Matheson, George, an able and greatly honored minister of the Church of Scotland, was born March 27, 1842. He entered Glasgow University in 1857, when he was but fifteen years of age. He spent nine years at the university -- five years in the arts and four years in the study of divinity. He was licensed to preach in 1866. Dr. Matheson, as is well known, was entirely blind during the greater portion of his life. He was probably born with defective sight -- at least his mother discovered this fact when he was eighteen months old. In his early boyhood, by using strong glasses and a strong light, he managed to read; but his sight continued to fail, and when he entered the university, at the age of fifteen and one-half years, he was almost blind and had to depend upon the sight of others. He died August 28, 1906. He was never married. His life was full of literary activity. His contributions to the literature of theology are among the ablest and most widely read volumes that have appeared from the English press since 1874, when he published his first volume. Considering the limitations under which he had to do his work, his industry and productiveness were marvelous; and the strength and quality of his work were as notable as the number and frequency of his publications. Among his twenty-five published volumes one was titled Sacred Songs, 1890 (third edition, 1904). About a dozen of Dr. Matheson's songs have found a place in Church hymnals, but only one has gained universal popularity. This song of resignation, love, and trust is one that only a great sufferer could write.

O Love that wilt not let me go 481