Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
Words by Elisha A. Hoffman,
 Words & Music by Anthony J. Showalter
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Anthony J. Showalter, a Georgia music teacher who studied under George F. Root ("Battle Cry of Freedom"), wrote this tune and words to the refrain after hearing from two friends whose wives had died. Showalter asked Elisha A. Hoffman to write the remaining lyrics. It was first performed in the Old Stone Church near Ringgold, which had been used as a field hospital during the War. Showalter is buried in West Hill Cemetery in Dalton, Georgia, near many Confederate veterans.


What a fellowship, what a joy divine, 
Leaning on the everlasting arms; 
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
 Leaning on the everlasting arms.

(Chorus) Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
 Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, 
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
 O how bright the path grows from day to day,
 Leaning on the everlasting arms. (Chorus)

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
 Leaning on the everlasting arms;
 I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
 Leaning on the everlasting arms. (Chorus)


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