More Holiness Give Me

Grade Level 1

Year: 2025

Composer: Philip Bliss, arr. Stephen Bulla 

Program Notes:

American evangelist and hymn writer, Philip Bliss, also served as a Lieutenant during the Civil War. He wrote songs that are still known the world over. From his pen emerged classics like “Wonderful Words of Life,” “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning,” and the melody for “It Is Well with My Soul.” 

Here is a setting of another of his classic hymns, “More Holiness Give Me,” which was written in 1873. In the first verse Bliss provides this insightful text: 

More holiness give me, more strivings within. 

More patience in suffering, more sorrow for sin. 

More faith in my Savior, more sense of His care. 

More joy in His service, more purpose in prayer. 

American Instrumental Ensemble Series (AIES/ABES)