The Eventful Life of a Sailor, Painter, Dentist and Hymn Writer

Henry Gilmour of Ireland had quite an eventful life and some might say it started when he went to sea to learn navigation at age 16. 

His ship landed in Philadelphia where he became a painter. While he was painting the lighthouse at Cape May, New Jersey, he met his future wife, Pauline and was soon married. 

Henry eventually joined the Union Army in the Civil War, spending several months as a prisoner of war. 

After the war, Henry studied dentistry and became a dentist. Henry also helped found his church and served a trustee, Sunday School superintendent and music director.

In addition, he was widely respected as a song leader in revivals and camp meetings, devoting ten weeks of his vacation time each year for such work. 

But perhaps what he is remembered for most today are his hymns including The Haven of Rest. 

His experience as a sailor is reflected in the lyrics of this hymn that longs for the final rest believers have waiting for us.

The Haven of Rest

by Henry Gilmour, 1890

My soul in sad exile was out on life's sea,
So burdened with sin, and distressed,
Till I heard a sweet voice saying, "Make Me your choice,"
And I entered the haven of rest.

Refrain:

I've anchored my soul in the haven of rest,
I'll sail the wide seas no more;
The tempest may sweep o'er the wild stormy deep,
In Jesus I'm safe evermore.

I yielded myself to His tender embrace,
And faith taking hold of the word,
My fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul:
The haven of rest is my Lord. 

The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole,
Has been the old story so blessed,
Of Jesus who'll save whosoever will have
A home in the haven of rest. 

How precious the thought that we all may recline,
Like John, the beloved and blessed,
On Jesus' strong arm, where no tempest can harm,
Secure in the haven of rest. 

Oh, come to the Savior, He patiently waits
To save by His power divine;
Come, anchor your soul in the haven of rest,
And say, "My Beloved is mine."