From the Heart of Jesus Flowing

Heather Allington

Heather writes for Sunday Song Book on behalf of the The Salvation Army Oshawa. As a lifelong member of the Army, she has loved these familiar - and some less familiar - songs for many years, and enjoys researching and writing about their origins. She is a wife, mother, grandmother and retired elementary school teacher who likes trying her hand at watercolour painting and poetry writing.

From the heart of Jesus flowing
Cometh Heaven’s peace to me,
Ever deeper, richer growing,
Through the cross of Calvary;
Passing mortal understanding,
Yet to seeking ones made known,
And for all the race expanding –
Gift of God unto His own.

To the heart where strife was reigning,
Jesus spake, dissension ceased;
From the bonds so long enchaining,
I was instantly released.
Pardon for all past transgression,
Grace for every time of need –
With such treasure in possession
Happy is my lot indeed.

Undisturbed throughout the ages,
Heaven’s peace is in God’s will,
Present though the conflict rages,
Blessing me through good or ill.
Jesus, source of calm unfailing,
With His peace my heart has filled;
He abides, o’er all prevailing,
And in Him life’s storms are stilled.

Paul wrote to the Philippians that if they kept in touch with God through prayer, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 6,7) How we all need this kind of peace in our lives! Charles Coller experienced it and his song gives some clues as to how we may, too. In Verse 1, he says it’s available to “seeking ones”. Verse 2 says peace comes when we allow Jesus to speak to us, and in Verse 3, Coller tells us that Heaven’s peace comes when we yield to God’s will. Sometimes that is easier said than done, and so we miss out on the promised peace.

Charles Coller lived in England from 1863-1935. He was a shoemaker’s son in the town of Woodford, but moved to London to work. He became a Salvationist at Regent Hall in 1885. He was a trombonist who played in the Household Troops Band and later in the International Staff Band. As a Salvation Army officer, Coller worked in the Publishing and Supplies Department, and in his last appointment he was in charge of music publishing. A writer as well as a player, Charles Coller contributed over 200 songs to The Musical Salvationist .