Fanny Crosby authored over 8,000 hymns in her life.  Other great accomplishments in her life include the ability to quote chapters and even entire books of the Bible by memory.  However, what makes her story more unique is the fact that Fanny Crosby accomplished all of these things while being blind from about six weeks of age.  Because of an incorrect diagnosis and/or prescription of the wrong medicine, Fanny lost her sight at a very young age.  This fact makes the phrases in the hymn “My Saviour First of All” all the more meaningful.

Fanny Crosby had the following encounter with a well-intentioned minister.  The minister said to her, “I think it is a great pity that the Master, when he showered so many gifts upon you, did not give you sight.”  Mrs. Crosby replied, “Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition to my Creator, that it would have been that I should be born blind?”  Surprisingly, the minister asked “Why?”  She replied,

“Because, when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.” 

Here are the words to her well-known hymn, “MY SAVIOUR FIRST OF ALL”

When my lifework is ended, and I cross the swelling tide,

When the bright and glorious morning I shall see;

I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side,

And His smile will be the first to welcome me.

Refrain:

I shall know Him, I shall know Him,

And redeemed by His side I shall stand,

I shall know Him, I shall know Him,

By the print of the nails in His hand.

Oh, the soul-thrilling rapture when I view His blessed face,

And the luster of His kindly beaming eye;

How my full heart will praise Him for the mercy, love and grace,

That prepare for me a mansion in the sky.

Oh, the dear ones in glory, how they beckon me to come,

And our parting at the river I recall;

To the sweet vales of Eden they will sing my welcome home;

But I long to meet my Savior first of all.

 

Through the gates to the city in a robe of spotless white,

He will lead me where no tears will ever fall;

In the glad song of ages I shall mingle with delight;

But I long to meet my Savior first of all.