O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

Author – George Matheson (1842–1906)
Composer – Albert L. Peace (1844–1912)
Tune Name – St. Margaret
Meter – 8.8.8.6
Scripture Reference – Jeremiah 31:3
"I have loved thee with an everlasting love..." — Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV)

“O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go” stands as one of the most beloved and enduring hymns of the late nineteenth century, notable not only for its depth of expression but also for the remarkable circumstances surrounding its creation. The author, George Matheson, was entirely blind when he wrote the hymn and described its composition as the "fruit of much mental suffering." Born on March 27, 1842, in Glasgow, Scotland, Matheson had only partial vision in his early years. While studying at Glasgow University, his eyesight deteriorated rapidly, and he was completely blind by the age of eighteen. Yet, despite this profound disability, he excelled academically, graduating with high honors from both the university and the seminary of the Church of Scotland.

In 1886, Matheson became pastor of St. Bernard’s Parish Church in Edinburgh, a congregation of over 2,000 members. His eloquent preaching and spiritual insight made him one of Scotland’s most admired preachers. Throughout his ministry, he was assisted by a devoted sister who supported him in all aspects of life and ministry. She learned Greek, Latin, and Hebrew to help him with his theological work and served faithfully alongside him until her marriage. It was on the evening of her wedding day, June 6, 1882, while alone in the manse at Innellan, that Matheson wrote this hymn. In his own words, he was experiencing deep personal anguish known only to himself. He later wrote, "The hymn was the fruit of that suffering... It was the quickest bit of work I ever did in my life... I had the impression rather of having it dictated to me by some inward voice than of working it out myself." He claimed it was completed in five minutes without alteration or revision.

Though unconfirmed, a popular but unverified tradition holds that Matheson was once engaged and that his fiancée left him after learning of his impending blindness. While there is no evidence to substantiate this story, the language of the hymn—with its references to the “flickering torch,” the “borrowed ray,” the “rainbow through the rain,” and the enduring “cross”—strongly suggests it arose from deep emotional and spiritual struggle. The hymn first appeared in Life and Work, the Church of Scotland's monthly magazine, in January 1883.

The tune St. Margaret was composed a year later by Albert L. Peace, one of Scotland’s leading organists and a respected church musician. The Scottish Hymnal Committee commissioned him to write a melody specifically for Matheson’s text. Peace later recounted, “After reading it over carefully, I wrote the music straight off, and may say that the ink of the first note was hardly dry when I had finished the tune.” The name of the tune, St. Margaret, may be an homage to Queen Margaret of Scotland, who was canonized in 1251 and remains a revered figure in Scottish history.

Although this is the only hymn by Matheson found in most evangelical hymnals, he authored several other deeply devotional texts. Among them is “Make Me a Captive, Lord, and Then I Shall Be Free,” another hymn that reflects his theological depth and spiritual sensitivity. In his later years, Matheson turned to devotional writing, producing works such as Moments on the Mount, Voices of the Spirit, and Rests by the River, which are still appreciated for their insight and warmth.

At the heart of “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go” are four rich themes: Love, Light, Joy, and Cross. Each verse explores these concepts not as abstract ideas, but as lived experiences for the Christian soul committed to the will of God. The hymn has brought comfort, hope, and strength to countless believers, affirming God’s unchanging love even in seasons of great personal loss and inner trial. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the truth that out of suffering can come beauty—and out of weakness, deep spiritual strength.