Seeking Solace: The Life and Legacy of Horatio G. Spafford

by Thomas E. Corts

Never had Horatio and Anna Spafford imagined that a family vacation to Europe would forever change their lives. In 1873, the ship Ville du Havre was nicknamed the “floating palace” —the finest, most luxurious steamer on the Atlantic. “Unsinkable” was the word used to describe her safety and sturdiness of construction. One week after departure from New York, unsuspecting passengers of the Ville du Havre were shuffled from their beds and flung into the dark Atlantic when their ship was dissected by another—the Loch Earn. Many lives were saved, but many were lost at sea, including the four daughters of Horatio and Anna. Heartbroken, Horatio put the ebb and flow of his emotions and faith to paper and penned the poem “It Is Well.” Later, Philip P. Bliss, a well-known author of hymns and gospel songs, composed a melody, and the result was the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul,” which has lent comfort to many grief-stricken souls. Too often the telling of the Horatio Spafford story ends with the writing of this hymn. Instead, Dr. Corts takes you to the end of Horatio and Anna’s lives. After the shipwreck, the grieving Spaffords conducted a relentless search for spiritual guidance that ultimately led to Anna’s declaration that she was a prophet of God. The years that followed were ones of spiritual and financial havoc for the Spaffords. What Dr. Corts’s research revealed was that the Spafford story is an example of the indomitable human spirit to survive when faced with personal calamity. More importantly, it is the story of the devastating consequences that can occur when sincere, well-meaning Christians abandon the Bible as their guidebook and seek answers elsewhere.

312 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2014

Reviews

[Mandy Haas · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning was a really interesting story of a shipwreck. The second half got to be a bit long and dry. All in all though it was an interesting biography to read and discuss with the church book club.

[Dan Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read about a man who has blessed so many people with his hymn. "It Is Well With My Soul". It is also a cautionary tale of what can happen when we leave sound biblical doctrine behind and are seduced by influence and power.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A twice-sad tale.