"Rescue the Perishing,"

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 1869


"Rescue the Perishing" is a classic evangelistic hymn written in 1869 by the prolific American songwriter Fanny J. Crosby and set to music by William H. Doane.
Origin Story
The hymn's history is deeply rooted in Crosby’s personal mission work in New York City:
  • The Inspiration: On a hot August evening in 1869, while speaking at a mission in the Bowery district (often cited as the Bowery Mission), Crosby felt a strong spiritual impression that a "mother's boy" present needed to be rescued that night.
  • The Encounter: She made an appeal for any "wandering boy" to come forward. An 18-year-old youth approached her, admitting he had promised his mother he would meet her in heaven but had strayed far from that path. Crosby prayed with him, and he converted that night.
  • The Writing: Deeply moved, Crosby returned home and wrote the lyrics that very evening. The title was inspired by a suggestion and a tune previously given to her by her frequent collaborator, William Doane.
Legacy and Impact
  • Rallying Cry: The song became the "battle cry" or theme song for the Rescue Mission movement and was used extensively in temperance work and global missionary efforts.
  • Theme: The lyrics emphasize the Christian duty to care for the "spiritually lost" and "socially neglected," reflecting the social gospel and evangelistic fervor of the late 19th century.
  • Reunion: Many years later, Crosby reportedly encountered the same man again; he had remained a devoted Christian, fulfilling the promise he had made that night

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