evangelist to be seated at the same table.) She bristled and let him know she did not wish to discuss his question. Henri Malan apologized, expressing he did not wish to give offense. Though offended, it became a turning point for Charlotte and, as known, she became a beleiver in Christ.
In addition to his musical abilities, Malan penned a number of tracts and pamphlets. This musician, artist, and mechanic (suggesting cleaver use of hands) was born July 7, 1787 at Geneva,Switzerland.
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