September 30, 2002  

"ROCKED IN THE CRADLE OF THE DEEP"

I first encountered this old hymn of faith as a tuba solo. Its final line goes down the scale, until the word "deep" ends on a rich low, note. When I came to Altadena Baptist Church, I found the hymn was a part of Norm Rhinehart's repertoire of bass solos for the same reason—he ended singing down the scale, "Rocked in the cradle of the deep," with the word "deep," at the bottom of his range. It's a nice, dramatic performance number. That's all I knew about it—until recently, when I read all the words of the hymn and got curious about its author.

It all started in 1787 with the birth of an amazing and unique American woman, born Emma Hart, but better known by her married name, Emma Willard. Bright and studious, her mind and spirit were cultivated in the home of a leading Connecticut family during the young years of our Nation's independence. It seemed there was no limit to who she could be or what she could do . . . . . except, she was a woman. Higher education was not open to her; she was encouraged by society to read a little poetry and study some art, but philosophy, geography, math and science were marked "Men Only." In spite of this, Emma taught herself in all these fields and by her mid-twenties was respected for her broad knowledge and deep understanding.

Emma made it her life goal to open the door to a quality education in all fields for women. In 1821 she opened Troy (N.Y.) Female Academy, the first secondary educational institution for women in America. The school grew and prospered throughout her life, and she became a nationally-known educator. She established herself as a key early figure in the journey of American women toward equal opportunity.

Emma's spiritual side is less well known, but was crucial to her lifelong influence in education and other fields. A faithful member of her Episcopal church, she had a trust in God that grew with her increase in learning.

In her sixtieth year she fulfilled a dream to visit Europe in order to study educational techniques, especially in France and England. This was a courageous undertaking for anyone in that age, since the voyage took twenty-four days. Her trip took place in October; the weather was stormy and the sea was rough.

Emma discovered a new dimension of her faith during those days at sea. The "deep" was really deep, and its surface "rocked" violently. But the Lord comforted her with the confidence that she could trust him to carry her through any of life's storms. When she reminded herself of this, the "deep" became her "cradle," and the tossing waves seemed to be God's way of rocking her to sleep. She allowed herself to become his baby and experienced profound peace.

Here's what Emma wrote about it:

Rocked in the cradle of the deep
I lay me down in peace to sleep;
Secure I rest upon the wave
For thou, O Lord, hast power to save.
I know thou wilt not slight my call,
For thou dost mark the sparrow's fall;
And calm and peaceful shall I sleep,
Rocked in the cradle of the deep.

When in the dead of night I lie
And gaze upon the trackless sky,
The star-bespangled heavenly scroll,
The boundless waters as they roll,
I feel thy wondrous power to save
From perils of the stormy wave:
Rocked in the cradle of the deep
I calmly rest and soundly sleep.

And such the trust that still were mine,
Though stormy winds swept o'er the brine,
Or though the tempest's fiery breath
Roused me from sleep to wreck and death.
In ocean cave still safe with thee
The gem of immortality!
And calm and peaceful shall I sleep
Rocked in the cradle of the deep.

Rock on, Emma!

–Pastor George VanAlstine