"Hear and Live!"

Some hymnals publish “Hear and Live!” as having been written by Grace J. Frances, which is one of the many pseudonyms of Fanny Crosby. To date, there are over 98 pseudonyms for her, with some of them being just symbols, such as the following: #, ###, or ***. “Hear and Live!”

Music for “Hear and Live!” was written by Hubert Platt Main (1839-1925), born in Ridgefield, CT, to a singing school teacher, he moved to New York City to eventually wind up as an errand boy at Bristow & Morse piano company. As an adult, he was asked to work in William Bradbury’s publishing company, which was succeeded by Biglow & Main publishing at Bradbury’s death. Main wrote over 1,000 pieces in addition to all the songs he published. The Newberry Library in Chicago, Illinois bought his entire collection in 1891. His music can be found in many modern-day hymnals.

“Hear and Live!”

O weary heart, why seek in vain
The balm of rest from earth to gain,
While Jesus waits, your King to reign,
And all your sins forgive!

Refrain

Awake, arise! no more delay;
He calls you now—His voice obey!
The loving words He speaks today,
Oh hear, and you shall live!

He calls again; on Him believe,
His gift of grace thro’ faith receive;
Your truest Friend no longer grieve,
But haste your heart to give.

Refrain

To Jesus come, and at His feet
That precious Name with praise repeat;
Oh, trust Him now, and learn how sweet
The peace His love will give.

Refrain

It is said that many of Fanny Crosby’s hymns, like “Hear and Live!” were published under pseudonyms, not because of some prejudice against women, but because of the volumes of hymns she submitted for publication. Publishers just began to make up names so that their hymnals would not look like she was the only submitting hymnist.

“Hear and Live!”

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