Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

Lila Dale Avery-Stuttle was a prolific American author, poet, and editor associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1855, she became a prominent voice in denominational literature, contributing extensively to periodicals such as the Review and Herald and The Youth’s Instructor. Her work was characterized by a deep commitment to the themes of temperance, Sabbath observance, and the imminent return of Christ. Beyond her hymnody, she was a successful author of books for children and young adults, including Shiloh, the Man of Sorrows and Gleanings of Sacred Song, which sought to present biblical narratives and moral lessons in an engaging, poetic style.

Avery-Stuttle’s hymnody is marked by a distinctive blend of personal piety and social reform. A significant portion of her work was dedicated to the Temperance movement, a major social cause of her era. Her verses, such as "Ye Sons of Temperance, Raise Your Banners High," utilized martial imagery to encourage moral steadfastness and sobriety. This "activist" poetry was balanced by more intimate, devotional texts like "O Let Me Walk with Thee, My God" (often translated into Spanish as "Contigo quiero andar, oh Dios"). This hymn remains one of her most enduring contributions, emphasizing a quiet, persistent walk with the Divine amidst the distractions of the world.

Theologically, Avery-Stuttle’s writing reflected the specific eschatological hopes of the Adventist movement. Her hymns often focused on the "Blessed Hope" of the Second Advent, as seen in "Glory, Glory to the Lord, He’s Coming By and By" and "O Glory to God! It Is Coming Again." These texts were designed to instill a sense of joyful anticipation and "jubilee" among believers. Furthermore, her interest in the continuity of biblical law is evident in hymns like "O Law of God, Blest and Divine," which portrays the Decalogue not as a burden, but as a sacred guide for the Christian life.

Interestingly, Avery-Stuttle also engaged with the health and "social hygiene" reforms of her day. Her humorous yet didactic poem "What Gives My Breath an Awful Smell" (published under her maiden name, Lillie D. Avery) was used to teach children about the effects of tobacco and the importance of physical purity, reflecting the holistic view of faith and health prevalent in her community. By the time of her death in 1933, she had provided the church with a diverse body of literature that bridged the gap between strict doctrinal teaching and sentimental, accessible poetry.

Representative Themes in Avery-Stuttle’s Work