1
Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
2
Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus—this is rest.
To do the will of Jesus—this is rest.
3
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.
On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.
4
Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they.
In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they.
5
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.
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Los Angeles, California, United States
For years this song was associated with the burial of the dead. One Sunday morning, nearly 15 years ago, it was introduced as a hymn of praise. Only less than 20% of church members agreed to sing it. The others, in superstition felt it may cause them harm.
I am glad I joined the 20% that sang this song that day because, now any time I feel lost, distressed and confused, I go back to the words of this song.
In whatever situation we find ourselves, there is PERFECT PEACE TO BE FOUND IN JESUS. Glory and praise to you O Lord. Amen
Awka, Anambra, Nigeria
After preaching to our neighborhood this morning. We tuned on the set as we were going back home, and this hymn peace perfect peace started singing and it was suiting to the message we declared this morning, both to us preachers and to the people we preached to. Jesus is all-in all.
Cape Town, W Cape, South Africa
"Peace peace" . . in Egypt : When I see the blood I will pass over you."(Exodus 12:13). Much much better now the Blood of the Lamb speaks of better things . . . from Heaven. '(Hebrews 12:24, 25)
West Kelowna, BC, Canada
Back in 1969 we were missionaries in a remote part of Papua (Irian Jaya), Indonesia. One evening missionary friends, who were taking a break from their demanding schedule, came to our home, and while there we sang "Peace, perfect peace in this dark world of sin." Yesterday they wrote to say thank you for that "seemingly insignificant moment with lasting implications" saying that the "recent events in the world brought back the memory of that hymn sung at your place." Fifty-one years ago, this hymn touched their hearts -- and ours -- and its truth still rings loudly today in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic.
United States
Edward H. Bickerseth was born on January 26, 1825 in London, England of an influential clerical family. His father, also named Edward Bikerseth, was a clergyman in the Anglican Church. Previously, he had been a missionary to West Africa and later the first secretary to the Church of the Missionary Society. He was also a poet and editor of the “Christian Psalmody, ” the choice evangelical hymnal of that time. Four of his also sons became prominent ministers in their day.
Edward Jr. , attended Trinity College in Cambridge where his poetry earned him high- honors. In 1848 he was ordained a minister of the Anglican Church and later was appointed Bishop of Exeter from 1885-1900. Throughout his ministry Bickerseth was known for his works of literature which included sermons, hymns and poetry. In 1870 he was appointed editor of the “Hymnal Companion to the Book of Common Prayer, ” a hymnal which surpassed all other evangelical hymnals of Great Britain.
One Sunday in August, 1875, while he was on vacation in Harrogate, England, Edward listened to a sermon by Canon Gibbon, the Vicar of Harrogate. It was on Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in ‘peace peace’ whose mind is stayed on Thee. ” Bickerseth was impressed by the Vicar’s explanation of the original Hebrew text. The point of the sermon was that in repeating the word twice, the Hebrew conveyed the idea of absolute perfection. Later that day, Edward went to visit a dying relative, Arch Deacon Hill of Liverpool. He found the aged man in a state of depression. Wanting to be of help, Edward began to read the verse in Isaiah from where the sermon, still fresh in his mind, was found. Then taking a piece of paper from the Deacon’s desk, he began to write the lines of his new poem and read them to his dying relative. The poem has remained the same as it was first written.
From the Hebrew version “peace peace” came the first phrase for each stanza, “Peace, Perfect Peace. ” The lines of this poem greatly comforted Deacon Hill as he passed from this life on to be with the Lord.
Bickerseth asks five questions in this poem:
Is it really possible to experience a life of ultimate calm and tranquility in the midst of “this dark world of sin? ” or when “pressed by thronging duties? ” or when surrounded by “sorrows surging round? ” or when “loved ones are far away? ” or when “our future is unknown? ” For these poignant questions, the author provides helpful spiritual answers in the second half of each stanza:
The blood of Jesus whispers peace, to do His we will find rest, in His bosom calm is found, in Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and to know He is on the throne.
The tune “ Pax Rectum, ” Latin for “ Peace be with You, ” was written especially for this text by George T. Caldbeck, a young missionary student, in 1877. It is a simple tune well-suited for this hymn.
Durban, Kzn, South Africa
I grew up with this beautiful ancient hymn. I can't tell you how much it means to me during this difficult time of covid-19.
Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
This is peace that is incomparable, indescribable. and full of meaning peace that can only come from the Holy Spirit of the the most high God.
London, United Kingdom
A piece of great music that transverse through man's journey on earth. I particularly love stanza 5. Life is full of surprises, but we should relish in the knowledge of WHO is leading us.
Lagos, Nigeria
I heard this song during a funeral, there's really nothing as comforting as the voice of the Holy Spirit whispering peace down in your soul.
United States
Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin. A great hymn.