Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#495

495. I Know Not Why God's Wondrous Grace

1 I know not why God's wondrous grace
to me he has made known,
nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
redeemed me for his own.

Refrain:
But "I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I've committed
unto him against that day."

2 I know not how this saving faith
to me he did impart,
nor how believing in his Word
wrought peace within my heart. Refrain

3 I know not how the Spirit moves,
convincing us of sin,
revealing Jesus through the Word,
creating faith in him. Refrain

4 I know not what of good or ill
may be reserved for me,
of weary ways or golden days,
before his face I see. Refrain

Text Information

• First Line: I know not why God's wondrous grace
• Title: I Know Not Why God's Wondrous Grace
• Author: Daniel W. Whittle, 1840-1901 (1883)
• Refrain First Line: But "I know whom I have believed
• Meter: CM with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  2 Timothy 1:12
  ;
  2 Timothy 1
• Topic: Redemption; Assurance

Tune Information

• Name: EL NATHAN
• Composer: James McGranahan (1883)
• Meter: CM with refrain
• Key: D Major

Text Information:

Scripture References:
ref. = 2 Tim. 1:12

American evangelist Daniel Webster Whittle (b. Chicopee Falls, MA, 1840; d. Northfield, MA, 1901) wrote this text based on 2 Timothy 1:12, which is quoted in the refrain (King James Version). It was published with EL NATHAN in Gospel Hymns No.4 (1883).

The text contrasts the "I know not" stanzas with the certainty of the "I know" refrain We cannot understand God's saving grace to us (st. 1); we cannot explain our spiritual birth (st. 2); we are unable to comprehend the work of God's Spirit (st. 3); and we do not perceive clearly the future of our earthly lives (st. 4). But we do know by faith that God is true to his word!

Whittle was a bank cashier, Civil War soldier, and company treasurer before he became an evangelist. Earning the title of major during his military career, he was called Major Whittle throughout his life. Because of the influence of Dwight L. Moody whom he met during the war, Whittle became an itinerant evangelist in 1873. He conducted evangelistic campaigns in North America and Great Britain, often accompanied by popular gospel singers such as Philip P. Bliss (PHH 482), James McGranab and George Stebbins (PHH 63). These men not only sang at Whittle’s evangelistic meetings but also set to music many of his two hundred hymn texts (which he usually wrote under the pseudonym "El Nathan").

Liturgical Use:
As a hymn of response to preaching; for times of renewal; profession of faith; other testimonial services.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

James McGranahan (PHH 99), Whittle's song leader, composed EL NATHAN. The tunes title is a pseudonym used by Whittle. A typical gospel hymn tune, EL NATHAN is constructed with a few melodic lines and a very simple harmony, but it is marked by some rhythmic interest. The tune is easily sung in parts. Try singing the stanzas in two long lines. The text of the refrain calls for one long extended phrase; accompanists and choirs using staggered breathing can demonstrate the effectiveness of a musical “communion of the saints” by performing the entire refrain without a break.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook