Philip Paul Bliss, the "Sweet Singer," was born in Clearfield County,
Pa., in 1837. It was not until after he had reached the period of
manhood that he "felt the stirrings of his musical gift." And then,
under the inspiration of his wife, he entered upon the study of musical
science, and laid the basis of his immortal "hymns," now sung around the
world. In 1864 he removed to Chicago, where his musical talent and
Christian character soon placed him in charge of the choir and Sunday
School of the First Congregational Church, and where he made the
acquaintance of D. W. Whittle, with whom, for the last five years of his
life he labored in the great Gospel work. Deep spirituality and
persuasiveness pervade all of Mr. Bliss' musical compositions. It is
doubtful if the world ever heard sweeter hymns. Had he lived longer we
should have heard more, but God, who raised him up for the work, called
him:
For those who sleep,
And those who weep,
Above the portals narrow
The mansions rise
Beyond the skies--
We're going home to-morrow.
[Illustration: Portrait of P. P. BLISS]