Hallelujah, 'tis Done I

Words by P. P. Bliss Music by P. P. Bliss

"'Tis the promise of God full salvation to give,
Unto him who on Jesus, his Son, will believe.”

A minister from England, in telling of a certain meeting, says: ”Among the converts was a man somewhat advanced in years, who was very anxious about the salvation of his wife, and expressed a wish that I should visit her. I did -so repeatedly, and explained to her in very simple words the plan of salvation, but she could not comprehend the meaning of my message. Every time I left, however, she would express a strong desire that I return. One day I went in just before dinner, and talked to her about Jesus, but no light seemed to dawn upon her mind. Then the thought struck me to sing something to her, and so I commenced, ' 'Tis the promise of God, full salvation to give.' When I was through the chorus, she exclaimed, ' Sing it over again.' I did so, time after time, and when I asked her to assist me, she joined in very heartily. The light dawned on her dark mind while we were singing, the big burden of sin was removed from her heart, and her face was lighted up with holy joy as she exclaimed, ' Hallelujah, 'tis done! I do believe in the Son; I am saved.' Just then her husband walked in for his dinner, and she shouted out to him, 'Ah, lad! I've got it! Hallelujah! 'tis done I' Their hearts were full of joy over the wonderful discovery she had made, and I was grateful to God for a sinner brought to Christ by the ministry of holy song."

In compiling his book, ”Gospel Songs,” in 1874, Mr. Bliss desired to publish in it the well-known hymn, ”Hallelujah! Thine the Glory,” then much used in religious services. The owners of the copyright refused, and he wrote ”Hallelujah, 'tis done,” both words and music, to supply the want. Hundreds of souls have been led to decide for Christ by this hymn, and the church has reason to rejoice at that refusal.