Here is an excerpt from an article written on asweetsavor.org (link in footer). The article is the first in a series about hymns by Margaret E. Barber, a hidden writer of hymns and poems. The article touches on this particular hymn, “Wrecked Outright,” and also on her life with the Lord…

Margaret Emma Barber (1866-1930), perhaps best known for her mentorship of Watchman Nee, wrote many hymns that are on a higher plane than the average song. Her hymns express absolute consecration, longsuffering in trials, fighting spiritual battles with faith, and of union with Christ. They are precious, arresting and, unfortunately, not well known among Christians today.

“Wrecked Outright” follows the analogy of a ship sailing the ocean throughout all four verses. From where Barber lived, on a mountain side overlooking the city’s shipping harbor, she often saw large ocean liners coming and going. Upon seeing a ship hobble its way to port after being damaged by many nights on the stormy seas, she felt herself “wrecked” like this boat.

She had become a wrecked soul. But her ship ran aground not on the rocks of selfish ambition or unrighteous living, but upon the heart of Jesus. His love captured her, wrecked her future, and brought her into the divine providence of resting in His service. Others didn’t understand her decisions, her way of life, or why she would not let herself do things that were so common among other missionaries. But she describes these other ways as a little boat, hugging the shore, afraid to go out into the wider waters of the Father’s purpose.

Below is the full text of the hymn. The full article (click here) on A Sweet Savor website delves into each verse.

“Wrecked outright on Jesus’ breast”:
Only “wrecked” souls thus can sing;
Little boats that hug the shore,
Fearing what the storm may bring,
Never find on Jesus’ breast,
All that “wrecked” souls mean by rest.

“Wrecked outright!” So we lament;
But when storms have done their worst,
Then the soul, surviving all,
In Eternal arms is nursed;
There to find that nought can move
One, embosomed in such love.

“Wrecked outright!” No more to own
E’en a craft to sail the sea;
Still a voyager, yet now
Anchored to Infinity;
Nothing left to do but fling
Care aside, and simply cling.

“Wrecked outright!” ’Twas purest gain,
Henceforth other craft can see
That the storm may be a boon,
That, however rough the sea,
God Himself doth watchful stand,
For the “wreck” is in His hand.

What about you? Have you ever been like this little ship, wrecked in some way for the Lord? Or are you still floating in hesitant safety, right near the shore? Right near the shore, boats are tethered; they never have to worry about floating out to sea, they can live a safe Christian life. But those boats also never experience what it is like to cling to only Jesus.

If the Lord is calling you deeper, respond, despite what the waves look like. Your boat may get wrecked as you go out to sea, but Barber’s doesn’t mourn over her lost ship. Find out how much you will instead wonder at the love and nearness of the Lord when you find Him there.