1. There comes to my heart one sweet strain, A glad and a joyous refrain, I sing it again and again, Sweet peace, the gift of God's love. 2. Through Christ on the cross peace was made, My debt by His death was all paid, No other foundation is laid. For peace, the gift of God's love. 3. When Jesus as Lord I had crowned, My heart with this peace did abound, In Him the rich blessing I found, Sweet peace, the gift of God's love. 4. In Jesus for peace I abide, And as I keep close to His side, There's nothing but peace doth betide. Sweet peace, the gift of God's love. Chorus: Peace, peace, sweet peace, Wonderful gift from above, Oh, wonderful, wonderful peace, Sweet peace, the gift of God's love.
Lyrics: Peter Philip Bilhorn
Music: Peter Philip Bilhorn
Tune: SWEET PEACE
Words and Music by Peter P. Bilhorn, 1865–1936
Peter Bilhorn, author and composer of this hymn, began writing gospel songs shortly after his conversion at the age of 20. In all he wrote more than 2000 songs while serving as the song leader for Billy Sunday and other leading evangelists.
One night he sang one of his most popular songs, “I Will Sing the Wondrous Story,” at a camp meeting. A friend jokingly remarked, “I wish you would write a song to suit my voice as well as that song suits yours.” Bilhorn responded, “What shall it be?” “Oh, any sweet piece.” That evening Bilhorn composed the music for the new hymn.
The following winter while traveling on a train, Bilhorn observed a tragic train accident. He saw one poor individual left lying in a pool of blood. That event reminded him of Christ’s blood atoning for our sins, which prompted him to write these words there on the train.