The Story Behind Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind
The Brewing of Soma is the John Whittier poem from which the hymn is taken. Soma was a sacred ritual drink in Vedic religion, going back to Proto-Indo-Iranian times, potentially with hallucinogenic properties.
The narration is of Vedic priests brewing and consuming Soma in an attempt to experience divinity. It describes the whole population getting drunk on Soma. It compares this to some Christians' use of "music, incense, vigils drear, and trance, to bring the skies nearer, or lift men up to heaven!" But all in vain - as it is mere intoxication.
Whittier ends by describing the true method for contact with the divine, as practised by Quakers: Sober lives devoted to doing God's will, pursuing peace and selflessness in order to hear the "still, small voice", described in I Kings 19:11-13 as the authentic voice of God, rather than earthquake, wind or fire.
Popular Hymn Lyrics with Story and Meaning
Day by Day and With Each Passing Moment
Jesus Loves Me
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Blessed Assurance
Nearer My God to Thee
Abide with Me
His Eye is On the Sparrow
Be Thou My Vision
